Deployable radiation shield

Abstract

A radiation shielding screen cover for covering the radiation shielding screen of an X-ray system, the cover comprising a cover side; a cover bottom located at the bottom of the cover side, which is configured to prevent the radiation shielding screen from contacting a patient; a connecting mechanism for connecting the cover to a radiation detector and / or a radiation source and / or a radiation shielding screen of the X-ray system; and a deployment mechanism configured to retract and / or extend the shielding screen cover when or after the radiation shielding screen is retracted and / or extended.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 869,675, filed on July 2, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to radiation protection equipment, in particular to a radiation protection shield for covering a radiation shield to prevent contamination of a patient. Background Art

[0004] X-ray equipment is commonly used in a variety of applications and systems. For example, in medical settings, X-rays are widely used as a diagnostic tool. However, healthcare providers and technicians who operate X-ray systems are often exposed to radiation and can be harmed by this cumulative X-ray exposure.

[0005] X-ray protection equipment (e.g., fluoroscopic C-arm shields) can be advantageously used to reduce the medical team's exposure to stray radiation during X-ray procedures. One of the challenges associated with protection equipment (e.g., C-arm fluoroscopy shields) is the requirement to maintain sterility and prevent cross-patient contamination.

[0006] The same applicant / assignee of the present invention provides exemplary teachings of the field and technology of the present invention in the following disclosures: US 8,439,564; US 8,113,713; US 9,370,331; US ​​9,907,519; US 10,244,996; US 2018 / 249,972; PCT / US2019 / 069158 and PCT / US2019 / 069162; the teachings of which are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention relates to an enclosure for a radiation protection screen or radiation blocking device to ensure cleanliness. In particular, the present invention relates to an expandable (e.g., extended) and retractable (e.g., folded) enclosure that provides a sterile barrier between the radiation protection device and / or X-ray system or parts thereof and the patient.

[0008] The cover is configured to be placed over at least a portion of the radiation protection screen to provide a sterile barrier between the radiation protection screen and / or a C-arm detector and / or source of an X-ray imaging device, etc. and the patient to prevent possible cross-patient contamination.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a radiation shield cover is provided for covering a radiation shield of an X-ray system, the cover comprising:

[0010] Side of radiation shield;

[0011] a shield bottom located at a bottom of the shield side, the shield bottom being configured to prevent the radiation shield from contacting the patient; and

[0012] A connection mechanism is provided for connecting the housing to a radiation detector and / or a radiation source and / or a radiation shield of an X-ray system.

[0013] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a radiation shield cover for covering a radiation shield of an X-ray system, the cover comprising:

[0014] hood side;

[0015] a shield bottom located at a bottom of the shield side, the shield bottom being configured to prevent the radiation shield from contacting the patient;

[0016] a connection mechanism for connecting the housing to a radiation detector and / or a radiation source and / or a radiation shield of the X-ray system;

[0017] A deployment mechanism is configured to retract and / or extend the shield cover upon or after the radiation shield is retracted and / or extended.

[0018] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a radiation shield covering device comprising:

[0019] Deployment Agency; and

[0020] a radiation shielding cover having a cover side surface and a cover bottom located at a bottom of the cover side surface, the cover bottom being configured to prevent the radiation shielding cover from contacting a patient,

[0021] Wherein the deployment mechanism is configured to retract and / or extend the radiation protection shield.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the cover side is configured to be attached to a radiation detector and / or a radiation source and / or a radiation protection shield.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the housing comprises connection mechanisms for connecting it to the radiation detector and / or the radiation source and / or the X-ray radiation shield.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the attachment mechanism includes a hood top having an opening with a peripheral elastic band.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the cover is designed to be disposable.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the housing further comprises a deployment mechanism associated therewith and configured to retract the radiation shield. In one or more embodiments, the housing further comprises a deployment mechanism associated therewith and configured to extend the radiation shield. In one or more embodiments, the deployment mechanism is not configured to extend the radiation shield.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the deployment mechanism includes a pump fluidly connected to at least one hydraulically operated telescoping device operably connected to the shroud.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the deployment mechanism includes a motor and a cable operably connected to the motor and the telescoping device.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the deployment mechanism includes at least one resilient member operably connected to the cover.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the deployment mechanism includes at least one cover-to-shield fastener.

[0031] In one or more embodiments, at least one cover to shield fastener comprises an anchor connected to the shield at an exterior side of the shield and a hook connected to an interior side of the cover.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, the deployment mechanism includes at least one protective shield cable; at least one inter-cable fastener; at least one motor shaft cable; and at least one motor having a motor shaft, wherein the protective shield cable is connected at one end to the distal portion of the shield and at its other end to the inter-cable fastener, and the motor shaft cable is connected at one end to the inter-cable fastener and at its other end to the motor shaft.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the protective screen cable is attached to the cover and can be removed along with the protective screen.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, when the motor is operated and the motor shaft rotates, the motor shaft cable is wound around or unwound from the motor shaft.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, during retraction of the shroud, the motor shaft cable is configured to be wound around the motor shaft, and wherein during extension, the motor shaft cable is configured to be unwound on the motor shaft.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, at least one motor is connected to two motor shaft cables placed along the same side of the cover, with one shaft cable attached to the bottom or side of the motor shaft and the other motor shaft cable attached to the top or side of the motor shaft, whereby when the motor is operated and the motor shaft rotates, the two motor shaft cables will be wound around or unwound from the motor shaft at the same time.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, at least one motor is connected to a motor shaft cable positioned along the same side of the housing, whereby when the motor operates and the motor shaft rotates, the motor shaft cable will simultaneously wind around or unwind from the motor shaft.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, at least one motor is connected to two motor shaft cables placed along the same side of the cover, with one shaft cable attached to the bottom or side of the motor shaft and the other motor shaft cable attached to the top or side of the motor shaft, whereby when the motor is operated and the motor shaft rotates, the two motor shaft cables will be wound around or unwound from the motor shaft at the same time.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, at least one motor includes oppositely extending motor shafts, each shaft having a shaft attachment having a bearing positioned thereon, the shaft attachment having a diameter greater than the shaft, and a motor shaft cable configured to simultaneously wrap around one of the shafts during retraction of the hood and unwrap therefrom during extension of the hood.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the motor shaft cable and / or the protective screen cable include a motor stop sensor and a visual sensor stop flag, wherein the motor stop sensor is configured to sense when the flag reaches the retract direction and send a signal to the motor to stop operation to prevent overwinding.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, the deployment mechanism includes at least one pulley system configured to contract and expand to release and pull the cable, respectively.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, at least one pulley system includes a generally horizontal rod that is raised and lowered by a linear motor.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, the deployment mechanism includes one or more vertical stabilizing rods to stabilize the generally horizontal rod.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, the horizontal rod is stabilized by one or more vertical stabilizing rods on which one or more stabilizing rings can slide.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the deployment mechanism includes a shield cable attached to a corner of the shield, and the shield cable passes through the sleeve.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, the deployment mechanism includes shield cables attached to the corners of the shield, and the shield cables are threaded through a series of loops.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, the deployment mechanism includes a protective screen cable having a series of cable-to-shield cables extending from a series of locations along the protective screen cable to a series of corresponding locations along the edge of the shroud.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, the protective screen cable has a plurality of cable-to-shield cables extending from a distal end of the protective screen cable to locations including at and near a corner at the bottom and one side of the shroud.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, there are four cover sides forming a square-like profile. In one or more embodiments, there are three cover sides forming a triangular profile. In one or more embodiments, the cover has a circular profile. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] The present invention may be more clearly understood upon reading the following detailed description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0051] Figure 1 is a side view of an exemplary prior art C-arm of an X-ray system.

[0052] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a C-arm with an exemplary prior art radiation protection shield connected to the C-arm.

[0053] Figure 3A and Figure 3B are perspective views of exemplary deployable radiation shielding shields according to embodiments of the present invention, each in a state of being attached to Figure 1 or Figure 2 The retracted and extended positions of the C-arm.

[0054] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a radiation protection shield according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a radiation shield according to an embodiment of the present invention associated with an exemplary shield deployment mechanism including a hydraulic retractor.

[0056] Figure 6A and Figure 6Bis a perspective view of a radiation shield according to an embodiment of the present invention, the radiation shield being respectively attached to a detector and a radiation source of a C-arm, and illustrating another exemplary shield deployment mechanism including a motor having a bobbin-shaped motor shaft.

[0057] Figure 7 is a perspective view of another exemplary protective shield and an exemplary deployment mechanism thereof including an elastic band according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 8 is a perspective view of yet another exemplary protective screen cover and an exemplary deployment mechanism thereof including a cover-to-protective screen fastener according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 9A and Figure 9B are schematic perspective views of a radiation shield according to an embodiment of the present invention in retracted and extended positions, respectively, illustrating exemplary details of a shield deployment mechanism.

[0060] Figure 10 is a schematic side view illustrating another exemplary protective screen deployment mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, the deployment mechanism including a rotary motor.

[0061] Figure 11 is a schematic side view of yet another exemplary protective shield deployment mechanism including a motor stop sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 12 is a schematic side view of yet another exemplary protective shield deployment mechanism including a pulley system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] 13A to 13D is a schematic side view illustrating additional exemplary options for a protective shield deployment mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] The following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention refers to the above-mentioned drawings. The dimensions of components and features shown in the figures are selected for convenience or clarity of illustration and are not necessarily shown to scale. Wherever possible, the same reference symbols will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to indicate the same and similar parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] The following describes an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. For the sake of clarity, not all features / components of an actual implementation must be described.

[0066] Repeated exposure to X-ray radiation due to the use of X-ray systems in medical settings can lead to serious adverse health effects. Accordingly, at least some of the inventors of the present invention have previously designed radiation protection devices configured to shield (protect) the surrounding environment from stray X-ray radiation. Exemplary radiation protection devices are provided by the same applicant / assignee of the present invention in the following previously filed publications: U.S. Patent Nos. 8,439,564 and 8,113,713, and International Application No. WO / 2017 / 083437, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0067] In some embodiments of the present invention, the present invention relates to a cover for a radiation protection device that can provide a sterile barrier between an X-ray system or parts thereof and a patient and / or medical personnel to prevent possible cross-patient contamination.

[0068] Possible advantages of some embodiments of the present invention include that the X-ray shield is simple, reliable, cost-effective, easily attachable, replaceable, and compact.

[0069] Advantageously, the cover is removable and can be disposable or reusable (i.e., sterilizable using various known sterilization techniques). Alternatively, the cover is disposable and its associated accessories are reusable. Further optionally, the cover is disposable and its deployment mechanism is reusable. Further optionally, the cover and its deployment mechanism are reusable.

[0070] Embodiments of the present invention may be used to provide an accessory or supplemental product that may be used with a radiation protection device to allow for a sterile / clean environment around the patient during an X-ray procedure. Further exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a C-arm radiation protection device and a deployable cover therefor.

[0071] The protective shield herein can be transparent, translucent or opaque. The shield can be made of a variety of flexible, lightweight and / or expandable materials. Non-limiting examples of shield materials include polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride.

[0072] The hood includes a deployment mechanism configured to retract the hood. Additionally or alternatively, the deployment mechanism includes an extension mechanism that allows the hood to extend. Non-limiting examples of deployment mechanisms include a hydraulic piston, a telescoping member, a spring, a cable with a cable retraction and extension mechanism (e.g., a motorized roller mechanism), and the like.

[0073] The present radiation shielding shield may be described in the singular in this specification and claims, regardless of whether a pair of such shields are used in connection with a C-arm X-ray system; for example, the upper shield may be attached / attachable to the detector of the C-arm and the lower shield may be attached / attachable to the source of the C-arm.

[0074] The term 'X-ray system' and its derivatives are used herein in a non-limiting manner and refer to any radiographic or radiotherapeutic X-ray emitting system, such as a digital radiography, fluoroscopy, angiography (C-arm) or digital X-ray system. The term may also refer to X-ray emitting systems suitable for non-medical applications.

[0075] Figure 1 An exemplary prior art C-arm X-ray system 5 is illustrated; and Figure 2 An exemplary prior art radiation protection device 10 is illustrated that is configured to protect the surrounding environment from scattered X-rays emitted by an X-ray system 5. The X-ray system 5 includes a radiation source 8 and a radiation detector 6 mounted on opposite ends of a C-arm 9. The radiation source 8 emits an X-ray beam 2 that passes through an irradiated region 4 of a patient 1 toward the radiation detector 6, which records the exposure to X-ray radiation and feeds an image or video to a computer and / or display in real time or at a later time.

[0076] Figure 2 Shown are upper and lower radiation shields 11 and 13, which are peripherally coupled to the radiation detector 6 and radiation source 8 of the C-arm 9, respectively, via a support base 19. Radiation shields 11 and 13 provide radiation shielding to the surrounding environment, protecting X-ray technicians and personnel. Shields 11 and 13 have free ends or edges 17 that allow for soft contact with patient 1. Shields 11 and 13 can further be dynamically retracted and extended via a dedicated motorized retraction / extension mechanism (not shown).

[0077] Figure 3A and Figure 3B An exemplary radiation shield cover 200 is shown in its retracted and extended positions, respectively. As shown, the cover 200 can be configured to completely cover the radiation shields 11 and 13, thereby providing a sterile barrier between the shields 11, 13 and the patient 1. Optionally, the cover 200 also covers all or part of the radiation detector 6 and / or the radiation source 8. Alternatively, the cover 200 can be shaped and sized to cover at least the area proximate to or in contact with the patient 1.

[0078] Because the radiation shields 11 and 13 are configured to dynamically retract and extend, the cover 200 can advantageously retract and extend, thereby adapting to the dynamic size / position of the shields 11 and 13 and more or less conforming to the shape of the shields. As described in more detail below, the cover 200 can include an expansion mechanism to facilitate its retraction / folding, said expansion mechanism being independent of the extension and retraction kinematics of the shields 11 and 13. Alternatively, the cover can be folded / retracted in conjunction with the retraction of the shields 11 and 13. To avoid any resistance on the shields 11 and 13 and / or limitations on their extension mechanisms, the cover can be passively extended, i.e., optionally in conjunction with the extension of the shields 11 and 13 due to the extension force exerted on the cover by the radiation shields. Alternatively, the cover can be actively extended.

[0079] Figure 4 The design of a protective shield 200 is shown, which has four sides 200s; a bottom 200b; and a shield top 200t (where the terms "bottom" and "top" are the same as those in FIG. Figure 4 The orientation of the shield is consistent as shown and can be reversed depending on whether the shield covers the upper radiation shield 11 or the lower radiation shield 13. The four shield sides 200s are shown forming a square-like profile, however, rectangular or circular profiles are also contemplated. The shield top 200t includes a connection mechanism 100, such as an opening 201 with a peripheral elastic band 201e, as shown (e.g., similar to a conventional shower cap), to facilitate connection to the radiation detector 6 or radiation source 8 and / or the support base 19 of the radiation protection device 10. Optionally, the shield top 200t can be attached in an alternative manner via the connection mechanism 100, such as by tape, hook and loop fasteners, clips, hooks, etc.

[0080] In some designs, the side 200s is configured to be attached to the radiation detector 6 or radiation source 8 and / or support base 19 without the top 200t. In this case, the side 200s can include a connection mechanism 100 including tape, hook and loop fasteners, clips, hooks, rubber bands, etc.

[0081] The cover 200 may have one or more stitches 200g at the corner edges and / or along the sides 200s for reinforcement. The cover 200 may be disposable, intended for one-time use, or alternatively intended for reuse after cleaning / sterilization. The cover 200 may be designed to be low-weight and / or cost-effective (e.g., made from a low-cost, thin-film polymer). Advantageously, the cover 200 may be made from a material that can withstand sterilization processes via various techniques (such as chemical sterilization, UV radiation, etc.).

[0082] Additionally, due to its material properties and design, the cover 200 is particularly compact in size and / or shape when retracted (e.g., folded). In one or more embodiments, the cover 200 can be compactly folded such that it can be extended to a length and / or volume of up to about 1000% of its folded / retracted size. For example, the cover 200 can be extended to a length and / or volume of up to about 900%, up to about 800%, up to about 700%, up to about 600%, up to about 500%, up to about 450%, up to about 400%, up to about 350%, up to about 300%, up to about 250%, up to about 200%, or up to about 150% of its folded size.

[0083] The sterile cover of the prior art C-arm radiation protection device 10 is static, i.e., non-expandable, and may be larger, more cumbersome, and more difficult to carry. The protective shield 200 advantageously provides a sterile cover for an X-ray system (such as a C-arm X-ray system 5) and can cover the entire radiation protection unit (e.g., a detector / source protection unit) and optionally be dynamically extended and / or retracted according to or together with the radiation protection device 10.

[0084] The sterile cover 200 can be transparent, translucent or opaque. Various materials for manufacturing the cover 200 disclosed herein are contemplated and can be applied. Non-limiting examples of cover materials include polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride. The sterile cover 200 is designed to extend and / or retract according to the dynamic dimensions of the radiation shields 11, 13.

[0085] Figure 5 The diagram shows a deployment mechanism 300 associated with a radiation shield cover 200. In order to avoid any constraints on the dynamic characteristics of the shields 11, 13, in particular on their extension mechanisms, the cover 200 can be configured to passively extend together with the extension of the shields 11, 13. However, the deployment mechanism 300 can also contribute to the extension of the cover 200. The deployment mechanism 300 can be of hydraulic type and can include a pump 203 fluidically connected to the deployment device 202 in the form of at least one hydraulic telescopic device 205, the hydraulic telescopic device including, for example, a hydraulically operated section or a piston. The extension of the cover 200 via the hydraulic telescopic device 205 can be performed before or together with the extension of the radiation shields 11 and 13; and the retraction of the cover (retraction of the hydraulic telescopic device 205) can be performed after or together with the retraction of the radiation shields.

[0086] When the deployment device 202, particularly its hydraulic expansion and contraction device 205, is operated by the pump 203, the cover 200 can be extended and retracted. The hydraulic expansion and contraction device 205 is preferably lightweight and can be made of a polymeric material such as PVC, polyethylene, polyamide, PTFE, PET, PEEK, etc., or a lightweight metal such as aluminum. Alternatively or additionally, the piston can be made of a lightweight rigid material such as carbon fiber. The hydraulic expansion and contraction device 205 can be low-cost and low-weight.

[0087] The hydraulic retractor 205 may include plastic rings (not visible) that serve as stops for each segment of the device and / or as washers to provide efficient fluid flow through the pump 203. Advantageously, retraction and / or extension are achieved by flowing one or more fluids through the hydraulic retractor 205, and there is no specific requirement to provide an "airtight" seal for the desired retraction / extension functionality. Using a low-capacity hydraulic retractor 205 (e.g., 20-50 cc), a pneumatic flow rate of approximately 100-300 cc per second at low pressure may be sufficient for deployment. Alternatively, the hydraulic retractor 205 may be retracted and / or extended by pneumatic compression, while at least one of the retraction / extension operations may be achieved passively in the absence of air pressure, i.e., via gravity and / or operation (extension / retraction) of the radiation shields 11, 13. Optionally, the pump 203 activates retraction of the hood 200 by applying negative air pressure, which actively contracts the hydraulic retractor 205 to arrange the hood in a retracted position, such as a folded or wrinkled position.

[0088] The deployment device 202 may be designed to affect only the retraction of the shield 220. The deployment device 202 may be designed to affect only the extension of the shield 220. Alternatively, the deployment device 202 may be designed to affect both the extension and retraction of the shield 220. Alternatively, the deployment device 202 may be placed in at least one corner of the shield 200. Alternatively, the deployment device 202 may be placed in at least one face angle of the shield 200. The deployment device 202 includes means for directly or indirectly connecting it or parts or units thereof to the support base 19 and / or the radiation shields 11 and 13.

[0089] In one or more embodiments, the sterile cover 200 can be deployed in conjunction with the movement (ie, extension and retraction) of the protective screens 11 , 13 during an X-ray procedure.

[0090] Further exemplary deployment devices 202 for extending and / or retracting the cover 200 include at least one pneumatic piston; a hydraulic piston; a telescopic piston; an elastic band; a cable, wire; a spring; an electric piston; a hook-and-loop fastener; a mechanical piston; an anchor point; and any combination thereof. The deployment device 202 can be attached at various locations on the cover 200. For example, the deployment device 202 can be attached to the distal end of the cover 200 and / or to any point along the length of the protective screen 11, 13.

[0091] In one or more embodiments, the cover 200 effectively covers or seals the radiation protection screens 11, 13, or portions thereof, typically covering at least the free edge 17. The cover 200 can be adjusted or modified to the contour / length / width of one or more dimensions of the radiation protection device 10, or a portion thereof. The cover 200 can include mechanisms for directly or indirectly connecting the cover, a portion thereof, or a unit thereof to the radiation protection device 10 and / or to the X-ray imaging system 5. Optionally, the cover 200 covers 50% or more of each radiation protection screen 11, 13.

[0092] Figure 6A and Figure 6B The upper and lower radiation shield housings 200 and deployment mechanism 300 are shown, respectively, wherein the mechanism includes a deployment device 202, which includes a motor 215 having a spool-shaped motor shaft 216; and a cable 204 connecting the motor shaft 216 to a mechanical retraction device 206, which is connected to the housing 200, particularly at its distal end. The motor 215 can be activated to rotate the motor shaft 216 in either direction to wind or unwind the cable 204, thereby extending or retracting the mechanical retraction device 206, thereby extending or retracting the housing 200. The mechanical retraction device 206 can include one or more springs (not shown) to bias the device in an extended position. Thus, winding the cable 204 around the motor shaft 216 by the motor 215 can cause the mechanical retraction device 206 to move against the bias of the springs to retract the housing 200, which can be independent of and / or in conjunction with the retraction of the radiation shields 11, 13.

[0093] Figure 7 Another exemplary deployment device 202 is illustrated, comprising at least one elastic band 210 made of an elastic material. The elastic band 210 can be attached to the sterile cover 200 via at least one suture (not visible) or by adhesion / attachment by any suitable technique. The elastic band 210, and optionally the cover 200, is attached to the radiation shields 11, 13 such that when the radiation shield 10 is extended, the cover extends along with the shield 10. The elastic band 210 is configured to exert resistance on the cover 200 when extended. Due to the elastic tension of the elastic band 210, the cover 200 will fold / retract when the radiation shields 11, 13 are retracted.

[0094] Figure 8 Yet another exemplary deployment device 202 is depicted, comprising at least one cover-to-shield fastener 305, each exemplified by an anchor 301 connected to shield 11, 13 near its free edge 17 on its outside, and a hook 302 connected to a point near the distal end of the inside of cover 200. Due to the connection of anchor 301 and hook 302, cover 200 will move with movement (extension and retraction) of shield 11, 13. Various alternative cover-to-shield fasteners are contemplated for connection between cover 200 and radiation shield 11, 13, including hook-and-loop fasteners, clips, snaps, adhesives, and the like.

[0095] Figure 9A and Figure 9B Another exemplary deployment mechanism 300 is shown in retracted and extended positions, respectively. In this design, the deployment mechanism 300 includes at least one protective shield cable 400; at least one inter-cable fastener 402; at least one motor shaft cable 404; and at least one motor 406 having a motor shaft 408. The protective shield cable 400 is connected at one end to a distal portion 407 of the shield 200 and at the other end to the inter-cable fastener 402. The motor shaft cable 404 is connected at one end to the inter-cable fastener 402 and at the other end to the motor shaft 408.

[0096] The mechanism 300 may include one motor 406 , two motors 406 , three motors 406 or four motors 406 , each placed in or near the support base 19 , and / or on top of the protective screens 11 and 13 , and / or near the radiation source 6 and / or radiation detector 6 .

[0097] As shown, the motor 406 can be connected to two motor shaft cables 404 positioned along one face of the housing 200, with one shaft cable attached to the lower portion / side of the motor shaft 408 and the other shaft cable attached to the upper portion / side of the motor shaft 408. Thus, when the motor 406 is operated and the motor shaft 408 rotates, both cables 404 will be wound around the shaft, or unwound from the shaft, simultaneously.

[0098] To allow the hood 200 to extend along with the shields 11, 13, the motor 406 is set to a motor shaft disengaged mode so that the shaft 408 can rotate freely to allow the hood to extend (along with) the movement (extension) of the shields 11 and 13. During retraction of the hood 200, the shaft 408 is set to a motor shaft engaged mode so that when the shaft 408 rotates, the hood will retract.

[0099] Because it is connected to the housing 200, the shield cable 400 can be configured to be removed or replaced along with the housing 200, while the motor shaft cable 404 can be permanently attached to the motor 406. Alternatively, both the shield cable 400 and the motor shaft cable 404 are replaceable and can be removed from any attachment with the housing 200 and / or the radiation shield 11, 13 and / or the support base 19. Alternatively, both the shield cable 400 and the motor shaft cable 404 are permanent. Optionally, either or both of the motor shaft cable 404 and the shield cable 400 are made of a radiolucent material, such as a composite material including a radiation attenuating material and carbon fiber. Alternatively, the material can include a plastic cable made of a moldable polymer such as polyamide.

[0100] Figure 10 An alternative motor 406 is illustrated having oppositely extending motor shafts 408. Each shaft 408 may have a shaft attachment 410 placed on the shaft and equipped with one or more bearing elements 411. The shaft attachment 410 may have a diameter larger than the shaft and be configured to have motor shaft cables 404 that are simultaneously wound thereon during retraction of the hood 200 and unwound therefrom during extension of the hood. Optionally, the force exerted by the shield 11, 13 on the hood 200 during its extension is higher than the friction forces exerted on the bearing elements 411, the motor 406 and / or the motor shaft 408, thereby allowing the hood 200 to passively extend as the shield 11, 13 is extended. Further optionally, when the shield 11, 13 is extended, the motor 406 may be set to a release or free mode, whereby the cables 400 and 404 may move in the direction of the shield ( Figure 11 and downward in the middle), and the cover 200 can move freely with the protective screens 11 and 13.

[0101] Figure 11 Pictured Figure 10 An alternative design wherein the deployment mechanism 300 includes a motor stop sensor 500 and a visual sensor stop flag 502. In operation, the motor stop sensor 500 senses when the flag 502 reaches the retracted direction ( Figure 11 404 and sends a signal to the motor 406 to stop operation, thereby preventing overwinding. Although the stop flag 502 is shown as being attached to the motor shaft cable 404, the stop flag can be coupled to the cover cable 400 instead. Optionally, when the protective screens 11, 13 are extended, the motor 406 can be set to a release or free mode, whereby the cables 400 and 404 can move in the direction of the protective screen ( Figure 11 and downward in the middle), and the cover 200 can move freely with the protective screens 11 and 13.

[0102] Figure 12Another alternative design of the deployment mechanism 300 is shown, in which the release and pulling of the protective screen cable 400 and the motor shaft cable 404 are accomplished by a pulley system 600 that is configured to contract and expand to release and pull the cables 400, 404, respectively. Attached to the pulley system 600 is typically a horizontal rod 602 that is raised and lowered by a linear motor 604. The up and down movement of the rod 602 can be stabilized by one or more vertical stabilizer rods 606, on which one or more stabilizer rings 608 can slide.

[0103] When the shields 11, 13 are extended, the linear motor 604 can be set to a released or free mode, whereby the rod 602 can be moved in the direction of the shields ( Figure 12 In order to retract the cover 200, the linear motor 604 is set to the active mode to pull the rod 602, thereby pulling the cables 400 and 404 in the retracting direction.

[0104] 13A to 13D A further design of the deployment mechanism 300 is illustrated, illustrating the option of attaching the protective screen cable 400 to the cover 200 . Figure 13A One option is shown where the protective shield cable 400 is attached to the corner of the shield 200 and the protective shield cable 400 is passed through a cylinder or sleeve 412 . Figure 13B Shown with Figure 13A Similar design, but the shield cable 400 passes through a series of rings 414 instead of sleeves 412 .

[0105] exist Figure 13C In FIG, the protective screen cable 400 has a series of cable-to-shield cables 401 extending from a series of locations along the protective screen cable 400 to a series of corresponding locations along the edge of the shroud 200. Figure 13D , the protective screen cable 400 has a plurality of cable-to-cover cables 403 extending from a distal end of the protective screen cable 400 to positions including at and adjacent to corners of the cover 200 .

[0106] Each of the following terms: “comprises,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” and “includes,” and linguistic equivalents thereof, as used herein, means “including but not limited to,” and will be construed as specifying stated component(s), feature(s), characteristics(s), parameters(s), integer(s), or steps(s), and does not preclude the addition of one or more additional components, features, characteristics, parameters, integers, steps, or groups thereof.

[0107] As used herein, the term "consisting essentially of" means that the scope of the claim is limited to the specified elements and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed device and material.

[0108] As used herein, each of the phrases "consisting of" and "composed of" means "including but not limited to."

[0109] As used herein, the term "method" refers to steps, procedures, ways, means and / or techniques for completing a given task, including but not limited to those steps, procedures, ways, means and / or techniques that are known to practitioners in the relevant field of the disclosed invention or that are readily developed from known steps, procedures, ways, means and / or techniques.

[0110] In this disclosure, the numerical value of parameter, feature, characteristic, object or size can be stated or described according to numerical format.As used herein, such numerical range format illustrates the realization of some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and does not necessarily limit the scope of exemplary embodiments of the present invention.Therefore, the numerical range stated or described also refers to, and includes all possible sub-ranges and single numerical values ​​(wherein numerical value can be expressed as integer or fraction) in the numerical range of this statement or description.For example, the numerical range stated or described "from 1 to 6" also refers to, and includes all possible sub-ranges in the numerical range of "from 1 to 6", such as "from 1 to 3", "from 1 to 4", "from 1 to 5", "from 2 to 4", "from 2 to 6", "from 3 to 6" etc., and single numerical values, such as "1", "1.3", "2", "2.8", "3", "3.5", "4", "4.6", "5", "5.2" and "6".This applies to the numerical range stated or described, regardless of numerical width, degree or size.

[0111] Additionally, for stating or describing a numerical range, the phrase "within the range between about a first value and about a second value" is considered equivalent to, and means equivalent to, the phrase "within a range from about a first value to about a second value," and therefore, these two equivalently meaning phrases can be used interchangeably.

[0112] The term "about" refers to ±30% of the stated value in some embodiments. In further embodiments, the term refers to ±20% of the stated value. In yet further embodiments, the term refers to ±10% of the stated value.

[0113] It should be fully understood that certain aspects, features, and characteristics of the present invention, which for clarity are illustratively described and presented in the context of multiple separate embodiments or formats, can also be illustratively described and presented in the context of a single embodiment or format in any suitable combination or subcombination. Conversely, various aspects, features, and characteristics of the present invention, which are illustratively described and presented in the context of a single embodiment or format in any suitable combination or subcombination, can also be illustratively described and presented in the context of multiple separate embodiments or formats.

[0114] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with its specific embodiments, it is obvious that many alternatives, modifications and variations are readily apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the broad scope of the appended claims.

[0115] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application should not be construed as an admission that such reference is prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

[0116] It should be understood that the above description is merely exemplary, and that various embodiments of the present invention may be designed with necessary modifications, and that the features described in the above embodiments and the features not described herein may be used alone or in any suitable combination; and that the present invention may be designed based on embodiments that are not necessarily described above.

Claims

1. A radiation shield cover for covering a radiation shield of an X-ray system, the cover comprising: hood side; a shield bottom located at a bottom of the shield side, the shield bottom being configured to prevent the radiation shield from contacting a patient; a connecting mechanism for connecting the cover to the radiation detector and / or the radiation source and / or the radiation protection screen of the X-ray system; as well as A deployment mechanism is configured to retract and / or extend the radiation shield cover when or after the radiation shield is retracted and / or extended. 2 . The cover according to claim 1 , wherein the cover side is configured to be attached to the radiation detector and / or the radiation source and / or the radiation protection shield.

3. The cover of claim 1 wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a cover top having an opening with a peripheral elastic band. The cover according to claim 1 , wherein the cover is designed to be disposable.

5. The housing of claim 1, wherein the deployment mechanism is configured to retract the radiation shield.

6. The cover of claim 1 , wherein the deployment mechanism comprises a pump fluidly connected to at least one hydraulically operated retracting device operatively connected to the cover.

7. The cover of claim 1, wherein the deployment mechanism comprises a motor and a cable operatively connected to the motor and a telescoping device.

8. The cover of claim 1, wherein the deployment mechanism comprises at least one resilient member operably connected to the cover.

9. The cover of claim 1 , wherein the deployment mechanism comprises at least one cover-to-shield fastener.

10. The cover of claim 9, wherein the at least one cover-to-screen fastener comprises an anchor connected to the screen at an exterior side of the screen; and a hook connected to an interior side of the cover.

11. The hood of claim 1 , wherein the deployment mechanism comprises at least one shield cable; at least one inter-cable fastener; at least one motor shaft cable; and at least one motor having a motor shaft, wherein the shield cable is connected at one end to the distal portion of the hood and at its other end to the inter-cable fastener, and a motor shaft cable is connected at one end to the inter-cable fastener and at its other end to the motor shaft, wherein during retraction of the hood, the motor shaft cable is configured to wrap around the motor shaft, and wherein during extension of the hood, the motor shaft cable is configured to uncoil on the motor shaft.

12. The cover of claim 11 , wherein the at least one motor is connected to two motor shaft cables positioned along a same side of the cover, one of the shaft cables being attached to a lower portion or a side of the motor shaft and the other of the motor shaft cables being attached to an upper portion or a side of the motor shaft, whereby when the motor is operated and the motor shaft rotates, the two motor shaft cables are simultaneously wound around or unwound from the motor shaft.

13. The cover of claim 11 , wherein the at least one motor shaft has a shaft attachment having a bearing placed thereon, the shaft attachment having a diameter greater than the shaft and configured with a motor shaft cable to be simultaneously wound around the shaft during retraction of the cover and unwound from the shaft during extension of the cover.

14. The cover according to claim 11, wherein the motor shaft cable and / or the protective screen cover cable include a motor stop sensor and a visual sensor stop mark, the motor stop sensor being configured to sense when the visual sensor stop mark reaches a predetermined position in the retraction direction and send a signal to the motor to stop operation, thereby preventing overwinding.

15. The cover of claim 11, wherein the deployment mechanism comprises at least one pulley system configured to contract and expand to release and pull the cable, respectively.

16. The cover of claim 15, wherein the at least one pulley system comprises a generally horizontal rod that is raised and lowered by a linear motor.

17. The enclosure of claim 16, wherein the at least one pulley system further comprises one or more vertical stabilizing rods to stabilize the generally horizontal rod.

18. The cover of claim 16, wherein the generally horizontal rod is stabilized by one or more vertical stabilizing rods on which one or more stabilizing rings are slidable.

19. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the deployment mechanism comprises a shield cable attached to a corner of the enclosure and the shield cable passes through a sleeve.

20. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the deployment mechanism comprises shield cables attached to corners of the enclosure and the shield cables are threaded through a series of loops.

21. The enclosure of claim 1 wherein the deployment mechanism comprises a protective screen cable having a series of cable-to-enclosure cables extending from a series of locations along the protective screen cable to a series of corresponding locations along an edge of the enclosure.

22. The enclosure of claim 21, wherein the cable-to-enclosure cable extends from a distal end of the protective screen enclosure cable to locations including at and near a corner at the bottom and at and near one side of the enclosure.

23. The cover of claim 1 wherein there are four cover sides forming a square-like profile.

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