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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to new and useful improvements in X-ray systems and
more particularly to an X-ray system utilizing a contoured X-ray source
and a contoured X-ray film cassette having an edge wall portion contoured
to fit the surface of an object adjacent or next to the portion of the
object to be subjected to X-rays.
2. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
The usual imaging systems using X-rays are totally based on the geometric
distribution of X-rays and the geometric detection of the X-rays. The
usual detection devices for X-rays, e.g. X-ray film cassettes, are
constructed in a manner based on the physical properties of the X-ray
source. Standard X-ray cassettes are geometric, usually square or
rectangular, and do not often conform to the subject or adjacent structure
outline, thus limiting subject evaluation.
Cassettes have long been used in energy detecting devices for detection of
X-ray and other detectable forms of energy used for examination of the
interior of objects. Such cassettes are flat boxes which hold an image
fixing medium (X-ray film or the like) in a position adjacent the portion
of the object or body being subjected to detection or scanning. Cassettes
are usually made of plastic or cardboard. Metal cassettes may be used
where the metal does not interfere with the image being detected or fixed.
Standard X-ray cassettes are thin, flat, rectangular (or square) plastic or
cardboard boxes which hold the film or other energy detecting medium. The
flat edge wall of conventional square or rectangular cassettes often does
not conform to the subject or structure outline which limits the subject
evaluation or measurement.
In mammography, the standard cassettes used are square or rectangular. This
configuration precludes consistent evaluation of deep breast tissue and
therefore deep lesions or cancers may go undetected. In industrial uses,
the standard cassettes used are likewise square or rectangular which may
not conform to the subject or adjacent structure outline.
The contoured imaging system of this invention contours the X-ray source
and the X-ray film cassette to more closely conform to the anatomic,
physiological and/or structural configuration of the object or adjacent
structure being evaluated. The contoured cassette is constructed in a
manner based on the physiologic, anatomic and/or structural properties of
the subject or adjacent structure being evaluated. This consideration
allows more complete evaluation of the subject or adjacent structures. The
contoured cassette is so constructed as to conform to subject or adjacent
structure outline, enhancing subject evaluation.
In mammography, the standard X-ray energy source is distributed in a
geometric pattern to be detected in this geometric pattern by a geometric
X-ray film cassette and the film therein. In mammography, standard
detection devices are square or rectangular. This configuration precludes
consistent evaluation of deep breast tissue and therefore deep lesions or
cancers will be undetected. The contoured imaging system of this invention
contours the X-ray energy beam or X-ray source to conform to a contoured
X-ray film cassette to allow decrease in exposure to radiation of body
structures not included in the field of a contoured and contiguous
detection device. The primary beam is shielded or absorbed prior to
exposure to the X-ray film cassette. The source of X-ray energy is
contoured to almost exactly conform to the contoured appearance of the
X-ray film cassette. Intervening and supportive structures and materials
also are contoured to almost exactly progress the contoured concept
throughout the system. Similar contouring of the beam to cassette axis may
be used in standard radiography. The contoured cassette is designed, in
this instance, to conform to the chest wall inferior to the breast
allowing consistent visualization of the deep breast and chest wall.
In industrial uses, standard detection devices do not always conform to the
subject or adjacent structure outline. The contoured cassette in such case
conforms to the subject or adjacent structure outline and the X-ray
source, intervening and supportive structures and materials also contoured
to progress the contoured concept throughout the system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One object of this invention is to provide an X-ray system that allows the
restriction of the source of X-ray energy to almost exactly conform to the
outline of a contoured X-ray film cassette.
It is another object of this invention is to provide an X-ray system that
allows the restriction of the source of X-ray energy to almost exactly
conform to the outline of a contoured X-ray film cassette having an edge
wall portion contoured to fit the surface of an object adjacent to the
portion of the object to be subjected to X-rays.
Another object of this invention is to decrease exposure to the energy
source of adjacent structures by confining the energy beam or source to
only the structures being evaluated.
Another object of this invention is to decrease exposure to the energy
source of adjacent structures by confining the energy beam or source to
only the structures being evaluated and for examination of the interior of
objects configured to evaluate portions of the body which are
substantially inaccessible.
Another object of this invention is to provide ax X-ray detection system to
increase visualization of structures or structures adjacent to them by
contouring the X-ray source and the X-ray film cassette so that the X-ray
beam conforms to the subject or adjacent structures. In all instances, the
configuration of the film cassette determines the configuration of the
controlled X-ray energy beam or source.
Another object of this invention, in its medical application, is to contour
the X-ray beam to the contour of the edge of an X-ray film cassette to
increase the comfort of examination, as in mammography. Presently
available cassettes have squared margins and in the use they press against
the non-geometric chest wall causing discomfort during the examination.
The contoured cassette eliminates this discomfort in that the margins
contour with the outline of the thorax allowing close approximation
without discomfort. Also, as presently applied, cassettes require that a
patient be put in awkward positions to evaluate certain areas of the body,
for example, to evaluate the mandible, the patient has to fully extend the
neck. The contoured cassette would be made to contour the neck superiorly,
not requiring excessive extension to evaluate the mandible.
Another object of the contoured cassette is to develop new and more
revealing views of the human body by its configuration and application.
Other objects of the invention will become apparent from time to time
throughout the specification and claims as hereinafter related.
These and other objects of the invention are accomplished by an X-ray
system where an X-ray energy source is curved, contoured, or otherwise
restricted to conform almost exactly, to the outline or contour of a
detection device, i.e. X-ray film cassette. All supporting structures
associated in the path of the contoured energy source, between the energy
source and the detection device and the supporting structures of the
detective device, are constructed or designed to complement the general
concept. Its benefit is to allow the use of contoured X-ray film cassettes
without increased exposure of adjacent structures, not in the
source/detection device axis, to the primary beam or source of energy by
contouring the source of energy almost exactly to the configuration of the
film cassette. The X-ray cassette has an edge wall portion contoured to
fit the surface of an object adjacent to the portion of the object to be
subjected to X-rays. In use, the cassette is placed adjacent the portion
of the object to be X-rayed with the contoured edge wall fitting the
surface and permitting X-rays to reach the X-ray film with a minimum of
interference.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a view of the axis from an X-ray tube to a contoured cassette
illustrating one preferred embodiment of an X-ray system constituting this
invention.
FIG. 2 shows a conceptual demonstration of the contoured X-ray imaging
system as an array of stacked intervening structures and contoured energy
photos
FIG. 3 shows the X-ray energy source/X-ray film cassette axis with the area
of the energy beam or source restricted by a collimator and cone device.
FIG. 4 shows the alternative demonstration of FIG. 3 with the contoured
shielding material in the collimator and the cone apparatus. The contoured
compression plate, the contoured cassette and the contoured cassette
holder and/or exposure monitor plate are shown.
FIG. 5 shows a contoured cassette with contoured margin.
FIG. 6 shows a contoured dual cassette with contoured portion shaded.
FIG. 7 shows an application of the contoured X-ray imaging system with the
contoured portions shaded.
FIG. 8 shows the collimator and cone device from above with shielding
material.
FIG. 9 shows a view of the X-ray cassette from above consisting of a box
for holding an X-ray film having an edge wall portion contoured for a
different application.
FIG. 10 shows a view of the X-ray cassette consisting of a box for holding
an image fixing medium having an edge wall portion contoured for still
another application.
FIG. 11 is an edge elevation of the cassettes shown in FIGS. 5, 9 and 10.
FIG. 12 shows a view of the X-ray cassette consisting of a box for holding
an X-ray film having an edge wall portion contoured to fit the stomach and
positioned to evaluate an umbilical hernia.
FIG. 13 shows a view of the X-ray cassette from above consisting of a box
for holding an X-ray film having an edge wall portion contoured to fit and
fitted against a female or male body portion adjacent to the breast.
FIG. 14 shows a view of the X-ray cassette from side to evaluate the human
breast.
FIG. 15 shows a view of the X-ray cassette from top to evaluate the
shoulder and upper arm extending from the chest.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The contoured X-ray imaging system represent an axis formed by a contoured
detectable form of energy, i.e., X-rays, contoured intervening structures,
and contoured energy detection and support devices, i.e., X-ray cassette.
The general purpose is to improve evaluation of structures exposed to the
system. The specific purpose of contouring the X-ray energy source is to
decrease or eliminate exposure of structures not included in the axis. For
example, in mammography, the exposure is limited to the human breast and
the contouring of the energy source, X-rays, eliminates or decreases
exposure of the human chest wall to X-rays.
FIG. 1 shows a view of the axis from the energy source, E, an X-ray tube in
this instance, to the detection device, B, in this instance a contoured
cassette, with shaded portions representing the contoured aspects of each
structure throughout as in, G, an example of the shading, other lettered
structures are the collimator, D, cone device, C, contoured compression
plate, A, contoured biopsy plate, F, and contoured cassette
holder/exposure monitor plate, H.
FIG. 2 shows a conceptual demonstration of the contoured imaging system as
an array of stacked intervening structures and contoured energy photos, K.
with limitation of the energy source, X-ray tube, and cut away, that is
contoured, aspects of other structures in the energy source/detector axis,
J.
FIG. 3 shows the energy source/detector axis with the area of the X-ray
energy beam or source restricted by collimator, D, and cone device, C. The
edge of the contoured restricting material is shown as jagged oblique
line. The cut away, i.e. contoured, portion of subsequent structures in
the source/detector axis are seen as A, B, and H. Representing the cut
away, i.e. contoured, portions are A, a compression plate, B, a cassette,
and H, a cassette holder and/or exposure monitor plate.
FIG. 4 shows the alternative demonstration of FIG. 3 with the contoured
shielding material in the collimator, D, and the cone apparatus, C. The
contoured compression plate, A, the contoured cassette and the contoured
cassette holder and/or exposure monitor plate are shown.
FIG. 5 shows a contoured cassette, B, with contoured margin, J. All
structures in the detector aspect of the energy source/detector axis would
have similar and complementing outline as in A, B, F, and H, in FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 shows a contoured dual cassette, B, patent applied for, with
contoured portion shaded. All internal structures such as X-ray film, L,
lead shielding, I, foam support material, N, intensifying screens, grids
or any other part of the cassette is contoured, similarly, and as in FIG.
5.
FIG. 7 shows an application of the contoured imaging system with the
contoured portions shaded and as, G. Structures as lettered are X-ray
tube, E, contoured collimator, D, contoured cone device, C, contoured
compression plate, A, contoured cassette, B, with contoured portion, R,
and the contoured cassette holder/exposure monitor device Anatomic
structures lettered are human breast, O, with axillary slip, P, and chest
wall, Q. The contoured X-ray beam or source is indicated by radiating
jagged lines.
FIG. 8 shows the collimator, D, and cone device, C, from above with
shielding material, S.
The various sections of the X-ray energy source/detector axis are
specifically and complimentary contoured. FIG. 7 shows hoe the detectable
energy source or X-rays are contoured by shielding material, such as
contoured lead sheet, in the collimator, D, and cone device, C, by placing
the shielding material within this structures as in FIG. 8, S. FIG. 7
shows how the remaining structures in the axis are contoured in a
complimentary manner, as is the energy source. The compression plate, A,
is contoured, the cassette, B, is contoured, and the cassette
holder/exposure monitor plate, H, is contoured. This allows the energy
source to almost match the configuration of the detection device and
supporting or additional structures in the axis, FIG. 5 and 6 indicates
that all internal parts of a contoured cassette, film, grids, shielding
materials, support material, and intensifying screens are similarly and,
almost exactly, contoured to the configuration of the contoured cassette
outline. Any device used with the contoured imaging system is similarly
contoured as, F, FIG. 1, a contoured biopsy plate.
The cassette is constructed of cardboard, plastic, metal and/or other
durable material that has properties which allow the transfer of energy to
the detection material or device for detection. The prime feature is that
it contour to the surface or interface of the structure or adjacent
structure which is to be evaluated. The purpose of this contouring is to
enhance and increase the amount of information derived from X-ray
examination. The cassette is constructed so that one or several edges are
arced in a manner that contours to an adjacent structure or a structure to
be evaluated. As an example, in FIGS. 7 and 8, the cassette is contoured
to conform to the chest wall structure to evaluate the human breast. The
breast, D, and more deep breast tissue and axillary slip are completely
submitted for detection. Standard cassettes are so geometric as to
preclude this detection. An X-ray beam is presented perpendicularly with
respect to the cassette, as is standard, however, the contouring allows
more complete evaluation of these structures.
In the various views an X-ray cassette is shown for examination of the
interior of objects which consists of a box for holding an image fixing
medium having an edge wall portion contoured to fit the surface of an
object adjacent to the portion of the object to be subjected to detectable
energy. The cassette is constructed of cardboard, plastic, metal and/or
other durable materials having properties which permit the transfer of
energy to the detection material (film) or device (sonic, magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI), etc.) for detection. The cassette has one or more
edge walls arced in a manner that allows it to fit or contour to an
adjacent structure or a structure to be evaluated. This contouring
enhances and increases the amount of information derived from the X-ray
examination.
In FIGS. 9 and 10, there are shown X-ray cassettes B consisting of a box
for holding an image fixing medium, i.e., X-ray film, having an edge wall
portion or portions A contoured for other applications requiring a fit
against a particular surface. The thickness of the cassette B and
contoured edge wall A are shown in FIG. 11.
In FIG. 12, there is shown an X-ray cassette B consisting of a box for
holding an X-ray film having an edge wall portion A contoured as in FIG. 5
or 9 fitting the stomach wall C and positioned to evaluate an umbilical
hernia D.
In FIGS. 13 and 14, an X-ray cassette B consists of a box for holding a
contoured X-ray film having an edge wall portion A contoured to fit and
fitted against a female or male chest C adjacent to the breast D. This
arrangement permits a more thorough examination of the breast D and
auxiliary slip E in that deeper breast tissue and auxiliary slip are
completely submitted for detection. An X-ray beam presented
perpendicularly to the cassette B and the film supported therein allows a
more complete examination of these structures. Standard cassettes are
geometrical in shape and preclude this detection.
In FIG. 15, cassette B has surface A contoured to fit the chest C and
positioned to evaluate the shoulder E and upper arm D.
The various sections of the X-ray energy source/detector axis are
specifically and complimentary contoured for use with the cassettes just
described. FIG. 7 shows hoe the detectable energy source or X-rays are
contoured by shielding material, such as contoured lead sheet, in the
collimator, D, and cone device, C, by placing the shielding material
within this structures as in FIG. 8, S. FIG. 7 shows how the remaining
structures in the axis are contoured in a complimentary manner, as is the
energy source. The compression plate, A, is contoured, the cassette, B, is
contoured, and the cassette holder/exposure monitor plate, H, is
contoured. This allows the energy source to almost match the configuration
of the detection device and supporting or additional structures in the
axis, FIG. 5 and 6 indicates that all internal parts of a contoured
cassette, film, grids, shielding materials, support material, and
intensifying screens are similarly and, almost exactly, contoured to the
configuration of the contoured cassette outline. Any device used with the
contoured imaging system is similarly contoured as, F, FIG. 1, a contoured
biopsy plate. The cassettes, as shown and described in FIGS. 5 and 9 - 15,
are all useful in combination with a contoured X-ray source and system as
described above.
While this invention has been shown fully and completely with special
emphasis on certain preferred embodiments, it should be understood that
within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced
otherwise than as specifically described herein.
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