Scanning x-ray system

An x-ray apparatus for producing two-dimensional tomographic x-ray images of points lying in a plane of a desired tomographic cut through an object interposed between a source of x-rays and x-ray sensitive means, and in which the source of x-rays includes an x-ray tube in which an electron stream from a cathode is directed along an anode-cathode axis to strike a focal spot on a target surface of an anode to produce x-rays, the target surface being inclined with respect to a plane which is perpendicular to the anode-cathode axis and which passes through the focal point, the improvement comprising:

• pivoting means for pivoting the x-ray tube about a pivot axis which passes exactly through the center of the focal spot, is essentially perpendicular to the anode-cathode axis, and is essentially parallel to a plane defined by the x-ray sensitive means;
• means for driving the object in synchronism with the pivoting of the x-ray tube;
• means for driving the x-ray sensitive means in synchronism with the pivoting of the tube;
• wherein the object and the x-ray sensitive means are driven parallel to one another and in the same direction;
• positioning means for positioning the plane defined by the x-ray sensitive means in a position essentially parallel to a desired tomographic cut through the object;
• stationary secondary means positioned between the object and the x-ray sensitive means for absorbing secondary radiation scattered from the object;
• stationary primary means positioned between the tube and the object;
• and cooperating with the stationary secondary means in preventing secondary radiation from reaching the x-ray sensitive means;
• whereby images of points lying in the plane of the desired tomographic cut through the object are reinforced as the x-ray tube is pivoted and the object and the x-ray sensitive means are moved in synchronism with the pivoting of the tube;
• and
• whereby images of points lying outside of the plane of the desired tomographic cut through the object are blurred.