Vertically adjustable counterbalancing x-ray tube head suspension support apparatus

Claim 1

A vertically adjustable counterbalancing X-ray tube head suspension support apparatus, comprising: an X-ray tube head to be positioned selectively at different elevations; a floor-mounted hollow vertical column of rectangular cross section having oppositely facing horizontally spaced-apart exterior guide channels extending lengthwise along its one rectangular side at respective edges thereof; a vertical carriage supporting said X-ray tube head and having rollers thereon in rolling contact with said guide channels; a pair of fusees and respective attached drums disposed within said column near its top for rotation about fixed horizontal axes; a tubular spring housing member fixed relative to said column and extending upwardly therewithin; an inwardly extending stop member affixed to the upper end of said spring housing member; an elongated helical compression spring disposed in said spring housing member with its upper end abutting said stop member; a pair of pulleys disposed within said helical compression spring in upwardly exerting thrust-transmitting connection to its lower end; a pair of parallel-arranged flexible cables anchored at their one end to said column above said spring housing member, extending downwardly therefrom to and around said pulleys, thence upwardly to and around the respective drums and fusees in continuously wound relationship, thence downwardly to said carriage; and an elongated horizontal rockable member extending laterally between said guide channels, having opposite pointed ends normally disposed in proximity to walls of said guide channels extending perpendicular of said member, pivotal suspended connections with said cables at opposite sides of its mid length, and a laterally constrained pivotal support coNnection with said carriage at a location separated from such pointed ends a distance greater than the mid distance between such perpendicular guide channel walls.