Portable electronic radiographic imaging apparatus

DETAILED DESCRIPTION It is accordingly a basic object of the present invention to provide an improved electronic portal imaging system which overcomes the foregoing disadvantages of conventional systems.
A more specific object of the present invention is to provide a portable electronic imaging system which does not require mounting to the accelerator.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a complete self-contained electronic portal imaging device compactly mounted on a rollable or otherwise movable cart structure for easy portability and with a variably positionable phosphorescent screen as an X-ray detector enabling orientation of the screen to subtend the accelerator's port in substantially any portal disposition of the accelerator.
Other objects of the invention will be apparent from the description which follows.
Briefly summarized, the radiographic imaging apparatus of the present invention basically comprises a movable support structure which is transportable to and from, and selectively positionable relative to, a radiation source such as the port of a conventional accelerator used in radiation therapy.
An imaging screen comprising a photo-stimulable phosphor-containing composition is mounted on the support structure for selective positioning movement of the screen among various spacial orientations relative to the support structure so as to be manipulable to subtend any of variously directed radiation beams.
The support structure additionally has mounted thereto appropriate means for capturing in digital form images produced by the screen.
Various embodiments of the basic portable apparatus of the present invention will be recognized to be possible.
In a preferred embodiment, adapted particularly for use during radiation therapy, the support structure is a wheeled cart on which is fixed an upstanding stanchion with an arm extending outwardly from the stanchion to support the imaging screen for selective positioning movement horizontally, vertically, and angularly relative to the cart