Patent Number: 062755684
Section: claims

1. An X-ray examination apparatus for forming X-ray images of an object, which apparatus includes an X-ray source for generating an X-ray beam, an X-ray filter which is provided with filter elements which are arranged to contain an adjustable quantity of X-ray absorbing liquid in order to adjust an intensity profile on an object, and with a supply duct for connecting the filter elements to a reservoir for the X-ray absorbing liquid, an X-ray detector for receiving a part of the X-ray beam, having traversed the object, in order to detect an X-ray image, characterized in that the supply duct includes sub-ducts, and that each of the sub-ducts connects at least one of the filter elements to the reservoir. 2. An X-ray examination apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the sub-ducts are arranged so as to extend parallel to one another. 3. An X-ray examination apparatus as claimed in claim 1, the X-ray examination apparatus being provided with adjusting means for keeping the X-ray source, the X-ray filter and the detector oriented along a first axis and for adjusting an orientation of the first axis relative to a horizontal plane, the X-ray examination apparatus also including means for rotating the X-ray filter about the first axis. 4. An X-ray examination apparatus as claimed in claim 3, in which the means for rotating the X-ray filter include a collimator which accommodates the X-ray filter. 5. An X-ray examination apparatus as claimed in claim 1, which is provided with means for generating a signal which represents an angle of inclination between a longitudinal axis of one of the sub-ducts and a horizontal plane. 6. An X-ray examination apparatus as claimed in claim 5, in which the means for generating the signal representing the angle of inclination include a roll-independent inclinometer. 7. An X-ray examination apparatus as claimed in claim 3, in which the means for rotating the X-ray filter include an electrically controllable drive and the X-ray examination apparatus is provided with control means which are arranged to generate control signals for the electrically controllable drive in order to orient a longitudinal axis of one of the sub-ducts horizontally in dependence on the signal representing the angle of inclination. 8. An X-ray examination apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the X-ray filter contains the reservoir which is arranged outside the X-ray beam to be generated, the reservoir containing chambers and each chamber being connected to at least one of the subducts. 9. An X-ray examination apparatus as claimed in claim 1 which is provided with means for generating a control signal whereby the adjustable quantity of X-ray absorbing liquid in the filter elements is adjusted. 10. An X-ray examination apparatus as claimed in claim 9 which is provided with means for generating a compensation signal which is dependent on the orientation of the X-ray filter, and with means for correcting the control signal by way of the compensation signal. 11. An X-ray filter provided with filter elements which are arranged to contain an adjustable quantity of X-ray absorbing liquid in order to adjust an intensity profile on an object, and a supply duct for connecting the filter elements to a reservoir for the X-ray absorbing liquid, characterized in that the supply duct includes sub-ducts, each of which connects at least one of the filter elements to the reservoir. 12. An X-ray filter as claimed in claim 10, which X-ray filter contains the reservoir which includes chambers, each chamber being connected to at least one of the sub-ducts.