Abstract: Methods and apparatus for collimation of detectors in an imaging system are provided. One an imaging system includes a radiation source configured to project radiation from a focal spot onto an object and a plurality of radiation detectors disposed around at least a portion of the object. The plurality of radiation detectors detect received radiation along a path projected from the focal spot to the plurality of detectors. The imaging system also includes a plurality of collimators positioned between the object and the plurality of detectors, wherein the collimators have a tapered configuration.

Abstract: A liquid cooled thermal control system and method for cooling an imaging system are provided. One imaging system is a computed tomography (CT) system having a detector that is positioned on a detector rail. The detector includes a plurality of detector components. At least some of the detector components are configured to detect x-rays. A liquid cooled thermal control system is provided having cooling channels in thermal communication with the detector rail. The cooling channels have a cooling fluid flowing therethrough to control a temperature of the detector components in response to one or more disturbances that changes a temperature of the x-ray detector. A control module is also provided in the liquid cooled thermal control system to adjust parameters of the liquid cooled thermal control system in response to the disturbances.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for collimation of detectors in an imaging system are provided. One an imaging system includes a radiation source configured to project radiation from a focal spot onto an object and a plurality of radiation detectors disposed around at least a portion of the object. The plurality of radiation detectors detect received radiation along a path projected from the focal spot to the plurality of detectors. The imaging system also includes a plurality of collimators positioned between the object and the plurality of detectors, wherein the collimators have a tapered configuration.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cooling electronic components that are rotatable about an axis are provided. The system includes a stationary portion, a rotatable portion, and a component cooling system. The stationary portion has a bore there through. The rotatable portion is rotatably coupled to the stationary portion. The rotatable portion includes an imaging detector and an associated electronic component. The component cooling system is positioned at least partially within the stationary portion and configured to channel a curtain of conditioned air to the electronic component.

Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) system comprises an X-ray radiation source to project a plurality of X-ray beams through an object. A detector array comprises a plurality of detector assemblies. A gantry secured to the X-ray radiation source and the detector array rotates around a longitudinal axis. Further, each of the detector assembly comprises a detector subassembly adapted to detect the X-ray beams. These detector subassemblies are further adapted to convert the X-ray beams to a plurality of electrical signals. At least one circuit board assembly is coupled to the detector subassembly. The circuit board assembly typically comprises an integrated circuit array, such as, data acquisition chip array to acquire data corresponding to the electrical signals. The integrated circuit array further comprises a plurality of integrated circuit chips, for example, data acquisition chips mounted on at least one printed circuit board.

Abstract: A method of cooling a medical imaging system that includes a gantry is provided. The method includes supplying air to the gantry. The supplied air is conditioned to reduce variation of the temperature within the gantry. After the air is conditioned it is channeled throughout the gantry to a plurality of heat producing electronic devices within the gantry.

Abstract: A method of installing an electronic board is provided. The method includes inserting the board into a guide in a first direction. The board is then translated in a second direction different from the first direction. Upon inserting the board a gasket is sealed to prevent light, dust, or electromagnetic interference from passing through the gasket. A lock is then engaged to maintain the electronic board in a substantially fixed position.

Abstract: A method and system for variable speed fan control for thermal management of a device includes disposing a first temperature sensor proximate a variable speed fan to measure an air temperature of inlet air Tair that cools the device by convection air flow. A controller is configured to compensate for changes in Tair by varying a convection coefficient (h) which is a strong function of air velocity to maintain the product of h*?T at a constant value, wherein ?T is a temperature differential between the device (TAD) minus Tair. Thus, h is varied by varying air velocity by varying a speed of the variable speed fan.

Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) system comprises an X-ray radiation source to project a plurality of X-ray beams through an object and a detector array comprising a plurality of detector assemblies. Each of the detector assembly further comprises a detector subassembly adapted to detect the X-ray beams and further adapted to convert the X-ray beams to a plurality of electrical signals and at least one integrated circuit array, for example, data acquisition chip array to acquire data corresponding to the electrical signals. The integrated circuit array, for example, data acquisition chip array further comprises a plurality of integrated circuits, such as, data acquisition chips mounted on at least one printed circuit board and a thermal management system adapted for thermal communication between the data acquisition chip array and a heat sink assembly to control thermal environment of each detector assembly.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for cooling the electronics associated with Computed Tomography (CT) detector arrays. More particularly, the present invention discloses use of thermoelectric coolers in cooling CT detector electronics. The present invention also provides for using blowers or fans to recirculated air within a plenum for the cooling of CT detector electronics. The present invention also discloses the use of wick type heat pipes being placed either horizontally or with the evaporator end radially farther out than the condenser end such that rotational forces assist with heat flow through the heat pipe for cooling CT detector electronics. The present invention also discloses use of axial groove heat pipes to cool the CT detector electronics because they have enhanced performance under revolving conditions. Lastly, the present invention discloses use of heat sinks and circulation fans in combination with either type of heat pipe.

Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) system comprises an X-ray radiation source to project a plurality of X-ray beams through an object and a detector array comprising a plurality of detector assemblies. Each of the detector assembly further comprises a detector subassembly adapted to detect the X-ray beams and further adapted to convert the X-ray beams to a plurality of electrical signals and at least one integrated circuit array, for example, data acquisition chip array to acquire data corresponding to the electrical signals. The integrated circuit array, for example, data acquisition chip array further comprises a plurality of integrated circuits, such as, data acquisition chips mounted on at least one printed circuit board and a thermal management system adapted for thermal communication between the data acquisition chip array and a heat sink assembly to control thermal environment of each detector assembly.

Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) system comprises an X-ray radiation source to project a plurality of X-ray beams through an object. A detector array comprises a plurality of detector assemblies. A gantry secured to the X-ray radiation source and the detector array rotates around a longitudinal axis. Further, each of the detector assembly comprises a detector subassembly adapted to detect the X-ray beams. These detector subassemblies are further adapted to convert the X-ray beams to a plurality of electrical signals. At least one circuit board assembly is coupled to the detector subassembly. The circuit board assembly typically comprises an integrated circuit array, such as, data acquisition chip array to acquire data corresponding to the electrical signals. The integrated circuit array further comprises a plurality of integrated circuit chips, for example, data acquisition chips mounted on at least one printed circuit board.