BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to mobile x-ray imaging and,
more particularly, to a mobile x-ray unit with an integrated x-ray shield and a method of
manufacturing thereof.
Conventional mobile medical diagnostic-imaging systems, such as mobile
digital x-ray imaging systems, are in widespread use by hospitals, trauma centers, and
clinics. Mobile digital x-Ray imaging systems consist primarily of an x-ray generator
and an x-ray tube mounted on a motorized chassis powered from a battery. The imaging
is performed on imaging media of either chemical film or an electronic detector.
Mobile medical x-ray imaging systems are often used when a patient is
unable to move to a fixed-based x-ray imaging system. To image the patient, a clinician
moves the mobile medical x-ray imaging system to the patient, positions the tube on one
side of the patient, places either a film screen cassette or an electronic detector on the
other side of the patient, and images an exposure. For chemical film imaging, the
clinician walks the film cassette to a film processor, develops the film and finally slips
the finished film on a light box to make sure that the exposure was of diagnostic quality,
considering, among other things, exposure technique and patient positioning. For
electronic detectors, the electronic image data is stored on electronic media and
physically transported to an electronic system that is capable of processing andlor
displaying the image.
In operation of mobile medical x-ray imaging systems, it is recognized that
the clinician or technician performing the scans must be shielded from the x-ray
radiation generated by the system. Traditionally, clinicians are shielded from the x-ray
radiation generated by the system by wearing a protective lead apron. However, it is
recognized that there are numerous drawbacks associated with the wearing and use of
such lead aprons. For example, protective lead aprons are typically very heavy and too
inconvenient to repeatedly wear and take-off. Thus, there is a day-to-day discomfort
and stress associated with the wearing and frequent changeovers (i.e., wearinglremoval)
of heavy lead aprons, and there are long-terms effectslinjuries associated with the use of
heavy lead aprons and its impact on the technician's well-being. Additionally, aprons
are prone to come in contact with body fluids (e.g., blood) that can only be treated via
manual washing, drying, and sanitizing, which is often a cumbersome task requiring
staff to perform these tasks in a safe way (as the aprons are not suitable for machine
washing). Furthermore, multiple technicians may sometimes be sharing the aprons and
thus be vulnerable to the risks associated with improper hygienic conditions of the
aprons.
In addition to user comfort and hygienic issues associated with the use of lead
aprons, it is also recognized that such aprons may get damaged internally over time due
to normal wear-and-tear and if they are not maintained well. If the technicians continue
using these damaged aprons, they will potentially be exposed to harmful radiation, and
thus meticulous and cumbersome apron tagging, along with strict observation of
inspection and management protocols, must be implemented in order ensure that the
lead aprons are in a usable condition. Even when the lead aprons are maintained in a
proper condition, it is recognized that in some countries, owing to a lack of awareness
and resources, technicians may be doing x-ray procedures without using adequate
protection, as the mobile x-ray imaging system itself does not prevent misuse (e.g.,
operation of the system without wearing of an apron).
The use of lead aprons as a means for radiation shielding not only causes
issues with respect to the health and safety of a wearer, but also causes issues with
respect to the efficiency and accuracy of performing patient scans. That is, in the
conventional method involving the technician to wear a protective lead apron, the
technician will perform the adjustments and articulations of the x-ray tube, collimator,
and detector on the mobile x-ray unit as needed with respect to the patient's body, then
walk as far away from the unit as feasible (e.g., 12-15 feet away from the patient bed)
before taking an exposure from a remote location via activation of the unit by a corded
3
or cordless exposure switch. This movement by the technician to different locations
increases the time required for the imaging operation and also prolongs the time for
which the patient has to keep holding-on to a body posture along with x-ray
cassette/detector, thus possibly causing discomfort for the patient, Furthermore, when
taking the exposure from a remote location, it is difficult for the technician to monitor or
verify if all the alignments and adjustments previously done were appropriate and have
not been disturbed until the time of exposure. Thus, if the patient or the x-ray unit has
moved without the technician noticing it while helshe walks to a remote location for
taking the exposure, the image quality will be adversely affected.
Therefore, it would be desirable to design a mobile x-ray unit that provides xray
radiation protection to a technician without the technician having to wear a
protective lead apron. It would also be desirable for such a mobile x-ray unit to enable
the technician to take x-ray exposures by staying in close proximity with the patient and
the mobile x-ray unit itself, while constantly assuring and communicating with the
patient during the procedure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the invention overcome the aforementioned drawbacks by
providing a mobile x-ray unit with an integrated x-ray shield. The x-ray shield on the
mobile x-ray unit provides x-ray radiation protection to a technician and negates the
need for the technician having to wear a protective lead apron.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a mobile x-ray imaging unit
includes a base, a column structure extending upwardly from the base, a horizontal arm
mounted on the column structure, an x-ray source positioned on the horizontal arm and
configured to generate x-ray radiation for acquisition of an x-ray image, and an x-ray
shield extending upwardly from the base on a side of the column structure opposite the
x-ray source and being configured to attenuate x-ray radiation generated by the x-ray
source, wherein at least a portion of the x-ray shield is formed of an optically
transparent material and wherein the x-ray shield is sized so as to provide x-ray
shielding to an operator when the operator is in a standing position.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a mobile x-ray imaging
unit includes a wheeled base comprising a bottom plane and a back plane, a column
structure extending upwardly from the bottom plane of the base, a horizontal arm
mounted on the column structure, an x-ray source positioned on the horizontal arm and
configured to generate x-ray radiation to accommodate acquisition of an x-ray image,
and an x-ray shield extending upwardly from the bottom plane of the base and up to a
height that is greater than a height of the back plane, with the x-ray shield being
configured to shield an operator from x-ray radiation generated by the x-ray source
during operation thereof and being constructed, at least in part, of an optically
transparent material to enable the operator to view a subject being imaged.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a method of
manufacturing a mobile x-ray imaging unit includes providing a base, affixing a
vertically oriented column structure to the base, and mounting a horizontal arm onto the
column structure, with the horizontal arm including an x-ray source attached thereto on
an end distal from the column structure that is configured to generate x-ray radiation for
5
acquisition of an x-ray image. The method also includes positioning a vertically
oriented x-ray shield on the base on a side of the column structure opposite the x-ray
source, with the x-ray shield being formed at least in part of an optically transparent
material configured to attenuate x-ray radiation generated by the x-ray source, so as to
shield an operator from the x-ray radiation.
Various other features and advantages will be made apparent from the
following detailed description and the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The drawings illustrate preferred embodiments presently contemplated for
carrying out the invention.
In the drawings:
FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of a mobile x-ray imaging unit with an
integrated x-ray shield according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views of a mobile x-ray imaging unit with an
integrated x-ray shield moved to a vertically extended position according to another
embodiment of the invention.
FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views of the mobile x-ray imaging unit of
FIGS. 3 and 4 with the x-ray shield moved to a vertically collapsed position.
FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views of a mobile x-ray imaging unit with an
integrated x-ray shield moved to horizontally extended and retracted positions according
to another embodiment of the invention.
FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views of a mobile x-ray imaging unit with an
integrated x-ray shield moved to horizontally extended and retracted positions according
to another embodiment of the invention.
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a obile x-b ray imaging unit
having an integrated x-ray shield. The x-ray shield has at ldast a partial section that is
I
optically transparent so as to enable an x-ray technician to lobserve and communicate
with the patient being scanned during preparation and exposbe from a location behind
I
the said x-ray shield. The transparent section of the integral shield is formed of a
material having a thickness sufficient to attenuate stray x-ray The form of the
generally vertically deployed x-ray shield is sufficient to cojer the standing height and
breadth of an adult technician while also leaving reasonabl b margin to accommodate
various standing postures of the technician behind it during eliposure.
Referring to FIGS. 1 AND 2, a mobile x-ray ii . aging unit 10 is shown
according to an embodiment of the invention. The mobf le x-ray imaging unit 10
includes a base 12 having wheels 14 thereon that provide mo ility to the system 10. As
shown in FIGS. 1 AND 2, the base 12 is constructed as an L- base that includes a
bottom plane 16 and a back plane 18 that extends upwardlyl from the bottom plane 16
!
along a back side of the mobile x-ray imaging unit 10. ~ h bdac k plane 18 includes a
handle 20 thereon that enables an x-ray technician to maneujer the imaging unit 10 and
move it from location to location. The base 12 also included a housing 22 mounted on
bottom plane 16 that is configured to enclose electrical harddare (not shown) associated
with operation of the mobile x-ray imaging unit 10. For exbmple, electrical hardware
associated with x-ray image acquisition and processing of he acquired x-ray images
may be housed within housing 22. t
Affixed to base 12 is a vertically oriented colum4 structure 24 that extends
upward from the base 12. A horizontally oriented telescopicl arm 26 is mounted on the
I
column structure 24, with the telescopic arm 26 having ab x-ray source 28 that is
mounted a distal end thereof. The telescopic arm 26 is moun9d on the column structure
24 by way of a track 30 formed on the column structure 24 so as to be slidable there 1
along in a vertical direction. The telescopic arm 26 can thu i be translated up or down
along the track 30 of column structure 24 so as to vary a hei th t of the x-ray source 28. The telescopic arm 26 can also be extended inwardly and o twardly to vary a position
8 4
of the x-ray source 28 relative to the column structure 24. Based on the horizontal and
vertical translation of the x-ray source 28 provided by the telescopic arm 26 and the
mounting thereof on the column structure 24, the x-ray source 28 can thus be positioned
as desired over an area of concern on a patient for acquisition of an x-ray image of the
patient.
As shown in FIGS. 1 AND 2, an integrated x-ray shield 32 is provided on
mobile x-ray imaging unit 10 that is configured to shield the x-ray technician from
radiation emitted during scanning of a patient. According to one embodiment, the x-ray
shield 32 is affixed to the column structure 24 and back plane 18 of base 12. The x-ray
shield 32 is constructed so as to be generally vertically deployed and to have a size and
dimensions that are sufficient to cover the standing height and breadth of an adult
technician, while also leaving reasonable leeway to accommodate various standing
postures of the technician behind it during exposure. Thus, according to the
embodiment of mobile x-ray imaging unit 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 AND 2, the x-ray
shield 32 will have a height of at least six feet and a width of at least two feet, for
example.
The x-ray shield 32 is further constructed such that at least a partial section of
the shield is optically transparent, so as to enable the x-ray technician to observe and
communicate with the patient being scanned during preparation and exposure from a
location behind the x-ray shield 32. Accordingly, the technician can take x-ray
exposures by staying in close proximity to the patient and the mobile x-ray imaging unit
10 to enable observation of the patient's body posture/movements, x-ray source
position, and collimator lighting, while also enabling communication between the
technician and the patient during the procedure via line-of-sight and communication
through hand gestures, direct eye contact, and spoken instructions. In order to provide
appropriate x-ray shielding to the technician, the transparent section of the integral x-ray
shield 32 is formed of a material that effectively attenuates stray x-ray radiation
generated during a scan of the patient. Thus, according to embodiments of the
invention, the x-ray shield 32 may be formed of leaded glass (ceramic), leaded acrylic
(polymericlplastic), or other suitable material of equivalent Pb thickness that attenuates
the stray x-ray radiation.
As further shown in FIGS. 1 AND 2, a display 34 and control panel 36 are
included on mobile x-ray imaging unit 10 that are used by the technician in connection
with a scanning operation of the patient. The display 34 and control panel 36 are
mounted on top of the back plane 18 and secured to x-ray shield 32, at a height that is
convenient for the technician to view and operatelmanipulate with his hands. In
operation, the control panel 36 hctions to control operation of various components of
the system, such as controlling movement of telescopic arm 26 (both horizontally and
vertically) and the emitting of x-rays by x-ray source 28.
According to an exemplary embodiment, control panel 36 includes a pair of
exposure switches 38 arranged proximate to the left and right side vertical edges of the
x-ray shield 32. In operation, the technician initiates an exposure via x-ray source 28 by
simultaneously pressinglactivating both of the exposure switches 38. The activation of
x-ray source 28 by pressing both exposure switches 38 ensures that the technician is
always in a secure location, centered behind the x-ray shield 32 while taking the
exposure, thereby removing any possibilities of an unsafelnegligent use of the imaging
unit 10 by an x-ray technician. A fool-proof arrangement for the technicians to protect
themselves during x-ray procedures is thus provided.
Referring now to FIGS. 3-6, a mobile digital x-ray imaging unit 40 is shown
according to another embodiment of the invention. The mobile x-ray imaging unit 40
includes a base 12 having wheels 14 thereon that provide mobility to the system 10.
The base 12 is constructed as an L-shaped base that includes a bottom plane 16 and a
back plane 18 that extends upwardly from the bottom plane 16 along a back side of the
mobile x-ray imaging unit 40. The back plane 18 includes a handle 20 thereon that
enables an x-ray technician to maneuver the imaging unit 40 and move it from location
to location. The base 12 also includes a housing 22 mounted on bottom plane 16 that is
configured to enclose electrical hardware (not shown) associated with operation of the
mobile x-ray imaging unit 40. For example, electrical hardware associated with x-ray
image acquisition and processing of the acquired x-ray images may be housed within
housing 22.
Affixed to base 12 is a vertically oriented column structure 42 that extends
upward from the base 12. A hinged arm 44 supporting an x-ray source 28 is mounted
on the column structure 42 and includes hinges 46 that enable the arm 44 to be moved
both horizontally and vertically to accommodate positioning of the x-ray source 28
relative to a patient as desired by a technician. The hinged arm 44 thus provides for
positioning of the x-ray source 28 as desired over an area of concern on a patient for
acquisition of an x-ray image of the patient.
Also included on mobile x-ray imaging unit 40 is an integrated x-ray shield
48 configured to shield the x-ray technician from radiation emitted during scanning of a
patient. According to one embodiment, the x-ray shield 48 is affixed to the column
structure 42 and back plane 18 of base 12. The x-ray shield 48 is constructed such that
at least a partial section of the shield is optically transparent, so as to enable the x-ray
technician to observe and communicate with the patient being scanned during
preparation and exposure from a location behind the x-ray shield 48, with the shield
having a size and dimensions that are sufficient to cover the height and breadth of an
adult technician. The transparent section of the integral x-ray shield 48 is formed of a
material that effectively attenuates stray x-ray radiation generated during a scan of the
patient. Thus, according to embodiments of the invention, the x-ray shield 48 may be
formed of leaded glass (ceramic), leaded acrylic (polymeric/plastic), or other suitable
material of equivalent Pb thickness that attenuates the stray x-ray radiation.
As shown in FIGS. 3-6, the x-ray shield 48 is configured as a telescopically
collapsing/expanding member that facilitates rapid full deployment and folding back of
the shield 48 during and after use, respectively, as desired by a technician. The
extendable x-ray shield 48 is configured to slide in a vertical direction between an
extended position and a collapsed position, such that a height of the x-ray shield 48 can
be varied. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the x-ray shield 48 is in an extendedlexpanded
position, such as would be desired when performing an x-ray scan on a patient. In the
extended position, the x-ray shield 48 has a height sufficient to cover the standing
height of an adult technician, while also leaving reasonable leeway to accommodate
various standing postures of the technician behind it during exposure. As shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6, the x-ray shield 48 is in a collapsed or retracted position, such as would
be desired when the mobile x-ray imaging unit 40 is not in use, so as to facilitate
moving of the system and storage thereof in small areas, such as under staircases and
under wall-mounted cabinets, for example.
As Wher shown in FIGS. 3-6, a display 34 and control panel 36 are included
on mobile x-ray imaging unit 40 that are used by the technician in connection with a
scanning operation of the patient. The display 34 and control panel 36 are mounted on
top of the back plane 18 and secured to x-ray shield 48, at a height that is convenient for
the technician to view and operatelmanipulate with his hands. In operation, the control
panel 36 functions to control operation of various components of the system, such as
controlling movement of telescopic arm 26 (both horizontally and vertically) and the
emitting of x-rays by x-ray source 28.
According to an exemplary embodiment, control panel 36 includes a pair of
exposure switches 38 arranged proximate to the left and right side vertical edges of the
x-ray shield 48. In operation, the technician initiates an exposure via x-ray source 28 by
simultaneously pressinglactivating both of the exposure switches 38. The activation of
x-ray source 28 by pressing both exposure switches 38 ensures that the technician is
always in a secure location, centered behind the x-ray shield 48 while taking the
exposure, thereby removing any possibilities of an unsafelnegligent use of the imaging
unit 10 by an x-ray technician. A fool-proof arrangement for the technicians to protect
themselves during x-ray procedures is thus provided.
According to an exemplary embodiment, where in the x-ray shield 48 is
configured as a telescopically collapsinglexpanding member, the mobile x-ray unit also
has a transducer 50 that detects the collapsed and extended states of the x-ray shield 48
and a controller 52 configured to enable operation of the x-ray source 28 only when the
x-ray shield 48 is in its extended state, thus making the operation of the mobile x-ray
imaging unit 40 adequately fool-proof. The transducer 50 provided may be one of a
contact switch (micro-switch / limit-switch), a potentiometer, an optical switchlencoder,
a magnetic switchlencoder, or similar device.
Referring now to FIGS. 7-10, additional embodiments of mobile digital x-ray
imaging unit 10 are shown that incorporate a collapsing/expanding x-ray shield member
that increases coverage for a technician in a horizontal directionldimension. In the
embodiments of FIGS. 7-10, the x-ray shield is configured as a collapsing/expanding
member that facilitates rapid full deployment and folding or sliding back of the shield
during and after use, respectively, as desired by a technician. In the embodiment of
FIGS. 7-8, an extendable x-ray shield 54 is provided that is configured to slide in and
out between an extended position and a collapsed position, such that a width of the xray
shield 54 can be varied. In FIGS. 9-10, an extendable x-ray shield 56 is provided
that is configured to hinge inward and outward in a horizontal direction between an
extended position and a collapsed position, such that a width of the x-ray shield 56 can
be varied. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the x-ray shield 54, 56 is in an extended
position, such as would be desired when performing an x-ray scan on a patient. In the
extended position, the x-ray shield 54, 56 has a width sufficient to cover the standing
dimensions of an adult technician, while also leaving reasonable leeway to
accommodate various standing postures of the technician behind it during exposure. As
shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the x-ray shield 54, 56 is in a collapsed or retracted position.
The collapsed or retracted position of x-ray shield 54, 56 reduces the footprint of the
mobile x-ray imaging unit 10 and helps in maneuvering it in compact spaces, such as in
an inter-bed space between two adjacent beds or in an elevatorllift in hospital facilities,
while also saving some space needed to parklstore the unit in hospital facilities.
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, mobile x-ray unit 10 includes transducers 50
that detect the collapsed and extended states of the x-ray shield 54, 56 and a controller
52 configured to enable operation of the x-ray source 28 only when the x-ray shield 54,
56 is in its extended state, thus making the operation of the mobile x-ray imaging unit
10 adequately fool-proof. The transducers 50 provided may be one of a contact switch
(micro-switch / limit-switch), a potentiometer, an optical switchlencoder, a magnetic
switchlencoder, or similar device.
It is recognized that the embodiments of the invention set forth above are
broadly applicable to both analog and digital mobile x-ray imaging units in many
applications and scenarios. That is, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
embodiments of the invention are applicable not only to mobile x-ray units that employ
digital detectors, but are equally applicable for use with analog units that employ film
screen cassettes rather than an electronic detector.
Beneficially, embodiments of the invention thus provide x-ray radiation
protection to a technician and negate the need for the technician having to wear a
protective lead apron, thereby eliminating the drawbacks associated with the use of such
aprons. Embodiments of the invention also benefit health administrators by eliminating
the need for periodic fluoroscopic inspection of lead shielding aprons, identification and
record keeping of inspectedin-service aprons for regulatory audits, cumbersome
protocols for safe disposal of damaged lead aprons, and the recurring cost of replacing
the damaged aprons and liabilities towards the long term health of the technicians.
Embodiments of the invention also enhance patient throughput productivity due to
shortened and more efficient workflow and higher employee satisfaction. Furthermore,
embodiments of the invention are broadly applicable to both analog and digital mobile
x-ray imaging units.
Therefore, according to one embodiment of the invention, a mobile x-ray
imaging unit includes a base, a column structure extending upwardly from the base, a
horizontal arm mounted on the column structure, an x-ray source positioned on the
horizontal arm and configured to generate x-ray radiation for acquisition of an x-ray
image, and an x-ray shield extending upwardly from the base on a side of the column
structure opposite the x-ray source and being configured to attenuate x-ray radiation
generated by the x-ray source, wherein at least a portion of the x-ray shield is formed of
an optically transparent material and wherein the x-ray shield is sized so as to provide xray
shielding to an operator when the operator is in a standing position.
According to another embodiment of the invention, a mobile x-ray imaging
unit includes a wheeled base comprising a bottom plane and a back plane, a column
structure extending upwardly from the bottom plane of the base, a horizontal arm
mounted on the column structure, an x-ray source positioned on the horizontal arm and
configured to generate x-ray radiation to accommodate acquisition of an x-ray image,
and an x-ray shield extending upwardly fiom the bottom plane of the base and up to a
height that is greater than a height of the back plane, with the x-ray shield being
configured to shield an operator fiom x-ray radiation generated by the x-ray source
during operation thereof and being constructed, at least in part, of an optically
transparent material to enable the operator to view a subject being imaged.
According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a method of
manufacturing a mobile x-ray imaging unit includes providing a base, affixing a
vertically oriented column structure to the base, and mounting a horizontal arm onto the
column structure, with the horizontal arm including an x-ray source attached thereto on
an end distal from the column structure that is configured to generate x-ray radiation for
acquisition of an x-ray image. The method also includes positioning a vertically
oriented x-ray shield on the base on a side of the column structure opposite the x-ray
source, with the x-ray shield being formed at least in part of an optically transparent
material configured to attenuate x-ray radiation generated by the x-ray source, so as to
shield an operator from the x-ray radiation.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including
the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention,
including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may
include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are
intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not
differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural
elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

We Claim:
1. A mobile x-ray imaging unit comprising:
a base;
a column structure extending upwardly from the base;
a horizontal arm mounted on the column structure;
an x-ray source positioned on the horizontal arm and configured to
generate x-ray radiation for acquisition of an x-ray image; and
an x-ray shield extending upwardly from the base on a side of the
column structure opposite the x-ray source and being configured to attenuate x-ray
radiation generated by the x-ray source, wherein at least a portion of the x-ray shield is
formed of an optically transparent material and wherein the x-ray shield is sized so as to
provide x-ray shielding to an operator when the operator is in a standing position.
2. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 1 wherein the optically
transparent material comprises one of leaded glass and a leaded acrylic material.
3. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim I wherein the column structure
includes a vertically oriented track formed thereon.
4. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 3 wherein the horizontal arm
comprises a telescopic arm configured to extend in a horizontal direction and slide
along the track on the column structure in a vertical direction, so as to provide for
positioning of the x-ray source.
5. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 1 wherein the horizontal arm
comprises a hinged arm attached to an upper end of the column structure, the hinged
arm configured to enable movement of the x-ray source both horizontally and vertically
to provide for positioning of the x-ray source.
16
6. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 1 further comprising a display
and a control panel configured to control operation and positioning of the x-ray source.
7. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 6 wherein the control panel
comprises a pair of exposure switches configured to control operation of the x-ray
source.
8. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 7 wherein the generation of x-ray
radiation by the x-ray source is initiated when the pair of exposure switches is
simultaneously pressed.
9. The mobile x-ray imaging imit of claim 8 wherein the pair of exposure
switches are arranged proximate to left and right side vertical edges of the x-ray shield,
respectively, such that the technician is centered behind the x-ray shield when
simultaneously pressing the pair of exposure switches.
10. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 1 wherein the x-ray shield
comprises a telescopic shield that is expandable in a vertical direction between an
extended position and a collapsed position, such that a height of the x-ray shield can be
varied.
11. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 10 further comprising:
at least one transducer configured to detect the extended position of the
x-ray shield; and
a controller configured to enable operation of the x-ray source only when
the x-ray shield is in its extended position.
12. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 1 wherein the x-ray shield
comprises a shield that is expandable in a horizontal direction between an extended
position and a collapsed position, such that a width of the x-ray shield can be varied.
17
13. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 12 fiirther comprising:
at least one transducer configured to detect the extended position of the
x-ray shield; and
a controller configured to enable operation of the x-ray source only when
the x-ray shield is in its extended position.
14. A mobile x-ray imaging unit comprising:
a wheeled base comprising a bottom plane and a back plane;
a column structure extending upwardly from the bottom plane of the
base;
a horizontal arm mounted on the column structure;
an x-ray source positioned on the horizontal arm, the x-ray source
configured to generate x-ray radiation to accommodate acquisition of an x-ray image;
and
an x-ray shield extending upwardly from the bottom plane of the base
and up to a height that is greater than a height of the back plane, the x-ray shield being
configured to shield an operator from x-ray radiation generated by the x-ray source
during operation thereof and being constructed, at least in part, of an optically
transparent material to enable the operator to view a subject being imaged.
15. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 14 wherein the optically
transparent material is configured to attenuate x-ray radiation generated by the x-ray
source.
16. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 15 wherein the optically
transparent material comprises one of leaded glass and a leaded acrylic material.
17. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 16 wherein the horizontal arm
comprises a telescopic arm extendable in a horizontal direction, the telescopic arm
configured to translate along the column structure in a vertical direction.
18
18. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 14 wherein the horizontal arm
comprises a hinged arm attached to an upper end of the column structure, the hinged
arm configured to enable movement of the x-ray source in horizontal and vertical
directions.
19. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 14 further comprising a control
panel positioned adjacent a top edge of the back plane of the base and on a side of the
x-ray shield opposite the column structure, the control panel comprising a pair of
exposure switches configured to control operation of the x-ray source.
20. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 19 wherein the pair of exposure
switches are arranged proximate to left and right side vertical edges of the x-ray shield,
respectively, and wherein generation of x-ray radiation by the x-ray source is initiated
when the pair of exposure switches is simultaneously pressed.
21. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 14 wherein the x-ray shield
comprises an extendable x-ray shield configured to slide in a vertical direction between
an extended position and a collapsed position, such that a height of the x-ray shield can
be varied.
22. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 21 further comprising:
at least one transducer configured to detect the extended position of the
x-ray shield; and
a controller configured to enable operation of the x-ray source only when
the said x-ray shield is in its extended position.
23. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 14 wherein the x-ray shield
comprises a shield that is expandable in a horizontal direction between an extended
position and a collapsed position, such that a width of the x-ray shield can be varied.
24. The mobile x-ray imaging unit of claim 23 further comprising:
19
at least one transducer configured to detect the extended position of the
x-ray shield; and
a controller configured to enable operation of the x-ray source only when the
said x-ray shield is in its extended position.
25. A method of manufacturing a mobile x-ray imaging imit, the method
comprising:
providing a base;
affixing a vertically oriented column structure to the base;
mounting a horizontal arm onto the column structure, the horizontal arm
including an x-ray source attached thereto on an end distal from the column structure
that is configured to generate x-ray radiation for acquisition of an x-ray image; and
positioning a vertically oriented x-ray shield on the base on a side of the
column structure opposite the x-ray source, the x-ray shield being formed at least in part
of an optically transparent material configured to attenuate x-ray radiation generated by
the x-ray source, so as to shield an operator from the x-ray radiation.
26. The method of claim 25 fiirther comprising affixing a control panel onto
a back surface of the x-ray shield, the control panel comprising a pair of exposure
switches configured to control operation of the x-ray source, with the pair of exposure
switches being positioned proximate to left and right side vertical edges of the x-ray
shield, respectively, such that the operator is centered behind the x-ray shield when
simultaneously pressing the pair of exposure switches.
27. The method of claim 25 wherein the vertically oriented x-ray shield is
configured to be extendable in at least one of a vertical direction and a horizontal
direction; and
wherein the method further comprises:
providing at least one transducer configured to detect when the xray
shield is in an extended state; and
providing a controller configured to enable operation of the x-ray
source only when the x-ray shield is in the extended state, so as to shield the operator
from the x-ray radiation.