US2822477A - X-ray apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Nilh4 5 Feb. 4, 1958 A. J. KlzAUR 2,822,477

x-RAY APPARATUS 1NVENTOR- 55 ARTHUR J. KIZ AUR ATTORNEY Feb. 4, 1958 A. J. klzAUR 2,822,477

X-RAY APPARATUS Filed Nov. 16, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 |26 u F|G.2 22 3456.

INVENTORI- ARTHURJ. KIZAUR ATTORNEY Feb. 4, 1958 A. J. KlzAUR 2,822,477

X-RAY APPARATUS Filed Nov. 16, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG.3

INVENTOR.

ARTHUR J. K IZAUR HYS- ATTORNEY A. J. KIZAUR X-RAY APPARATUS Feb. 4, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Nov. 16, 1951 INVENTOR.-, ARTHURJ. KIZAUR BY..

ATTORNEY Feb. -4, 1958 A. J. KlzAUR 2,822,477

x- RAY APPARATUS Filed Nov. `1e,- 1951 5 sheets-sheet 5 IN V EN TORI-- ATTORNEY United States Patent 2,822,477 Patented Feb. 4, 1958 fce X-RAY APPARATUS Arthur J. Kizaur, Wauwatosa, Wis., assgnor to General Electric Company, a corporation of New York Application November 16, 1951, Serial No. 256,801

14 Claims. (Cl. Z50-57) The present invention relates in general to X-ray apparatus particularly adapted for use in connection with the X-ray examination, treatment and picturing of ob` jects, especially the bodies of human patients, the invention having more particular reference to an improved tilting table structure well` adapted for use in supporting human and other bodies, selectively, in vertical, horizontal and intermediate tilted positions to facilitate X-ray examination, photography, and treatment of the so supported bodies. Y

In the making of X-ray pictures or radiographs of human bodies, as well as in the fluoroscopic examination of patients, it is necessary to provide suitable means for supporting the body of the patient in desired position between a suitable source of X-rays and an X-ray sensitive viewing screen, for lluorosrcopic examination, or an X-ray sensitive film, in making X-ray pictures. it is also highly desirable, in some circumstances, to be able rapidly to change the inclination at which the object being pictured or examined is supported; and to provide for the picturing of the examination object, or a desired portion thereof, as quickly as possible after the desired picture subject matter `shall have been determined by liuoroscopic examination. lt is therefore desirable to provide a table structure, in conjunction with auxiliary equipment including X-ray generating tubes, X-ray sensitive fiuoroscopic viewing screens, and X-ray sensitive film carriers, for supporting the body of a patient in position 'for X-ray examination, picturing, and treatment; and to provide for the rapid adjustment of the examination or picture subject, as well as the auxiliary equipment, to desired examining or picturing positions.

As indicated in United States Letters Patent No. 1,599,- 696, of September 14, 1926, on the inventionV of Julius B. Wantz; No. 1,874,582, of August 30, 1932, on the invention of Albert C. Nelson; No. 2,038,327, of April 21, 1936, on the invention of Julius B. Wantz; and No. 2,315,786, of April 6, 1943, on the invention of Julius J'.

Grobe, it has heretofore been the practice to provide tilting tables for receiving and supporting the object to be examined, pictured, or treated, such tables carrying auxiliary equipment including X-ray generating tubes, lluoroscopic screens, and sensitive lm carriers on and adjustable with respect to the tiltably supported table structure. As pointed out in United States Letters'Patent No. 2,568,236, of September 18, 1951, on` anl invention of Arthur I. Kizaur, it is desirable, if not essential, to provide adequate rigidity in the table structure lso that the table, even when heavily loaded and tilted, will support its load precisely in desired position for treatment, examination, or for picturing the supported object.

In order to provide adequate rigidity, it has heretofore been necessary to employ relatively heavy, ponderous structures for support table purposes, although heaviness and consequent inertia is, of course, undesirable in structures requiring rapid adjustment, on occasion, it being vdesirable-to provide table structures, as well .asscreen and film carying structures and X-ray generating tube mountings, of minimum Weight, not only in the mterests of rapid adjustment but to minimizev the physical effort required upon the part of the operator of the equipment in placing the various adjustable parts thereof rapidly inidesired positions of adjustment. 'In that connection, it should be understood that the operator of heretofore available equipment is usually required manually to adjust the film and screen carriages, as well as the X-ray generating tube on its support, such operations in prior equipment requiring considerable physical effort on the part of the operator of the equipment.

The presentinvention represents a new approach toward the provision of X-ray equipment including tiltably adjustable table means and associated adjustable equipment for radiography, fluoroscopy and X-ray therapy, wherein adjustment of the apparatus may be accomplished extremely rapidly and substantially without effort upon the part of the operator of the equipment.

n An important object of the present invention is to provide a strong and rigid, yet relatively light weight table structure supported in novel fashion, so that the table may be adjusted rapidly and' with minimum elfort to any desired angularity about an axis of adjustment; a further object being to mount the table in a frame supported for turning movement about a medial axis, whereby the table may be freely turned with its supporting frame to any desired angularity; a still further object being to form the frame in fashion providing a ringlike track, and to mount the same for turning movement on suitable support rollers.y

Another important object vis to form the tablesupport frame as a continuous ring supported for turning movement about the central axis of the ring, the't'able structure being mounted on the ring for turning movement therewith; aifurther object 'being to employ aring comprising 4a light weight hollow pipe. L

Another object is to mount the table in its supporting frame, and to separately mount, on the frame, adjustable carriage vmeans for supporting radiographic or fluoroscopic equipment for use in conjunction with the table; a further object being to mount such equipment for Vadjustable movement, inthe frame, longitudinally of the table, as well as Vtoward and away from the table; a still further object being to mount the table structure, in its supporting frame, for adjusting movement with respect to said equipment, in a direction Vtransversely of the table structure; yet another object being to Varrange the several parts, on the support frame, sov that the` turnable structure is substantially balanced about its axis of turning movement, whereby the entire structure may be Yadjusted about said axis with minimum effort.V

Another important object of the invention is to provide an adjustably tiltable table structure for radiographic, iluoroscopic and X-ray therapy purposes, wherein the table element may be adjusted, in the tiltable table-sup- :port structure, in a direction laterally of the table.

Another important object of the invention is to provide -ray source means, together with fluoroscopic screen and film carriage means, adjustable, in the tiltable table support structure, in a direction longitudinally of the table, the screen and film carriage means being also-adjustable toward and away from the table, includingfcounterbalancing means so formed and arranged inthe table support structure as to balance the weight of the adjustable means v about the turning axis of the table support structure', for all adjusted positions of the adjustable means therein;l

' Another vimportant object is to provide a structure of the character mentioned including a turnable support frame of ring-like character, a-table structure mounted on the ring-like member, on one side thereof; driving means` for adjustably shifting the table structure toward and away from the ring-like member, carriage means for supporting an X-ray generator tube beneath, and X- ray sensitive screen or lm material above, the table structure, such carriage means being movable onthe ringlike member, longitudinally of the table structure, substantially throughout the length thereof, and motive means controlled by pressure exerted on said screen or film carrier in one direction or another for adjustably shifting the table structure, on the ring-like member, in a direction transversely of the table structure, depending upon the direction of manual pressure exerted on the film or screen carriage.

Another important object is to provide novel light weight and counterbalanced means for supporting an X- ray generator tube, said means being adjustable to permit the supported tube to be disposed in any desired position and at any desired inclination with respect to an object to be pictured; a further object being to provide a tube support embodying Va plurality of telescopically are ranged members, each successively counterbalanced upon the next adjacent member and all counterbalanced on a suitable support stand for the purpose of supporting the generator tube in fashion allowing for the substantially effortless manipulation thereof.

The foregoing and numerous other important objects, advantages, and inherent functions of the invention will become apparent as the same is more fully understood from the following description, which, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Referring to the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing X-ray apparatus embodying the present invention;

Figs. 2 and 3 are sectional views respectively taken substantially along the lines 2-2 in Fig. 1 and 3--3 in Fig. 2;

Figs. 4 and 6 are sectional views respectively taken substantially along the lines 4-4 and 6--6 in Fig. l;

Figs. 5 and 7 are sectional views respectively taken substantially along the lines 5-5 in Fig. 2 and 7-7 in Fig. 3;

Fig. '8 is'a fragmentary front view of the apparatus;

Figs. 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 are schematic views illustrating the manner of counterbalancing the several adjustable components of the apparatus;

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary view of a portion of the apparatus;

Fig. is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 15-15 in Fig. 14', and

Fig. 16 Vis a'wiring diagram of electrical equipment for accomplishing the controlled adjustment of the apparatus.

To illustrate the invention, the drawings show X-ray apparatus including an adjustable table structure particularly Well suited for supporting human bodies in position for X-ray examination and therapy, or for the making of X-ray pictures of the supported body. The structure is especially well suited for such purposes in that the table structure is tiltably supported for adjustment to any desired angularity about a central turning axis, so that a supported body may be disposed in horizontal and in any position tilted from horizontal in either direction, the table structure being tiltable to dispose a body supported thereon in vertical position in either direction. Indeed, if desired, the table structure could be disposed in any desiredinverted angular position, although table inversion is not ordinarily desirable or necessary.

To these ends, the apparatus comprises a table structure 11, turnably supported means 12 carrying the table structure, and frame means 13 mounted on the support means for movement thereon longitudinally of the table structure 11, such frame means 13 carrying an X-ray gen erating tube enclosed in a suitable casingstructure 14, in. position beneath the tablestructure 11 to direct a beam of X-raysupwardly through the'table structure and a body 15 disposed thereon in position for examination or 4 therapy, or to be pictured. The frame means 13 alsov provides for the support thereon of a frame structure 115k adapted to carry X-ray sensitive uorescent screen means, or X-ray sensitive lilm material, in position above the table structure 11, to allow for the liuoroscopic examination or the radiographic picturing of the supported body 15 when irradiated with X-rays from the ray source in the casing 14. It will be seen that the ray source in the casing 14 and the frame means 16 mayv be moved simultaneously and in xed relative position longitudinally of the table structure 11, thereby allowing for radiography or luoroscopy of the subject body 15 in any selected zone longitudinally of the table structure merely by moving the frame means 13 to an appropriately adjusted position longitudinally of the table structure.

The turnable support means 12 preferably comprises a hollow tubular member 17 forming a continuous circular ring, the ring being supported in a substantially ver tical plane for turning movement about its central axis. To this end, the lower portions of the ring may be sup ported in a pair of spaced bearing structures 18 compris-- ing frames, which may be anchored in spaced position on the floor of the building in which the X-ray apparatus of the present invention is installed for service. Each of the frames 18 may carry a pair of inclined rollers 19 adapted to rollingly support the tubular ring member 17 thereon; and lateral rollers 20 supportedin position to engage the opposite sides of the ring member to retain the same in supported engagement with the rollers 19.

In order to support the ring member 17 in a substantially vertical or upright position on the bearing struc tures 18, one or more guide bearing structures 21 may 'be provided in position engaging the upper portions ofY the member 17, the bearing structure or structures 21'V being preferably mounted in an elongated frame, prefer ably comprising a beam structure 22 which may be: carried on mounting arms or brackets 23, anchored as on a supporting wall 24, which may comprise a part of the building in which the X-ray apparatus of the present invention is installed for use. Of course, the beam structure, by means of suitable brackets, may be mounted or suspended from the roof structure of a room in which the equipment is installed for use, rather than on a wall. As shown, the bearing structures 21 may each comprise a pair of spaced apart pins carrying sleeve-like rollers 25 in position to engage the opposite sides of the ring member 17, said roller carrying pins being firmly mounted on the beam structure 22 and extending downwardly thereof in directions generally radially of the ring member 17. The beam structure 22 also, if desired, may be of hollow construction, as shown more particularly at 26, in order to receive the top of the ring member within the beamV structure.

lt will be seen from the foregoing that the ring member 17 will be supported by the rollers 19, 20 and 25 for free and unobstructed turning movement to any desired extent and in either direction. Any suitable or preferred means may be provided for so turning the ring member and the equipment, including the table structure 11 and the frame 13 that is mounted thereon. Preferably, however, motor means is provided for so turning the structure. To this end, the ring member may be provided with a circumferential rack member 27 which, if desired, may extend throughout the entire circumference of the ring member. For practical purposes, however, it is necessary to extendthe rack member only through slightly more than half of the circumference of the ring member, in provi-dingY a structure that may be tilted through a turning movement of in either direction from a normal or vmedial position, such as the position of the apparatus in which the table structure 11 Vis horizontal. Y y In conjunction with the rack 27, one of the bearing structures 18 may be arranged to provide bearings for supporting a gear 28 in position drivingly engaging the .assent rack 27, said bearing structure 18 being also preferably arranged `to support apreferbly' electric-motol 29 in position drivinglyconnec'ted with the' gear 28,*a`s` through a'clutch 30 and a driving gear train 31. Electrically op- The ring member 17 carries structural members bracing and rigidifying the same and forming support means on which the table structure f1 and adjustable frame means 13 are mounted. These structural members may comprise a channel member 33 extending in chordal relationship with respect to the ring member in position preferably parallel with respect to the table structure, said channel member 33 preferably comprising a formed sheet metal part welded, as at 34, or otherwise rigidly secured at its opposite ends on spaced portions of the ring member. The structure may also include another preferably formed sheet metal channel member 35, extending preferably at right angles with respect to the member 33 and secured rigidly, as by wel-ding or otherwise, at one end to one of the anchored ends of the member 33, the opposite end of the member 35 being welded or otherwise rigidly secured on the ring member, as at 36. A relatively wide channel member 37 is mounted in the structure chordally of the ring member, said channel member 37 at one end being rigidly secured, as by welding or otherwise, to the member 3S adjacent the end thereof that is secured as at 36 on the ring member. The opposite end of the channel member 37 may be secured on the ring member, as by means of a bracket 38, welded or otherwise rigidly secured to the ring member.

A pair of formed sheet metal beams 39, preferably of cantilever type, are rigidly connected in the support structure at the opposite vends of the member 37, said beams extending outwardly of the plane of the ring member in position beneath the table structure 1l to `provide support for the same on one side of the ring member. These beams 39, at one end, may be fastened rigidly to and braced upon the channel member 37 at its opposite ends; and the outwardly extending or free ends of the beams 39 may be bracingly interconnected, as by means of a tie rod 40, having opposite ends secured in dependent lugs 41 formed on and adjacent the free ends of the beams 39. The table structure 11 is supported for adjusting movement on the beams 39 toward and away from the plane of the ringelike member 17, in a direction transversely of the table structure.

To this end, the table structure 11 may conveniently comprise a rectangular frame 42 embodying a pair of spaced apart, longitudinally extending members 43 rigidly interconnected in spaced relationship by transverse'bracing and spacing members 44 forming the opposite ends of the rectangular frame 42, said members 43 and 44 preferably comprising box-like channel members of metal, such as steel, rigidly secured at the meeting ends of the members, at the corners'of the frame 42,'although it will be apparent that the invention is Vnot necessarily limited to the particular sectional shape of the frame members. The frame members 43 and 44, of course, may be secured together in any suitable or convenient fashion, as by welding, whereby to provide anpexceedingly rigid, yet relatively inexpensive, light weight frame structure, the preferred box-like character of the frame members affording a structure of unusual'rigidity.'

The table frame 42, of course, may carry a table top panel 45 secured to the frame in'any suitable or pre- 75,7

- 6 ferred fashion, as on mounting members 46 at the ends and Yalong one `side of the frame,` whereby to supportthe panel in position overlying the top ofthe frame. Immediately beneath the top panel, the frame 42 may pro vide a mounting for a cassette and diaphragm carriage 47, the same being provided with bearing wheels 48 in position to ride upon suitable tracks 49 on and extending longitudinally of the side frame members 43, so that the carriage 47' may be shifted to any desired position longitudinally of the frame 42 beneath the top panel 45.

in this connection, it will be noted that the panel 4S, at its forward longitudinal edge, remote from the ringlike member 17, is spaced above the frame member 43 to form a slot-like opening 5t), through which access to the cassette carriage maybe had, the function of the cassette carriage being to removably receive and support a case or cassette adapted to receive, in light tight fashion, X-ray sensitive material. In this connection, the film containing cassette may be introduced edgewise into mounted position in the carriage 47 through the slot-like opening Sti. When in mounted position in the carriage, the cassette enclosed X-ray sensitive film may be adjusted longitudinally of the table structure to any desired position for exposure to X-rays through an object to be pictured.

The table frame 42 is supported on a pair of transverse beams 5l, preferably of hollow sheet metal construction, which extend between the longitudinal frame members 43, said beams S1 at their opposite ends being secured to said longitudinal members 43 in any suitable or preferred fashion, as by welding the parts together. Each of the beams 51 is provided with track forming means S2'. The track forming means 52 conveniently may comprise separately formed channel members secured on the `beams 51 by Welding o1- otherwise, as shown clearly in Fig. 5 of the drawings. The track forming means 52 is adapted to receive rollers 53 carried by the support beams 39, whereby the table structure is slidingly supported ony the beams39 by the rollers 53 for movement transversely of the table structure toward and away fromftne plane of the support ring 17. In addition, each of the beams 51 may be formed with a downwardly extending flange 54 along its lower edge, as by welding or otherwise attaching ange forming angle irons to and along the lower edge of each of the beams Sl. These angle irons may be rollingly received between spaced rollers 55 supported on bracket means 56 secured on the beams 39 below the members S1.

Any preferred means, of course, may be employed to shift the table structure on the support beams 39. Preferably, however, a motor 57 may be employed for that purpose. To such end, the motor S7 may be vmounted on one of the beams 39 and may, through suitable gearing, be connected'to drive a shaft 58 suitably journalled in bearings on the beam 39, and carrying a gear 59m position to drivingly engage a toothed rack ilsecured on and to one of the table structure supportingbeams 5l. By

operating the preferably electric motor 57 in one direction or the other, the table structure, through the gear 59 and rack ed, may be moved on the beams 39 toward and away from the plane of the ring 17.

The frame 13 preferably comprises a hollow, light weight, sheet metal structure embodying a pair of spaced apart channels 6l suitably braced and spaced by transverse vpanels 6l', some of which, at least, may be of demountable character giving access to the interior of `the frame. The frame 13 is fitted with rollers 62 adapted to rifle on tracks 63 formed in the chordal member 33, said frame also carrying rollers 64 adapted to ride on tracks vto' formed on the chordal fratrie lmember 37, whereby the frame 13 may be moved within `the ring member 17 in the longitudinal direction of the vtable frame.

The frame 13 provides carriage means for the screen and film carrying framefstructure i6 and also for-the X-ray source 14. *To this endpthe lower portions ofthe frame 13 may carry a box-like beam 66, extending thence i away from the table top panel 45. To this end, the

channel members 61, which form the opposite sides of the frame 13, may provide trackways for receiving and guiding rollers 67 on the opposite sides of a carrying, frame 68, of preferably hollow sheet metal construction, extending between and guided for movement in the channel members 61.

The frame 68, at its upper end, carries a pair of channel members`69 which project in spaced, parallel, and facing relationship in position extending above the table top 45. These members 69 serve to receive and support the opposite side edges of the frame structure 16, the same preferably comprising serialographic apparatus of the sort shown in United States Letters Patent No. 2,552,858, which issued May l5, 195i, on the invention of R. J. Mueller and Ivan Burgeson. Such equipment embodies a fluorescent screen and a shiftable ray sensitive ilm cassette carriage, whereby either the tluorescent screen or a cassette carrying material sensitive to X-rays may be disposed in position above the table top for X-ray excitation by rays emanating from the ray source 14 beneath the table. As described in said United States Patent No. 2,552,858, the frame structure 16 may be adjusted in the guiding and supporting channels 69 to a projected position presenting the iluorescent screen in vertical alinement with an X-ray beam emanated from the source 14. The frame structure 16 may also be disposed in retracted or inactive position, within and between the members 69,

in which position the frame 16 is withdrawn from above the table top to leave the same unobstructed above a body supported thereon.

The weight of the frame 13 and of the carriage means 68 .and the frame structure 16 thereon is counterbalanced substantially about the rotary axis of the ring 17 for all adjusted positions of the frames 13 and 68. To this end, a counterweight 70 of suitable mass is supported on a frame 71, which is provided with wheels or rollers 72 adapted to engage longitudinal tracks: formed in the chordal member 37, whereby said counterweight is freely movable longitudinally of said chordal member. A pair of cables 73, each anchored at one end, as at 74, on the frame 13, is provided for interconnecting the frame with the counterweight, said cables being each anchored at their opposite ends, as at 75, on the counterweight carriage 71, the cables being guided around suitable pulleys 76 mounted on and at the opposite ends of the chordal member 37. The mass of the counterweight 70, -of course, may be adjusted in accordance With the total weight of the frame 13 and the mechanism carried thereby to counterbalance said weight at all times about the axis of rotation of the ring-like frame 17.

In order to counterbalance the Weight of the carriage frame 68 and the structure supported thereon about the turning axis of the ring-like frame 17, a counterweight 77 is provided for movement in and longitudinally of the chordal member 35, said counterweight being preferably provided with suitable roller means engaging in trackways formed on the chordal member. Cables 78 and 78 are provided for operatively connecting the counterweight 77 with the frame 68 in such fashion as to counterbalance the weight of said frame about the turning axis of the ringlike frame 17, regardless of the adjusted position of the frame 13 along the chordal members 33 and 37, and regardless of the adjustment of the frame 68 in the frame 13.

Accordingly, the cables 78 and 78', respectively, are connected, as at 79 and 79', to the opposite ends of the counterweight 77, and extend thence around guide pulleys 80 and 80 at the opposite ends of the chordal member 35.

vThe cable 78, from its guide pulley 80, extends withinand f longitudinally of the chordal member 33, said cable, at

the end thereof remote from the counterweight 77, being anchored, as at 81, on the chordal member 33 at or adjacent the end thereof remote from the chordal member 35.V The anchored end of the cable 78 is thus connected with the'ring-like frame 17. The cable 78', from its guide pulley80, extends adjacent the chordal member 37, said cable, at the end thereof remote from the counterweight '77, being anchored, as at 81', on the bracket 38, at the end of the chordal member 37 remote from the chordal member 35. The cable 78 thus is also anchored on the ring-like frame 17 Between the pulleys 80 and 80', the cables 78 and 78 are guided, respectively, on spaced pulleys 82 and 82 on and at the opposite ends of the frame 13. Between the pulleys 82, the cable 78 forms a loop 83 around a pulley 84 mounted on the frame 68, at one end thereof; and between the pulleys 82', the cable 78 forms a loop 83' around a pulley 84 mounted on the frame 68 in spaced relationship with respect to the pulley 84.

It will be seen from the foregoing that the cables 78 and 78', at the loops 83 and 83', are free to travel around the pulleys 82, 82', 84, and 84', in response to movement of the frame 13 along the chordal members 33 and 37, without altering the counterbalanced position of the weight 77 and the frame 68. The weight 77, however, counterbalances the weight of the frame 68 about the axis of rotation of the frame 17 in all positions of adjustment of the frame 68 in the frame 13. In that respect, movement of the frame 68 in the frame 13, in one direction or the other longitudinally of the frame members 61, results in shortening yor lengthening the loop 83, and conversely in lengthening or shortening the loop 83. As a consequence, the counterweight 77 will be adjusted on the chordal Y member 35 in accordance with the adjustment of the frame 68 in the frame 13, in order, at all times, to counterbalance the weight of the frame 68 about the turning axis of the ring frame 17.

The cassette and diaphragm carriage 47, which as previously mentioned is mounted within the table structure 11 for movement longitudinally thereof, is also counterbalanced against a weight 85 of suitable mass, said weight being movable on suitable roller trackways formed in the table frame structure 42, the opposite ends of the counterweight 85 being connected with the opposite ends of the carriage 47, as by means of cables 86 guided on pulleys 87 mounted in the table frame structure 42 at the opposite ends thereof.

In conjunction with the above described tiltable table structure, the present invention contemplates improved means for supporting an X-ray source 88 in position above the table structure, in order to direct X-rays through the table top 45 and onto cassette enclosed ray sensitive material mounted in the carriage 47 beneath or behind the table top, to thus provide for the making of radiographic pictures of a body supported on the table top. Since the table is adapted to be positioned at any desired inclination, it is desirable to provide for supporting the X-ray source 88 in any required position and at any required inclination within the adjustable range of the source supporting mechanism. Accordingly, the present invention contemplates apparatus 89 for supporting the ray source 88 for universal adjustment Within the range of the support apparatus; and also support apparatus which may be adjustably moved rapidly and with minimum physical effort. To these ends, the beam 22 for supporting the upper portions of the ring-like frame 17 provides roller track- Ways 9,0 and 91 extending longitudinally of the beam between the opposite ends thereof. The trackways 90 maycomprise angle irons suitably fastened, as by welding, to and along the upper and lower edges of the beam structure 22. The trackway 91 may comprise a rib or ange suitably fastened, as by welding, to and along the adjacentmember.

,beam .structure `22 medially ,betweenthevtrackways 90.

lThe support structure S9 is carried on a frame, including a '-hollow, preferably formed sheet metal box portion 92, -formed with rollers 93,in position to engage and ride in andalong the trackways 90, and rollers 94 adapted to engage and ride along the opposite sides of the rib-like track 91. In addition to its portion 92, the support frame comprises a cantilever beam 95, of preferably formed sheet metal construction, said beam 95 being integrated,

as `by welding, at one end thereof, with the frame portion 92,V corner bracingplates 96, which may be welded to lthe frame portions 92 and 95, being preferably employed to provide a rigid frame structure.

The beam 95 is formed with roller trackways 97, as at V-its opposite sider edges, for the reception of rollers 98 vmounted on acarriage 99, whereby the carriage is supported on the beam.95 formovement longitudinally thereof, the beam being preferably provided with an end stop 100 for limiting carriage movement thereon in a direction away from the frame portion 92. The beam 95 may also be provided on its under side with a medial longii v tudinal slot forming a trackway, 101 for the reception of a roller- 102 carried by the trackway.

Mounted on and dependent from the carriage 99 is a -i-.telescopically extensible framework 103 for ksupporting -the X-ray source 88 on the carriage 99, said framework comprising a series of similar interfitting and relatively movable channel members 104, 105 and 106. The chan- `nel-member 104, at one end, is integrally united, as by welding, withthe carriage 99, the carriage 99 and dependent channel member 104 being braced and rigidiied, as by means of corner bracing plates 107, which may be integrated, as by welding, to the opposite sides of ,the

carriage and the dependent channel member 104. The

--dependent channel member 104 supports thenext adjacent channel member 105, which in turn supports ,the

- channel 106. The channel 106 in turn supports a frame 108 upon which the X-ray source 88 is mounted.

The channel members 104, 105 and 106 each comprises elongated elements of formed sheet metal construction providing internal facing trackways 109 at and. along the to rollinglyengage each in the trackways of .the next lmeans 111 adapted, respectively, to ride in trackways 112 formed longitudinally and medially in the next adjacent S Amerr'iber ofthe extensible frame structure 103. A spring pressed latch pin 113 may be provided o n the member 108 in order to latch the same on the member 106, by engagement of the latch pin 113 in a perforation or socket -formed in the member 106, in order to'determine the llimit of movement in one direction of the frame 108 on the channel member 106.

vThe frame108V carries a dependent plate 114 having an opening 115, in which is journalled a yoke 116 having a central portion journalled on the plate 114, as by means of-y suitable, preferably roller bearings 117. The

central portion of the yoke 116 is formed with a central v opening 118 in alinement with the opening 115 in the vplate-114i. The yoke 116 also provides spaced end arms 119 forming bearings for turnably receiving the opposite ends of the support casing 120, in which an X-ray tube forming the X-ray source 88 may be mounted.

It will be seen from the foregoing Vthat the X-ray source 88.may be moved to any desired. positiontransversely tof-thetable top 45,.including positions substantially outs wardly. of thentable top on one side thereof, when the v;--.2.lale..-is in a position nof maximum projection away fromq In addition, each of the members 105, A.-106 and 108 isprovided with centrally disposed roller jrthereof, when ther` table" is Viii' fully"retracted position'd 'to- A ward the4 plane' of the ring-likefra'me v17, such'transyerse i atthe end of the beam4 22 remote from vadjustrnent'of the X-ray source with respect to the `tal'7le top 45'"being accomplished by longitudinal movement of the carriage means 99 on the beam 95.

It willv be seen, also, that the X-ray source maybe moved toward andlaway from the carriage 99, that is to say, away fromv andv toward the table structure, within a wide range determinedby theextensional and collapsible limits of the telescopic framestructure 103. In addition, the X-ray source may' be tilted and. adjusted in'any desired angular position about the rotaryaxis ofthe yoke 116;. and said source may alsobe adjustedtiltablyto'any desired angle about the turnin'gl'axis defined. by `,thef'yoke bearings .119,.including' a position'in'which the X-ray beam is` directed through the alined openings 'y 115 "and 118. Such positionis indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 2 of the drawings, whereinthe r`ay source is disposed to direct an X-ray beam transversely through a body 15 on the table top i'na directionlaway from the plane of thefrin'g-like frame 17, such position allowing forthe making of a radiographic picture on X-ray sensitive maiterialenclosed in a cassette and held orotherwise supported in the picturing position, 'as indicated in dotted lines at 121 in Fig. 2. In orderV to make manipulation and adjustment of the X-ray source 8S exceedingly eas'y and effortless, on the part of the operator of' theequipment, the mass of the adjustable parts is counterbalanced against'a weight 123 ,which may beconveniently suspended on oneV endof a cable 124. The opposite end of the cable` maybe anchored, asA at `125, on a suitable mounting at an yend of thegbeam structure 22. 'From said mounting 125 the Vcable may extend around a guidey pulley 126 on the frame 92, thence around a guide pulley 127orithe beam 95 at the yend thereof remote from the support frame 92,v the cablel extending thence on a guide pulley 128` on thecarriage 99, around a guide pulley 129 on the X-ray source supporting'frame 108, around a guide pulley 128 onothe carriage 99, adjacent the guide pulley 128, thence around a guide pulley 126' onV the support frame 92, adjacent the guide pulley 126, and Yfinally around agguide pulley 130 the cable anchorage 125, the entire system being illustrated schematically -in,Fig. 10 of the drawings.y

VIt will be seen that the foregoing system will allow the mass of the X-ray source to be counterbalanced against the weight y ment ofthe frame 92 on the beam 22, the cable traveling freely around the rollers 126, 126,', 127, 128, 128 and 129, during ysuch longitudinal movement, and the counterbalanceweight 123, as well as the pulley 130, remaining stationary. The structure also will remain counterbalanced for all adjusted positions of the carriage 99'1ongitudinally of the beam 95,'k the cable traveling freely on the pulleys 128, 128and 129, the other pulleys 125,

. 126, l126,127 and 130 remaining stationary, along with the counterweight 123, during longitudinal movement of the carriage199 on the beam 95.`

When the X-ray source 88 is adjusted vertically through the `relative telescoping movement of the frame sections 104, 105 and 106 and the source supporting frame 108, theybite of the cable definedv between the pulleys 128 and 128' by the pulley 129 will either lengthen or shorten as the X-ray source is lowered or raised. During such :adjustment of theV elevation of the X-ray source, the

'.cable 124`may travel on the pulleys 126', 128', 129 and 130, the remaining pulleysr126, 127 and 128 remaining stationary, and the weight falling or` rising as the sourcev 88, is raised or lowered.

t In addition, theweight ofthe frames 105 and 106 y may'be counte'rbalanc'ed, asV shown in Fig. 9 vof the draw- 123 at all times during longitudinal move-` and' by connecting the frame l and s.

In using the frame means 16 for the uoroscopic examination of a body on the table top, the operator y may often wish to obtain a better view of a portion of the body presented in the viewing screen at or adjacent an yedge thereof. Where the view is adjacent the side edges of the screen, as viewed by the operator standing alongside of the table structure 11, the operator need Vmerely shift the entire structure longitudinally of the Vtable top in one direction or the other to dispose the viewing screen vertically above the body portion desired to be observed, thereby alining such body portion with the central portions of the screen. Where, however, the desired body portion to be viewed is at or adjacent either the inner or outer edge of the viewing screen, as seen by the operator standing in position alongside of the table structure, it is necessary to move the body 15 and its supporting table structure outwardly of the plane of the ring-like frame 17 in order to center, on the screen, a body portion presented in registration with the inner or upper edge of the viewing screen. Conversely, it is necessary to move the body and its supporting table structure inwardly toward the ring-like frame 17 in order to center, on the screen, a body portion presented in registration with the outer or lower edge of the screen.

The natural impulse of the screen viewer is to push the screen inwardly or pull the screen outwardly in a direction in order to adjust the same over the body portion; and the present invention takes advantage of this tendency to control the table shifting motor 57, in order to adjust the body 15 beneath the viewing screen in directions transversely of the table structure. To this end, the frame structure 16 in its projected viewing position, shown in Figs. 2 and 14 of the drawings, is latched against longitudinal movement in the support channels 69 by means of a latch bar 132 on one of the members 69. This latch bar may have a notch 133 in position to engage a turnable latch detent 134 on the structure 16. The detent 134 may conveniently comprise the bent end of a rod 135, turnably` mounted in the frame 16 and extending at its opposite end to the outer end of the frame structure 16 and there connected with a spring pressed control button 136, in position to be readily operated at the forward end of the frame structure 16.

The spring normally urges the rod 135 in a direction to press the detent 134 into the notch 133, to thereby lock the frame structure 16 in projected position. By pressing upon the button 136, the detent 134, against the influence of the spring, may be retracted from the notch 133, whereupon the frame structure 16 may be pushed in the support channels 69 to a retracted position therein, the detent 134 riding along the edge of the bar 132, and, if desired, engaging in a latching notch 133 in order to secure the frame structure 16 in retracted position. The latch bar 132 may be mounted on the channel member 69 for limited movement longitudinally of the channel member, as by means of holding pins 137 in spaced position on the member 69 and extending y in movement limiting slots 138 in the latch bar 132. .Spring means 139 may be provided for normally holding 1 'the latch bar-132 in a centered position.

A double-throw, center off switch 140 may be mounted on the member 69 in position with theV operating handle 1 41 of the switch in engagement with a slotted flange 142 on the 'latch bar 132, so that, when the detent 134 lis latcliecliineither o f the notches 133 or 133', avpush 'or' ai pull exerted on the frame structure 16 at the'forahem?? Y. ward ,end thereof will cause longitudinal .movementof may be electrically interconnected to control thejoperation of the motor 57, so that it will move the table structure outwardly of the ring-likeframe 17 when the frame structure 16, containing the viewing screen, is pushed inwardly toward the ring-like frame 17, and vice versa.

It will be apparent, then, that when the operator of the equipment pushes inwardly on the frame structure 16, the table will be moved outwardlyand will carry the body under observationin such a directionthat portions of the body under the'inner portions of the viewing screen will be moved outwardly toward the center of the screen. Conversely, when the-frame structure 16 is pulled, the table structure will move inwardly beneath the screen, and consequently move" portions of the body 15 inwardly toward the center of the screen from beneath the outer edge portions thereof. f

It will be seen, also, that the weight of the carriage 68 and of its counterbalance 77 is supported onthe ring 17 and not upon the table frame 11. The weight of the structure 13 and the mechanism carried thereby, together with the counterpoise weight 70, are likewise Ycarried by the ring structure 17 and not bythe table frame 11. In prior table tilting structures, adjustable components, corresponding with the frames 13 and 69 and their counterpoise weights, have been carried on the table structure itself and, consequently, have hence -required additional counterpoise weight, in the table structure, to offset the out-of-balance condition resulting from adjustment of the table structure at various inclinations from horizontal, thus adding to the inertia of the total mass required to be moved in tilting thetable. The 'counterpoise arrangements of the present invention',V by applying the weight of the frames 134 and 69 and their cooperating counterpoise weights 70 and 77 directly upon the ring 17, and counterbalancing the same about the axis of said ring, eliminates the necessity of providing additional counterpoise weight and allows reduction to a minimum of the inertia of the total-weight required to be moved in turning the ring to tilt the table structure.

It is thought that the invention and its numerous attendant advantages will be fully understood from the foregoing description, and it is obvious that numerous changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the several parts without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention, or sacrificing any of its attendant advantages, the form herein disclosed being a preferred embodiment for the purpose of, illustrating the invention.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows:

1. A table structure comprising a support frame embodying an annular 'track member, a chordal member extending between and secured to spaced anchorage stations on said track member, said chordal member extending substantially in'the plane of said track member, beams secured in spaced relation on the track member at opposite ends of said chordal member in position extending substantially normal to and outwardly of the plane of said track member, means for supporting the track member for turning movement, in a substantially vertical plane, about the central axis of the track member, and a table frame supported on said beams for movement thereon in a direction toward and away vfrom the plane of the track member. l 2. A tablestructure comprising a support frameembodying an annular track member, chordal members in cured to spaced anchorage stations on said annular track member, 4said chordal membersfexte'nding substantially in the plane of said track member, beamssecured in spaced relation on the track member at'opposite ends of said chordal member in position extending substantially normal to and outwardly of the plane of said track member, means for supporting the track member for turning movement, in a substantially vertical plane, about the central axis of the track member, an elongated table frame supported on said beams for movement thereon in a direction intersecting the plane of the track member, a ray equipment carriage me-ans supported on said chordal members for adjusting movement in the longitudinal direction of said table frame.

3. A table structure comprising a support frame, an elongated table frame mounted on the support frame, a carriage movable on the support frame in the longitudinal direction of the table frame, ray equipment supported on the carriage, imposition extending in the vertical zone of the table frame, and adjustable with said carriage longitudinally of the table frame, said table frame being adjustable on the support frame transversely of the table frame, to thereby transversely adjust said ray equipment with respect to the table frame, and means operable in response topressure exerted on said carriage supported ray equipment, in one direction or the" other, transversely of said table frame, to adjustably move the table frame in the opposite direction.

4. A table structure compri-sing a support frame, an elongated table frame'mo'unted on the support frame, a

carriage movable on the support frame in the longif tudinaldirection ofthe table frame, ray equipment supported on the" carriage, in vposition extending in the vertical'zone of' the table frame, and adjustable with said carriage longitudinally of the table frame, said table frame being adjustable on the support frame transversely of the table frame, to'n thereby transversely adjust said ray equipment with respect to the table frame, including power operated means for adjusting the table frame, transversely thereof, in'either direction, on the support frame, andcntrol means for said power operated means operable in response to pressure exerted on said carriage supported ray equipment, in one direction or the other, transversely of said table frame, to cause adjusting movement of the table frame in the opposite direction,

5. A table structure comprising a support frame emoodying an annular track member, means for supporting the track member for turning -movement in a substantially vertical plane, comprising carrying rollers for supporting the lower portions of said track member for rolling movement thereon, an elongated beam member extending substantially in the plane of said track member and affording means for supporting the opposite sides of said track member, at the top thereof, to hold the same upright upon said carrying rollers, a table frame carried on said support frame on one side of the plane of said track member, means for supporting a ray source on said beam member in position for adjustment relative to said table, comprising a carrier frame supported for movement on and longitudinally of said beam ember, a cantilever beam mounted on said carrier frame in position extending outwardly of said beam member, a carriage supported on and movable longitudinally of said cantilever beam, toward and away from said beam member, a series of telescopically interlitting frames each mounted on and adjustable longitudinally of the next adjacent frame of the series, one of said frames comprising a supported end frame of the series being secured on said carriage in position depending therefrom, and mounting means for mounting the ray source on another of said frames comprising a supporting end frame ofthe series.

6. A table structure comprising support means embodying a ring-like track member and a carrying means Vassociatedv with said track member for mounting `the carrying means for turning movement intheplane of 'said' trackmember about the vcentral axis thereof, .said carrying means comprising spaced arms,'extending in a direction intersecting the plane of said track member, and a chordal `beam securedat its opposite ends of-said track member adjacent said arms, an elongated table frame, `means for mounting the table frame on said arms for adjustingl movement thereon in 4a direction intersecting the plane of the track member, carriage means movable on said beam'in-the directionof the plane of said ltrack member, and Vmeans for supporting aray source and ray sensitive material on saidcarriage means on opposite sides of said table frame.

7. A table structure comprising asupport frame embodying an annular track member, achordal member extendingbetween and secured to spaced anchorage stations on said track member, said chordal member-eX- tending substantially in the plane of said track member on one side of its central axis, beamssecuredin spaced relation' on` said support frame adjacentsaid anchorage Ystations in position extending outwardly of the plane of said track member, means for supporting the-track member for turning movement, in a substantially vertical plane, about the central axis of the track member, an elongated table frame supported on said beams for movement thereon in a direction transversely of said table frame toward and` away from'the plane of said track member, and ray equipment carriage means mounted on said chordal member for adjusting movement longitudinally of said table frame.

` 8L A table structure comprising a support frame embodying an annular track member, means for supporting the track member for turning movement in arsubstantiallyvertical plane, comprising carrying rollers for supporting-the lower portions of `said track member vfor mounted on said track member, bearing means operatively rolling movementV thereon, an elongated beam member extending substantially in the plane of saiditrack member and affording means for supporting the opposite'sides of 'said vtrack member, at the top thereof, to hold the same upright upon said carrying rollers, a table frame carried on said support frame on one side of the plane of said track member, and means for supporting a ray source on said beam in position for adjustment relative to said table, comprising a carrier frame supported for movement on and longitudinally of said beam member, telescopically intertting frames including a suspension frame supported on said carrier frame and a suspending frame supported from the suspension frame, and carrying means for mounting a ray source thereon.

9. A table structure comprising a support frame forming a circular track member, means for supporting the track member for turning movement in a substantially vertical plane, comprising carrying rollers for supporting the lower portions of said track member for rolling movement thereon, an elongated beam member extend-ing substantially in the plane of said track member and affording means for supporting the opposite sides of said track member, at the top thereof, to hold the same upright upon said carrying rollers, a table frame carried on said support frame on one side of the plane of said track member, and a support structure mounted on said beam member for carrying a ray source in adjustable position relative to said table, said structure comprising a carrier frame supported for movement on and longitudinally of said beam member, a cantilever beam and means to supportingly connect one end thereof on said carrier frame, and ray source carrying means mounted on said cantilever beam for adjustable movement longitudinally thereof.

l0.. A table structure comprising a support frame forming a circular track member, means for supporting the track member for turning movement in a substantially vertical plane, comprising carrying rollers for supporting the lower portions of said track member for rolling movement thereon, an elongated beam member extending substantially in the plane ot' said track member and aiording means for supporting the opposite sides of said track member, at the top thereof, to hold the same upright upon said carrying rollers, a table frame carried on said support frame on one side of the plane of said track member, and a support structure mounted on said beam member for carrying a ray source in adjustable position relative to said table, said structure comprising a carrier frame supported for movement on and longitudinally of said beam member, a centilever beam and means to supportingly connect one end thereof on said carrier frame, ray source carrying means mounted on said cantilever beam for adjustable movement longitudinally thereof, and telescopically intertting frames,

including a suspension frame supported on said carrier frame and a suspending frame supported on the suspension frame and supportingly connected with said ray source carrying means.

11. A table structure comprising support means embodying a ring-like track member and table carrying means supported on said track member, bearing means operatively associated with said track member for mounting the table carrying means for turning movement in the plane ot' said track member about the central axis thereof, said table carrying means comprising spaced arms extending in a direction intersecting the plane of said track member, a table frame, and means for mounting the table frame o n saidrarms for adjusting movement thereon in a direction intersecting the plane of said track member.

12. A table structure as set forth in claim 11, including Y means forming a track paralleling said table frame, a ray ray source, carrier frame means for supporting ray sensitive material, and carriage means movable on said track longitudinally of said table frame and supporting said ray source and said carrier frame on opposite sides of said table frame, said carrier frame being shittably supported on said carriage means for adjusting movement thereon, toward and away from the table frame.

14. A table structure as set forth in claim 11, including means forming a track paralleling said table frame, a ray source, carrier frame means for supporting ray sensitive material, and carriage means movable on said track longitudinally of said table frame and supporting said ray source and said carrier frame on opposite sides of said table trame, said carrier frame being shiftably supported on said carriage means for adjusting movement thereon, toward and away from the table frame, and counterbalancing meansmounted on said table carrying means and drivingly connected with said carrier frame and carriage means for counterbalancing the movable mass thereof in all relatively adjusted positions with respect to said support means.

References Cited in the ie of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,573,571 Pohl Feb. 16, 1926 1,599,696 Wantz Sept. 14, 1926 1,630,181 Isherwood May 24, 1927 1,870,959 Morrison Aug. 9, 1932 2,019,362 Schnitzer Oct. 29, 1935 2,103,693 Pohl Dec. 28, 1937 2,434,827 `Akers Jan. 20, 1948 2,456,277 Heitz-Boyer Dec. 14, 1948 2,512,160 Koenigkramer June 20, 1950 2,588,124 Kizaur Mar. 4, 1952 2,737,596 Haupt Mar. 6, 1956 FOREIGN PATENTS 84,959 Germany July 25, 1921 889,963 Germany Sept. 14, 1953

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