US 5,144,123 AGranted

X-ray image dissecting intensifier with pinhole aperture anode for image dissection

OwnerKarl Malashankoinventor

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Abstract

An image dissecting intensifier tube for use in an x-ray examination system is taught. X-ray photons pass through a subject are received by the image dissecting intensifier tube, which converts the photons to electrons. By use of electrostatic plates, the electrons are accelerated, deflected horizontally and vertically, and focused as they pass through the tube. The electrons emit from the tube by feeding the electron image line-by-line through a small aperture formed in the anode of the tube. The video signal that pass through the aperture are received by a multiplier tube built onto the image dissecting intensifier tube which amplifies the signal. The signal passes to a video control unit, which takes the amplified signal and mixes the signal with horizontal and vertical sweep signals, producing a composite video signal. The composite video signal is then displayed on a monitor for viewing. The image obtained is brighter and clearer than that achieved by traditional x-ray systems.

Claims9

Dependent claims

An x-ray image observing device comprising:

(a) means for generating an x-ray image the x-ray image comprising of x-ray photons of a subject;
(b) an image dissecting intensifier tube, the tube comprising:
(1) an outer casing;
(2) an input phosphor disposed within the casing, the input phosphor receiving the x-ray photons from the means for generating and converting the x-ray photons to visible light photons;
(3) a photocathode disposed in the casing adjacent to the phosphor, the photocathode receiving the visible light photons and converting them to electrons;
(4) a plurality of axially aligned electrostatic lenses, the lenses accelerating and focusing the electrons, the electrons passing through the lenses from one to another serially;
(5) an anode adjacent to the lenses, the anode drawing the electrons through the tube, the anode having a pinhole aperture formed therein, the anode allowing the electrons to pass through the aperture in a dissected manner;
(6) a plurality of horizontal and vertical deflection plates disposed within the casing adjacent to the anode;
and
(7) a multiplier tube, the multiplier tube attached to the anode and having a second cathode, a plurality of dynodes and a second anode, the multiplier tube receiving the electrons through said anode and amplifying the electrons;
(c) a video control unit, the unit adding horizontal and vertical sweep signals to the amplified electrons, the sweep signals mixing with the amplified electrons to provide a mixed signal capable of display on a video monitor.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.