US2508449A - Adjustable X-ray apparatus - Google Patents

Description

May 23, 1950 Filed May 29, 1948 zz 12RHIllllllllllllllllllllllllll!"IllllllllllfllIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIJIII C. P. DAVIS, JR, ET AL ADJUSTABLE X-RAY APPARATUS 4 Shets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS R! WAGNER, Ew VAUGHN BY ATTORN EY y 1950 c. P. DAVIS, JR., ET AL 2,508,449

ADJUSTABLE X-RAY APPARATUS flf-A v 147 $27 95 I 82 146 95 .74 6 55 lllr 143 WM 31 75 VX1 ATTORNEY May 23, 1950 c. P. DAVIS, JR, ET AL ADJUSTABLE X-RAY APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTORS CYP DA v/sfQL. GUENTNEQ 12 WAGNER, EW VAUGHN W Mm ATTORNEY Patented May 23, 1950 ADJUSTABLE X-RAY APPARATUS Charles P. Davis, Jr., Robert L. Guentner, Robert J. Wagner, and Everett W. Vaughn, Baltimore, Md., assignors to Westinghouse Electric Corporation, East Pittsburgh, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application May 29, 1948, Serial No. 30,096

Claims. 1

This invention relates to X-ray apparatus and, more particularly, to an adjustable table with facilities for vertical and horizontal fiuoroscopy, as well as vertical and horizontal radiography.

The principal object of our invention, generally considered, is to provide an apparatus for use in vertical and horizontal fluoroscopy in addition to vertical and horizontal radiography, without requiring the interchanging of the relative positions of the X-ray tube and fluoroscopic screen with respect to the patient-supporting table.

Another object of our invention is to provide a single tube X-ray table with two operating surfaces, one for fluoroscopy with the patient between the surface and the fluorescent screen, and one for radiography with the patient between the surface and the tube head, with a film in a cassette associated with a Bucky diaphragm inside of the table.

A further object of our invention is to provide an adjustable X-ray table of the handrocked type, counterbalanced for ease of operatlon for 180 range from horizontal through vertical to the opposite horizontal position, whereby it is unnecessary to use more than one X-ray tube and one fluorescent screen, and the relative positions of these parts need not be shifted.

A still further object of our invention is to provide an adjustable X-ray table having a counterbalanced longitudinal carriage carrying a cross-carriage on which the screen and tube are mounted, said table being reversible through 180 to make it unnecessary to shift the relative positions of the screen and tube, a latch being provided for holding the table in adjusted position, a self-locking crank being provided for moving the Bucky diaphragm, and the screen being provided with a three-position device useable to let the screen operate freely for vertical fiuoroscopy, to have the screen balanced for use in horizontal fluoroscopy, or with the screen locked to prevent dropping on the floor for use in horizontal radiography.

Other objects and advantages of the invention, relating to the particular arrangement and construction of the various parts, will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Referring to the drawing:

Figure l is a side elevational view of our table adjusted for horizontal radiography.

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of our table adjusted for vertical radiography.

Figure 3 is a side elevational view of our table adjusted for horizontal fluoroscopy.

Figure 4 is a side elevational view of our table adjusted for vertical microscopy.

Figure 5 is an end elevational view of the table as illustrated in Figure 3.

Figure 6 is an end elevational view of the table as illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure '7 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the table in the position of Figure l, with parts in vertical section on the line VII-VII of Figure 10, in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 8 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view, with parts in vertical section on the line V'II--V'II of Figure 10, in the direction of the arrows, of the table in diagonal or tilted position, in the process of being moved between the position of Figure 1 and that of Figure 2.

Figure 9 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view, with parts in vertical section on the line VII-VII of Figure 10, in the direction of the arrows, of the table in the position of Figure 2.

Figure 10 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view, on the line XX of Figure 9 in the direction of the arrows, parts being shown in elevation.

Figure 11 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view, with parts in vertical section on the line VII-VII of Figure 10, of the table positioned as in Figure 3.

Figure 12 is a fragmentary side elevational view, with parts in axial section, of the screen counterbalancing spring assembly and X-ray tube adjusting arm.

Figure 13 is a set of transverse sectional views, the upper elements of which illustrate the knob, pointer, and dial assembly in different positions viewed from the top of Figure 12, while the corresponding views, immediately therebelow show, first, sections on the line A-A of Figure 12, and then, sections on the line B-B of Figure 12, in order to illustrate what the various pointer adjustments mean as to the position of the index rod and its relationship with the spring-confining plates.

Figure 14 is a fragmentary axial View, on the line XIV-XIV of Figure 12, in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 15 is a fragmentary axial sectional view, on the line XVXV of Figure 12, in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 16 is a transverse vertical sectional view on the line XVI-XVI of Figure 17 in the direction of the arrows, showing in elevation the crank for moving the Bucky diaphragm.

Figure 17 is a longitudinal sectional view on the line XYIL-XV'II of Figure 16, in the direction'of the arrows.

of the operating crank and the spring-releas'ling segment on its shaft.

Figure 22 is a perspective view'of the operating pinion and its locking segment.

Apparatus providing for both vertical and horizontal fluoroscopy aswell as vertical and horizontal radiography are not unknown in the X-ray art. However, it has heretofore been necessary to'either use two X-ray tubes, one for radiography and the other for fluoroscopy, or use one X-ray tube so'mounted-so 'thatit can be moved from a position above the X-ray table for'radiography, to'ajpositionbeneath said table for fluoroscopy.

The X-ray table of the present invention uses only one X-rayztube for both radiography and fluoroscopy, and differs from previous designs in that it tilts from ahorizontal position, such as shown in Figure :1, through a vertical position, suchas :shown'in Figure '2, to the reverse horizontal position, shown in Figure 3, rotating a total of 180. This feature of tilting 180 makes it unnecessary to shift the X-ray tube from above the table to beneath the table, while switching fromra'diography to-fluoroscopy, as in our X-ray table both the "initially top surface, and that which is then the bottom surface of the table, areused -as operatinga-reas.

Considering a preferred embodiment of our invention, in a general way it includes, a three- .positionhand-rock tilt table 21-, desirably about 45- long by 28" wide and not more than thick, the frame of which is constructedof steel of sufiieient section-to insure rigidity Whenin a horizontal position and carrying a 200 pound patient. The table I is provided with rails 10 within the body thereof to slidablyguide shoes 90 car-ried-by the housing of a Bucky diaphragm 22 .-for=adjustabl-y supporting the latter. The Bucky '22 holds'the cassette and its photographic film, and when installed, faces the side of the table, 2 l

at which the X-ray tube 23 is mounted, said 7 Bucky not being counterweighted. The table bod-y desirably'containsfixed lead or steel counterweights 24, so that tilting it will require a pull not greater than-30 pounds, it being noted that the'pivot axis 25 for the table is not equidistant from the ends of the latter. 7 V

Inside the table is a longitudinally-movable carriage 26, desirably counterweighted as indi cated at H0, connected thereto by steel balls 2'1 between its edges and corresponding tracks near the sides-of the table.- Mounted on said longitudinally-movable carriage, is a transverselymovable carriage 28 which may include a shutter (not shown). It is correspondingly mounted for free movement in tracks attachedto said'longi- 4, 35 received in spherical bushings 36 and 37, ad justably carried in bearings 38 and 39 in the legs 32 and 33, respectively. The bolt 34 passes outwardly from the inner sideof the table side wall 4|, :through reinforcing plate 42, bolted to said side wall, and block 43"Welded to"said plate, :through latch 29 and bushing 33. It has its end received in nut means 44. The pocket receiving the nut means, which may involve two nuts for locking purposes, is desirably closed by a cap 45.

The'bearing 38 fishld in place in leg 32, by plate so sec-uredbylscrews.

Thetother pivot bolt 35 passes from the outside into leg.po'cket, which is finally closed by cap 20, through bushing 31, retainer plate 46 held to leg "33 "by'screws'fl, washer 48, and the reinforcing plate 149 desirably welded to side wall 5| of table 2|.

The latch 29 is controlled by release .knob 54, through conneotingarod .55 whichjis normally urged into locking positionbyrneans of coil compression spring 56 thereon, acting between a collarfil fixed o-nthe rod and a stop and guide 58 mounted on the inner surface of the side wall M of the table 21. The otherend portion of the rod moves ina guide 59. TheQIa tch 2.9.has a slot 6| through which the bolt '34jand a guide lug 40 on the stop block 43 passes, while helding'uiding relation therewith by plateifl securedto 'saidlug by screws 6'0, allowing movementby the release knob 54 from latched'position, shown in Figure 7, r

to unlatched position shown in Figure '8, where the prong 620i the'latch 2 9 has'been withdrawn from the shoulder '63 on theleg '32. Thispermits the table tobe'tilt'ed or moved clockwise or in the direction of thearrow 64 only, counterclockwise rotation being prevented'by theengagement between the stop block rib m and the shoulder 63 of the leg 32 on the one side,.and the adjusted stop screw .53 andth'e abutment portion I44 on the leg vit's-on the other, to theposition represented inii ligur Bfrom whence it is free to be returned or moved to the position represented in Figure 9 where, if the knob 54 released, thelatch will drop to the locking position there represented, whereits prongs'6'2 and'fii straddle the shoulder or lug lifi on the leg 32, to thereby hold the table lockedvin vertical position.

Upon again. releasing the-knob '54, by, pulling in the direction offthe arrow 67, the latchi29 is Withdrawn from the lug 66, allowingthe table to be tilted further .until finally the position represented .in Figure 1-1 is reached where further movement is prevented 'by engagement between the rib and'the shoulder 168, on the .one side, and the adjusted stopscrew I45 and the abutment portion 1 34 on the other, and thelatchLZQ'haS snapped over said shou1deri'68,.with itsprong 6'5 positioned in locking engagement therewith.

This preventsreturnmovement of the table2l until the index latch is again released'lby .cor-

V responding movement of the control k'nob' 54.

tudinally movable carriage. The longitudinal movement is desirably about 2'7 and the transverse movement desirably-about 8''.

A latch 29, shown in detail'in Figures 7 to '11, inclusive, slidable on guide and stop block 43, is

provided for holding the table 2| in adjusted position with respect to the base 3|, which'inlthe present embodiment is formed by legs 32 and 33.

The table is pivoted to said legs by bolts '34 and Referring now to'thecrossharriage screen arm and tube arm assembly, illustrated in Figures 12 to 15, inclusive, there is. shown the details of the mechanism which adjustably carries the X-ray .tube 23 and fiuorescentscrenili l. This assembly, represented generally by the referenc character .15, .comprisesa hollow metal cylinder or tube 72,

preferably formed. of steel, and mounted on the transversely-movable carriage 28,.so as to stand vertical when the table is horizontal, as. in the positionof Figures'l, 3, 5, and 6, andhorizontal when the table is vertical, as in the .position of Figures 2 and 4.

Inside of the cylinder I2 is a compression spring I3, confined between plate I4, which may consist of two pieces secured together, and plate I5, the latter of which rests on a spacer tube I6 held in place in cylinder I2 by screws 11, and with its outer end closed by a cover plate 18. The latter is secured to a spring adjusting plate I9, by bolt 8|, the outer end of which is finally covered by nut I43. Plates I4 and I5 appear respectively as upper and lower members of the spring adjusting assembly in Figure 12, which corresponds with the table position of Figures 3 and 5 for horizontal fiuoroscopy, but the assembly is of course reversed when the table is turned over for horizontal radiography, as in Figures 1 and 6.

The spring I3 is held under the desired compression by being urged against the plate I5 by the adjusting rods 82 and 83 threaded into the plate I4 to the desired extent, as illustrated in Figure 15, and carrying threaded ends to which nuts 84 and 85 are applied, after they are passed through apertures in plate I9. The bolt 8| has a head which may serve as a limit stop against downward movement of the index rod 89, which controls the operation of the screen supporting arm 81 in accordance with the angular position thereof, determined by the location of the pointer 88 on the control knob 89. The latter is non-rotatably secured to the upper end of the rod 86, as by means of pin 9|, and movable with the rod and pointer over dial 92 for positioning in any one of three positions.

The rod 86 carries a pin 93, shown as upper in Figure 12, and a pin 94, shown as lower in said'figure, adapted to engage the adjacent plates I4 and I5, respectively, or pass through slots 95 and 99 in the plate I4, 9! in the plate I5, or move in safety guide 98 projecting from said plate I5. The ends of the safety guide 98 project different distances through the carrying plate I5, forming a long safety stud 80 to prevent more than 129 rotation of the rod 86, and a short safety stud I95 to prevent the pointer 88 and rod 89 from being turned from position #3 to position #1 without first releasing said index rod from force of spring I3.

The screen-arm-end of the tube I2 carries a cap 99, through a slot I90 in which passes index rod 86. Bearing lugs IOI project from the cap 99, and between them is pivoted the screen arm 87, as by means of pivot pin I02. The extreme end of the screen arm 81 is pivoted to the index plate block I93, rotatably mounted on the rod 86 and to which the dial 92 is secured. Engagement between the block I03 and cap 99 may be resiliently prevented by spring I04, confined against the block I03, as by pin I46 through rod 89 and washer M1; or non-resiliently by a collar mounted on rod 88 and locked in the desired position by a setscrew (not shown). By virtue of the described arrangement, the screen arm 81 may alternatively; be released from the spring for free movement, in connection with vertical fiuoroscopy, have its weight balanced by the spring, as for use in horizontal fiuoroscop or be locked for use in horizontal radiography.

The screen 69 is freed from the action of the spring i3 by turning the knob 89 and its pointer 88 to position #1, represented in Figure 13 by the views in the left column. In this position the index rod 88 will travel freely along its axis, because its pin 94 slides in the safety guide 98, and moves without opposition through slot 91 in plate I5, while the pin 93 likewise moves freely without opposition through slot in plate I4, rotation of the rod 93 being prevented during the entire range of screen travel by saidsafety guide.

In order to change the action of the spring I3, from one where the screen 69 is free thereof to one where it is balanced thereby, the screen 69 is pulled away from the table 2 I, as from position shown in dotted lines in Figure 5 to that in full lines thereof, causing the index rod 86 to travel into cylinder I2 until, at the extreme end of travel, index pin 94 is not only through plate I5 but clears the end of safety stud I05, whereupon the pointer 88 is turned to position #2 on the dial 92, and the parts left in the position shown in the middle views of Figure 13. Here the pin 94 is in engagement with the bottom or outer surface of plate I5. The index pin 93, however, is then between the plates I4 and l5, but free to move through the slot 96 in the plate I4. This means that downward movement of the screen, as from the full line position in Figure 5 to the dotted line position in said figure, is resiliently opposed or balanced by compression of the spring I3 against the plate I4, by movement of the plate I5 toward it by corresponding pressure of the pin 94 on the bottom of said plate I5 as the rod 88 moves upwardly.

The locked position, where the screen is held off the floor when the table 2| and parts carried thereby are reversed, as represented in Figure 6, is obtained by moving the pointer 88 to position #3 on the dial 92, where the positions of the pins 93 and 94 are represented in the views in the right hand column of Figure 13. This position is entered from that of position #2, shown in the middle column of Figure 13. The index pins 93 and 94 are so set in the rod 86 that when the screen is pushed toward the table, passing its midpoint of travel, index pin 93 just passes through plate I4. Then, turning the knob 89 so that the pointer 88 moves from position #2 to position #3 on dial, the spring 13 is confined to a short length by the pin 93 engaging the top of the plate 14, and the pin 94 engaging the bottom of the plate I5, thereby placing the spring under an extra amout of compression, and making it suificiently rigid to hold the screen substantially horizontal above the table, when in the position represented in Figure 3. When the table 2| is turned to the position represented in Figure 6, the screen is held in a substantially horizontal position and prevented from dropping on the floor by force transmitted to block I03, through rod 89, pin 93, plate I4, bolts 82 and 83, from plate I8. Plate I8, in turn, receives this force through bolt 8|, and plate I9 to which said bolt is secured as by welding, from spacer It, to which plate I9 is also secured as by welding, and through securing screwsil to column I2.

The X-ray tube 23 is carried by arm I09, the outer end of which is pivoted to a member I01 which encircles the lower end, as in Figure 12, of the tube I2, and is adjusted by mechanism I09 consisting of a jack screw III carrying a swivel nut II2, pivoted between arms H3 and H4 on tube arm I98, a thrust bearing H5 and a thrust collar I I9, between which are mounted a pivoting abutment device III, also pivoted in a bracket II8 secured to the column I2. The outer end of the jack screw III carries a crank and handle assembly II9, non-rotatably mounted thereon, as by means of a pin I2I. The other end portion of the jack screw III carries locking limit nuts I22 and I23. on one side of the nut, H2. and

i'ockingjlimit nuts 1'41 and 448-011 the'otherside; while the extreme end carriesiawasher I 24 ,a:lock washer: I2 5, -and a screw I26 a holding them-in place; It will thus be seen that turning of'the handle I21 of the assembly I09 efiects raising or lowering of the arm-supported-tube 23-, depending" on the directionofiturningt Referring now to Figures 16-to 22', inclusive,

there'is shown the mechanism for moving the Bucky diaphragm 22. To the end Wall I28 of said Bucky is secured a supportingand spring housing bracket I 29, providing bearing *I3I tor the crankshaft I32, and bearing 133 "for pinion I34. The'pinion" I34 carries a locking segment I35; .while the'crank shaft I32 carries a releasing segment I36, both *of which segments are, when assembled, encirclediby coil locking spring I31, having radial end portions I25 and I30, housed in a portion I40 of the-support bracket I29, and slightly larger in free outside diameter than that of thebore of the housing portion I40; radial'springportions are disposed between the segments I35 and I36. A-force or torque on the pinion I35, in either direction of rotation, "will cause the locking segment I35 to engage one of said end portions and tend to turn the spring in a direction to increase its diameter. 'Since the spring is confinedit'cannot expand, and because of the initial pressure on its outside surface, it resists turnin like a difierentialband brake working internally. This prevents the Bucky .from unintentionally moving one way or the other, whereby it is locked with respect to a pinion-engaged rack I38. The lower surface of said rack is engaged by roller I39.

This lock against Bucky movement is released by turning the crank handle I4I on the end of shaft I32 in either direction, causing the crank shaft release segment I35' to engage one of the spring end portions I 28 andl3ll and wind-up the spring, as represented most clearly in'Figure 19, thereby slightly decreasing its diameter and releasing the pressure, only one coilat :a time, until the spring resisting-friction islsmall enough to' be readily overcome. It will be seen that, while the connections could be reversed, in this embodiment the drive assembly is attached to the Bucky, and the rack 138 to the chassiseof the table, to be engaged by the drive pinion I 34,

whereby the weight of the Bucky appears as torque exerted on the spring lock. The roller I39 and associated washer I42- prevent disengagement of the rackand pinion.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that we have provided an X-ray table which is not-only adj ustable for use in horizontal or vertical position,

but-in which provision is made for the-ready handling of the X-ray tube, fluoroscopic screen, and Bucky, as wellas insuring that the table is securely locked in the desired horizont'alflor vertical position.

Although preferred embodiments of our invention have been disclosed-it will be understood-that modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the appended-claims.

We claim;

1. In X-ray apparatus, a base a table pivoted on-saidbase and swingable 180so asto lie horizontally, while exposing one side or the other, or stand in a vertical plane, thereby adapting it for horizontal or vertical fluoroscopy and.horizontal or vertical .radi'ography,ia carriage "movable longitudinally in tracks attached to the sides of said table, a second carriage movable transversely in tracks :attached to v:said longitudinally The.

amen

8 movablezearriaseva fluorescent rscreen', asupporting arm extending "from-said screen; a screen counter-balancing spring, assembly secured to said arm.- and :means supporting said screen,- arm and spring assemblyifrom .said second carriage; 2. In 'X-ray-apparatus, legs with stop shoulders, a "table pivoted on said legs and swingable 180, so as "to 'lie horizontally while exposing. one side or the other, or stand in'a' verticalplane, thereby adapting it for horizontal -.or vertical fluoroscopy 'and' horizontal :or vertical radiography, and

means for locking saidtable in-any one oflsaid three positions, said means comprising a stop block secured to a sideof said table, having an abutment portion projecting outwardlyand swingable with said table through between said stop shoulders, a latch slidable .onsaidrstop block,an opera-ting .rod secured to? said latch, a collar on said rod, :a-control knob on the far' -end of said rod, guide meansbn .saidtableforsaid rod, alocking spring mounted on said :rodzand compressed between one of the said guide means and said collar to bias the latch toward locking position, said latch having projections one of which engages one of said stop shoulders-when in one horizontal portion, and the other of which engages asecondof saidstopashoulderswhen in theother horizontalposition, while both straddle another of said stop shoulders when the table is in vertical position, whereby said table may belocked in anyone of the threeidesired positions;

3. In X-ray apparatus, a base, ,a table pivoted on said base and'swingable 180 so as to lie horizontally while exposing one side-orthecther or stand in a vertical 'plane, support means on said table for an X-ray tube and an associatedfluorescent screen, "a screen counterbalancing assembly mounted on said support 'means and com!- prising a hollow column, a compression spring enclosed in said column, means confining and adjusting the compression or said spring; a rod movable in said spring and carrying index pins, the'means confining said spring being'slotted, one of said means carrying a guide for one" of said pins, means pivotally mounting said arm intermediate its ends with respect to said col:- umn, a collar rotatable on said rod, a-- kn,ob and pointer assembly secured to the endofsaid rod beyond said collar, means pivotallyconnecting the extreme-end of said arm to said collar, said knobserving to turn said rod-to adjust itsrelation with respect to said slotted spring-confining means, whereby the screen maybe released-from said spring and adapted to move freely for use in vertical fluoroscopy, balanced by said spring for use in horizontal fluoroscopy, or locked to preventit dropping on the floor when vthe-apparatus is used for horizontal-radiography.

4. In X-ray apparatus, a base, a table ,pivoted on said base and swingable 180 so as to lie horizontally, while exposing one side .or the other, or stand in a vertical plane, thereby adaptingrit for horizontal or verticalfluoroscopy and horizontal or vertical radiography, a carriage movablelongitudinally in tracks attached to the sides-of said table, a second carriagemovable transversely in tracks attached -.to said longitudinally movable carriage, a .V-fluorescent screen, a supporting arm extending fromssaid screen, a screen counterbalancing spring assembly comprising a hollow cylindrical column mounted on said transversely. movable carriage, a compression-spring enclosed insaid column, meansv confining and adjusting, the compression of -.said spring, a rod movable :in said springand i9 carrying index pins, the means confining said spring being slotted, one ofsaid means carrying aguide for one of said. pins, means pivotally mountingsaid arm intermediate its ends to said column, a collar rotatable on said rod, a knob and pointer assembly secured to the end of said rod beyond said'collar, the adjacent end of said arm being pivotally connected to said collar, and said knob serving for turning said rod to adjust its relation with respect to said compression spring,

whereby the screen may be; released from said. spring and adapted to move freely for use in vertical fluoroscopy, by positioning said knob so that one of said pins moves in its guide and the other passes freely through slots in the adjacent confining means; balanced by said spring for use in horizontal fluoroscopy, by positiong said knob so that one of said pins engages one of said confining means while the other pin passes freely through the other confining means; or locked to prevent it dropping on the floor when the apparatus is used for horizontal radiography, by positioning said knob 50 that each pin engages the outer surface of the adjacent confining means.

5. In X-ray apparatus, a support, a fluorescent screen, a supporting arm extending from said screen, a screen counterbalancing spring assembly comprising a hollow cylindrical column mounted on said support, a compression spring enclosed in said column, a rod movable in said spring and carrying index pins, plates engaging the respective ends of said spring for confining the same, means acting on one of said plates for adjusting the compression of said spring, both of said plates being slotted and one carrying a guide for one of said pins, means pivotally mounting said arm intermediate its ends on said column, a collar rotatable on said rod, a knob and pointer assembly secured to the end of said rod beyond said collar, the adjacent end of said arm being pivotally connected to said collar and said knob serving for turning said rod to adjust its relation with respect to said spring, whereby said screen may be; released from said spring and adapted to move freely for use in vertical fluoroscopy, by positioning said knob so that one of said pins moves in said guide and the other passes freely through slots in the other plate; balanced by said spring for use in horizontal fluoroscopy, by positioning said knob so that one of said pins engages the plate which is not acted on by said adjusting means while the other pin passes freely through slots in the other plate; or locked to prevent it from dropping on the floor when the apparatus is used for horizontal radiography, by positioning said knob so that one of said pins engages the plate, which is not acted on by said adjusting means, on its outer surface, while the other engages the other plate, also on its outer surface, without making use of any of said slots.

6. In X-ray apparatus, support means, an X- ray tube mounted on said support means, and adjustment means for said tube comprising an arm one end of which is secured to said tube and the other end of which is pivoted to said support means, said arm having means in which a nut is swiveled, a jack screw threaded through said nut, means holding against longitudinal movement while allowing turning of another portion of said jack screw with respect to said support, and means for turning said screw to adjust the angularity of said arm with respect to said support.

'7.- In X-ray apparatus, a base, a-table pivoted on said base and swingable soas to lie horizontally while exposing one side or the other or stand in a vertical plane, support means mounted on said table, an X-ray tube mounted on said support means, and adjustment means for said tube comprising an arm one end of which is'secured to said tube and the other end of which is pivoted to said support means, said arm having lateralprojections between which is swiveled a nut, a jack screw threaded through said nut, means pivotally holding'another portion of said jack screw with respect to said support, and a. crank for turning said screw to, adjust theffangularity of said arm with respect to said support.

8. In X-ray apparatus, a table, a Bucky diaphragm mounted to move longitudinally in said table, a bracket, a crank with a shaft mounted in said bracket, said shaft having an unlocking segment, a pinion pivoted on said shaft and carrying a locking segment, a coil spring encircling and with radial end portions disposed between said segments and frictionally housed in said bracket, a rack engaged by said pinion, one of said bracket and rack being mounted on the Bucky and the other on said table, and a roller engaging said rack to insure meshing of it with said pinion, whereby turning of said crank in either direction acts on one of said end portions, releases said spring, and allows corresponding movement of the Bucky, while said Bucky is locked against unintentional movement by the spring binding in its housing and made tighter by engagement of the locking segment with an end portion thereof.

9. In X-ray apparatus, a base, a table on said base, a Bucky diaphragm mounted to move longitudinally in said table, and means for simultaneously preventing undesired movement of said Bucky, while allowing for desired longitudinal adjustment thereof, comprising a bracket secured to one end of said Bucky, a crank with a shaft mounted in said bracket, said shaft having an unlocking segment, a pinion pivoted on said shaft and carrying a locking segment, a coil spring encircling, and with radial end portions disposed between, said segments and frictionally housed in said bracket, and a rack mounted on said table and engaged by said pinion, whereby turning of said crank in either direction acts on one of said end portions, releases said spring, and allows corresponding movement of the Bucky, while said Bucky is locked against unintentional movement by the spring binding in its housing and made tighter if a locking segment presses on an end portion thereof.

10. In X-ray apparatus, a base, a table pivoted on said base and swingable 180 so as to lie horizontally one way or the other or stand in a vertical plane, a Bucky diaphragm mounted to move longitudinally in said table, and means for simultaneously preventing undesired movement of said Bucky, while allowing for undesired longitudinal adjustment thereof, comprising a bracket secured to one end of said Bucky, a crank with a shaft mounted in said bracket, said shaft having an unlocking segment, a pinion pivoted on said shaft and carrying a locking segment, a coil spring encircling, and with radial end portions disposed between, said segments and frictionally housed in said bracket, a rack mounted on said table and engaged by said pinion, and a roller engaging said rack to insure meshing of it with said pinion, whereby turning of said crank in either direction acts on one of

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