The invention relates to an X-ray tomograph in which the X-ray tube can perform movements which are independent of each other in two directions at right angles to each other. The X-ray tube in a first support can be moved in the transverse direction which is connected to a second support extending in the longitudinal direction which in its main direction is journalled so as to be movable in a stand connected to the floor.

The invention relates to an X-ray tomograph having an X-ray tube which is 
movable in a horizontal plane in the longitudinal direction and 
independently thereof in the transverse direction of an examination table 
and which is coupled to a picture recording unit via a control rod. 
Such a tomograph is known from German OS No. 19 36 915. As a result of the 
movability of the X-ray tube in the longitudinal direction and 
independently thereof in the transverse direction such an apparatus 
enables the performance of any blurring patterns situated in a horizontal 
plane. The X-ray tube in the known device is connected to a telescope-like 
ceiling suspension unit which is supported by a first carriage which can 
be moved in rails extending in the transverse direction and which are 
connected to a second carriage which can be moved in rails extending in 
the longitudinal direction. These latter rails are connected to the 
ceiling. For such an apparatus a sufficiently stable ceiling construction 
is required and measures must be taken to prevent vibrations from 
adversely influencing the picture quality during a tomographic record. 
Furthermore, a tomograph is known from German PS No. 12 50 594 in which the 
X-ray tube is connected to a support which can be moved in a guide in the 
transverse direction. The guide is slidable in the longitudinal direction 
of a vertical column which in turn can be moved on rails on the floor and 
at the ceiling in the longitudinal direction. The movements in the 
longitudinal and transverse directions are mechanically coupled together 
so that only certain blurring patterns are possible. In this case also the 
set-up is possible only by means of a ceiling construction also when the 
supportability thereof may be smaller than in the preceding case. However, 
for that case a floor rail is necessary. 
It is the object of the invention to construct an X-ray apparatus in such 
manner that neither a ceiling construction nor a floor rail is required. 
According to the invention this is achieved in that the X-ray tube in a 
first support can be moved in the transverse direction, that the first 
support is connected to the end of a second support which extends in the 
longitudinal direction and is journalled in said direction so as to be 
movable in a stand which can be connected to the floor.

Reference numeral 1 in FIG. 1 denotes a stationary stand in the form of a 
vertical column which is connected to the floor and which at its upper end 
comprises a angular guide 10 in which a support 2 is journalled so as to 
be movable horizontally and in the direction of the arrow 12, i.e. in the 
longitudinal direction of the table. At one end of the support 2 extending 
in the longitudinal direction of the table a support 3 is connected so as 
to extend at right angles thereto in such manner that the two supports 2 
and 3 form a T which is situated in a horizontal plane. A carriage 4 is 
guided in the support 3 in the longitudinal direction thereof, i.e. in the 
direction of the arrow 13, so as to be movable and supports an X-ray tube 
5 and is coupled to one end of a coupling rod 6 which is journalled 
universally in a bearing not further shown in the stand 7 and whose other 
end is connected to a cassette drawer comprising a film cassette. The 
cassette drawer is present below the examination table 8 on which a 
patient is positioned during the examination. The longitudinal direction 
of the examination table corresponds to the arrow 12 and the transverse 
direction corresponds to the arrow 13. 
The movement of the carriage 4 inside the support 3 in the transverse 
direction and the movement of the carrier 2 inside the guide 10 in the 
longitudinal direction is effected by means of the diagrammatically shown 
motors 14 and 15. When the speed variations thereof are matched to each 
other in a suitable manner as a function of time the X-ray tube and the 
film drawer 9, respectively, coupled mechanically thereto by means of the 
control rod 6 can perform any blurring patterns. The motor 14 for the 
transverse movement may be provided in the carriage 4 and, in a manner not 
shown, may drive a nut which travels on a screw spindle so that the 
carriage upon rotating the spindle is moved in the direction of the arrow 
13. This type of drive is known inter alia from German AS No. 19 36 915. 
In a similar manner the support 2 is moved by means of the motor 15 
provided in the guide 10 and acting on a nut which cooperates with a 
spindle connected to the support 2. 
In contrast with the known apparatus according to German AS No. 19 36 915, 
a direct coupling exists between the X-ray tube and the cassette drawer, 
which is in favour of the picture quality. A ceiling construction is not 
required and in spite of a smaller construction at least the same 
stability is obtained. The apparatus is readily accessible from all sides, 
because floor rails and the like are absent. 
The FIG. 2 embodiment differs from that of FIG. 1 in that the guide 10 in 
which the support 2 is journalled is not rigidly connected to the column 1 
but is connected thereto so as to be vertically movable--similar to the 
tomograph according to German PS No. 12 50 594. As a result of this it is 
possible for an X-ray tomographic record to adapt the height of the 
horizontal plane in which the X-ray tube 5 is moved to the relevant 
requirements. The adjustability of the X-ray tube in height is also of 
interest for records other than tomographic records, for example, records 
on wall suspended stands or records with larger SID on the table.