US2141857A - Method and apparatus for taking X-ray photographs - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 27, 1938. F. o. GAM BLE METHOD AND Filed March 4, 1957 APPARATUS FOR TAKING X-RAY PHOTOGRAPHS Patented Dec. 27, 1938 'UNITED STATES METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TAKING X-RAY PHOTOGRAPHS Felton 0. Gamble, Westmont, N. J.

Application March 4, 1937, Serial No. 129,067

16 Claims.

This invention relates to an improved method of taking X-ray photographs and the apparatus whereby such method may be carried out. The invention will be hereinafter described more particularly with relation to its use in foot orthopedics, but as will be clear to those skilled in the art, it may be used for other purposes as, for example, the taking of radiographs of a patients knee for diagnostic purposes.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an improved method of taking X-ray photographs, particularly of the feet whereby the radiographs of both feet in weightbearing position may be taken in elevation on the same X-ray film for the purpose of comparison, one with the other, the images upon the X-ray film being accurately positioned with relation to each other preferably with their plantar borders in juxtaposition.

A further object is to provide an improved cabinet adapted particularly for use in taking radiographs of the above general character, in which the radiographs of the feet, for example, may be taken in weight-bearing position, thereby better to determine and diagnose the static condition.

A further object is to provide a cabinet of the above general character, in which the cassette may be positioned with respect to the X- ray tube, with a portion sealed and protected for future exposure While one exposure is being made.

A further object is to provide a substantial and inexpensive cabinet of the above general 5 character, in which both lateral and dorsoplantar views of the feet may be taken in weightbearing position.

A further object is to provide a cabinet of the above character in which views of the feet or other parts may be taken in recumbent position, such as would be necessary to examine an injured part.

A further object is to provide a cabinet of the above character which may be easily and quickly converted for fiuoroscoping.

Other objects will be in part obvious from the annexed drawing and in part hereinafter indicated in connection with the following analysis of this invention.

This invention accordingly consists in the various steps of the method and relationof each to the other, and in the features of construction of the apparatus, the combination of parts, and in the unique relation of the mem- 5 bers and in the relative proportioning and disposition thereof, all as more completely outlined herein.

To enable others skilled in the art more fully to comprehend the underlying features of this invention, that they may embody the same by numerous modifications in structure and relation contemplated by this invention, a drawing depicting a. preferred form of the invention has been annexed as part of this disclosure, in Which- Fig. 1 is a plan view of the complete cabinet, the X-ray tube being indicated diagrammatically at one side;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal and approximately central sectional view of the cabinet shown in Fig. 1 and taken substantially on theline 3--3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an elevational sectional view near the left hand end, Fig. 1 and taken substantially on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a sectional plan view taken just beneath the top, Fig. 2 and taken substantially on the line 4-4 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a side elevational view;

Fig. 6 is a view representing an exposed film.

Referring now to the drawing in detail, and more particularly to Figs. 1 and 5, the cabinet comprises a box approximately 2'x3' in top area, and 1 in height, the top H) of X-ray transparent material being divided into two parts, one being substantially twice the size of the other and separated by an elongated slot H for receiving a cassette I2 of any desired dimensions.

The right-hand portion of the top or cover it as viewed in Fig. 1 is divided into quadrants scaled from medial or coordinate lines as clearly indicated, each quadrant being approximately '7" square, and upon which the feet may be placed as indicated by R and L, as when taking lateral or elevational views of the feet or in the position R and L when taking dorsoplantar views, or viewed fluoroscopically.

The right-hand wall of the cabinet as shown in Fig. 2 is provided with a door 53 adapted to swing inwardly as on hinges M and provided with a handle or knob 15 whereby the door may be conveniently swung into the cabinet to permit access to the interior of the cabinet or space indicated by the numeral 16. This chamber is used for housing an X-ray tube as and when theapparatus is used for fiuoroscoping purposes as hereinafter explained.

The upper part of this chamber is adapted to hold a tray I! which may be slid outwardly by grasping handles l8, suitable guides l9 being provided upon which this tray slides in any desired manner. This tray is coordinated as shown in Fig. 4 in the same manner as the coordination on top of the cabinet as shown in Fig. 1. Thus the cassette I2 containing the X-ray film may be placed on any part of this tray but usually centrally with respect to the zero point of the coordinants, after which the patient stands upon the cover In with the feet in the same desired location with respect to the zero coordinants on the cover of the cabinet, thus insuring the images being reproduced upon the film within the cassette in the same relative is: cation on the film. In other words, if the feet as shown in Fig. 1, indicated by the characters L and R, extend from the line 3 at one side to the line 4 on the other side of the transverse zero line and closely adjacent the zero line in the opposite direction, then if the cassette is similarly located or positioned upon the tray I! the image will be recorded in the same location on the film.

The left-hand side of the cabinet as viewed in Fig; 2 is provided with a movable cassette support indicated at 20, which may be raised or lowered vertically to any desired amount by means of knobs 2|, at opposite sides of the cabinet (Fig. 4) which frictionally coact with guide plates 22. The cassette support 20 is provided at both sides with pointers 23 coacting with scales 24 for convenience (Fig, 5). Thus if the cassette support is lowered until the point-er indicates the numeral 5, for example, then it is known that the cassette I2 is below the under surface of the top cover to the cabinet to an extent of 5" and that the area of the cassette protected by the lead covered partition 25 will not be affected by the X-rays from the tube 32. This depth of non-exposure can beregulated to any reasonable extent according to circumstances and the size of the film being used.

In the upper portion of the cabinet there is provided a cassette holder which, as here shown, comprises a transverse strip 21 adapted to slide on rods 28 near the ends and to beactuated by -means of a knob 30 provided with. a reactive spring 3| normally urging the bar or strip 2'! towards the right, thereby to hold the cassette snugly against the partition 25.

When it is desired to take lateral views of one or both feet, in weight-bearing position, the patient stands upon the cabinet with the feet in the position of R and L (both Figs. 1 and 2) the cassette [2 being positioned therebetween. The tube indicated diagrammatically at 32 causes its X-rays to pass through the left foot marked L and the exposure is recorded upon the upper or exposed half of the film within the cassette l2, thus giving a lateral view of the left foot and clearly disclosing the lateral view of his orthopedic condition. After the exposure has been made, then the patient reverses his position, the feet pointing in the opposite direction to Rand L (Fig. 1), and the cassette is turned upside down, that is, the half, or portion previously exposed is lowered into or through the slot II to a position behind the protecting partition 25 and rests upon cassette support 20. A second exposure is now made, this time on the right foot, which is recorded upon the same film. This brings the plantar borders in juxtaposition as clearly shown in the diagrammatic view, Fig. 6. Thus the exposures of both .feet may be compared at one time which is particularly advantageous in diagnosing any foot condition such as congenital deformities, acquired deformities, fallen arch conditions, or the like.

By having the cassette support 20 vertically adjustable any size film may be used and the scales permit an accurate positioning of the film merely by setting the scale to an indication preferably equal to half the Width of the film. Likewise the medial coordinate line upon the cover 10 permits the film to be centered with respect to the feet.

When the device is used merely for fluoroscopic purposes the-X-ray tube is inserted into the cabinet through the open door l3 while the patient stands with the feet in the position indicated by a reversal of the position L, R (Fig. 1), under which conditions they may be viewed through the usual hand fluoroscopic screen in the well known manner.

From the above it will thus be seen that the present apparatus provides a novel method of taking X-ray photographs, particularly of a patients foot, whereby either lateral or dorsoplantar views of both feet may be taken on the same film in weight bearing position. The cabl net itselfis of simple, practical and substantial construction, so graduated and coordinated to permit the patients feet to be placed accurately in any desired position with respect to the film within the cassette upon which the exposure is to be made. With simple manipulation of the adjusting devices and scales any desired size film may be used with the definite assurance that it will be properly positioned with respect to the part to be examined.

Without further analysis the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of this invention that others can, by applying current knowledge,- readily adapt it for various applications without omitting certain features that, from the standpoint of the prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention, and therefore such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalency of the following claims.

I claim:

1. The herein described method of taking X-ray photographs, which consists in concealing and protecting a portion of a film while the other portion is exposed to record one of two feet in normal standing or weight-supporting position, then concealing and protecting the exposed portion of the film by reversing the same, reversing the position of the feet and making an exposure of the other foot on the previously concealed portion of the film for the purpose of comparison.

2. The herein described method of taking X- ray photographs of the feet in normal standing or weight-supporting position, which consists in protecting substantially one-half of a film while exposing the other to X-rays passing through one foot and then reversing the position of the film and the feet with respect to the protector while taking a second image of the other foot on the same film with the plantar borders in juxtaposition.

3. The herein described method of taking X-ray photographs of a patients two feet in normal standing or weight-supporting position, which consists in protecting one-half of the film against X-rays while exposing the other half in taking a photograph of one foot, then reversing [the position of the feet and the position of the film to take a second exposure of the other foot upon the other half of the film, with the plantar borders in juxtaposition.

4. In a cabinet of the character described, in combination, a platform having a slot in its upper surface upon which a person may stand with feet on opposite sides of the slot, a laterally movable member beneath the upper surface of the cabinet adapted to engage a cassette when placed in said slot and to hold the same against lateral movement, and means for supporting the cassette against vertical movement.

5. In a cabinet of the character described, in combination, a platform having a slot in its upper surface upon which a person may stand with feet on opposite sides of the slot, a laterally movable member beneath the upper surface of the cabinet adapted to engage a cassette when placed in said slot and to hold the same against lateral movement, and means for supporting the cassette against vertical movement, said last-mentioned means being vertically adjustable.

6. In a cabinet of the character described, in combination, a platform having a slot in its upper surface upon which a person may stand with feet on opposite sides of the slot, a laterally movable member beneath the upper surface of the cabinet adapted to engage a cassette when placed in said slot and to hold the same against lateral movement, means for supporting the cassette against vertical movement, and a partition beneath the top of the cabinet adapted to protect a part of the cassette extending into said slot against X-ray exposure.

7. In a cabinet of the character described, in combination, a platform having a slot in its upper surface upon which a person may stand with feet on opposite sides of the slot, a laterally movable member beneath the upper surface of the cabinet adapted to engage a cassette when placed in said slot and to hold the same against lateral movement, and a partition beneath the top of the cabinet adapted to protect that part of the cassette extending into said slot against X-ray exposure, and means for regulating and determining the extent to which the cassette may be inserted in said slot.

8. The herein described method of taking X-ray photographs which consists in the steps of concealing and protecting a portion of a film by a ray-proof wall extending below the level of a weight supporting platform, while the other portion of the film extends free of any encumberance while it is exposed, recording the weightsupporting image of a persons feet in substantially normal standing position and then utilizing the unexposed portion of the film for a simi lar recording by merely reversing the position of the film and the feet with respect to the protector.

9. The herein described method of taking X-ray photographs of the feet in substantially normal standing weight-bearing position, or parts thereof, which consists in the steps of protecting substantially one-half of a film behind a rayproof wall while exposing the other to X-rays passing through one foot or part thereof, and then reversing the position of the film with respect to the protector, positioning the film accurately with respect to the foot or part thereof by fixing the film behind the ray-proof wall, accurate positioning being facilitated by having the unexposed portion extending free and unencumbered above the weight-bearing plane while taking a second image of the other foot or part thereof on the same film after reversal with the plantar borders in juxtaposition.

10. The herein described method of taking X-ray photographs of a patients two feet in substantially normal standing weight-bearing position, which consists in the protection of onehalf of the film against X-rays while exposing the other one-half of the film in taking a photograph of one foot, then reversing the position of the feet and the position of the film to take a second exposure of the other foot upon the other half of the film, with the plantar borders in juxtaposition while protecting that portion of the film first exposed.

11. A cabinet of the character described comprising a platform upon which a patient stands in approximately natural weight-bearing position having an opening slot in the weight-supporting surface of the platform adapted to receive a cassette in a vertical plane with a portion of the film extending free and unencumbered above the weight-bearing plane and between the patients feet and with a substantial portion of the cassette extending into the cabinet and protected from X-ray exposure, and a wall impermeable to X-ray radiations for giving such protection.

12. A cabinet of the character described comprising a platform upon which a patient stands in approximately natural weight-bearing position having an opening slot adapted to receive a cassette in a vertical plane with a portion of the film extending free and unencumbered above the weight-bearing plane and between the patients feet and with a substantial portion of the cassette extending into the cabinet and protected from X-ray exposure, a wall impermeable to X-ray radiations for giving such protection, and means for determining the extent to which the cassette may be insert-ed in the slot.

13. A cabinet of the character described comprising a platform upon which a patient stands in approximately natural weight-bearing position having an opening slot adapted to receive a cassette in a vertical plane with a portion of a film extending free and unencumbered above the weight-bearing plane and between the patients feet and with a substantial portion of the cassette extending into the cabinet protected from X-ray exposure, a wall impermeable to X-ray radiations for giving such protection, and means for holding the cassette in fixed vertical position, said means being contained within the cabinet whereby that portion of the cassette above the weight-bearing plane may be free and unencumbered and yet in a definite fixed vertical position.

14. A cabinet of the character described comprising a platform upon which a patient stands in approximately natural weight-bearing position having an opening slot in its weight-supporting surface, a laterally movable member beneath the upper surface of the cabinet adapted to engage automatically a cassette when placed in said slot and to hold the same by frictional pressure against lateral or vertical movement, and means for supporting the cassette in any desired vertical position.

15. A cabinet of the character described comprising a platform upon which a patient stands in approximately natural weight-bearing position having a slot in its upper surface, a laterally movable member beneath the upper surface of the cabinet adapted to engage a cassette when placed vertically in said slot. and to hold the same by frictional pressure against lateral movement or vertical movement, and adjustable means engaging the lower edge of the cassette for determining the depth to which the cassette is placed in said slot.

16. A cabinet of the character described comprising a platform upon which a patient stands in approximately natural weight-bearing position having a slot in-its-upper surface,a laterally movable member beneath the upper surface of the'cabinet adapted to engage a cassette when placed in said slot and to hold the same by frictional pressure against lateral movement or vertical movement, and a partition beneath the top of the cabinet adapted to protect any desired part of the film from exposure.

FELTON O. GAMBLE.

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