US 4,363,128 A · X-Ray drive apparatus

Abstract

An X-ray apparatus has a moveable support on which are slidingly mounted an X-ray tube, an image intensifier and a film holder, these radiation components defining a common radiation axis. By including a reversible motor connected to a system of clutch operated drive linkages the X-ray tube and receptors can be selectively and reciprocally moved along the radiation axis in either an independent or interdependent manner so as to preserve a radiologically desirable Source to Image Distance (SID) while simultaneously accommodating other X-ray examination requirements such as patient comfort, safety, and desired examining position. The X-ray tube is attached to a lever arm and the image intensifier and film holder are each moved by respective cables travelling around respective drive pulleys and idler pulleys. Both the X-ray tube and receptors are closely counterbalanced by counterweights respectively moved by the cables. When the drive motor is appropriately engaged, a connecting shaft, belt or sprocket chain transmits the motor's force selectively through intermediate, force limited, slip clutches to the appropriate X-ray components. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Claims10

Dependent claims

Radiological apparatus comprising:

a support;
radiation source means and radiation receptor means at spaced positions on the support for examination of a subject at a location therebetween, the source and receptor means having a common radiation axis extending through the subject location, and each means being mounted on the support to move along the radiation axis;
a motor, a first drive linkage and a first clutch, the motor being connected by the linkage and clutch to one of the moveable radiation means to drive said one means along the radiation axis;
a cross drive linkage, a second clutch and a second drive linkage forming a drive connection between the first drive linkage and the other radiation means;
and
means for selectively engaging the respective clutches so that with either clutch disengaged one of the radiation means is driven independently to select the spacing between the radiation means, and with both clutches engaged both radiation means are driven interdependently so as to vary the radiation image magnification of the subject while maintaining a selected spacing between the radiation means.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

X-Ray drive apparatus

Life of this patent

X-Ray drive apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims10