Abstract: Relative translational movement between a pair of X-ray apparatus components is selectively arrested by a bidirectional lineal lock structure including an elongated locking rod carried by one of the components and a locking unit carried by the other component. The locking unit is movable along the locking rod and includes two sets of balls which selectively engage the peripheral surface of the rod. Two clamping systems normally wedge the balls into clamping engagement with the peripheral surface, preventing relative, component movement. A pair of electromagnets are operative, when energized, to bias the clamping systems toward release positions to permit relative componet movement. Either of the electromagnets may be selectively energized to permit unidirectional relative movement between the components. An energizing circuit is provided for briefly reversing the polarity of the electromagnets immediately before they are de-energized, to faciliate re-establishment of the clamping engagement.

Abstract: X-ray table with automatic feeding of radiographic film, and wherein exposed film is directly processed.