This document outlines the procedure for Cranex® D Site Ceph Beam Alignment, specifically for the White Panel Version of the Cranex D Ceph unit. It serves as a quick guide for technicians to perform the beam alignment, emphasizing the use of a dedicated beam alignment tool (Part # 203603).

Function Description:

The primary function of this procedure is to ensure the precise alignment of the X-ray beam in the Cranex D Ceph unit. Proper beam alignment is crucial for accurate cephalometric imaging, which is used in orthodontics and oral surgery for diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring. The alignment process involves adjusting both horizontal and vertical aspects of the beam, as well as the positioning of the Ceph head and ear rods, to ensure the X-ray beam is centered and correctly positioned relative to the imaging sensor and patient positioning aids.

Usage Features:

The procedure is broken down into several steps, guiding the user through a systematic alignment process:

Preparation: Before starting, it's essential to ensure the main pan unit, ceph arm, and head are level. The beam alignment tool (Part # 203603) is a critical component for this procedure.
Service Mode Activation: The unit must be put into service mode. This can be done by pressing and holding the 'E' key until "Ur" appears on the info display for Ur settings, or by a sequence of key presses (left and right partial panoramic keys after entering Ur settings) to access both Ur settings and Sr programs. In service mode, setting/program numbers appear on the mA-display, and a three-character abbreviation of the setting/program name appears on the exposure values display.
Program Selection: Select "Sr 11 EPS" and press the 'E' key. The left or right upper arch button can then be used to select different technique factors and exposure times.
Head Alignment Verification: Pressing the return button three times ensures the pan head and ceph head are aligned properly.
Beam Alignment Tool Installation: The beam alignment tool is installed onto the Ceph sensor.
Collimator Removal: The secondary collimator is removed from the Ceph head by detaching lock bolts and unplugging the ribbon cable.
Initial Beam Exposure and Verification (without secondary collimator): With the unit in EPS mode and centered, an exposure is taken with settings of 85 kV, 10 mA, and 2.00 seconds. This longer exposure time allows for clear visualization of the beam. The beam should fall within the two outer vertical lines and at the bottom line of the beam alignment tool.
Horizontal Beam Adjustment: If the beam is not horizontally centered, four Torx screws holding the Ceph head onto the arm are loosened. The head is then slid in or out until the beam is centered, and the screws are re-tightened.
Vertical Beam Adjustment: If the beam does not touch the bottom line of the tool, two bolts on the collimator (in front of the tubehead) are loosened, and both alignment screws are adjusted equally to maintain beam levelness.
Reattachment of Collimator: After initial beam centering, the secondary collimator and ribbon cable are reattached.
Final Beam Exposure and Verification (with secondary collimator): Another exposure is taken in EPS mode with the beam tool attached. The beam should now fall on all three inner vertical lines and the bottom line of the beam tool. If not, previous adjustment steps (7, 8, and 9) are repeated.
Horizontal Alignment (Fine-tuning): If the beam is still out of horizontal alignment, a screw on the belt cog wheel is loosened. A slotted screwdriver is inserted into the cog wheel end, and while holding the belt, the screw is turned to align the secondary properly.
Vertical Alignment (Fine-tuning): If the beam is above or below the bottom horizontal line, two mounting screws are loosened, and the top screw is adjusted.
Tilt Adjustment: If the beam appears diagonal, a side screw is adjusted to straighten the beam.
Beam Detector Board Sensitivity Adjustment: After all beam alignments are complete, the three trimpots on the beam detector board are turned two turns fully counter-clockwise. This increases the board's sensitivity to detect the beam at various settings.
Normal Scan Mode Test: A Ceph scan is performed in normal scan mode to ensure the scan completes successfully.
Ear Rod Alignment: The ear rods need to be aligned. A scan can be taken to check their position. The small ring should be within the larger ring for proper alignment.
- Vertical Ear Rod Alignment: The M6 fixing bolt behind the Ceph head motor is loosened to allow tilting of the head. The vertical position is then adjusted using the adjustment screw in the Ceph head.
- Horizontal Ear Rod Alignment: A fixing screw at the rear of the Ceph head is loosened. The horizontal position is adjusted by moving the rod located behind the up/down membrane in the Ceph head.
Final Verification: A final exposure is taken to confirm that the scan and ear rods are correctly set.

Maintenance Features:

This document itself is a maintenance procedure, providing step-by-step instructions for calibrating the X-ray beam. It highlights specific components that require adjustment during maintenance, such as:

Torx screws: Used for securing the Ceph head and adjusting horizontal beam position.
Collimator bolts and alignment screws: Used for vertical beam adjustments.
Belt cog wheel screw: Used for fine horizontal alignment.
Mounting screws and top screw: Used for fine vertical alignment.
Side screw: Used for tilt correction.
Trimpots on the beam detector board: Adjusted to optimize beam detection sensitivity.
M6 fixing bolt and adjustment screw: Used for vertical ear rod alignment.
Fixing screw and movable rod: Used for horizontal ear rod alignment.

The procedure emphasizes the importance of a dedicated beam alignment tool (Part # 203603) for accurate and efficient maintenance. It also implicitly suggests the need for a trained technician to perform these adjustments due to the specific tools and knowledge required for precise calibration of medical imaging equipment. Regular beam alignment ensures consistent image quality and patient safety.

Soredex Cranex D - Installing Alignment Tool

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