X-ray image detector holder and mounting device and method for commercial x-ray applications

Abstract

A device for attaching an x-ray image detector holder to a commercial structure such as a pipe so that the modern digital image detector can be used in analysis and inspection. The x-ray image detector holder attach device is constructed to be attached to a structure and can include a flat image detector holder part, the image detector holder part having at least one peripheral slot; a structure contact part constructed to be strapped to a structure to be x-rayed, the structure contact part having a key sized to mate with the peripheral slot, the key having a lock constructed to hold the key in the peripheral slot; the structure contact part can be a means to attach it to the structure to be x-rayed such as a strap or suction cups.

Claims

1. An x-ray image detector holder constructed to secure an x-ray image detector to a structure comprising: a flat image detector holder part, the image detector holder part having at least one peripheral slot; a structure contact part constructed to be attached to a structure to be x-rayed, the structure contact part having a key sized to mate with the peripheral slot, the key having a rotating lock constructed to hold the key in the peripheral slot; the structure contact part having at least two suction cups to attach it to the structure to be x-rayed.

2. The x-ray image detector holder of claim 1 wherein the structure contact part is constructed to attach to a pipe.

3. The x-ray image detector holder of claim 1 further including a plurality of suction cups.

4. The x-ray image detector holder of claim 1 wherein the structure to be x-rayed is a pipe.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) Attention is now directed to several drawings that illustrate features of the present invention.

(2) FIG. 1A is a prior art x-ray image detector holder.

(3) FIG. 1B is an embodiment of the x-ray image detector holder part of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 2 is an embodiment of a pipe strap holder part of the present invention.

(5) FIG. 3 shows the pipe strap part of FIG. 2 strapped to a pipe.

(6) FIG. 4 is a different view of the part shown in FIG. 3.

(7) FIG. 5 is a different view of the detector holder part shown in FIG. 1B.

(8) FIG. 6 shows the pipe strap part mated with the detector holder part.

(9) FIG. 8 shows a different view of a pipe strapped to a pipe.

(10) FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of the parts making up an embodiment of the present invention

(11) FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the present invention using suction cups.

(12) Several figures and illustrations have been provided to aid in understanding the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited to what is shown in the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(13) The present invention relates to a device and method of securing an x-ray image detector panel holder to a pipe or other structure.

(14) FIG. 1A shows a prior art x-ray panel holder. It can clearly be seen to be a delicate plate-like device with glass or other fragile material covering the photosensitive surface. Straps or cords loop through or attach to the metal handles for securing the device.

(15) A particular embodiment of the present invention secures the x-ray image detector holder to a pipe; larger sized holders can be used to affix the detector holder to larger diameter pipes. Other embodiments can secure the detector holder to any shaped structure having either metallic and non-metallic surfaces. The particular embodiment includes three parts: a detector panel holder, a detector holder part to secure the detector holder and a pipe strap part. FIG. 1B shows an embodiment of the detector holder part of the present invention. The central part 1 holds the x-ray image detector, while the periphery includes handles with slots 2. The slots 2 are constructed and shaped to engage the pipe strap part.

(16) FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the pipe strap part. A central section 6 is constructed to prevent the panel from contacting the surface of the pipe, which in some applications may be hot or cold. Contact of the panel holder with a hot surface can distort the image and/or damage the sensing devices in the x-ray cassette detector panel. This pipe strap part can be manufactured in different sizes to accommodate different ranges of pipe diameters. It can also be configured to affix to flat surfaces and held in place with magnets or suction cup. A key 4 matches the slot 2 in the detector holder part. A lock 5 secures the key 4 in the slot 2. A strap 3 secures the entire device to a pipe.

(17) FIGS. 3-4 show different views of the pipe strap part secured to a pipe. FIG. 5 shows a different view of the detector holder part.

(18) FIG. 6 shows the entire device assembled and strapped to a pipe. The flat central part of the detector holder frame 1 holds the x-ray image detector. The protruding key 4 slips into the elongated slot 2 and is secured by the somewhat elongated lock 5. The strap 3 holds the device in position on the pipe. The lock 5 can be turned to lock and hold the device to the x-ray image detector holder frame 1 by providing a bias that pulls the protruding key 4 against the detector holder frame 1.

(19) The device and parts of the present invention can be made from any rigid material with firm plastic being preferred. The strap can be a fiber strap that includes a buckle, VELCRO® or other attachment device.

(20) The detector holder part can attach in a similar way to other older parts designed for other types of structures besides pipes. In particular, a flat strap part can fit a beam or other flat or rectangular structure.

(21) FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of the parts making up an embodiment of the present invention. A bracket 6 attached to a key 4. Two pins 10 hold the lock 5 to the key 4. An insertion pin 8 can also be used. A center axle 9 extends through the lock 5 into the key 4 and allows the lock 5 to turn. Four bolts 7 attach the key 4 to the bracket 6.

(22) FIG. 8 shows another view of the device strapped to a pipe.

(23) FIG. 9 shows an alternate embodiment of the device that uses suction cups 11 rather than a strap to attach to the pipe or other object.

(24) Several descriptions and illustrations have been presented to aid in understanding the present invention. One with skill in the art will realize that numerous changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Each of these changes and variations is within the scope of the present invention.