US3920997A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for holding film cassettes in X-ray machines
Assignee: Compagnie Generale de Radiologie SA
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Filing: 1974-10-11
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Granted: 1975-11-18
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Expires: 1994-10-11
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for holding film cassettes in an X-ray machine in the proper location and relative orientation for making an exposure. In particular, the distance of the top surface of the cassette, and, hence of the film held therein, from stationary parts of the X-ray machine is kept constant by a plurality of spring-loaded push buttons which press the film cassette against the overhanging edges of the arms which hold the cassette in place. Each push button has a built-in electrical switch whose signal is used by a control mechanism for adjusting the size and position of the diaphragm of the X-ray machine to the particular length of the film cassette being loaded, while another electrical means related to the holding arms, controls the diaphragm in respect to the width of the cassette. The signals from the switches associated with the push buttons are also used to define the relative position of the cassette and the central beam of the X-ray tube.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph Munch
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 16:21
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B42/00; G03B42/02; G03B42/025
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
208 words
An apparatus for holding film cassettes in X-ray machines including a plane surface, located at a predetermined distance from other elements of the X-ray machine, for example from tHe anti-diffusing screen, and, arranged on that plane surface, an assembly of gripper arms with overhanging edges for holding the film cassette for an X-ray exposure, and including means, actuated by said gripper arms or by their linkage mechanism, for generating an electrical signal to control the diaphragm of the X-ray machine according to the width of the film cassette, and further including a stop to define the position of the cassette on said plane surface, the improvement comprising: A. a plurality of push buttons, disposed in said plane surface, each push button including a spring urging said push button to emerge from said plane surface for pushing said film cassette against the overhanging edges of said gripper arms; B. electrical switches, there being one switch associated with and actuated by each of said push buttons; and C. a control mechanism for regulating the diaphragm of the X-ray machine, whereby the condition of said electrical switches is used by the control mechanism to control the diaphragm depending on the length of the particular film cassette located on said plane surface.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
208 words
An apparatus for holding film cassettes in X-ray machines including a plane surface, located at a predetermined distance from other elements of the X-ray machine, for example from tHe anti-diffusing screen, and, arranged on that plane surface, an assembly of gripper arms with overhanging edges for holding the film cassette for an X-ray exposure, and including means, actuated by said gripper arms or by their linkage mechanism, for generating an electrical signal to control the diaphragm of the X-ray machine according to the width of the film cassette, and further including a stop to define the position of the cassette on said plane surface, the improvement comprising: A. a plurality of push buttons, disposed in said plane surface, each push button including a spring urging said push button to emerge from said plane surface for pushing said film cassette against the overhanging edges of said gripper arms; B. electrical switches, there being one switch associated with and actuated by each of said push buttons; and C. a control mechanism for regulating the diaphragm of the X-ray machine, whereby the condition of said electrical switches is used by the control mechanism to control the diaphragm depending on the length of the particular film cassette located on said plane surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
55 words
An improved apparatus for holding film cassettes, according to claim 1, the improvement further comprising a fixed base member, located beneath the anti-diffusing screen of the X-ray machine; and a slide drawer, disposed to glide on said base member, said plane surface which includes said push buttons being the top surface of said slide drawer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
An improved apparatus as defined in claim2, the improvement further comprising a guide channel, affixed to claim 2, slide drawer and including said push buttons.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
50 words
An improved apparatus as defined in claim 1, the improvement further comprising means, disposed between said slide drawer and said push buttons, for depressing said push buttons toward the interior of said slide drawer when said slide drawer is pulled out to the maximum extent relative to said fixed base.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
174 words
An improved apparatus as defined in claim 4, wherein said means for depressing said push buttons include: i. at least one pressure rail, disposed between said slide drawer and said push buttons, capable of sliding motion and equipped with longitudinally aligned camways, each of which intersects a vertical face; ii. a tensile spring, disposed so as to urge said slide drawer and said pressure rail to approach each other; iii. a collar provided on each of said push buttons, each collar cooperating slidingly with the camway surface in said pressure rail; iv. a tab, affixed to said pressure rail; and v. a stop, affixed to said fixed base; whereby, while said slide drawer is moved relative to said fixed base, said tab makes contact with said stop, immobilizing said pressure rail with respect to said fixed base, so that continued motion of said slide drawer and the included push buttons relative to said fixed base will cause said pressure rail to urge said push buttons to move toward the interior of said slide drawer.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3518435A
Cited
US3581094A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-11-17 | 1979-05-19 | 1979-11-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-11-17 | 1983-05-19 | 1983-11-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-11-17 | 1987-05-19 | 1987-11-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |