High speed counterbalanced translation device for use with radiographic media

A high speed counterbalances scanning system for use with radiographic media comprising:

• a) a scanning stage comprising a scanning stage slot, wherein the scanning stage is adapted for movement in a first direction and a second direction along a first axis;
• b) a balancing stage comprising a balancing stage slot, wherein the balancing stage is disposed opposite the scanning stage and is adapted for movement in a third direction and a fourth direction along a second axis;
• c) a scanning module mounted on the scanning stage;
• d) a counterbalance module attached to the balancing stage comprising a weight and a size that complements a scanning module weight and size;
• e) a continuous drive cable engaging a drive pulley with a drive motor for rotating the drive pulley, wherein the cable further comprises:
• i) a first pin for sequentially moving the scanning stage from a first position to a second position by engaging the first scanning stage slot;
• and
• ii) a second pin for moving the balancing stage simultaneously with the scanning stage initially from the third position to the fourth position by engaging the balancing stage slot;
• and thereafter, the first pin moves the balancing stage from the fourth position to the third position while second pin moves the scanning stage from the second position to the first position;
• f) an analog to digital converter for receiving signals from the scanning module;
• g) a control processing unit in communication with the analog to digital converter;
• and
• h) an output device for processing signals from the control processing unit.