Telescoping X-ray support arms

Abstract

X-ray apparatus carrying an X-ray tube as a source and an image intensifier as a receptor on opposite ends of a two-limbed C-Arm has a horizontal support arm extending from a base to a vertical support arm for the C-arm. The vertical arm has a plurality of telescoping tubular sections which can be extended or contracted along a vertical axis to raise or lower the C-arm relative to the level of the base. The horizontal arm also extends telescopingly to increase the space between the base and C-arm to give free passage of medical personnel through the space, the base having a height sufficient to hold the horizontal arm above a moderately tall operator. The horizontal arm is pivoted on a vertical axis through the base to swing the C-arm, X-ray tube and image intensifier over a patient table in coordination with extension of the horizontal arm or rotation of the vertical arm sections to scan the X-ray tube and receptor over a large area of the patient table. All movements may be manual or motorized. The X-ray apparatus and patient table may be fixed or mobile.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.