US 5,204,783 AGranted

Focusing apparatus for a folded collimating lens in an X-ray imaging system

AssigneeGeneral Electric Company

InventorsTerry D. Buss, Johnathan C. Boomgaarden, Michael D. Maki, Sharad K. Bohra

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Abstract

A focusing apparatus is provided for facilitating the adjustment of the focus for a fixed optics, folded collimating lens in an X-ray imaging system. An idler member is gear driven by an adjustment knob, and is threaded to receive a mating threaded portion of the collimating lens. The collimating lens is constrained from rotating by set screws on horizontal arms which bear on a stationary bushing. Rotation of the adjustment knob thereby causes rotation of the idler member while the collimating lens is restrained from rotating. This results in straight vertical movement of the collimating lens, up or down, until optimum focus is achieved. The set screws also provide for fine rotational alignment of the collimating lens with an image head.

Claims7

Dependent claims

A focusing apparatus for a folded optics collimating lens in an X-ray imaging apparatus comprising:

a folded optics collimating lens having a threaded cylindrical member projecting down from a bottom surface of the collimating lens;
an idler member having threads formed in a central bore, with the threads on the idler member being mated to and in mating engagement with the threaded cylindrical member of the collimating lens;
a base having a guide opening, with the idler member including a cylindrical surface rotatably disposed in the guide opening of the base;
means for rotating the idler member within the guide opening of the base;
and
means for restraining rotation of the collimating lens;
wherein rotation of the idler member imparts linear movement to the collimating lens along an axis of the rotation.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.