X-ray or gamma ray systems or devices – Source support – Including movable source
Patent
1987-01-29
1988-07-19
Howell, Janice A.
X-ray or gamma ray systems or devices
Source support
Including movable source
378193, 378196, H05G 102
Patent
active
047590483
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to an arrangement in counter-weight balanced X-ray frame structures of the kind which include an upright column on which a pendulum arm carrying X-ray equipment is mounted for vertical movement therealong and journalled for rotational movement in relation thereto; at least one, preferably automatically applied brake means for arresting movement of the pendulum arm in the axial direction of the column and at least one, preferably automatically applied brake means for arresting rotational movement of the pendulum arm in a selected position of rotation relative to the frame structure.
An X-ray frame structure of the aforesaid kind provided with a pendulum arm can either be supported on the floor or suspended from the ceiling of a room, and may have varying forms, depending upon the requirements placed thereon from case to case.
As a rule, it is preferred to display the position to which the pendulum arm has been displaced along the column and rotated relative thereto in analogue or digital terms, so that the operator--who sets the arm manually to the position desired for a given type of X-ray photograph --is constantly informed of the position of the pendulum arm and is warned when the arm begins to approach the desired setting.
BACKGROUND PRIOR ART
A counter-weight balanced X-ray frame structure of the aforedescribed kind is described in SE-C-7414800-8 and patent of addition SE-C-7605920-3 (both AO:s Metall & Mek. Verkstad). In this known kind of X-ray frame structure two longitudinally extending handles stretch along the major part of the length of the arm, of which handles one incorporates components for generating an operating field for releasing rotational movement of the arm, while the other handle incorporates components for generating a field for releasing the movement of the arm axially along the column.
Thus, when holding the one handle the arm can be moved vertically to a desired position, while when holding the other handle the arm can be swung to a desired rotational position. Naturally, both of these movements can be carried out simultaneously. As soon as one of the handles is released, the corresponding brake means is activated, so that the arm stops in the position occupied by the arm when the handle is released.
In other types of known X-ray frame structures, the release and application of corresponding brake means is effected by actuating switches provided on the arm and/or the frame structure.
When using an X-ray frame of the aforesaid kind in practice it is found that a number of arm setting positions occur relatively often. Consequently, there is a need for the possibility of setting one or more such positions in a more convenient manner, so that the operator can be relieved from a large part of the work associated with fine adjustment to the setting of the pendulum arm, and so that the operator can be made aware of whether or not the arm has actually reached the position desired, without having to make exhaustive checks in this respect.
This problem applies with all types of X-ray frames provided with pendulum arms, i.e. both when the arms are arrested at the moment when the operator releases a handle and when the operator is forced to manipulate one or more switches in order to activate or de-activate the braking function.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention is to provide a simple and reliable solution to the aforesaid problem, this solution being applicable irrespective of the manner in which the means for arresting rotational movement of the arm is activated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An arrangement according to the invention which fulfils the aforesaid object and other objects is mainly characterized in that the brake means for arresting rotary movement of the arm is arranged to co-act with a centering mechanism which upon normal operational movement for applying the braking means somewhere within a range relating to one or more pre-determined positions, e.g. when the arm forms angles of 0.degree., 90.degree., 180.degree.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3770955 (1973-11-01), Tomita et al.
patent: 4127775 (1978-11-01), Ohlson
AO Medical Products AB
Howell Janice A.
Porta David P.
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