US2764694A - X-ray apparatus - Google Patents

Description

C M. KINZER X-RAY APPARATUS Sept. 25, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 12, 1955 FIG. 3.

INVENTOR.

. KINZER CLARENCE M jam ATTORNEY .Sept. 25, 1956 c, KINZER 2,764,694

X-RAY APPARATUS INVENTOR. CLARENCE M. KINZER Z4 ya/AMM A T TORNE Y United States Patent X-RAY APPARATUS Clarence M. Kinzer, Sedgwi ck, Kans. Application June 12, 1953, Serial No. 361,360 1 6 Claims. (Cl. 250-78) This invention relates to X-ray apparatus, particularly portable X-ray apparatus. In a more specificaspect, this invention relates to means to be used in conjunctlon with X-ray units which. are designed to be portable. In still another specific aspect, this invention relates to an adjustable stand to mount a portable X-ray unit. Another specific aspect of this invention concerns a .fluoroscopically equipped hood-for use with a portable X-ray unit. In yet another specific aspect, this invention relates to means for maintaining an X-ray film in position for taking a picture thereon, the means being particularly designed for outdoor use. In still another specific aspect, this invention relates to tank means for developing X-ray film, the means being particularly designed for use away from a doctors, veterinarians or dentists oflice.

Portable and mobile X-ray units are known in the art. The devices known in the'art are not convenient to use for the veterinarian who would like in a great many instances, to take an X-ray picture or make a fluoroscopic examination at the scene of an accident or illness of an animal. In most cases, it is necessary that if the veterinarian makes an X-ray picture or a fluoroscopic examination at all, such must be done in a barn, barn lot, corral or out on the range. Devices of the prior art either will not allow the taking of X-ray pictures or the making of fluoroscopic examinations in such circumstances, or they cannot be conveniently used to do so. i

I have invented portable X-rayequipment which mounts a usual portable X-ray unit on asupport member having leg members pivotally attached thereto. The legs are pivotally attached to maintain the cone of the X-ray unit either in a horizontal or a vertical position, as desired by the user. I have also invented an elongated viewing hood, preferably made of flexible material, which is adapted in one end portion for attachment to the cone of the 'X-ray unit and which has a viewable fluoroscopic screen in the other end portion In an inner portion of the hood there are means to receive and hold a member, for instance, the leg of an animal which it is desired to fluoroscopically examine. The viewing fluoroscope hood of my invention in combination with an X-ray unit mounted on the portable stand of my invention results in a cooperating combination of apparatus which assures easy and convenient means to, fluoroscopically examine members of animals in any location on the farm and/ or ranch. For use with a usual X-r ay unit mounted on the portable stand of my invention, I have invented frame or press means for holding X-ray film. This frame or press means has lock means therewith to hold the X-ray film rigidly within a picture type frame; It can be 'used outside, normally being placed underneath the member or portion of a member of an animal which it is desired to X-ray. In addition, I have inventeda developing tank which can conveniently be used to develop exposed X-ray film. This tank is designed forvertical use and is equipped with means to support the tray from a vertical surface such as the dashboard, side, etc. of an automobile or truck. The

2,764,694 Patented Sept. 25, 1956 apparatus of my invention, which is particularly adapted for making X-ray pictures, can conveniently be used outof-doors to make X-ray pictures of a member or portion of a member of an animal located anywhere on a farm and/ or ranch. 1

The X-ray means of my invention is simple of construction and easy, economical and convenient to manufacture and use. It is adjustable to being made compact so that it can conveniently be stored and/or carried from place to place, and a very advantageous feature of the means of my invention is that the X-ray unit is protected from damage by the legs of the portable stand of my invention upon which it is mounted. The X-ray apparatus of my invention is very versatile. While it is particularly advantageously used out-of-doors, it can be used in an ofiice, if desired. The veterinarian has the greatest need for the apparatus of my invention and will find it extremely useful in his practice. However, the physician or. dentist many times would like to take X-ray pictures or-fluoroscopically examine a patient out of the ofiice, and the portable X-ray means of my invention is very advantageous for accomplishing such.

It is an object of this invention to provide new X-ray means. a

' It is another object of this invention to provide new portable X-ray apparatus for use in conjunction with a usual portable X-ray unit.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a 'new portable and adjustable stand to mount a usual portable X-ray unit.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a new viewing hood for use with a usual portable X-ray'unit to allow for fluoroscopic examinations.

Still a further object of this invention is to provide new frame or press means to hold X-ray film.

Yet a further object of this invention is to provide new means to use to develop exposed X-ray. film.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide X-ray apparatus which is particularly advantageously used out-of-doors.

Other objects and advantages of the X-ray apparatus of my invention will become apparent to thoselskilled in the art upon reading this disclosure.

Drawings accompany and are a part of this disclosure. Such drawings depict preferred specific embodiments of the apparatus of my invention, and it is to be understood that the drawings are not to unduly limit the scope of my mvention.

Fig. 1 depicts in perspective a preferred specific embodiment of the portable stand of my invention with an X-ray unit mounted thereon all in operative position in relation gol the frame means of my invention for holding X-ray Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the portable stand and X-ray unit of Fig. 1 with the legs folded and retained around the X-ray unit.

Fig. 3 is an elevation view of the stand and X-ray unit, shown in Figs. 1 and 2, arranged in a preferred operative position for use of the X-ray unit for making fluoroscopic examinations.

Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view showing a preferred specific embodiment of the means of my invention used to mount the legs of the portable stand of my invention on the member thereof on which is mounted the X-ray umt.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view, partly in cross section, of a preferred specific embodiment of the frame or press means of my invention used to hold an X-ray film in position to be exposed.

Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view taken on lines 6-6 of Fig. 5. v Fig. 7 is a cross sectional view of a preferred specific embodiment of the developing tank means of my invention used in developing exposed X-ray film.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the developing tank means shown in Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is an elevation view of a preferred specific embodiment of the viewing hood means of my invention mounted on an X-ray unit which in turn is mounted on the portable stand of my invention shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, such hood being used for fluoroscopic examinations.

Fig. 10 is a top view of the inner portion of the viewing hood shown in Fig. 9.

Following is :a discussion and description of preferred specific embodiments of the X-ray apparatus of my invention. In such discussion .and description, reference is made to the drawings whereon the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar structure or apparatus. It is to be understood that such discussion and description is not to unduly limit the scope of my invention.

The portable stand apparatus of my invention is used to mount a portable X-ray unit 12 having .a cone "14, through which X-rays are emitted. The X-ray unit normally has bracket means 116 to pivotally mount the assembly so that cone 14 can be aimed in a desired direction. Any of the relatively light, portable X-ray units commonly available on the market can be mounted by the portable stand of my invention. These portable X-ray units are normally designed to operate on 110 volt alternating current and draw in the neighborhood of 15 amperes. Electric power sufficient to supply the X-ray unit is available on a great many of the farms and/or ranches in the United States, electrification of such being quite general. In the case where electric power is not available, it is a relatively simple matter to provide a portable generator to supply the needed electric power.

X-ray unit 12 is preferably remova'bly secured to member 18 of the portable stand of my invention through the use of a threaded shaft 20 which is desirably rigidly secured in any suitable manner, such as by welding, to bracket means 16. Shaft 20 is threadedly secured to nut means 22, :which is rigidly attached to member 1 8 in any suitable manner. Member '18 can have a hole therein threaded to receive shaft 20, if desired. Attachment of this nature is highly desirable, since it provides for removal of the X-ray unit for storage or transporting of same, when desired.

'The portable stand of my invention has four telescoping legs pivotally attached to member 18. Hinge members 24 are rigidly secured to member 18 in any suitable manner, such as by welding, as shown, and the outer leg members 26 are pivotally mount-ed on members 24 by pins 28. Members 26 have a longitudinal groove in the mounting end, as shown, so that they can be pivoted on members 24 about member 18 more than 90 and preferably tapered or pointed, as shown, so that they will not slip and with a small amount of pressure they can be slightly set into the ground to hold the stand rig-id while in use. The members of the stand are desirably made of metal, preferably light Weight metals such as aluminum, magnesium, alloys of such metals, and the like. The specific embodiment of my invention shown in the drawings is designed for outdoor use. However, it can be used inside on a hard surface by providing recesses in the floor for the ends of leg members 30, or by mounting suction cups on the outer ends of legs 30'which Cit are held firmly against the floor. Strap 34, preferably leather or plastic .and permanently secured to one of leg members '26, is desirably provided. As can be seen in Fig. 2, this strap is used to hold the legs together when telescoped and folded inwardly about X-ray unit 12. This is very advantageous, since when in the position shown in Fig. 2, the stand and X-ray unit 12 can be stored or transported with the X-ray unit protected from damage by the stand itself.

The holder for the X-ray film 36 is used in conjunction with the stand of my invention, mounting X-ray unit 12, to take an X-ray picture, for example of a member or portion of a member of an animal disposed between cone 14 and holder 36. X-ray film holder 36 has outer frame 3 8 wherein is mounted a plate 40 which is preferably made of metal, such metal being of a kind not to interfere with X-rays since such must pass therethrough to expose the X-ray film 42. Frame 38 is preferably made of strong material such as wood, metal, reinforced plastic, and the like. A back holding plate 44, which can conveniently be made of wood or metal, is then provided to hold X-ray film 42 in place between plates 40 and 44. Plates 40 and 44 protect the X-ray film from dirt, stones, or other similar objects, and from light which, of course, would ruin the film. Plates '40 and '44 are desirably made removable, fitting snugly in frame 38, as shown, so that an exposed film can be removed while retaining such between plates '40 and 44. The frame -38 can then be used to support more X-ray film between other plates 40 and 44. A locking member 46, having a pivotally mounted member 48 thereon to press against plate 44, is used to hold plates '40 and 44 and X-ray film 42 in frame 38. Grooves in frame 38 receive the ends of bar 46 to hold same in place, and in turn to hold plates 40 and 44 and X-ray film 42 in place. Bar 46 is turned either to the right or to the left from the position shown in Fig. 5 until the ends of the bar are removed from grooves 50, in order to remove the plates and vfilm from frame '38. I have found it desirable that bar 46 be made to fit into grooves 50 so that pressure is exerted by member 48 on plate 4'4 to hold same substanti-aily rigid.

In Figs. 7 and 8 is shown a tank 51 which is preferably made of rubber, plastic, or the like, which is not corroded by the usual film developing and fixing solutions. Tank 51 is used to hold the developing or fixing solution for developing an exposed X-ray film. The tank can conveniently be molded in one piece from hard rubber or plastic material. However, it can be constructed, if desired, from separate back, front, side and bottom members. The rear portion of the tank extends higher than the front and side portions, and thereon is mounted suction cups 52 which are employed to hold the tank on :a fiat perpendicular surface, such as the dashboard, side or back of an automobile. The tank is particularly desirably used to develop exposed X-ray pictures outof-doors, at the scene of an accident or location of an ill animal. 1 have found it desirable to make tank 51 of such size that an exposed X-ray film 42 held between plates 40 and 44 can be immersed in developing solution therein, plates 40 and 44 then being removed. The tank 50 of my invention is very advantageous since it is easy to protect X-ray lfilm therein from light. The opening of the tank is relatively small.

In Figs. 9 and 10, the fluoroscopic means of my invention is shown, such being particularly advantageously used with the portable stand of my invention shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and on which is mounted X-ray unit 12. Hood member 54 is mounted in an inner end portion on cone 14 of X-ray unit 12. It is desired that hood 54 be flexible, being made out of canvas, non-transparent flexible.

plastic material, non-transparent plastic coated cloth, relatively thin non-transparent rubber, or the like. Draw string tying means threaded through the inner end portion of hood 54 has been found convenient and satisfactory to mount and hold hood 54 on cone 14. In the outer end portion of hood 54 is mounted a housing member 56 having a fiuroscopic SLI'BEH (not shown) covering the inner end thereof and an eye piece shield 58 on the outer end. Housing member 56 is inserted and held in hood 54 in any suitable manner, such as with a strap 60 therearound. The middle portion of hood 54 has means to receive and hold a member to be fluoroscopically examined, such as the leg of a colt or calf. Collars 62 have openings 64 therein, the collars fitting around the member to be fiuroscoped. Draw string tie means have been found convenient and satisfactory to fasten collar 62 securely around the member to be fluoroscoped so that no light will enter therearound. It is important that no light enter hood 54, and I have found it preferable to provide for this by using a plurality of members with zipper fasteners to close the side of hood 54 and collars 62, once a member to be fiuoroscoped has been inserted therein. An inner layer of material 66 with zipper 68 therein and an outer layer of material 70 with a zipper 72 therein is preferably used. I prefer that the zipper fasteners be oflfset from each other as shown, such having been found to give very good protection against light entering hood 54.

Hood 54 with its cooperating fluoroscopic means is preferably used with the portable stand of my invention, having X-ray unit 12 mounted thereon, in the position shown in Fig. 3, two of the leg members being retracted and the other two being extended, If desired, member 18 can be made to rest on the ground with the two retracted legs horizontal with the ground. The latter position allows for viewing at a low level or for viewing upwardly, since X-ray unit 12 can be turned and aimed through a substantial distance. As one skilled in the art can readily see, the apparatus of my invention is very versatile.

In using the portable stand and X-ray film holding means 36 of my invention to take X-ray pictures the film holder 36 is placed on the ground in the position shown in Fig. 1 underneath the member to be X-rayed. The stand with X-ray unit 12 mounted thereon is set up over the member to be X-rayed in the position shown in Fig. 1. The X-ray unit 12 can be turned in brackets 16 so that cone 14 points downwardly toward film holder 36. The distance from cone 14 to holder 36 can be adjusted to a certain extent by positioning the legs of the stand, but I have found it desirable to do this by extending or retracting leg members 30, holding them in the desired position after adjustment by tightening set screws 32. Power is supplied to X-ray unit 12 through wiring 74 from a suitable source. After exposure of the film in holding means 36, the tank 51 of my invention or other suitable means is used to develop same. Once the X-ray pictures have been taken, the equipment can be placed in the position snown in Fig. 2 for storage or transporting, or X-ray unit 12 can be removed from member 18 and stored or transported separately from the portable stand.

As will be evident to those skilled in the art, various modifications of my invention can be made, or followed, in the light of this disclosure and discussion, without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure or from the scope of the claims.

I claim:

1. Portable X-ray equipment comprising, in combination, a support member with an X-ray unit removably mounted thereon, four telescoping leg members, each pivotally attached to said support member to pivot at least 180 thereabout to maintain the cone of the X-ray unit in a horizontal or vertical position as desired and separately adjustable as to length, and a flexible elongated viewing hood removably attached in one end portion to the cone of said X-ray unit and having a viewable fluoroscopic screen in the other end portion, said hood having enclosing means in an inner portion to receive and hold in said hood a member to be fluoroscopically examined.

2. Portable X-ray equipment comprising, in combination, a support member with an X-ray unit mounted thereon, at least three leg members, each pivotally attached to said support member to pivot more than thereabout to maintain the cone of the X-ray unit in a horizontal or vertical position as desired and separately adjustable in length, and a flexible elongated viewing hood attached in one end portion to the cone of said X-ray unit and having a viewable fluoroscopic screen in the other end portion, said hood having means in an inner portion to receive and hold in said hood a member to be fiuoroscoped.

3. A portable stand for a portable X-ray unit which comprises, in combination, a flat support member adapted in its central portion to removably receive and threadedly secure said X-ray unit, four stationary hinge members attached to said support member and equally spaced around the edge thereof, a hollow elongated outer leg member pivotally mounted on each of said hinge members to pivot at least thereabout, an elongated inner leg member telescopically mounted in each of said outer leg members and each having a pointed outer end portion, a set screw threadedly mounted in each of said hollow leg members adapted to hold said inner leg membars in a desired position, and a strap attached to one of said outer leg members adapted to encircle and hold said leg members together with same folded about an X-ray unit mounted on said flat support member.

4. Apparatus for a portable X-ray unit for adapting same for fluoroscopic examinations, which comprises, an elongated light-tight viewing hood, said hood being flexible and adapted in one end portion for mounting on the cone of said X-ray unit and having a viewable fluoroscopic screen in the other end portion, the inner portion of said hood having opposite openings with collars and adapted to receive a fluoroscopa-ble member projecting therethrough, said collars having means to tighten same light-tight about said fluoroscopable member.

5. Apparatus for a portable X-ray unit for adapting same for fluoroscopic examinations, which comprises, a flexible hood adapted in one end portion for mounting on the cone of said X-ray unit and a viewable fluoroscopic screen mounted in the other end portion, the inner portion of said hood having openings therein, said openings having means mountable light-tight about a fiuoroscopable member projecting through said hood, and said hood adapted to receive and hold light-tight a member to be fiuoroscoped.

6. A portable stand for a portable X-ray unit which comprises, in combination, a support member having a central portion with attachment means adapted to mount said X-ray unit so that the rays from same in use are directed away from said support member, said support member being of size so that the outer portions thereof extend out beyond the outermost portions of said X-ray unit when such is mounted on said support member, said support member having at least three hinge members rigidly attached thereto and spaced around the periphery thereof and in said outer portions, a length adjustable leg hingedly attached to each of said hinge members so that all of said legs will pivot at least 90 about said support member and so that at least one of said legs will pivot at least 180 thereabout, and means adapted to hold said leg members together with same folded about an X- ray unit mounted in said support member.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,674,493 Adams June 19, 1928 1,915,628 Thalhamrner June 27, 1933 2,049,807 Horsley et a1. Aug. 4, 1936 2,205,853 Jany June 25, 1940 2,229,473 Redmer Jan. 21, 1941 FOREIGN PATENTS 705,115 France Mar. 3, 1931 489,827 Great Britain Aug. 4, 1938

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