Potter-bucky grid with counter-weight
AssigneeAnalogic Corporation
InventorGilbert W. McKenna
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A Potter-Bucky device for a radiation image recording apparatus in which an image recording medium is exposed to radiation which has passed through an object in order to record a radiation image of the object on the recording medium includes a grid which is movably supported between the object and the recording medium and is reciprocated parallel to the recording medium. A counter-weight is connected to the grid and is reciprocated in synchronization with the grid but in an opposite direction. Among other benefits and features, the disclosure reduces or eliminates vibrations produced by the reciprocating grid.
Claims24
A Potter-Bucky device for being positioned in a radiation image recording apparatus for exposing an image recording medium to radiation which has passed in a first plane through an object to the recording medium in order to record a radiation image of the object on the recording medium, comprising:
- a grid movably supported for reciprocating motion in a second plane extending parallel to the recording medium between the object and the recording medium, wherein the grid is movable along an axis lying in the second plane;
- at least one movable cam positioned adjacent the grid and causing reciprocating movement of the grid along the axis in the second plane parallel to the recording medium upon movement of the cam;
- and
- a counter-weight movably supported and operatively connected to the grid for reciprocating motion in the second plane along the axis in directions opposite the grid, wherein displacement of the center of gravity of the Potter-Bucky device due to movement of the grid is compensated for by the movement and mass of the counter-weight so as to prevent substantial vibration being transmitted from such movement to the radiation image recording apparatus.
A method for moving a grid in a Potter-Bucky device, comprising:
- movably supporting the grid for reciprocating motion along an axis in a plane;
- positioning at least one movable cam adjacent the grid;
- moving the cam to cause reciprocating movement of the grid along the axis in the plane;
- and
- attaching a counter-weight to the grid for reciprocating motion along the axis in the plane in directions opposite the grid, wherein displacement of the center of gravity of the Potter-Bucky device due to movement of the grid is compensated for by the movement and mass of the counter-weight so as to prevent substantial vibration being transmitted from such movement to the radiation image recording apparatus.
A Potter-Bucky device, comprising:
- a frame;
- tracks secured to the frame;
- a first set of brackets slidably received in the tracks for supporting a grid;
- a grid secured to the first set of brackets;
- a second set of brackets slidably received in the tracks;
- a counter-weight secured to the second set of brackets;
- wherein the grid and the counter-weight are adapted, positioned and oriented for reciprocating motion along a shared axis in a plane;
- a drive pulley and an idler pulley secured to the frame;
- and
- a continuous belt extending around the drive pulley and the idler pulley such that the belt include first and second portions which move in opposite directions in the plane between the pulleys upon rotation of the drive pulley;
- wherein the first set of brackets is secured to the first portion of the continuous belt and the counter-weight is secured to the second portion of the continuous belt so that the grid and the counter-weight move in opposite directions along the shared axis in the plane when the drive pulley is rotated, wherein displacement of the center of gravity of the Potter-Bucky device due to movement of the grid is compensated for by the movement and mass of the counter-weight so as to prevent substantial vibration being transmitted from such movement to the radiation image recording apparatus.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.