Patent Number: 050650335
Section: abstract

A coupling apparatus for connecting a separable control cable assembly to a camera storage unit in a radiographic system, having a connector assembly fixed to the camera storage unit and a separable control cable assembly. The separable control cable assembly is attached the camera storage unit via the fixed connector assembly for controlling movement of radioactive material attached to a source cable to a desired location outside of the camera storage unit. The camera storage unit stores the source cable and attached radioactive material in an aperture where the two are locked against removal. Proper connection of the separable control cable assembly to the camera storage unit releases the source cable and radioactive material from their lock position. Upon releasing the source cable and radioactive material from their lock position, the control cable assembly is prevented from being removed from ther camera storage unit. The control cable assembly, with a control cable, guides the source cable and radioactive material to a desired location and returns the soure cable and radioactive material to their storage position within the camera storage unit, at which time the two are automatically locked in position and releasing of the control cable assembly is enabled.