Siemens Aktiengesellschaft

Roderich Zink

Walter Distler

Gerhard Linke

In an illustrated embodiment, the cables between the x-ray generator and the angularly movable x-ray source and between the angularly movable radiation detector and the processing circuitry are guided by means of an epicyclically movable planetary member operating between relatively rotatable inner and outer wheel members. The x-ray source and detector may be secured with the inner member which then may rotate through an angle of about 360.degree. during a measurement operation. The cables may initially extend about substantially the entire perimeter of the inner member and then loop about the planetary member and be attached at a convenient point to the stationary outer member. The cables at one end could then extend from the inner member to the x-ray source and detector, and at the opposite end from the stationary outer member to the x-ray generator and other stationary circuit components. In this example, during rotation of the inner member with the x-ray source and detector, the cables are progressively unwound from the periphery of the inner member and transferred by the planetary member to the inner perimeter of the stationary outer member. In this way, the cables may be reliably guided during a 360.degree. rotation of the measurement apparatus, for example. One or more further planetary members may be interposed between the inner and outer members in guiding relation to the cables.

Tomographic X-ray apparatus for producing transversal layer images

A tomographic X-ray apparatus for the producing of transverse laminographic or tomographic images, constituted of an X-ray measuring arrangement having an X-ray source which generates an X-ray beam, whose cross-sectional expanse or spread perpendicular to the X-rayed layer is equal to the layer thickness, and in parallel to the layer is equal to the layer thickness or is lesser than the latter; and including a radiation receiver which measures the radiation intensity behind the object at successive equidistant points, as well as a drive installation for the measuring arrangement, consisting of a pivot mounting for producing rotary movements of the X-ray measuring arrangement through small equidistant angular increments about a rotational axis which is approximately coincident with the symmetrical longitudinal axis of the exposure object; as well as a slide carriage located on the pivot mounting for producing a linear scanning movement (scanning lift) of the X-ray measuring arrangement perpendicular to the direction of the central X-ray beam over the entire object expanse in an alternating sequence with each incremental rotary movement; and including a holding installation for the exposure object in the X-ray path consisting of a rectangular or box-shaped, in the radiation direction homogeneous and uniformly absorbent, compensating body of tissue-equivalent material encompassing the exposure object, which is fixedly connected with the pivot mounting of the X-ray measuring arrangement, whose extent in the direction of the scanning movement is equal to or larger than the scanning lift, and which possesses an elastic contouring body resting opposite the rotary compensating body, and which is closely located against the surface of the exposure object after the introduction of the latter into the compensating body.

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Herzogenaurach, Germany

Roderich Zink