Digital mammography scanning system

1. A method for imaging an area of interest within a patient, the method comprising:

rotating a rotating assembly about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation, the rotating assembly including an axle assembly whose axis is coincident with the horizontal axis, an X-ray source having a focal spot that coincides with the horizontal axis of rotation, and a rotating frame mechanically coupled to an X-ray detector and pivoting about the horizontal axis of rotation;

emitting an X-ray beam from the X-ray source;

applying a force to the X-ray detector at a location offset from the horizontal axis of rotation;

moving the X-ray detector arcuately in a transverse direction in synchronization with rotational movement of the rotating assembly and the X-ray source while simultaneously maintaining constant a distance between the X-ray detector and the X-ray source; and

detecting radiation of the X-ray beam after the beam passes through the area of interest.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the X-ray beam is fan-shaped.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the X-ray detector is a linear detector.

4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising using a nut mounted on a screw and a clamp coupled to the rotating assembly to translate a linear movement of the nut into the arcuate and rotational movements.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the X-ray source includes a collimator.

6. The method of claim 5 , further comprising using an alignment adjustment mechanism to align the collimator.

7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising rotating the rotating assembly about a second axis.

8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising using a vibration dampening mechanism coupled to the X-ray detector to reduce vibration of the X-ray detector.

9. An apparatus for use in imaging an area within a patient, comprising:

a stationary frame;

a rotating assembly mounted on the stationary frame, the rotating assembly including

(i) an axle assembly having a first axis of rotation,

(ii) an X-ray source for generating an X-ray beam aimed towards an X-ray detector that detects the X-ray beam after the beam passes through an area of the patient's body, and

(iii) a rotating frame carrying the X-ray detector and pivotable about the first axis of rotation;

a motor that enables arcuate movement of the X-ray detector in a transverse direction;

the motor enabling rotational movement of the rotating assembly by applying a force to the rotating assembly at a location offset from the first axis of rotation,

wherein the arcuate movement and the rotational movement are synchronized, and

a screw that translates rotational force from the motor into the arcuate movement of the X-ray detector.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the X-ray beam is fan-shaped.

11. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the X-ray detector is a linear detector.

12. The apparatus of claim 9 , further comprising a nut mounted on the screw and a clamp coupled to the rotating assembly, for translating a linear movement of the nut into the arcuate and rotational movements.

13. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the X-ray source includes a collimator.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the collimator includes an alignment adjustment mechanism.

15. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the rotating assembly is also rotatable about a second axis.

16. The apparatus of claim 9 , further comprising a vibration dampening mechanism coupled to the detector assembly.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the detector assembly is mounted on a mounting bracket, the vibration dampening mechanism is mounted on the mounting bracket, and the vibration dampening mechanism comprises a bearing and a spring applying force against the bearing so as to bring the bearing in contact with a fixed plank.

18. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the axle assembly comprises an axle coupled to the X-ray source and two bearings supporting the axle, the axle being rotatable about the first axis of rotation.