Abstract: A radiographic device may include a base, a support arm pivotably coupled to the base and defining a support axis, the support arm being movable between a normal position and two diametrically opposed, laterally rotated positions, and a radiographic head coupled to the support arm. A tension assembly may be coupled to the base and a linkage system may extend between the tension assembly and the support arm. The linkage system may include a hub and linkage may be partially entrained with the hub. The linkage may include a pivot point joining the linkage proximal end and the linkage distal end. When the support arm is in the normal position, the linkage may be positioned with respect to the hub so that the lateral reference line also intersects the linkage pivot point.

Abstract: Methods for determining and displaying x-ray radiation generated by a radiographic device may include storing in a memory a plurality of tables that correlate voltage and current values of an x-ray tube to a predicted radiation rate for a given radiographic device. Actual or approximate voltage and current values are then obtained from an operating x-ray tube. Based on these values, a predicted instant (or “dynamic”) radiation late is selected from one of the stored tables and is displayed to the practitioner. In addition, the method may approximate an accumulated radiation dose by measuring the time periods over which predicted radiation rates are generated and calculating a running total. Apparatus for conducting such methods is also disclosed.

Abstract: A radiographic device may include a base, a support arm pivotably coupled to the base and defining a support axis, the support arm being movable between a normal position and two diametrically opposed, laterally rotated positions, and a radiographic head coupled to the support arm. A tension assembly may be coupled to the base and a linkage system may extend between the spring assembly and the support arm. The linkage system may include a hub rotatably coupled to the base and defining a center of rotation with which a lateral reference line intersects. A linkage may be partially entrained with the hub and may have a proximal end adapted for coupling to the support arm and a distal end adapted for coupling to the spring assembly. The linkage may include a pivot point joining the linkage proximal end and the linkage distal end. When the support arm is in the normal position, the linkage may be positioned with respect to the hub so that the lateral reference line also intersects the linkage pivot point.