# US 11,026,646 B2 · Systems and methods for digital X-ray imaging

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 11,026,646 B2
- Document ID: US11026646B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 16/269,460
- Filed: 2019-02-06
- Published: 2019-08-08
- Granted: 2021-06-08
- Earliest claimed: 2018-02-07
- Assignees: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
- Applicants: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
- Inventors: Amine Belarbi; Jason Bourn; Paul Benson
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11026646B2

## CPC

- A61B 6/4405: {the apparatus being movable or portable, e.g. handheld or mounted on a trolley}
- A61B 6/06: Diaphragms
- A61B 6/107: {Protection against radiation, e.g. shielding}
- A61B 6/405: {Source units specially adapted to modify characteristics of the beam during the data acquisition process (A61B6/4021, A61B6/4035 take precedence)}
- A61B 6/4441: {the rigid structure being a C-arm or U-arm}
- A61B 6/467: {characterised by special input means}
- A61B 6/487: {involving fluoroscopy}
- A61B 6/54: {Control of apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis}
- A61B 6/56: {Details of data transmission or power supply, e.g. use of slip rings}
- G01T 1/20: with scintillation detectors
- G01T 1/2002: {Optical details, e.g. reflecting or diffusing layers}
- G01T 1/2018: {Scintillation-photodiode combinations}
- G01T 1/24: with semiconductor detectors
- G01T 7/00: Details of radiation-measuring instruments
- G21F 1/085: {Heavy metals or alloys}
- H01J 35/02: Details
- H04N 5/321: with video transmission of fluoroscopic images
- A61B 6/4035: {the source being combined with a filter or grating}
- A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D)
- G01T: MEASUREMENT OF NUCLEAR OR X-RADIATION (radiation analysis of materials, mass spectrometry G01N23/00; tubes for determining the presence, intensity, density or energy of radiation or particles H01J47/00)
- G21F: PROTECTION AGAINST X-RADIATION, GAMMA RADIATION, CORPUSCULAR RADIATION OR PARTICLE BOMBARDMENT; TREATING RADIOACTIVELY CONTAMINATED MATERIAL; DECONTAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS THEREFOR (radiation protection by pharmaceutical means A61K8/00, A61Q17/04; in cosmonautic vehicles B64G1/54; combined with a reactor G21C11/00; combined with X-ray tubes H01J35/16; combined with X-ray apparatus H05G1/02)
- H01J: ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS (spark-gaps H01T; electric arc lamps H05B31/00; particle accelerators H05H)
- H04N: PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION

## Abstract

X-ray detectors for generating digital images are disclosed. An example digital X-ray detector includes: a scintillation screen; a reflector configured to reflect light generated by the scintillation screen; and a digital imaging sensor configured to generate a digital image of the light reflected by the reflector.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A portable X-ray scanner, comprising:
a digital X-ray detector, comprising:
a scintillation screen;
a reflector configured to reflect light generated by the scintillation screen, wherein the reflector and the scintillation screen are arranged at substantially a 30 degree angle; and
a digital imaging sensor configured to generate digital images of the light reflected by the reflector, wherein a thickness of the digital X-ray detector is less than 2.5 inches;
an X-ray tube configured to output X-ray radiation toward the scintillation screen;
a frame configured to hold the X-ray detector and the X-ray tube;
a handle couple to the frame and configured to enable a single user to position the X-ray detector and the X-ray tube while carrying the frame during output of the X-ray radiation; and
a trigger coupled to the frame on a same side of the frame as the X-ray tube and configured to enable the user carrying the frame to control output of the X-ray radiation.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The portable X-ray scanner as defined in claim 1, further comprising a trigger configured to control the X-ray tube to output the X-ray radiation in response to user input.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The portable X-ray scanner as defined in claim 1, further comprising a housing coupled to the frame and configured to hold the scintillation screen and the reflector.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The portable X-ray scanner as defined in claim 1, further comprising a bracket configured to adjust an angle of the digital imaging sensor with respect to the reflector.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The portable X-ray scanner as defined in claim 1, further comprising a display device configured to display the digital images.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The portable X-ray scanner as defined in claim 5, wherein the display device is configured to display the digital images in real-time.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The portable X-ray scanner as defined in claim 1, wherein the display device is configured to receive the digital images via wireless communications.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The portable X-ray scanner as defined in claim 1, further comprising at least one of a reflective element or a refractive element to direct the light between the scintillation screen and the digital imaging sensor.