X-ray handswitch apparatus and system
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorKevin Andrew Coombs
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A handswitch configured to be held by an operator of an x-ray system, configured for using handswitchable equipment to operate the x-ray system, is disclosed. The handswitch includes an exterior housing so dimensioned as to fit into a hand of the operator. An exposure switch is disposed on the exterior housing and is configured to initiate an x-ray exposure. A tactile feedback mechanism is configured to indicate, to the operator of the x-ray system, transmission of x-rays by the x-ray system.
Claims20
A handswitch configured to be held by an operator of an x-ray system configured for using handswitchable equipment to operate the x-ray system, the handswitch comprising:
- an exterior housing so dimensioned as to fit into a hand of the operator;
- an exposure switch disposed on the exterior housing and configured to initiate an x-ray exposure;
- and
- a tactile feedback mechanism configured to indicate, to the operator of the x-ray system, transmission of x-rays by the x-ray system.
A handswitch configured to be held by an operator of an x-ray system configured for using handswitchable equipment to operate the x-ray system, the handswitch comprising:
- an exterior housing so dimensioned as to fit into a hand of the operator;
- an exposure switch disposed on the exterior housing and configured to initiate an x-ray exposure;
- a first tactile feedback mechanism configured to indicate, to the operator of the x-ray system, transmission of x-rays by the x-ray system;
- a prepare switch disposed on the exterior housing, the prepare switch configured to initiate preparation of the x-ray system for the x-ray exposure;
- and
- a second tactile feedback mechanism configured to indicate a preparation status of the x-ray system to initiate the x-ray exposure;
- wherein a portion of the exterior housing comprises a first deformable surface;
- wherein the first tactile feedback mechanism is configured to be responsive to transmission of x-rays by the x-ray system and to cause a deformation of the first deformable surface in response to activation of the exposure switch;
- wherein in response to transmission of x-rays by the x-ray system, the first tactile feedback mechanism is configured to maintain the deformation of the first deformable surface;
- and
- wherein in response to activation of the prepare switch, the first tactile feedback mechanism is configured remove the deformation of the first deformable surface.
An x-ray system to provide x-ray images of a subject, the system comprising:
- an x-ray machine configured to transmit x-ray radiation and receive the transmitted x-ray radiation having passed through the subject;
- an x-ray console in signal communication with the x-ray machine, the x-ray console configured to control the x-ray machine;
- and
- a handswitch in signal communication with the x-ray console, the handswitch configured to be held by an operator of the x-ray system, the handswitch comprising:
- an exterior housing so dimensioned as to fit into a hand of the operator;
- an exposure switch disposed on the exterior housing and configured to initiate the x-ray transmission;
- and
- a tactile feedback mechanism configured to indicate, to the operator of the x-ray system, transmission of x-rays by the x-ray system.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.