Abstract: A coupling mechanism secures a radiographic source connector to a drive assembly to prevent unintentional release. The source connector includes a cup sleeve with a sleeve slot cut along its axis. The sleeve is spring-loaded to capture the ball end of a drive assembly by applying a positive locking force from the spring. The sleeve slot provides clearance for the neck of the ball end of the drive connector ball. This clearance allows the source connector to pivot approximately 90° without detaching from the drive cable at any angle or orientation. The source connector cannot be disconnected from the drive assembly due to a force applied in any direction. The only mechanism for release is to intentionally move the sleeve in a direction opposite the urging of the spring and then remove the drive connector ball.

Abstract: A radiographic camera has a housing which enclosed a tube with a radiographic source. The conduit is coupled to a locking assembly at the back end of the camera and to a connector at the front end of the camera. A plug assembly is coupled in the connector mechanism. The connector has a movable shield which selectively blocks the conduit from the exterior of the housing when the plug assembly is partially removed, and unblocks the conduit when the plug assembly is removed and when a guide cable is being attached. The shield is mounted on a slide which also has a connection to a switch on the back of the camera. The switch is actuable when the shield is not blocking the conduit. The switch allows control cables to be connected to the locking assembly and can be actuated after the guide cable is attached.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus for connecting a separable control cable assembly to a camera storage unit in a radiographic system, having a connector assembly fixed to the camera storage unit and a separable control cable assembly. The separable control cable assembly is attached the camera storage unit via the fixed connector assembly for controlling movement of radioactive material attached to a source cable to a desired location outside of the camera storage unit. The camera storage unit stores the source cable and attached radioactive material in an aperture where the two are locked against removal. Proper connection of the separable control cable assembly to the camera storage unit releases the source cable and radioactive material from their lock position. Upon releasing the source cable and radioactive material from their lock position, the control cable assembly is prevented from being removed from ther camera storage unit.

Abstract: A radiography source, preferably a cobalt-60 source constructed of a plurality of radioactive cobalt-60 pellets contained in an open capsule preferably constructed of titanium. The pellets are disposed in the capsule and compacted therein to reduce the source focal size. A plug is disposed in the open capsule and welded therewith. The cobalt and titanium materials are sufficiently different in atomic number to permit good X-ray analysis resolution.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus for separably connecting cable controls to the storage unit of a radiographic system, having a coupler component fixed to the storage unit and a separable component fitted to the control cable. The latter fits into an aperture in the fixed component, where it can be locked against removal. The fixed component locks the radioactive material leader for safe storage when the control cable is disconnected. Connection of the control cable permits the operator to release the lock on the leader. The act of releasing that lock establishes an interlock which prevents removal of the separable component from the fixed component.

Abstract: A storage reel for flexible-cable remote manipulating means, which provides a form on which to store a flexible cable and its guide tube on the outside of the form, and which includes permanently fixed inside the form a relatively lighter weight storage tube, of Teflon or the like, for storing a supply of the flexible cable. The storage reel is disclosed in a system for isotope radiography.

Abstract: A storage unit for a quantity of radioactive material in a capsule attached to a leader by which the capsule can be moved, the unit having a straight passage through a body of radiation-shielding material within which the radioactive material can be stored, and a shutter for one end of the passage that is operable between two limits in one of which it closes the passage and in the other of which it locates a hole in register with the passage. A spring-biased tube in the passage fits in a recess around the hole for retaining the shutter in the "open" position, and this tube can be pulled back from the shutter by a fitting attached to the capsule when the capsule is stored, releasing the shutter to return to the first limit. An interlock is provided to prevent accidental opening of the shutter.