Scanning mammography system with reduced scatter radiation

This patent describes an apparatus for minimizing scatter in an x-ray imaging system. The system includes a controllable source of x-ray radiation, means for collimating the x-ray radiation into a fan-shaped beam and means for effecting scanning of the x-ray beam in a predetermined direction across a target area. The apparatus comprises: a grid assembly extending in a transverse direction across the target area and having a relatively narrow width in the beam scanning direction; drive means coupled to the grid for moving the grid in the predetermined scanning direction in synchronism with the x-ray beam; and an x-ray impervious belt coupled to the grid. The belt extending in the transverse direction across the target area and being movable with the grid for covering the target area outside the grid