Multi-rotational fixtures for radiography systems, and radiography systems including multi-rotational fixtures

Abstract

To provide multi-rotational fixtures for radiography systems, and radiography systems.SOLUTION: Disclosed example multi-rotational fixtures for radiography systems include: a plurality of fixture assemblies, each of the fixture assemblies configured to hold a plurality of objects for inspection in a radiography system; a driving rotation stage; one or more driven rotation stages coupled to the driving rotation stage, such that rotation of the driving rotation stage causes the driven rotation stages to rotate simultaneously, where the driving rotation stage and the one or more driven rotation stages supports and simultaneously rotates a corresponding one of the fixture assemblies; and a plurality of follower assemblies configured to support the plurality of fixture assemblies on an opposite end of the fixture assemblies from the driving rotation stage and the driven rotation stages.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 610,264, filed Dec. 14, 2023, entitled “MULTI-ROTATIONAL FIXTURES FOR RADIOGRAPHY SYSTEMS AND RADIOGRAPHY SYSTEMS INCLUDING MULTI-ROTATIONAL FIXTURES”. The entire disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 610,264 is hereby incorporated by reference into this specification.

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to industrial radiographic imaging processes, and more specifically, to multi-rotational fixtures for radiographic systems and radiographic systems including multi-rotational fixtures.

Background Art

[0003] Industrial radiographic imaging systems are used to acquire two-dimensional (2D) radiographic images, 2D sinograms, and / or three-dimensional (3D) volume data of parts used in industrial applications. Such industrial applications can include, for example, aerospace, automotive, electronics, medical, pharmaceutical, military, and / or defense applications. 2D radiographic images can be evaluated to inspect parts for cracks, flaws, defects, discontinuities, and / or anomalies, which may or may not be visible to the human eye, and / or to determine internal and / or external measurements of the part(s).

[0004] By comparing such systems to the present disclosure described in the remainder of this application with reference to the drawings, the limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for configuring a radiography system substantially as illustrated by and / or described in connection with at least one of the figures and as fully set forth in the claims.

[0006] In addition to these and other advantages, aspects, and novel features of the present disclosure, the detailed content of the illustrated examples of the present disclosure will be more fully understood from the following description and the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The drawings are not necessarily to scale. Where appropriate, the same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings to refer to like or identical elements.

[0019] Some conventional industrial radiographic systems include a turntable or other staging device for manipulating an object under inspection. However, due to the speed of processes such as 3D computed tomography, the throughput of conventional industrial radiographic systems can be lower than desired.

[0020] The disclosed exemplary multi-rotation fixture for a radiography system and a radiography system including the multi-rotation fixture enable a significantly higher throughput for smaller parts by enabling the industrial radiography system to simultaneously capture scans of multiple components along multiple parallel rotation axes that are simultaneously rotated to enable simultaneous image capture of an array of objects. In addition to the multiple rotation axes, the disclosed exemplary multi-rotation fixture and radiography system enable supporting multiple components by fixtures along each of the multiple rotation axes without introducing physical instability in the positioning of the object being inspected.

[0021] The disclosed exemplary multi-rotation fixture for a radiography system includes a plurality of fixture assemblies, each of the fixture assemblies being configured to hold a plurality of objects for inspection in a radiography system, a drive rotation stage, and one or more driven rotation stages, the one or more driven rotation stages being coupled to the drive rotation stage such that rotation of the drive rotation stage simultaneously rotates the driven rotation stage, the drive rotation stage and the one or more driven rotation stages supporting and simultaneously rotating a corresponding one of the fixture assemblies, and a plurality of follower assemblies configured to support the plurality of fixture assemblies on an end of the fixture assemblies opposite the drive rotation stage and the driven rotation stages.

[0022] In some exemplary multi-rotation fixtures, each of the plurality of fixture assemblies is configured to make a tool-less connection to a corresponding one of the follower assemblies and a corresponding one of the rotation stages. In some exemplary multi-rotation fixtures, the drive rotation stage is coupled to a drive shaft configured to receive power from an external actuator.

[0023] In some exemplary multi-rotation fixtures, each of the follower assemblies includes a bearing and a seat coupled to the bearing, and each of the fixture assemblies is configured to couple to the seat for support by the bearing. In some exemplary multi-rotation fixtures, each of the fixture assemblies includes a tapered connector configured to seat within the seat for support by a ball bearing.

[0024] Some exemplary multi-rotation fixtures further include a stage frame, and the follower assemblies and the rotating stage are coupled to the stage frame. In some exemplary multi-rotation fixtures, each of the fixture assemblies includes a fixture frame configured to removably couple to one of the follower assemblies and one of the rotating stages, and a plurality of supports coupled to the fixture frame and configured to firmly hold the corresponding one of the objects under inspection. In some exemplary multi-rotation fixtures, the capacity of the fixture is the product of the number of rotating stages and the number of the plurality of supports on each of the fixture assemblies.

[0025] In some exemplary multi-rotation fixtures, each of the follower assemblies has a rotation axis that aligns with the rotation axis of the corresponding one of the rotating stages.

[0026] The disclosed exemplary radiographic system includes a radiation detector, a radiation emitter configured to direct radiation toward the radiation detector, an object positioner, and a multi-rotation fixture coupled to the object positioner, the fixture including a plurality of fixture assemblies, each of the fixture assemblies being configured to hold a plurality of objects for inspection in the radiographic system, a drive rotation stage coupled to the object positioner, and one or more driven rotation stages, the one or more driven rotation stages being coupled to the drive rotation stage such that rotation of the drive rotation stage simultaneously rotates the driven rotation stages, the drive rotation stage and the one or more driven rotation stages supporting and simultaneously rotating a corresponding one of the fixture assemblies, and a plurality of follower assemblies configured to support the plurality of fixture assemblies on an opposite end of the fixture assemblies from the drive rotation stage and the driven rotation stages.

[0027] Some exemplary radiographic systems further include a control circuit configured to control the object positioner to rotate the fixture assemblies, rotate the plurality of objects for inspection, control the radiation emitter to emit radiation toward the radiation detector, and assemble a three-dimensional scan of the plurality of objects based on images captured by respective portions of the radiation detector.

[0028] In some exemplary radiographic systems, each of the plurality of fixture assemblies is configured to make a tool-less connection to a corresponding one of the follower assemblies and a corresponding one of the rotation stages. In some exemplary radiographic systems, the drive rotation stage is coupled to a drive shaft configured to receive power from an external actuator.

[0029] In some exemplary radiography systems, each of the follower assemblies includes a bearing and a seat coupled to the bearing, and each of the fixture assemblies is configured to couple to the seat for support by the bearing. In some exemplary radiography systems, each of the fixture assemblies includes a tapered connector configured to seat within the seat for support by a ball bearing.

[0030] Some exemplary radiography systems further include a stage frame, and the follower assemblies and the rotating stage are coupled to the stage frame. In some exemplary radiography systems, each of the fixture assemblies includes a fixture frame configured to removably couple to one of the follower assemblies and one of the rotating stages, and a plurality of supports coupled to the fixture frame and configured to firmly hold the corresponding one of the objects under inspection. In some exemplary radiography systems, the capacity of the fixture is the product of the number of rotating stages and the number of the plurality of supports on each of the fixture assemblies.

[0031] In some exemplary radiography systems, each of the follower assemblies has a rotation axis that aligns with the rotation axis of the corresponding one of the rotating stages.

[0032] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary industrial X-ray radiography system 100. In some examples, the X-ray radiography system 100 can be used to perform non-destructive testing (NDT), digital radiography (DR) scans, computerized tomography (CT) scans, and / or other applications on a set of objects 102. In some examples, the objects 102 can be industrial components and / or assemblies of components (e.g., engine casts, microchips, bolts, etc.). Although mainly described with respect to X-rays for simplicity, in some examples, the industrial X-ray radiography system 100 described herein can use radiation of other wavelengths (e.g., gamma, neutron, terahertz, etc.). The object 102 is supported and operated within a multi-rotation fixture 103.

[0033] In the example of FIG. 1, the X-ray radiography system 100 directs X-ray radiation 104 from an X-ray emitter 106 through the object 102 to an X-ray detector 108. In some examples, the X-ray emitter 106 can include an X-ray tube configured to emit conical or fan-shaped X-ray radiation. In some examples, the X-ray emitter 106 can emit X-ray radiation within an energy range of 20 kiloelectron volts (keV) to 15 megaelectron volts (MeV).

[0034] In some examples, a two-dimensional (2D) digital image (e.g., a radiography image, an X-ray image, etc.) can be generated based on the X-ray radiation 104 incident on the X-ray detector 108. In some examples, the 2D image can be generated by the X-ray detector 108 itself. In some examples, the 2D image can be generated by combining the X-ray detector 108 with a computing system that communicates with the X-ray detector 108.

[0035] In some examples, the 2D image can be continuously captured / acquired at a given frame rate by the X-ray detector 108 (e.g., in free-run mode) as long as the X-ray detector 108 is powered on. However, in some examples, the 2D image can be fully generated by the X-ray detector 108 (and / or an associated computing system(s)) only when a scan / imaging process is selected and / or operating. Similarly, in some examples, the 2D image can be stored in persistent (i.e., non-volatile) memory only when a scan / imaging process is selected and / or operating.

[0036] In some examples, the 2D images generated by the X-ray detector 108 (and / or an associated computing system(s)) can be combined to form a three-dimensional (3D) volume and / or 3D image. In some examples, 2D image slices of the 3D volume / image can also be formed. The term "image" is used herein as an abbreviation, but it should be noted that an "image" can include its representative data until the representative data is visually rendered by one or more suitable components (e.g., a display screen, a graphics processing unit, the X-ray detector 108, etc.).

[0037] In some examples, the X-ray detector 108 can include a flat panel detector (FDA), a linear diode array (LDA), and / or a lens-coupled scintillation detector. In some examples, the X-ray detector 108 can include a fluoroscopy detection system and / or a digital image sensor configured to receive an image indirectly via scintillation. In some examples, the X-ray detector 108 can be implemented using a sensor panel (e.g., a charge coupled device (CCD) panel, a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) panel, etc.) configured to receive X-rays directly to generate a digital image. In some examples, the X-ray detector 108 can include a scintillation layer / screen that absorbs X-rays and emits visible light photons, which are then detected by a solid state detector panel (e.g., a CMOS X-ray panel and / or a CCD X-ray panel) coupled to the scintillation screen.

[0038] In some examples, the X-ray detector 108 (e.g., a solid state detector panel) can include pixels. In some examples, the pixels can correspond to portions of the scintillation screen. In some examples, the size of each pixel can range from several tens of micrometers to several hundreds of micrometers. In some examples, the pixel size of the X-ray detector 108 can be within the range of 25 micrometers to 250 micrometers (e.g., 200 micrometers). Pixel pitch refers to the distance between the centers of adjacent pixels. The pixel pitch can be the same or different along different directions or axes of the X-ray detector 108.

[0039] In some examples, the 2D images captured by the X-ray detector 108 (and / or the associated computing system) may include features that are finer than the pixel size of the X-ray detector 108 (e.g., smaller features, denser features, etc.). For example, a computer microchip may have very fine features that are smaller than the pixels. In such examples, it may be useful to use sub-pixel sampling to achieve a higher and more detailed resolution than may be possible without using sub-pixel sampling.

[0040] In the example of FIG. 1, the radiography system 100 includes a detector positioner 150 configured to move the X-ray detector 108 to different detector positions (e.g., positions for sub-pixel sampling). As shown, the detector positioner 150 includes one or more vertical struts 152 and a horizontal rail 154. As shown, the X-ray detector 108 is held on the rail 154. In some examples, the X-ray detector 108 can be held on (and / or attached to) the rail 154 by one or more intermediate supports.

[0041] To be able to move the X-ray detector 108 by the detector positioner 150, in some examples, the object 102 can be moved by the object positioner 110. In the example of FIG. 1, the object positioner 110 holds the object 102 within the path of the X-ray radiation 104 between the X-ray emitter 106 and the detector 108. In some examples, the object positioner 110 can be configured to move the object 102 towards and / or away from the X-ray emitter 106 and / or the X-ray detector 108, thereby changing the geometric magnification (defined as the distance between the X-ray emitter 106 and the X-ray detector 108 divided by the distance between the X-ray emitter 106 and the object 102).

[0042] In the example of FIG. 1, the object positioner 110 includes a multi-rotation fixture 103 in which the object 102 is positioned. As shown, the multi-rotation fixture 103 is attached to a spindle 116 with a motor and is actuated through the multi-rotation fixture 103 to rotate the object around a plurality of axes of rotation, as disclosed in more detail below. The multi-rotation fixture 103 can be exchanged within the radiographic system 100 to manipulate other types of objects (e.g., individual objects) for scanning. In some examples, one or more alternative and / or additional rotation mechanisms can be provided.

[0043] In the example of FIG. 1, the rotatable fixture 112 is supported by a support structure 118. In some examples, the support structure 118 can be configured to translate the rotatable fixture 112 (and / or the object 102) toward and / or away from the X-ray emitter 106 and / or the X-ray detector 108. Further, the support structure 118 can be configured to translate the rotatable fixture 112 (and / or the object 102) horizontally or vertically relative to the emitter 106 and the detector 108. In some examples, the support structure 118 can include one or more actuators configured to provide the translation(s). In some other examples, the X-ray emitter 106 and / or the X-ray detector 108 can move relative to the stationary or movable fixture and the support structure 118. For example, the X-ray emitter 106 and / or the X-ray detector 108 can be moved up and / or down relative to the fixture toward and / or away from the fixture while the fixture remains stationary or is moved and / or reoriented, rotated around the fixture, and / or otherwise moved and / or reoriented.

[0044] FIG. 2 shows an example of an X-ray imaging system 200 that includes an X-ray imaging system 100 such as the X-ray imaging system 100 shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the X-ray imaging system 200 also includes a computing system 202, a user interface (UI) 204, and a remote computing system 299. In the example of FIG. 2, one X-ray imaging system 100, a computing system 202, a UI 204, and a remote computing system 299 are shown, but in some examples, the X-ray imaging system 200 can include multiple X-ray imaging systems 100, computing systems 202, UIs 204, and / or remote computing systems 299.

[0045] In the example of FIG. 2, the X-ray imaging system 100 includes an emitter 106, a detector 108, a detector positioner 150, and an object positioner 110 enclosed within a housing 199. As shown, the X-ray imaging system 100 is connected to and / or communicates with a computing system(s) 202 and a UI(s) 204. In some examples, the X-ray imaging system 100 can also communicate electrically with a remote computing system(s) 299. In some examples, the communication and / or connection can be electrical, electromagnetic, wired, and / or wireless.

[0046] In the example of FIG. 2, UI 204 comprises one or more input devices 206 and / or output devices 208. In some examples, the one or more input devices 206 can include one or more touchscreens, mice, keyboards, buttons, switches, slides, knobs, microphones, dials, and / or other electromechanical input devices. In some examples, the one or more output devices 208 can include one or more display screens, speakers, lights, tactile devices, and / or other devices. In some examples, a user can provide input to, and / or receive output from, the X-ray imager(s) 100, the computing system(s) 202, and / or the remote computing system(s) 299 via the UI(s) 204.

[0047] In some examples, the UI(s) 204 can be part of the computing system 202. In some examples, the computing system 202 can implement one or more controllers of the X-ray imager(s) 100. In some examples, the computing system 202 can, together with the UI(s) 204, constitute an image acquisition system of the X-ray imaging system 200. In some examples, the remote computing system(s) 299 can be the same as or similar to the computing system 202.

[0048] In the example of FIG. 2, computing system 202 communicates (e.g., electrically) with X-ray radiography machine(s) 100, UI(s) 204, and remote computing system(s) 299. In some examples, the communication can be direct communication (e.g., via wired and / or wireless media), or can be indirect communication via, for example, one or more wired and / or wireless networks (e.g., local area network and / or wide area network), etc. As shown, computing system 202 includes processing circuitry 210, memory circuitry 212, and communication circuitry 214 that are interconnected with each other via a common electrical bus.

[0049] In some examples, processing circuitry 210 can include one or more processors. In some examples, communication circuitry 214 can include one or more wireless adapters, wireless cards, cable adapters, wired adapters, radio frequency (RF) devices, wireless communication devices, Bluetooth® devices, IEEE 802.11 compliant devices, WiFi devices, cellular devices, GPS devices, Ethernet ports, network ports, Lightning cable ports, cable ports, etc. In some examples, communication circuitry 214 can be configured to facilitate communication via one or more wired media and / or protocols (e.g., Ethernet cable(s), Universal Serial Bus cable(s), etc.), and / or wireless media and / or protocols (e.g., Near Field Communication (NFC), ultra-high frequency wireless (commonly known as Bluetooth®), IEEE 802.11x, Zigbee®, HART, LTE, Z-Wave, WirelessHD, WiGig, etc.).

[0050] In the example of FIG. 1, multi-rotation fixture 103 is coupled to a motorized spindle to rotate object 102 about multiple axes.

[0051] FIG. 3 is a front and top perspective view of an exemplary multi-rotational fixture 103 of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a rear and bottom perspective view of the exemplary multi-rotational fixture of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a front view of the exemplary multi-rotational fixture of FIG. 1. The exemplary multi-rotational fixture 103 includes a stage frame 302, a plurality of fixture assemblies 304, a driving rotational stage 306, a driven rotational stage 308, and a plurality of follower assemblies 310.

[0052] The stage frame 302 provides a rigid structural support for the rotational stages 306, 308 and the follower assemblies 310.

[0053] The fixture assembly 304 is configured to hold a plurality of objects for inspection. In the example of FIG. 3, the fixture assembly 304 holds the objects in a vertical orientation. In some examples, the fixture assembly 304 can be arranged to hold an object substantially aligned with a corresponding one of the rotational axes of the rotational stages 306, 308. However, in other examples, the multi-rotational fixture may be arranged to hold the fixture assembly 304 in a horizontal orientation (e.g., the rotational stages 306, 308 and the plurality of follower assemblies 310 are also configured to hold the fixture assembly horizontally).

[0054] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary fixture assembly 600 that can be used to implement the multi-rotational fixture 103 of FIG. 1. For example, the fixture assembly 600 can implement any of the fixture assemblies 304 of FIG. 3. The fixture assembly 600 includes a fixture frame 602 that provides a coupling to each of the rotational stages 306, 308 on a first end and the follower assemblies 310 on a second end. For example, the fixture frame 602 includes slots 604 for coupling to the rotational stages 306, 308. The fixture frame 602 also includes connectors (e.g., hooks 614) for coupling to the follower assemblies 310, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0055] The fixture frame 602 further includes a support 608 that may include one or more elements and may be adapted to support a particular type of object to be inspected. The support 608 securely holds the corresponding object to the fixture frame 602 to reduce or eliminate shifting or movement of the object within the frame 602 during the radiography process. When the fixture frame 602 rotates, the support 608 similarly rotates the attached object. The support 608 may be connected or fixed to the fixture frame 602 in any removable or permanent manner, such as via an adjustable technique like a set screw, or a permanent technique like chemical bonding or ultrasonic welding. In other examples, the support 608 may be integral with the fixture frame 602, such as by molding the support 608 and the frame 602 into a single fixture. The support may include blocks, clips, slats, and / or any other passive or active support structure.

[0056] As will be described in more detail below, the exemplary fixture assembly 304 is easily (e.g., tool - less) insertable into and removable from the multi - rotation fixture 103 to enable attachment and removal of an object to the fixture assembly 304.

[0057] The fixture assembly 304 is coupled to the rotary stages 306, 308 such that the rotary stages 306, 308 drive the rotation of the fixture assembly 304. FIG. 7 is a more detailed view of the bottom ends of a plurality of fixture assemblies 304 coupled to the corresponding rotary stages 306, 308 of the multi - rotation fixture 103 of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 7, the rotary stages 306, 308 align the fixture assemblies 304 and rotate each of the fixture assemblies 304 simultaneously. To apply a rotational force to the fixture assembly 304, the rotary stages 306, 308 include posts (or rods, alignment pins, etc.). The fixture assembly 304 has corresponding slots or holes disposed thereon. When the rotary stages 306, 308 rotate, the posts rotate the fixture assembly 304 in the direction as shown in FIG. 7.

[0058] To provide support and stability over the length of the fixture assembly 304, the fixture assembly 304 is supported from the opposite top ends of the rotating stages 306, 308. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the top ends of a plurality of fixture assemblies 304 coupled to the corresponding follower assembly 310 of the multi-rotation fixture 103.

[0059] Each of the exemplary follower assemblies 310 includes a bearing 802 coupled to the stage frame 302. For example, the bearing 802 can be attached to a bolt 804 extending from a pedestal 806. The pedestal 806 is fixed to the bearing 802 and the stage frame 302 via a lock nut 808 or other fasteners. The bearing 802 allows for low-friction rotation of the pedestal 806 relative to the stage frame 302. The pedestal 806 and the bearing 802 have a rotational axis aligned with the corresponding rotating stage of the rotating stages 306, 308.

[0060] The pedestal 806 is coupled to a hanger 810 via one or more fasteners or the like. The hanger 810 is spaced from the pedestal 806 to allow for insertion of the fixture assembly 304. To support the fixture assembly 304, the hanger 810 includes one or more seats 814 that hold the corresponding hook 614 of the fixture assembly 304. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the top ends of a plurality of rotating object fixtures coupled to the follower assembly of FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 9, the hanger 810 opens in a first direction to allow for insertion and removal of the hook 614. When inserted, the hook 614 can rest on the seat 814 of the hanger 810 for vertical support of the fixture assembly 304.

[0061] The exemplary hook 614 has a first portion 616 having a first diameter and a second portion 618 having a second diameter larger than the first portion 616. The first portion 616 can be inserted through the opening of the hanger 810, and the second portion 618 prevents the hook 614 from unintentionally disengaging from the seat portion 814. In the illustrated example, the second portion 618 can have a tapered shape or a dish-hole shape that further improves the seating of the hook 614 within the seat portion 814.

[0062] After or simultaneously with seating the hook 614 within the seat portion 8124, the lower end of the fixture assembly 304 seats on one of the opposing ones of the rotary stages 306, 308. The hanger 810, the hook 614, the posts of the rotary stages 306, 308, and the slot 604 of the fixture assembly 304 are dimensioned such that the fixture assembly 304 remains connected to the stage frame 302 while in a vertical configuration in the absence of an external lifting force (e.g., by the test operator lifting the fixture assembly 304 for intentional removal from the stage frame 302).

[0063] The hanger 810 provides vertical support to the fixture assembly 304 while the fixture assembly 304 is rotated by the rotary stages 306, 308. When the rotary stages 306, 308 rotate the fixture assembly 304, the hook 614 imparts a rotational force to the hanger 810, and the hanger can rotate via the pedestal 806 and the bearing 802 to maintain vertical support.

[0064] The illustrated example shows the bearing 802 supported by the stage frame 302, but in other examples, the fixture assembly 304 can include a bearing coupled to a fixed support on the stage frame 302. Accordingly, the fixture assembly 304 can rotate an object 102 attached to the fixture assembly 304 about the bearing located on the fixture assembly 304.

[0065] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional elevation view of exemplary rotary stages 306, 308 of the multi-rotation fixture 103 of FIG. 1. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional top view of exemplary rotary stages 306, 308 of the multi-rotation fixture 103 of FIG. 1.

[0066] The drive rotary stage 306 is located at the center of the set of rotary stages 306, 308 and is coupled to a transmission shaft 1002 connected to a spindle 116 with a motor. The transmission shaft 1002 is coupled to the spindle 116 with a motor, but the exemplary stage frame 302 is coupled to one or more stationary or structural components of the radiographic system 100 to prevent rotation of the entire multi-rotation fixture 103 by the spindle 116 with a motor. The multi-rotation fixture 103 may include one or more lower support pedestals 1004 that support the weight of the multi-rotation fixture 103 and the object 102. The lower support pedestal 1004 can be supported by a non-rotating portion of the object positioner 110 and / or can be coupled to a rotating portion or the object positioner 110 (e.g., a platen) by a bearing or other rotary coupling.

[0067] The transmission shaft 1002 is coupled to a pulley 1006 of the drive rotary stage 306 and a transmission disk 1008 that includes a post 1010 for coupling to a corresponding channel 620 of the fixture assembly 304.

[0068] The pulley 1006 is coupled to a pulley 1012 of the driven rotary stage 308 via a timing belt 1014. The pulley 1012 of the driven rotary stage 308 is coupled to a corresponding transmission disk 1008 via a corresponding drive shaft 1016. Each of the transmission disks 1008 is supported within the stage frame 302 by one or more sets of bearings 1018. The multi-rotation fixture 103 may include a belt tensioner, teeth, and / or any other elements to control and / or adjust the movement of the rotary stages 306, 308.

[0069] When the transmission shaft 1002 is driven by the spindle 116 with a motor, the pulley 1006 and the timing belt 1014 also rotate the pulley 1012 and the drive shaft 1016 of the driven rotary stage 308. As a result, the operation by the spindle 116 with a motor synchronously rotates the fixture assembly 304 with the rotary stages 306, 308.

[0070] The above example shows the rotary stages 306, 308 positioned below the fixture assembly 304. However, in other examples, the rotary stages 306, 308 may be mounted above the fixture assembly 304 (e.g., to rotate the pedestal 806 and the hanger 810), while the alignment support is positioned below the fixture assembly 304. In such an example, the drive rotary stage 306 can be driven by the spindle 116 with a motor in FIG. 1 via gearing and / or a belt, and / or can include a separate drive system that provides power to the drive rotary stage 306 (and thus the driven rotary stage 308).

[0071] The present method and / or system can be implemented in hardware, software, and / or a combination of hardware and software. The present method and / or system can be implemented in a centralized manner in at least one computing system, or in a distributed manner in which different elements are distributed across several interconnected computing and / or remote computing systems. Any type of computing system or other device adapted to execute the methods described herein is suitable. A typical combination of hardware and software can include a general-purpose computing system together with a program or other code that, when loaded and executed, controls the computing system to execute the methods described herein. Another typical embodiment can include an application-specific integrated circuit or chip. Some embodiments can include a non-transitory machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) medium (e.g., a flash drive, an optical disk, a magnetic storage disk, etc.), which stores one or more instructions (e.g., lines of code) executable by a machine, thereby causing the machine to execute a process as described herein.

[0072] As used herein, the term "for example" begins a list of one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations.

[0073] As used herein, the terms "coupled," "coupled to," and / or "coupled with" mean structural and / or electrical connection, whether by attachment, adhesion, connection, joining, fastening, linking, and / or otherwise fixed. As used herein, the term "attach" means to adhere, couple, connect, join, fasten, link, and / or otherwise fix. As used herein, the term "connect" means to attach, adhere, couple, join, fasten, link, and / or otherwise fix.

[0074] As used herein, the terms "circuit" and "circuitry" refer to physical electronic components (i.e., hardware), and any software and / or firmware ("code") that can configure the hardware, that the hardware can execute, and / or that can otherwise be associated with the hardware. As used herein, for example, a particular processor and memory can include a first "circuit" when executing one or more first lines of code, and can include a second "circuit" when executing one or more second lines of code. As utilized herein, circuitry is "operable" and / or "configured" to perform its function whenever it includes the hardware and code (if either is required) necessary to perform that function, regardless of whether the performance of that function has been disabled (e.g., by user-configurable settings, factory trim, etc.) or is not enabled.

[0075] As used herein, a control circuit can include digital and / or analog circuitry, discrete and / or integrated circuitry, microprocessors, DSPs, etc., software, hardware, and / or firmware that constitutes part or all of a controller and / or that is located on one or more substrates used to control a radiography system to perform a radiography process.

[0076] As used herein, the term "processor" means a processing device, apparatus, program, circuit, component, system, and subsystem, whether implemented in hardware, in tangibly embodied software, or both, and whether programmable or not. As used herein, the term "processor" includes, but is not limited to, one or more computing devices, circuits connected by wiring, devices and systems that change signals, devices and machines for controlling systems, central processing units, programmable devices and systems, field programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits, system on chips, systems comprising individual elements and / or circuits, state machines, virtual machines, data processors, processing facilities, and any combination of the foregoing. A processor can be, for example, any type of general-purpose microprocessor or general-purpose microcontroller, digital signal processing (DSP) processor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), graphics processing unit (GPU), reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processor with an advanced RISC machine (ARM) core, and the like. A processor may be coupled to and / or integrated with a memory device.

[0077] As used herein, the terms "memory", "memory circuit section" and / or "memory device" mean computer hardware or a circuit section that stores information for use by a processor and / or other digital device. The memory, memory circuit section and / or memory device can be any suitable type of computer memory or any other type of electronic storage device medium, for example, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), cache memory, compact disc read-only memory (CDROM), electro-optical memory, magneto-optical memory, programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), computer-readable medium, etc. Examples of the memory include, for example, non-transitory memory, non-transitory processor-readable medium, non-transitory computer-readable medium, non-volatile memory, dynamic RAM (DRAM), volatile memory, ferroelectric RAM (FRAM (registered trademark)), first-in first-out (FIFO) memory, last-in first-out (LIFO) memory, stack memory, non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), static RAM (SRAM), cache, buffer, semiconductor memory, magnetic memory, optical memory, flash memory, flash card, compact flash (registered trademark) card, memory card, secure digital memory card, micro card, mini card, expansion card, smart card, memory stick, multimedia card, picture card, flash storage, subscriber identity module (SIM) card, hard drive (HDD), solid state drive (SSD), etc. The memory can be configured to store code, instructions, applications, software, firmware and / or data, and can be external to, internal to, or both with respect to the processor.

[0078] As used herein, "and / or" means any one or more of the items in the list connected by "and / or". As an example, "x and / or y" means any element of the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, "x and / or y" means "one or both of x and y". As another example, "x, y and / or z" means any element of the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. In other words, "x, y and / or z" means "one or more of x, y and z". As used herein, the term "exemplary" means serving as a non-limiting example, instance or illustration. As used herein, the term "for example" begins a list of one or more non-limiting examples, instances or illustrations.

[0079] The method and / or system has been described with reference to certain embodiments, but those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted without departing from the scope of the method and / or system. For example, the blocks and / or components of the disclosed examples can be combined, divided, rearranged, and / or changed in other ways. Additionally, many modifications can be made to adapt the teachings of this disclosure to particular situations or materials without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, the method and / or system is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Instead, the method and / or system includes all embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims, literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. 1. A multi-rotation fixture for a radiography system, the fixture comprising: a plurality of fixture assemblies, each of the fixture assemblies configured to hold a plurality of objects for inspection in a radiography system; A driven rotation stage; one or more driven rotation stages coupled to the driving rotation stage such that rotation of the driving rotation stage simultaneously rotates the driven rotation stages, the driving rotation stage and the one or more driven rotation stages supporting and simultaneously rotating a corresponding one of the fixture assemblies; a plurality of follower assemblies configured to support the plurality of fixture assemblies on opposite ends of the fixture assemblies from the driving rotation stage and the driven rotation stage; A multi-rotation fixture comprising:

2. The multi-rotation fixture of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of fixture assemblies is configured for tool-less connection to a corresponding one of the follower assemblies and a corresponding one of the rotation stages.

3. The multi-rotation fixture of claim 1 , wherein the driven rotation stage is coupled to a drive shaft configured to receive power from an external actuator.

4. 2. The multi-turn fixture of claim 1, wherein each of the follower assemblies comprises a bearing and a seat coupled to the bearing, and each of the fixture assemblies is configured to couple to the seat for support by the bearing.

5. The multi-turn fixture of claim 4 , wherein each of the fixture assemblies comprises a tapered connector configured to seat within the seat for support by the ball bearing.

6. The multi-rotation fixture of claim 1 further comprising a stage frame, the follower assembly and the rotation stage being coupled to the stage frame.

7. Each of the fastener assemblies comprises: a fixture frame configured to be removably coupled to one of the follower assemblies and one of the rotation stages; a plurality of supports coupled to the fixture frame, the supports configured to rigidly hold corresponding ones of the objects under inspection; 10. The multi-turn fixture of claim 1 comprising:

8. 8. The multi-rotation fixture of claim 7, wherein the capacity of the fixture is the product of the number of rotation stages and the number of the plurality of supports on each of the fixture assemblies.

9. The multi-rotation fixture of claim 1 , wherein each of the follower assemblies has an axis of rotation that is aligned with an axis of rotation of a corresponding one of the rotation stages.

10. 1. A radiography system comprising: A radiation detector; a radiation emitter configured to direct radiation towards the radiation detector; an object positioner; a multi-rotation fixture coupled to the object positioner, a plurality of fixture assemblies, each of the fixture assemblies configured to hold a plurality of objects for inspection in a radiography system; a driven rotation stage coupled to the object positioner; one or more driven rotation stages coupled to the driving rotation stage such that rotation of the driving rotation stage simultaneously rotates the driven rotation stages, the driving rotation stage and the one or more driven rotation stages supporting and simultaneously rotating a corresponding one of the fixture assemblies; a plurality of follower assemblies configured to support the plurality of fixture assemblies on opposite ends of the fixture assemblies from the driving rotation stage and the driven rotation stage; A multi-rotation fixture comprising: A radiation imaging system comprising:

11. A control circuit unit, controlling the object positioner to rotate the fixture assembly to rotate the plurality of objects for inspection; controlling the radiation emitter to emit the radiation towards the radiation detector; assembling a three-dimensional scan of the plurality of objects based on images captured by each portion of the radiation detectors; The radiation imaging system according to claim 10 , further comprising a control circuit section configured to:

12. The radiography system of claim 10 , wherein each of the plurality of fixture assemblies is configured for tool-less connection to a corresponding one of the follower assemblies and a corresponding one of the rotation stages.

13. The radiography system of claim 10 , wherein the driven rotation stage is coupled to a drive shaft configured to receive power from an external actuator.

14. 11. The radiography system of claim 10, wherein each of the follower assemblies comprises a bearing and a seat coupled to the bearing, and each of the fixture assemblies is configured to couple to the seat for support by the bearing.

15. The radiography system of claim 14 , wherein each of the fixture assemblies comprises a tapered connector configured to seat within the seat for support by the ball bearing.

16. The radiography system of claim 10 further comprising a stage frame, the follower assembly and the rotational stage being coupled to the stage frame.

17. Each of the fastener assemblies comprises: a fixture frame configured to be removably coupled to one of the follower assemblies and one of the rotation stages; a plurality of supports coupled to the fixture frame, the supports configured to rigidly hold corresponding ones of the objects under inspection; The radiography system according to claim 10 .

18. 20. The radiography system of claim 17, wherein the fixture capacity is the product of the number of rotating stages and the number of the plurality of supports on each of the fixture assemblies.

19. The radiography system of claim 10 , wherein each of the follower assemblies has an axis of rotation aligned with an axis of rotation of a corresponding one of the rotational stages.

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