Timer circuit for X-ray imaging system

A timer circuit for an X-ray imaging system having an X-ray generator used to generate images of a patient, comprising:

• a main power system;
• a circuit interrupter connected to the X-ray generator;
• a control computer;
• a current sensor connected between the main power system and the circuit interrupter, and
• a timing device coupled between the current sensor and the control computer, wherein the timing device is triggered when a current level detected by the current sensor exceeds an idle current level wherein X-rays are not generated by the X-ray generator, wherein the timing device measures a time period that the idle current level is exceeded, and wherein when the measured time period exceeds a predetermined time period by 10%, the circuit interrupter is configured to turn off current flow to the X-ray generator.

A method of turning off an X-ray generator used to generate images of a patient, comprising:

• providing a current sensor connected between a main power system and a circuit interrupter, wherein the circuit interrupter is connected to the X-ray generator;
• triggering a timing device when a current level detected by the current sensor exceeds a predetermined current level;
• measuring a time period that the predetermined current level is exceeded;
• and
• activating the circuit interrupter to turn off current flow to the X-ray generator when the measured time period exceeds a predetermined time period.