Abstract: A primary radiation diaphragm for an x-ray tube has a first group of diaphragm plates disposed proximate the focus of the x-ray tube, and a second group of diaphragm plates disposed distal of the focus. Each group of diaphragm plates consists of two diaphragm plate pairs, the plate pairs in each group forming a parallelogram. The diaphragm plates in each plate pair are adjustable together, with reference to the longitudinal axis of the overall radiation diaphragm structure by a control element, so that a ray pyramid having a desired size is formed. A single first shaft is used as a control element for simultaneously adjusting the diaphragm plates in one plate pair in the first group and one plate in the second group, the first shaft engaging each of the plates in these respective plate pairs for that purpose. A second single shaft engages the diaphragm plates in the other plate pair in the first group and the other plate pair in the second group, for simultaneously adjusting those plate pairs.

Abstract: A mammography apparatus has a holder for a radiation source, the holder being rotatable around a horizontal axle which extends from a bearing which is vertically displaceable in a stand. The holder is maintained at a selected height by a weight compensation system operating on the bearing. In order to permit the holder to be rotated while still maintaing the same vertical position from one exposure to another, so that the examination subject need not be re-positioned between exposures, the horizontal axle is disposed outside of the center of gravity of the holder, and is connected to a first part which extends parallel to the axle at a distance from the center line thereof. The first part engages a second part which is movable in the vertical direction, and is connected to the weight compensation system.

Abstract: Weight counterbalancing means for an articulating arm comprising first and second articulating arm members. One end of the first arm member is pivotally secured to a base and operative to pivot around a first horizontal axis. The second arm member is pivotally secured to the other end of the first arm member and is operative to pivot about a second horizontal axis. Each arm member is provided with a lever member that is part of a parallelogram system whose connecting nodes in part comprise the free end of the lever member of the first arm member, the pivot axis of the second arm member, and the free end of the lever member of the second arm member, a remaining connecting node in the parallelogram system being subject to a force that serves as a counterbalance for the articulating arm around the first horizontal axis, so that the articulating arm is held in equilibrium in every position.

Abstract: A mobile x-ray apparatus has an x-ray tube secured to a carriage via an arm mechanism, whereby the x-ray tube is adjustable both vertically and horizontally, and is provided with wheels for movement along a floor, and having a support which may be lowered to a floor to support the x-ray apparatus. Such a support, in its lowered position, supports the x-ray apparatus such that the x-ray apparatus is rotatable about the support, thereby improving the ease with which the x-ray tube may be positioned.

Abstract: An X-ray film holder which permits optional fluoroscopic or radiographic examination of a patient has a number of screen foils disposed in a film conveying track wherein X-ray film is provided between a supply magazine and a take-up magazine. The film changer is disposed between the patient and an X-ray image intensifier, the changer and the intensifier having the same image axis. The film changer has a conveyor unit for moving the screen foils into place in front of the image intensifier and for automatically opening overlapping flaps of the screen to permit an X-ray film sheet to be moved therebetween. As needed, the screen foils can be conveyed in an opposite direction to a storage area to permit radiation to pass unobstructed to the image intensifier for fluoroscopic examination of the patient.