Quick head disconnect for X-ray imaging system
X-ray imaging systems containing a quick disconnect feature for the X-ray head containing the X-ray source are described. The X-ray imaging systems comprise an X-ray head containing an X-ray source and supporting electronics including high-voltage electronics, a control device, an arm coupled to the X-ray head, and low voltage cabling disposed within the arm and configured to connect the supporting electronics to the control device, the electrical cabling comprising a disconnect between the supporting electronics and the control device, and where the X-ray head is removably attached to the arm so that when the electrical cabling is disconnected, the X-ray head can be removed from the X-ray system. These X-ray imaging systems offer an easier method for removing the X-ray head, such as for replacement, servicing, and/or repair. Other embodiments are described.
1 . An X-ray imaging system, comprising:
an X-ray head containing a rotating X-ray source and supporting electronics;
a control device;
an arm coupled to the X-ray head; and
electrical cabling disposed within the arm and configured to connect the supporting electronics to the control device, the cabling comprising a disconnect between the supporting electronics and the control device;
the X-ray head removably attached to the arm so that when the electrical cabling is disconnected,
the X-ray head can be removed from the X-ray system.
2 . The X-ray imaging system of claim 1 , wherein the arm further comprises a yoke connected to the X-ray head.
3 . The X-ray imaging system of claim 2 , wherein the yoke is further configured to also be mechanically disconnected from the X-ray head.
4 . The X-ray imaging system of claim 1 , wherein the electrical cabling comprises an upper portion coupled to the control device and a lower portion coupled to the remainder of the X-ray imaging system.
5 . The X-ray imaging system of claim 1 , wherein the X-ray head comprises high voltage electronics and the electrical cabling operates with a low voltage.
6 . The X-ray imaging system of claim 1 , further comprising:
an X-ray detector located on an opposite side of an object to be imaged than the X-ray source, the X-ray detector used with the X-ray source to capture images of the object.
7 . The x-ray imaging system of claim 6 , wherein the supporting electronics synchronize the x-ray detector with the x-ray source so that the system can capture multiple x-ray images while the x-ray source rotates.
8 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the object is a single tooth or multiple teeth.
9 . An X-ray imaging system, comprising:
an X-ray head containing a rotating X-ray source and high voltage electronics;
a control device;
a yoke connected to the X-ray head;
an arm coupled to the yoke; and
electrical cabling disposed within the arm and configured to connect the high voltage electronics to the control device, the cabling comprising a disconnect between the supporting high voltage electronics and the control device;
the X-ray head removably attached to the yoke so that when the electrical cabling is disconnected, the X-ray head can be removed from the X-ray system.
10 . The X-ray imaging system of claim 9 , wherein the yoke is further configured to also be mechanically disconnected from the X-ray head.
11 . A method for repairing an X-ray system, comprising:
providing an X-ray imaging system with an X-ray head containing a rotating X-ray source and high voltage electronics, a control device, a yoke connected to the X-ray head, an arm coupled to the yoke, and electrical cabling running from the control device, through the arm and the yoke, and into the X-ray head;
disconnecting the X-ray head from the remainder of the X-ray system; and
repairing the X-ray head while the X-ray head is disconnected.
12 . The method of claim 11 , further comprising re-connecting the X-ray head after the X-ray head has been repaired.
13 . The method of claim 11 , comprising disconnecting the X-ray head by disconnecting the yoke from the arm.
14 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the disconnection is both a disconnection in the electrical cabling and a mechanical disconnection.
15 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the electrical cabling operates with a low voltage.