Mobile X-Ray Unit

Abstract

One embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a mobile X-ray unit. The mobile X-ray unit may include a base accommodating a control unit for controlling an X-ray applicator and a power supply for supplying power to the X-ray applicator. The mobile X-ray unit may further include an arm associated with the base. The arm may be configured to support an X-ray applicator having an X-ray tube. The arm may be articuable. The X-ray tube may include a target element configured to generate an X-ray beam and a collimator configured to shape the X-ray beam. The target element may be disposed at a set distance from the collimator.

1 . A mobile X-ray unit comprising:
 a base accommodating a control unit configured to control an X-ray applicator and a power supply for supplying power to the X-ray applicator;   an arm associated with the base, the arm being configured to support the X-ray applicator, wherein the X-ray applicator has an X-ray tube,   wherein the arm is articulable,   wherein the X-ray tube includes a target element configured to generate an X-ray beam and a collimator configured to shape the X-ray beam emitted by the target element, and wherein the target element is disposed at a set distance from the collimator.   
     
     
         2 . The mobile X-ray unit according to  claim 1 , wherein the target element and the collimator are at a distance between 4 and 10 cm. 
     
     
         3 . The mobile X-ray unit according to  claim 1 , wherein the target element and the collimator are at a distance between 5 and 6 cm. 
     
     
         4 . The mobile X-ray unit according to  claim 1 , wherein the target element and the collimator are disposed in the X-ray tube, and wherein a direction of propagation of the X-ray beam is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the X-ray tube. 
     
     
         5 . The mobile X-ray unit according to  claim 1 , wherein the collimator is configured to generate a signal when the collimator is received in a receptable in the X-ray tube. 
     
     
         6 . The mobile X-ray unit according to  claim 5 , wherein the collimator includes projections configured to cooperate with the resistive path of the receptacle to generate the signal. 
     
     
         7 . The mobile X-ray unit according to  claim 1 , further including at least one signaling device configured to indicate an X-ray beam has been generated. 
     
     
         8 . The mobile X-ray unit according to  claim 1 , further including a set of collimators each having unique identification devices configured to identify a corresponding collimator. 
     
     
         9 . The mobile X-ray unit according to  claim 1 , wherein a radiation detector is provided inside the X-ray applicator for detecting the X-ray beam. 
     
     
         10 . The mobile X-ray unit according to  claim 9 , wherein the radiation detector is arranged to generate a further control signal upon generation of the X-ray beam. 
     
     
         11 . The mobile X-ray unit according to  claim 1 , wherein the X-ray applicator further includes a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of an outer surface of the X-ray applicator. 
     
     
         12 . The mobile X-ray unit according to  claim 1 , wherein the X-ray applicator includes an exit surface oriented away from the base, the X-ray applicator further including an applicator cap for covering the exit surface. 
     
     
         13 . The mobile X-ray unit according to  claim 12 , wherein the applicator cap is formed to be disposable after a single use of the X-ray applicator. 
     
     
         14 . The mobile X-ray unit according to  claim 12 , wherein a thickness of the applicator cap in a direction of the beam propagation is sufficient to substantially eliminate electron contamination from the X-ray beam. 
     
     
         15 . The mobile X-ray unit according to  claim 1 , wherein the power supply is operable in the range of 60-75 kV for generating the X-ray beam. 
     
     
         16 . The mobile X-ray unit according to  claim 1 , further comprising a displaceable panel associated with the base, wherein the X-ray applicator is connected to the base by a flexible cable, wherein the flexible cable is disposed in the displaceable panel. 
     
     
         17 . A method for manufacturing a mobile X-ray unit, the mobile X-ray unit including a base accommodating a control unit for controlling an X-ray applicator and a power supply for supplying power to the X-ray applicator; an articulated arm associated with the base, the articulated arm being configured to support the X-ray applicator, wherein the X-ray applicator has an X-ray tube, the method comprising:
 connecting the arm to the base using a flexible cable;   arranging in the X-ray tube a target element for generating an X-ray beam and a collimator for shaping the generated X-ray beam; and   setting a distance between the target and the collimator.   
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the distance between the target and the collimator is between 4 and 10 cm. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the distance between the target and the collimator is between 5 and 6 cm. 
     
     
         20 . A method of delivering an X-ray beam from a X-ray unit for irradiating a superficial lesion, the method comprising:
 positioning an X-ray unit adjacent a patient, the X-ray unit including:
 a base accommodating a control unit for controlling an X-ray applicator and a power supply for supplying power to an X-ray applicator; 
 an arm associated with the base, the arm being configured to support an X-ray applicator, wherein the X-ray applicator has an X-ray tube, wherein the X-ray tube includes a target element for generating an X-ray beam and a collimator for shaping the X-ray beam, wherein target element is disposed at a set distance from the collimator. 
   
     
     
         21 . The method according to  claim 18 , wherein the set distance between the target element and the collimator is in the range between 4 and 10 cm.