Adjustable collimator and X-ray imaging system including an adjustable collimator

Abstract

One exemplary adjustable collimator includes a housing having an aperture through which radiation is directed from an entrance to an exit of the housing, a first shutter 206 and a second shutter 208 within the housing, a first link 222 coupled to the first shutter, and a first yoke 218 coupled to the housing at a pivot point (at 220) and configured to pivot relative to the housing. The first yoke is configured to reduce the effective width of the aperture by moving the first shutter toward the second shutter via the first link when the first yoke is rotated in a first direction (here, clockwise).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 094,580, filed Oct. 21, 2020, entitled "ADJUSTABLE COLLIMATORS AND X-RAY IMAGING SYSTEMS INCLUDING ADJUSTABLE COLLIMATORS". The entire disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 094,580 is hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this specification.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to collimators, and more particularly to adjustable collimators and X-ray imaging systems including adjustable collimators.

Background Art

[0003] Collimators are used in several radiation applications such as, for example, X-ray optics, radiation therapy, or neutron imaging. In some such examples, a collimator can be configured to reduce the size and / or control the shape of the emitted radiation. Additionally, a collimator can be configured to align the radiation (e.g., restrict the radiation output to parallel or substantially parallel rays).

Summary of the Invention

[0004] An adjustable collimator and an X-ray imaging system including an adjustable collimator, substantially as shown by at least one of the figures and described in connection with these figures, as more fully set forth in the claims.

[0005] In some examples, an adjustable collimator comprises a housing having an opening through which radiation is directed from an inlet to an outlet of the housing; a first shutter and a second shutter within the housing; a first link coupled to the first shutter; and a first yoke coupled to the housing at a pivot point and configured to pivot relative to the housing. The first yoke may be configured to reduce the effective width of the opening by moving the first shutter toward the second shutter via the first link when the first yoke is rotated in a first direction.

[0006] In some other examples, an X-ray imaging system comprises an X-ray generator configured to emit an X-ray beam, an image acquisition system configured to acquire multiple radiographs and generate one or more images based on the radiographs, and an adjustable collimator configured to collimate the X-ray beam. The adjustable collimator may comprise a housing having an aperture through which an X-ray beam is directed from the entrance to the exit of the housing, a first shutter and a second shutter within the housing, a first link coupled to the first shutter, and a first yoke coupled to the housing at a pivot point and configured to pivot relative to the housing. The first yoke may be configured to reduce the effective width of the aperture by moving the first shutter toward the second shutter via the first link when the first yoke is rotated in a first direction.

[0007] These features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure, as well as other features, aspects, and advantages, will be better understood by reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, where similar reference numerals throughout the drawings represent similar parts. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an exemplary X-ray imaging system including an adjustable collimator according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of an example of an adjustable collimator that can be used to implement the adjustable collimator shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a front view of an example adjustable collimator. [Figure 4] Figure 2 is an exploded view of an example adjustable collimator. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary filter wheel including an adjustable collimator. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of another exemplary adjustable collimator, which has an adjustable housing and can be used to implement the adjustable collimator shown in Figure 1. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is a rear elevation view of the adjustable collimator. [Figure 8A] This is a front elevation view of another exemplary adjustable collimator having shouldered screws for stabilizing an adjustable housing component according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] Figure 8A is a perspective view of the adjustable collimator. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The drawings are not necessarily to exact scale. Where appropriate, similar or identical reference numbers are used to refer to similar or identical components.

[0010] Collimators, particularly those for use in radiation applications, can be configured to align radiation (for example, to align radiation so that it is parallel or substantially parallel). As a result, collimators can reduce scattered radiation from the emitted radiation. Furthermore, collimators can reduce the size or control the shape of the emitted radiation beam.

[0011] However, conventional collimators are relatively large, which can limit their applications to relatively high energies. For example, conventional collimators can be tubular or other shapes within a relatively large housing. Thus, conventional collimators can be cumbersome to house or store, bulky, and / or difficult to use or move. The large size of conventional collimators limits their ability to position the sample close to the surface of the X-ray tube when performing geometric magnification. This limitation on positioning limits the amount of geometric magnification achievable using conventional collimators. Furthermore, when the collimator shutter is positioned away from the surface of the X-ray generator, the cone of radiation passing through the collimator increases, requiring a corresponding increase in the size of the shutter plate needed to block the cone of radiation, which increases the size, weight, and cost of the collimator. In addition, conventional collimators are not adjustable. As a result, users may need multiple different sizes of collimators to obtain a collimator size or shape appropriate for a particular application. Thus, users may need to switch collimators used for specific applications, which can be time-consuming and / or difficult. Furthermore, having multiple collimators on hand to meet the specific collimation needs of various applications can be costly.

[0012] In contrast to conventional collimators, the illustrative collimators disclosed are relatively small (compared to, for example, conventional collimators) and adjustable. Therefore, the illustrative collimators disclosed herein are applicable to increased collimating applications, are easier to store and manage, and may result in less wasted time and lower costs (for example, by eliminating the need to replace collimators for different applications, or by not requiring such frequent replacement).

[0013] Figure 1 shows an exemplary X-ray imaging system 100, including an adjustable collimator 116. The exemplary X-ray imaging system 100 can be used to perform X-ray imaging, X-ray scanning (e.g., for non-destructive testing (NDT)), etc. The exemplary X-ray imaging system 100 is configured to direct an X-ray beam 102 emitted by an X-ray generator 104 through a workpiece 108 (e.g., an object to be imaged or tested) to an image acquisition system 106. In the example of Figure 1, a workpiece positioning device 110 holds or fixes the workpiece 108 and moves and / or rotates the workpiece 108 so that a desired portion and / or orientation of the workpiece 108 is located in the path of the X-ray emission 102.

[0014] In some examples, the X-ray generator 104, the image acquisition system 106, and / or the workpiece positioning device 110 can be positioned and / or reoriented using one or more actuators. Relative repositioning of the X-ray generator 104, the image acquisition system 106, and / or the workpiece positioning device 110 can result in a variety of effects, such as changing the focal length, changing the focus, changing the blurriness parameter, changing the magnification (e.g., the ratio of the distance between the X-ray generator and the image acquisition system to the distance between the X-ray generator and the workpiece positioning device or the workpiece), changing the portion of the workpiece 108 being scanned, and / or other effects. Exemplary implementations of the workpiece positioning device 110 include a mechanical manipulator, such as a platen having linear and / or rotary actuators. Other exemplary workpiece positioning devices 110 may include a robotic manipulator, such as a robotic arm having six degrees of freedom (DOF).

[0015] The X-ray imaging system 100 further includes a housing 112, which encloses an X-ray generator 104, an image acquisition system 106, and a workpiece positioning device 110. The housing 112 includes one or more doors 114 or other access openings for, for example, inserting or removing a workpiece 108, performing inspections of any of the components inside the housing 112, installing and / or adjusting an adjustable collimator 116, and / or otherwise accessing the interior of the housing 112.

[0016] The image acquisition system 106 in Figure 1 generates a digital image based on incident X-ray emission (e.g., generated by an X-ray generator 104 and directed towards the image acquisition system 106). In some examples, the image acquisition system 106 may be configured to acquire multiple radiographs and generate one or more images based on the radiographs. For example, the image acquisition system 106 may include a fluorescence fluoroscopy detection system and a digital image sensor configured to indirectly receive images via scintillation, and / or may be implemented using a sensor panel (e.g., amorphous silicon panel, CCD panel, CMOS panel, etc.) configured to directly receive X-rays and generate a digital image. In other examples, the image acquisition system 106 may use a solid panel coupled to a scintillation screen and having pixels corresponding to portions of the scintillation screen. Exemplary solid panels may include amorphous silicon panels, CMOS X-ray panels, and / or CCD X-ray panels. In yet another example, the image acquisition system 106 may generate a digital image based on incident X-ray emission using a different method.

[0017] The X-ray imaging system 100 further includes an adjustable collimator 116. As shown in Figure 1, the adjustable collimator 116 may be attached to the X-ray generator 104. In some such examples, the adjustable collimator 116 may be detachably attached to the X-ray generator 104. In other examples, the adjustable collimator 116 may be positioned in close proximity to the X-ray generator 104. In any case, the X-ray emission produced by the X-ray generator 104 may be directed to pass through the adjustable collimator 116 in order to collimate the X-ray beam. The X-ray imaging system 100 including the adjustable collimator 116 can provide improved focus and / or resolution of the images produced by the image acquisition system 106. The adjustable collimator 116 can also reduce scattering of the X-ray beam produced by the X-ray generator 104 as the beam propagates.

[0018] The example in Figure 1 includes an X-ray generator 104 and an image acquisition system 106, but in other examples, the X-ray imaging system 100 may perform imaging using radiation of other wavelengths.

[0019] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary adjustable collimator 200 that can be used to implement the collimator 116 of Figure 1. The adjustable collimator 200 includes a housing 202. The housing 202 may be made of any suitable material for collimating radiation. For example, the housing 202 may be made of lead, tungsten, tantalum, molybdenum, tin, bismuth, high-density plastic, or any other suitable material.

[0020] The housing 202 may be of any suitable size and / or shape. In some examples, the housing (and thus the adjustable collimator 200 as well) may be smaller than a conventional collimator. For example, the housing 202 may be small enough to be attached to or positioned proximate to a radiation generator (e.g., the adjustable collimator 200 may have the same or equivalent cross-sectional area as the portion of the radiation generator that emits the radiation beam).

[0021] In some examples, the width of the adjustable collimator 200 (e.g., as measured in the x-axis direction shown in FIG. 2) may be from about 1 inch to about 10 inches, from about 1 inch to about 5 inches, from about 1 inch to about 3 inches, or from about 1 inch to about 2 inches, the length of the adjustable collimator 200 (e.g., as measured in the z-axis direction shown in FIG. 2) may be from about 1 inch to about 10 inches, from about 1 inch to about 5 inches, from about 1 inch to about 3 inches, or from about 1 inch to about 2 inches, and the thickness of the adjustable collimator 200 (e.g., as measured in the y-axis direction shown in FIG. 2) may be from about 0.10 inch to about 5 inches, from about 0.1 inch to about 1 inch, from about 0.1 inch to about 0.5 inch, or from about 0.1 inch to about 0.3 inch. In other examples, the adjustable collimator 200 (e.g., the housing 202 of the adjustable collimator 200) may have different dimensions.

[0022] The housing 202 defines an aperture 204. In some examples, radiation from a radiation generator (e.g., the X-ray generator 104 of FIG. 1) is directed from an inlet to an outlet of the housing 202 through the aperture 204. In an example where the housing 202 is configured to be attached to a radiation source, the housing 202 may be attached to the radiation source such that the aperture 204 is in the path of the radiation emitted by the radiation source. The aperture 204 may be configured to collimate radiation directed from the inlet to the outlet of the housing 202. In some such examples, collimation of the radiation reduces scattered radiation of the propagating radiation, which can reduce the incidence of unintended or undesirable radiation on a radiation detector.

[0023] The aperture 204 may be of any suitable size and / or shape. In some examples, the width of the aperture 204 (e.g., measured in the direction of the x-axis shown in FIG. 2) may be from about 0.05 inches to about 3 inches, from about 0.1 inches to about 1 inch, from about 0.1 inches to about 0.5 inches, or from about 0.1 inches to about 0.3 inches, and the length of the aperture 204 (e.g., measured in the direction of the z-axis shown in FIG. 2) may be from about 0.05 inches to about 3 inches, from about 0.1 inches to about 1 inch, from about 0.1 inches to about 0.5 inches, or from about 0.1 inches to about 0.3 inches. In other examples, the aperture 204 may have different dimensions.

[0024] The adjustable collimator 200 further includes a first shutter 206 and a second shutter 208 within a housing 202. In some examples, the first shutter 206 and / or the second shutter 208 may be configured to move within the housing 202 (e.g., translating along the x-axis as shown in Figure 2). In some cases, both the first shutter 206 and the second shutter 208 may be configured to move within the housing 202. In some such examples, the first shutter 206 and the second shutter 208 may be configured to move in opposite directions to each other. For example, if the first shutter 206 is configured to translate along the x-axis in a first translational direction A, the second shutter 208 may be configured to translate along the x-axis in a second translational direction B opposite to the first translational direction A. Similarly, in some such examples, if the first shutter 206 is configured to translate along the x-axis in a second translational direction B, the second shutter 208 may be configured to translate along the x-axis in a first translational direction A. In this way, the first shutter 206 and the second shutter 208 may be configured to move toward or away from each other. In other examples, the first shutter 206 and the second shutter 208 may be configured to move within the housing 202 at different times, or only one of the first shutter 206 or the second shutter 208 may move (for example, the other of the first shutter 206 or the second shutter 208 may remain stationary within the housing 202). As one example, the first shutter 206 may be configured to move toward the second shutter 208. As another example, the second shutter 208 may be configured to move away from the first shutter 206.

[0025] In some examples, the movement of the first shutter 206 or the second shutter 208 may be manually controlled. For example, the user may adjust the first shutter 206 by rotating the first screw 210 and / or the second shutter 208 by rotating the second screw 212. In other examples, adjustment of either the first screw 210 or the second screw 212 may be configured to move both the first shutter 206 and the second shutter 208. Further details regarding the adjustment of the first shutter 206 and / or the second shutter 208 are discussed below with reference to Figure 4. In yet another example, the manual adjustment mechanism may be something other than a screw. In some cases, instead of the movement of the first shutter 206 and / or the second shutter 208 being manually controlled, an adjustable collimator 200 may include one or more actuators configured to drive the movement of the first shutter 206 and / or the second shutter 208.

[0026] The first shutter 206 and the second shutter 208 may be configured to adjust the effective width of the opening 204. For example, in some configurations, the first shutter 206 and the second shutter 208 may be configured such that the movement of one or both of the first shutter 206 or the second shutter 208 substantially aligns with the opening 204 so as to block at least a portion of the opening 204. For example, in the example shown in Figure 2, the first shutter 206 and the second shutter 208 are in contact with each other while aligned with the opening 204. Thus, in the example in Figure 2, the effective width of the opening 204 is 0. In the example in Figure 2, the effective width of the opening 204 may be increased by moving the first shutter 206 and the second shutter 208 away from each other (or moving one of the first shutter 206 or the second shutter 208 away from the other). Conversely, while the first shutter 206 and the second shutter 208 are partially or completely separated (for example, the effective width of the opening 204 is greater than zero), the effective width of the opening may be reduced by moving the first shutter 206 and the second shutter 208 toward each other.

[0027] Figure 3 is a front view of the adjustable collimator 200 illustrated in Figure 2, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. In the example shown in Figure 3, the first shutter 206 is moved away from the second shutter 208 in a first translational direction A, and the second shutter 208 is moved away from the first shutter 206 in a second translational direction B opposite to the first translational direction A (in contrast to the configuration of the first shutter 206 and second shutter 208 shown in Figure 2). As a result, the effective width w of the opening 204 is increased (compared to the example in Figure 2). In the example in Figure 3, both the first shutter 206 and the second shutter 208 partially obstruct the opening 204. However, in other examples, the first shutter 206 and / or the second shutter 208 may be moved within the housing 202 such that neither the first shutter 206 and / or the second shutter 208 obstructs the opening 204. In cases where neither the first shutter 206 nor the second shutter 208 obstructs the opening 204, the effective width w of the opening 204 may be equal to the actual width of the opening 204. In this way, the effective width w of the opening 204 can be adjusted by moving one or both of the first shutter 206 or the second shutter 208 within the housing 202. As a result, the effective width w of the opening 204 may range from 0 (for example, when the opening is closed by contact between the first shutter 206 and the second shutter 208) to the actual width of the opening 204 (for example, when neither the first shutter 206 nor the second shutter 208 obstructs any part of the opening 204). Thus, the collimator 200 disclosed herein is adjustable by the movement of one or both of the first shutter 206 or the second shutter 208. Being adjustable, the adjustable collimator 200 can be suitable for use in a variety of applications by allowing the size of the radiated beam to be changed and / or by allowing it to have various levels of focus or resolution.

[0028] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the adjustable collimator 200 illustrated in Figure 2. As seen in Figure 4, the adjustable collimator 200 may include a plurality of housing components 202a, 202b, 202c that form the housing 202 when the adjustable collimator 200 is assembled. In particular, the adjustable collimator in Figure 4 includes a first housing component 202a, a second housing component 202b, and a third housing component 202c. The housing components 202a, 202b, and 202c may be joined in any suitable manner, such as by using a mechanical mounting mechanism (e.g., screws) or adhesive. In other examples, the housing 202 may be made of fewer than three or more housing components. For example, in some cases, the housing 202 may include a single housing component.

[0029] The exemplary housing component 202 may be rotated relative to other components of the adjustable collimator 200 to provide vertical collimation, horizontal collimation, or collimation at any other angle. In addition to or alternative to this, the exemplary adjustable collimator 200 may be duplicated to provide multi-angle (e.g., horizontal and vertical) collimation.

[0030] In examples where the housing 202 includes multiple housing components 202a, 202b, and 202c, one or more of the housing components 202a, 202b, and 202c may define all or part of the opening 204. For example, in the example of Figure 4, the second housing component 202b defines the first opening 204a, and the third housing component 202c defines the second opening 204b. In some examples, the first opening 204a and the second opening 204b may be configured to be aligned (or substantially aligned) when the adjustable collimator 200 is assembled. In this way, the alignment of the first opening 204a and the second opening 204b can form an opening 204 that extends from the inlet 214 to the outlet 216 of the housing 202. For example, the first aperture 204a may be at the inlet 214 of the adjustable collimator 200, and the second aperture 204b may be at the outlet 216 of the adjustable collimator 200. In other words, radiation can enter through the first aperture 204a and exit through the second aperture 204b.

[0031] In some such examples, the first shutter 206 and the second shutter 208 may be configured to move within the housing 202 between the first opening 204a and the second opening 204b (for example, between the second housing component 202b and the third housing component 202c). Such a configuration allows the effective width w of the opening 204 to be adjusted by the first shutter 206 and / or the second shutter 208 moving within the housing 202 to block both the first opening 204a and the second opening 204b (for example, when the first opening 204a and the second opening 204b are aligned when the adjustable collimator 200 is assembled). In this way, the second housing component 202b and the third housing component 202c can define slots in which the first shutter 206 and / or the second shutter 208 are configured to move. In some such examples, the first shutter 206 may include one or more plungers 230 configured to restrain the movement of the first shutter 206 so as to follow a slot in the housing 202. In addition to or alternatively, the second shutter 208 may include one or more plungers 232 configured to restrain the movement of the second shutter 208 so as to follow a slot in the housing 202. The first shutter 206 and / or the second shutter 208, including one or more plungers 230, 232, can help ensure that the first shutter 206 and the second shutter 208 remain within the slot defined by the housing 202 so that the movement of one or both of the first shutter 206 or the second shutter 208 results in a change in the effective width w of the opening 204. In other words, the plungers 230, 232 can help align the first shutter 206 and / or the second shutter 208 with the opening 204 in at least some configurations.

[0032] In examples where the housing includes a single component or defines only a single opening, the first shutter 206 and the second shutter 208 may be configured to move within the housing 202 such that the first shutter 206 and / or the second shutter 208 are configured to at least partially block the opening 204 at some positions of the first shutter 206 and the second shutter 208 in order to control the effective width w of the opening 204. In some such examples, the housing 202 may still define slots in which the first shutter 206 and / or the second shutter 208 are configured to move.

[0033] The adjustable collimator 200 further includes a first yoke 218 coupled to the housing 202 at a first pivot point 220. The first yoke 218 may be configured to pivot relative to the housing 202 about the first pivot point 220. In some examples, the first pivot point 220 may be at the longitudinal center of the first yoke 218. In other examples, the pivot point 220 may be located at different positions on the first yoke 218. The first yoke 218 may be configured to move a first shutter 206 to increase or decrease the effective width w of the opening 204. For example, the first yoke 218 may be configured such that when rotated in a first direction (e.g., clockwise), it moves the first shutter 206 toward the second shutter 208 to reduce the effective width w of the opening 204, and / or when rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., counterclockwise), it moves the first shutter 206 toward the second shutter 208 to increase the effective width w of the opening 204.

[0034] In some examples, the adjustable collimator 200 may include a first link 222 coupled to a first shutter 206. In such examples, the first link 222 may be configured to move the first shutter 206 when the first yoke 218 pivots. For example, when the first yoke 218 is rotated in a first direction (e.g., clockwise), the first yoke 218 may push the first link 222, moving the first link 222 in a second translational direction B. Since the first link 222 is coupled to the first shutter 206, the first link 222 moves the first shutter 206 in the second translational direction B (e.g., toward the second shutter 208). As a result, the effective width w of the opening 204 can be reduced.

[0035] In the example shown in Figure 4, the second yoke 224 is also coupled to the housing 202 at a second pivot point 226. The second yoke 224 is configured to pivot relative to the housing 202 about the second pivot point 226. In some examples, the second pivot point 226 may be at the longitudinal center of the second yoke 224. In other examples, the pivot point 226 may be located at a different position on the second yoke 224. The second yoke 224 may be configured to move the second shutter 208 to increase or decrease the effective width w of the opening 204. For example, the second yoke 224 may be configured such that when rotated in a first direction (e.g., clockwise), it moves the second shutter 208 toward the first shutter 206 to reduce the effective width w of the opening 204, and / or when rotated in a second direction opposite to the second direction (e.g., counterclockwise), it moves the second shutter 208 toward the first shutter 206 to increase the effective width w of the opening 204.

[0036] Similar to the first link 222 and the first yoke 218, in some examples where the adjustable collimator 200 includes a second yoke 224, the adjustable collimator 200 may also include a second link 228 coupled to a second shutter 208. In such examples, the second link 228 may be configured to move the second shutter 208 when the second yoke 224 is pivoted. For example, when the second yoke 224 is pivoted in a first direction (e.g., clockwise), the second yoke 224 may push the second link 228, moving the second link 228 in a first translational direction A. Since the second link 228 is coupled to the second shutter 208, the second link 228 moves the second shutter 208 in the first translational direction A (e.g., toward the first shutter 206). As a result, the effective width w of the opening 204 can be reduced.

[0037] In some examples, the first yoke 218 may also be configured to move the second shutter 208. For example, the first yoke 218 may be configured to push the second link 228 in a second translational direction B when the first yoke rotates in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise). As a result, the second shutter 208 coupled to the second link 228 is moved in the second translational direction B (e.g., away from the first shutter 206), thereby increasing the effective width w of the opening 204. Similarly, the second yoke 224 may be configured to move the first shutter 206 in a first translational direction A (e.g., away from the second shutter 208) by pushing the first link 222 when the second yoke 224 is rotated in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise).

[0038] In some examples, the rotation of either the first yoke 218 or the second yoke 224 may result in the rotation of the other. As a result, both the first link 222 and the second link 228 may be pushed substantially simultaneously. For example, when the first yoke 218 is rotated in a first direction (e.g., clockwise), the first yoke 218 may push the first link 222 in a second translational direction B. The movement of the first link 222 in the second translational direction B may push the second yoke 224, causing the second yoke 224 to rotate in the first direction (e.g., clockwise). Thus, the rotation of the second yoke 224 in the first direction may push the second link 228 in a first translational direction A. Thus, the movement of the first link 222 in the second translation direction B, and the movement of the second link 228 in the first translation direction A, cause the first shutter 206 and the second shutter 208 to move toward each other simultaneously (or almost simultaneously), thereby reducing the effective width w of the opening 204.

[0039] Furthermore, in some examples, the rotation of the first yoke 218 in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise) may similarly rotate the second yoke 224 in a second direction. For example, the first yoke 218 may be rotated in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise) to push the second link 228 in a second translational direction B. As a result, the second link 228 may push the second yoke 224, causing the second yoke 224 to rotate in a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise). The rotation of the second yoke 224 in a second direction may push the first link 222 in a first translational direction A. In this way, the movement of the first link 222 in the first translational direction A and the movement of the second link 228 in the second translational direction B can move the first shutter 206 and the second shutter 208 away from each other simultaneously (or nearly simultaneously), thereby increasing the effective width w of the opening 204.

[0040] In examples where the rotation of the first yoke 218 or the second yoke 224 results in the rotation of the other of the two yokes, it may be sufficient to rotate only one of the yokes in order to move both the first shutter 206 and the second shutter 208 in order to reduce or increase the effective width w of the opening 204. As a result, the operation of the adjustable collimator 200 described herein may be more efficient and / or easier than that of other collimators.

[0041] The first yoke 218 and the second yoke 224 may be rotated in any suitable manner. In some examples, the first yoke 218 and / or the second yoke 224 may be configured to be rotated manually. For example, in some cases, the first yoke 218 may be coupled to a first screw (e.g., a first screw 210 shown in Figures 2 and 3). In addition to or alternative to this, the second yoke 224 may be coupled to a second screw (e.g., a second screw 212 shown in Figures 2 and 3). Rotation of the first screw 210 or the second screw 212 (e.g., using a screwdriver) can cause rotation of the respective yokes coupled to the rotating screw, thereby causing movement of one or both of the first shutter 206 or the second shutter 208. In other examples, other manual rotation mechanisms may be used to rotate one or both yokes. For example, one or both of the yokes 218, 224 and / or one or both of the links 222, 228 may extend through the housing for manual operation via pushing and / or pulling the yokes 218, 224 and / or links 222, 228.

[0042] In some examples, the adjustable collimator 200 may include one or more actuators configured to rotate one or both of the first yoke 218 and / or the second yoke 224 to move the first shutter 206 and / or the second shutter 208. In some such examples, one or more actuators may be coupled to a controller configured to communicate with the actuators (e.g., to issue commands, to retrieve information, etc.). In some such examples, the user may be able to input a command such as a desired effective width w of the opening 204, and the controller may command one or more actuators to rotate the first yoke 218 and / or the second yoke 224 to move the first shutter 206 and / or the second shutter 208 within the housing 202 in order to achieve the desired effective width w of the opening 204. In other examples, one or more actuators may be operated in different ways, or the adjustable collimator 200 may use mechanisms other than actuators to adjust the effective width w of the opening 204.

[0043] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary filter wheel 500, including the adjustable collimator shown in Figure 1. The filter wheel 500 may be positioned between the X-ray generator 104 and the workpiece 108 to facilitate the positioning of any of the filters on the filter wheel 500 to the filtering position. The exemplary filter wheel 500 may be provided with an adjustable collimator 200, in which case the filter wheel 500 functions as a housing 202a to which the other components (202b, 202c, 204a-232) are coupled.

[0044] The exemplary adjustable collimator 200 may be mounted in the filter wheel 500 using any of the orientations and / or configurations discussed above with reference to Figures 2 to 4, but the opening 502 in the filter wheel 500 serves as a housing 202a for mounting and assembling other components.

[0045] Figure 6 is a perspective view of another exemplary adjustable collimator 600 having an adjustable housing 602 and which can be used to implement the adjustable collimator 116 of Figure 1. Figure 7 is a rear elevation view of the adjustable collimator 600 of Figure 6. The exemplary collimator 600 is otherwise similar to the collimator 200 of Figure 2 and includes the opening 204, first shutter 206, second shutter 208, first screw 210, second screw 212, inlet 214, outlet 216, yoke 218, 224, pivot points 220, 226, links 222, 228, and / or plungers 230, 232 as of Figures 2, 3 and 4.

[0046] Housing 602 includes a mounting housing 604 and an adjustable housing component 606. Mounting housing 604 may include multiple parts, similar to housing components 202a, 202b, and 202c in Figure 3. In the example in Figure 6, instead of components 204-232 being mounted in housing 202, components 204-232 are mounted in mounting housing 604. The outer periphery of mounting housing 604 has a different geometric shape from housing 202 in order to accommodate the adjustable housing component 606 while allowing for the mounting of components 204-232.

[0047] The adjustable housing component 606 includes an adjustment block 608 and an alignment screw 610 for adjusting the distance or gap 612 between the adjustment block 608 and the mounting housing 604.

[0048] The adjustable collimator 600 is mounted on the radiation source by partially fastening shoulder screws 614a, 614b to the radiation source and partially securing the mounting housing 604b. The adjustment block 608 is also secured to the radiation source by screws 616a, 616. The mounting housing 604 includes slots 618a, 618b that allow movement of the opening 204 relative to the shoulder screws 614a, 614b and, consequently, relative to the radiation source. Once the shoulder screws 614a, 614b and screws 616a, 616b are installed, the alignment screw 610 may be turned to adjust the gap 612, thereby adjusting the position of the opening 604 relative to the radiation source. Once the opening 204 is in the desired position, the shoulder screws 614a, 614b can be fully tightened to secure the mounting housing to the radiation source.

[0049] The exemplary collimator 600 in Figures 6 and 7 allows for fine adjustment of the position of the aperture 204 relative to the radiation source in order to further improve alignment. In some examples, the radiation housing allows the movement of the mounting housing 604 relative to the radiation output position (e.g., an X-ray tube or a gamma-ray tube). In such examples, adjustment of the alignment screw 610 moves the mounting housing 604, and consequently the aperture 204, relative to the radiation output position.

[0050] Figure 8A is a front elevation view of another exemplary adjustable collimator 800, which has shoulder screws 802, 804 for stabilizing the adjustable housing component 606. Figure 8B is a perspective view of the adjustable collimator of Figure 8B. The collimator 800 illustrated in Figures 8A and 8B is similar to the collimator 600 in Figure 6 and includes the housing 602, mounting housing 604, adjustable housing component 606, adjustment block 608, alignment screw 610, shoulder screws 614a, 614b, screws 616a, 616b, slots 618a, 618b, opening 204, first shutter 206, second shutter 208, first screw 210, second screw 212, inlet 214, outlet 216, yoke 218, 224, pivot points 220, 226, links 222, 228, and / or plungers 230, 232 as shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0051] The collimator 800, as illustrated in Figures 8A and 8B, further includes shouldered screws 802a and 802b that extend through a bore (not shown) in the adjustment block 608 to fix and stabilize the adjustment block 608 to the mounting housing 604. The shouldered screws 802a and 802b reduce or prevent relative rotation between the adjustment block 608 and the mounting housing 604. The exemplary adjustment block 608 is further stabilized by springs 804a and 804b, which are compressed between the shouldered screws 802a and 802b and the adjustment block 608 to reduce vibrations in the adjustment block 608.

[0052] The method and system can be implemented in hardware, software, and / or a combination of hardware and software. The method and / or system can be implemented centrally in at least one computing system, or distributedly, with different elements distributed across several interconnected computing systems. Any type of computing system or other device adapted to perform the method described herein is suitable. A typical combination of hardware and software may include a general-purpose computing system, along with a program or other code that, when loaded and executed, controls the computing system to perform the method described herein. Another typical embodiment may include an application-specific integrated circuit or chip. Some embodiments may include a non-temporary machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) medium (e.g., flash drive, optical disk, magnetic storage disk, etc.) that stores one or more lines of machine-executable code, thereby causing a machine to perform a process such as that described herein. As used herein, the term “non-temporary machine-readable medium” includes all types of machine-readable storage media and is defined to exclude propagated signals.

[0053] As used herein, the terms “circuit” and “circuits” mean physical electronic components (i.e., hardware) and any software and / or firmware ("code") that can constitute the hardware, that the hardware can run, and / or that can otherwise be associated with the hardware. As used herein, “and / or” means any one or more items in the list linked by “and / or”. For example, “x and / or y” means any element of the set of three elements {(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 set of seven elements {(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”. Where used herein, the term “exemplary” means to serve as an unrestricted example, case, or illustration. Where used herein, the term “for example” means to begin a list of one or more unrestricted examples, cases, or illustrations. Where used herein, circuits are “operable” to perform a certain function, whenever they include the hardware and code (if any of which are required) necessary to perform that function, regardless of whether the performance of that function is disabled or not (for example, by a user-configurable setting, factory trim, etc.).

[0054] While the Method and / or System has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of the Method and / or System. For example, blocks and / or components of the disclosed examples can be combined, divided, rearranged, and / or otherwise modified. In addition, many modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the Disclosure to adapt the teachings of the Disclosure to specific circumstances or materials. Therefore, the Method and / or System is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. Instead, the Method and / or System includes all embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims, either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents. Some aspects of the present invention are described below. [Aspect 1] A housing having an opening, wherein radiation is directed from the inlet to the outlet of the housing through the opening, The first shutter and the second shutter within the housing, A first link coupled to the shutter of the first above, It comprises a first yoke coupled to the housing at a pivot point and configured to pivot relative to the housing, The first yoke is an adjustable collimator configured to reduce the effective width of the opening by moving the first shutter toward the second shutter via the first link when the first yoke is rotated in a first direction. [Aspect 2] An adjustable collimator according to Embodiment 1, further comprising a second link coupled to the second shutter, wherein the first yoke is configured to increase the effective width of the opening by moving the second shutter away from the first shutter via the second link when the first yoke is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction. [Aspect 3] It further comprises a second yoke coupled to the housing at a second pivot point, The first yoke is configured to rotate the second yoke in the first direction when the first yoke is rotated in the first direction, and the second yoke is configured to move the second shutter toward the first shutter via the second link when rotated in the first direction, and An adjustable collimator according to Embodiment 2, wherein the first yoke is configured to rotate the second yoke in the second direction via the second link when the first yoke is rotated in the second direction, and the second yoke is configured to move the first shutter away from the second shutter via the first link when the second yoke is rotated in the second direction. [Aspect 4] An adjustable collimator according to embodiment 3, wherein when the first yoke and the second yoke are rotated in the first direction, the first yoke is configured to press against the first link and the second yoke is configured to press against the second link, and when the first yoke and the second yoke are rotated in the first direction, the first yoke is configured to push against the second link and the second yoke is configured to press against the first link. [Aspect 5] The adjustable collimator according to embodiment 3, further comprising an actuator configured to rotate at least one of the first yoke and / or the second yoke. [Aspect 6] The adjustable collimator according to embodiment 2, wherein the first yoke and the first link are configured to move the first shutter and the second shutter within a slot in the housing. [Aspect 7] The adjustable collimator according to embodiment 2, wherein the pivot point of the first yoke is located at the longitudinal center of the first yoke. [Aspect 8] The adjustable collimator according to embodiment 1, further comprising a plunger configured to restrain the movement of the first shutter to follow a slot in the housing. [Aspect 9] The adjustable collimator according to Embodiment 1, wherein the housing is configured to be attached to a radiation source, and the opening is located in the path of the radiation emitted by the radiation source. [Aspect 10] The adjustable collimator according to embodiment 1, further comprising an actuator configured to rotate the first yoke. [Aspect 11] An X-ray generator that emits an X-ray beam, An image acquisition system that acquires multiple radiographs and generates one or more images based on the radiographs, An adjustable collimator for collimating the aforementioned X-ray beam, wherein the adjustable collimator is A housing having an opening, wherein the X-ray beam is directed through the opening from the inlet to the outlet of the housing, The first shutter and the second shutter within the housing, A first link coupled to the shutter of the first above, It comprises a first yoke coupled to the housing at a pivot point and configured to pivot relative to the housing, An X-ray imaging system comprising: a first yoke and an adjustable collimator that reduces the effective width of the aperture by moving the first shutter toward the second shutter via the first link when the first yoke is rotated in a first direction. [Aspect 12] The X-ray imaging system according to embodiment 11, wherein the adjustable collimator further comprises a second link coupled to the second shutter, and the first yoke is configured to increase the effective width of the aperture by moving the second shutter away from the first shutter via the second link when the first yoke is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction. [Aspect 13] The adjustable collimator further comprises a second yoke coupled to the housing at a second pivot point, The first yoke is configured to rotate the second yoke in the first direction when the first yoke is rotated in the first direction, and the second yoke is configured to move the second shutter toward the first shutter via the second link when rotated in the first direction. The X-ray imaging system according to embodiment 12, wherein the first yoke is configured to rotate the second yoke in the second direction via the second link when the first yoke is rotated in the second direction, and the second yoke is configured to move the first shutter away from the second shutter via the first link when the second yoke is rotated in the second direction. [Aspect 14] The X-ray imaging system according to embodiment 13, wherein when the first yoke and the second yoke are rotated in the first direction, the first yoke is configured to press against the first link and the second yoke is configured to press against the second link, and when the first yoke and the second yoke are rotated in the first direction, the first yoke is configured to press against the second link and the second yoke is configured to press against the first link. [Aspect 15] The X-ray imaging system according to embodiment 13, further comprising an actuator for rotating at least one of the first yoke or the second yoke, wherein the adjustable collimator is further provided with an actuator for rotating at least one of the first yoke or the second yoke. [Aspect 16] The X-ray imaging system according to embodiment 12, wherein the first yoke and the first link are configured to move the first shutter and the second shutter within a slot in the housing. [Aspect 17] The X-ray imaging system according to embodiment 12, wherein the pivot point of the first yoke is the longitudinal center of the first yoke. [Aspect 18] The X-ray imaging system according to embodiment 11, wherein the first shutter comprises a plunger that restrains the movement of the first shutter to follow a slot in the housing. [Aspect 19] The X-ray imaging system according to embodiment 11, wherein the housing is attached to the X-ray generator or located near the X-ray generator such that the aperture is positioned in the path of the X-ray beam emitted by the X-ray generator. [Aspect 20] The X-ray imaging system according to embodiment 11, further comprising an actuator for rotating the first yoke, wherein the adjustable collimator is further a component of the X-ray imaging system. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0055] 100 X-ray imaging system 102 X-ray radiation 104 X-ray generator 106 Image Acquisition System 108 Workpieces 110 Equipment 112 cabinets 114 doors 116 Collimator 200 collimator 202 Housing 202a First housing component 202b Second housing component 202c Third housing component 204 Aperture 204a First opening 204b Second opening 206 First shutter 208 Second shutter 214 Entrance 216 Exit 218 First York 220 First pivot point 222 First link 224 Second York 226 Second pivot point 228 Second link 230 plungers 232 Plungers 500 filter wheel 502 Aperture 600 Collimator 602 Housing 604 Aperture 604 Mount Housing 604b Mount Housing 606 Housing Components 608 Adjustment Block 612 Gap 618a slot 618b slot 800 Collimator

Claims

1. A housing having an opening, wherein radiation is directed from the inlet to the outlet of the housing through the opening, The first shutter and the second shutter within the housing, A first link coupled to the first shutter, It comprises a first yoke coupled to the housing at a pivot point and configured to pivot relative to the housing, The first yoke is configured such that when the first yoke is rotated in a first direction, it moves the first shutter toward the second shutter via the first link, thereby reducing the effective width of the opening. The first shutter is an adjustable collimator comprising a plunger configured to restrain the movement of the first shutter to follow a slot in the housing.

2. The adjustable collimator according to claim 1, further comprising a second link coupled to the second shutter, wherein the first yoke is configured to increase the effective width of the opening by moving the second shutter away from the first shutter via the second link when the first yoke is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

3. It further comprises a second yoke coupled to the housing at a second pivot point, The first yoke is configured to rotate the second yoke in the first direction when the first yoke is rotated in the first direction, and the second yoke is configured to move the second shutter toward the first shutter via the second link when rotated in the first direction, and The adjustable collimator according to claim 2, wherein the first yoke is configured to rotate the second yoke in the second direction via the second link when the first yoke is rotated in the second direction, and the second yoke is configured to move the first shutter away from the second shutter via the first link when rotated in the second direction.

4. The adjustable collimator according to claim 3, wherein when the first yoke and the second yoke are rotated in the first direction, the first yoke is configured to press against the first link and the second yoke is configured to press against the second link, and when the first yoke and the second yoke are rotated in the second direction, the first yoke is configured to press against the second link and the second yoke is configured to press against the first link.

5. The adjustable collimator according to claim 3, further comprising an actuator configured to rotate at least one of the first yoke and / or the second yoke.

6. The adjustable collimator according to claim 2, wherein the first yoke and the first link are configured to move the first shutter and the second shutter within a slot in the housing.

7. The adjustable collimator according to claim 2, wherein the pivot point of the first yoke is located at the longitudinal center of the first yoke.

8. The adjustable collimator according to claim 1, wherein the housing is configured to be attached to a radiation source, and the opening is in the path of the radiation emitted by the radiation source.

9. The adjustable collimator according to claim 1, further comprising an actuator configured to rotate the first yoke.

10. An X-ray generator that emits an X-ray beam, An image acquisition system that acquires multiple radiographs and generates one or more images based on the radiographs, An adjustable collimator for collimating the aforementioned X-ray beam, wherein the adjustable collimator is A housing having an opening, wherein the X-ray beam is directed through the opening from the inlet to the outlet of the housing, The first shutter and the second shutter within the housing, A first link coupled to the first shutter, It comprises a first yoke coupled to the housing at a pivot point and configured to pivot relative to the housing, The first yoke comprises an adjustable collimator that, when the first yoke is rotated in a first direction, moves the first shutter toward the second shutter via the first link, thereby reducing the effective width of the opening. The first shutter is an X-ray imaging system comprising a plunger that restrains the movement of the first shutter to follow a slot in the housing.

11. The X-ray imaging system according to claim 10, wherein the adjustable collimator further comprises a second link coupled to the second shutter, and the first yoke is configured to increase the effective width of the aperture by moving the second shutter away from the first shutter via the second link when the first yoke is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

12. The adjustable collimator further comprises a second yoke coupled to the housing at a second pivot point, The first yoke is configured to rotate the second yoke in the first direction when the first yoke is rotated in the first direction, and the second yoke is configured to move the second shutter toward the first shutter via the second link when rotated in the first direction. The X-ray imaging system according to claim 11, wherein the first yoke is configured to rotate the second yoke in the second direction via the second link when the first yoke is rotated in the second direction, and the second yoke is configured to move the first shutter away from the second shutter via the first link when the second yoke is rotated in the second direction.

13. The X-ray imaging system according to claim 12, wherein when the first yoke and the second yoke are rotated in the first direction, the first yoke is configured to press against the first link and the second yoke is configured to press against the second link, and when the first yoke and the second yoke are rotated in the second direction, the first yoke is configured to press against the second link and the second yoke is configured to press against the first link.

14. The X-ray imaging system according to claim 12, further comprising an actuator for rotating at least one of the first yoke or the second yoke, the adjustable collimator.

15. The X-ray imaging system according to claim 11, wherein the first yoke and the first link are configured to move the first shutter and the second shutter within a slot in the housing.

16. The X-ray imaging system according to claim 11, wherein the pivot point of the first yoke is the longitudinal center of the first yoke.

17. The X-ray imaging system according to claim 10, wherein the housing is attached to the X-ray generator such that the aperture is positioned in the path of the X-ray beam emitted by the X-ray generator.

18. The X-ray imaging system according to claim 10, further comprising an actuator for rotating the first yoke, wherein the adjustable collimator is further provided.

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