초록 ▼

A portable and preferably hand-held X-ray generator for use in intraoral and other X-ray applications, and a new process of dental image acquisition which utilizes a novel receptor holder physically linked to the lightweight, portable generator, and a unique, articulating arm and cradle which allows

A portable and preferably hand-held X-ray generator for use in intraoral and other X-ray applications, and a new process of dental image acquisition which utilizes a novel receptor holder physically linked to the lightweight, portable generator, and a unique, articulating arm and cradle which allows one generator to be used in multiple operatories. The system\s generator has a reduced X-ray output and much smaller focal spot area than conventional dental X-ray generators, which reduces the X-ray output and the overall patient X-ray burden. The smaller focal spot also allows for improved resolution in the final image.

대표청구항 ▼

A portable X-ray device, comprising: a handle configured to be held by a single hand; an X-ray tube mounted within the handle; a collimated tube mounted to the handle and positioned such that X-rays will be emitted into the collimated tube when the X-ray tube is activated; wiring extending between a

A portable X-ray device, comprising: a handle configured to be held by a single hand; an X-ray tube mounted within the handle; a collimated tube mounted to the handle and positioned such that X-rays will be emitted into the collimated tube when the X-ray tube is activated; wiring extending between an interior of the handle and an exterior of the handle and operative to couple an external power supply to the X-ray tube; an enable switch mounted to the handle; and an exposure switch mounted to the handle; wherein the X-ray tube will only emit X-rays when the enable switch and the exposure switch are both depressed. A portable X-ray device, comprising: an enclosure; an X-ray tube mounted within the enclosure; a collimated tube mounted to the enclosure and positioned such that X-rays will be emitted into the collimated tube when the X-ray tube is activated; wiring extending between an interior of the enclosure and an exterior of the enclosure and operative to couple an external power supply to the X-ray tube; power supply circuitry operative to generate a voltage to drive the X-ray tube, wherein the power supply circuitry is not contained within the enclosure and is coupled to the enclosure by the wiring; whereby a weight of the enclosure is significantly reduced; control circuitry operative to control an exposure time of the X-ray tube, wherein the control circuitry is not contained within the enclosure and is coupled to the enclosure by the wiring; a remote control receiver coupled to the power supply and control circuitry; and a remote control transmitter operable for wireless transmission of an enable signal and an exposure signal to the remote control receiver; wherein the control circuitry causes a warm-up current to be applied to the X-ray tube when the enable signal is received by the remote control receiver. A method for generating an X-ray image, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a portable X-ray device, comprising: a handle configured to be held by a single hand; an X-ray tube mounted within the handle; a collimated tube mounted to the handle and positioned such that X-rays will be emitted into the collimated tube when the X-ray tube is activated; wiring extending between an interior of the handle and an exterior of the handle and operative to couple an external power supply to the X-ray tube; an enable switch mounted to the handle; and an exposure switch mounted to the handle; wherein the X-ray tube will only emit X-rays when the enable switch and the exposure switch are both depressed. (b) grasping the handle with a single hand; (c) depressing the enable switch with a first finger of the hand; (d) aiming the collimated tube at an X-ray image receptor, wherein a structure to be imaged is positioned between the collimated tube and the receptor; and (e) depressing the exposure switch with a second finger of the hand while holding the enable switch in a depressed position.