Continuously rotating CAT scanning apparatus and method
AssigneePfizer Inc.
InventorRonald F. Bax
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A tomographic scanner with a continuously rotating source of radiation is energized by converting inertial mechanical energy to electrical energy. The mechanical-to-electrical conversion apparatus is mounted with the X-ray source to be energized on a rotating flywheel. The inertial mechanical energy stored in the rotating conversion apparatus, flywheel and X-ray source is utilized for generating electrical energy used, in turn, to energize the X-ray source.
Claims38
A tomographic scanner of a type which utilizes a rotating source of radiation, said scanner comprising:
- a rotationally mounted support member;
- drive means for rotating said support member;
- an electrically activated source of radiation mounted for rotation with said support member;
- and
- conversion means also mounted for rotation with said support member for converting at least some of the inertial mechanical energy of the rotating apparatus into electrical energy sufficient to activate said source of radiation during a scan cycle of the tomographic scanner.
In a tomographic scanner of a type which utilizes a rotating source of penetrating radiation, an improvement characterized by:
- a rotating electrically operated source of penetrating radiation;
- and
- mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion means mounted for rotation with said source of penetrating radiation and connected to supply said source with electrical energy derived, at least in part, by converting inertial mechanical energy stored in the rotating conversion means itself into said electrical energy.
Apparatus for generating a rotating beam of penetrating radiation directed inwardly towards the axis of rotation, said apparatus comprising:
- an electrically operated source of penetrating radiation mounted for rotation about an axis, said source being disposed to provide a beam of penetrating radiation directed inwardly towards said axis;
- and
- mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion means mounted for rotation with said source of penetrating radiation and connected to supply said source with electrical energy derived, at least in part, by converting inertial mechanical energy into said electrical energy.
A method of generating a rotating beam of penetrating radiation directed inwardly towards the axis of rotation for use in a tomographic scanner, said method comprising the steps of:
- continuously rotating an electrically operated source of penetrating radiation about the axis of a tomographic scanner, said source being disposed to provide a beam of penetrating radiation directed inwardly towards said axis;
- continuously rotating additional components whereby substantial inertial mechanical energy is stored in such rotating components;
- converting, during one or more selected time periods, a portion of said stored mechanical energy to electrical energy suitable for, at least in part, energizing said source;
- and
- energizing said source with said converted electrical energy.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.