X-ray handswitch with integral indicator means

(19)

(11)

EP 0 923 275 A3

(12)	EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88)	Date of publication A3:
	16.07.2003 Bulletin 2003/29

(43)	Date of publication A2:
	16.06.1999 Bulletin 1999/24

(21)	Application number: 98309891.4

(22)	Date of filing: 02.12.1998

(51)	International Patent Classification (IPC)⁷: H05G 1/56, A61B 6/00

(84)	Designated Contracting States:
	AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE
	Designated Extension States:
	AL LT LV MK RO SI

(30)

Priority:

17.12.1997 US 992758

(71)	Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
	Schenectady, NY 12345 (US)

(72)	Inventors:
	Mooers, Neil D. Delafield, Winconsin 53018 (US) Dwyer Jr.,John E. Muskego, Winconsin 53150 (US) Boomgaarden, Jonathan Carl Waukesha, Winconsin 53188 (US)

(74)	Representative: Goode, Ian Roy et al
	London Patent Operation General Electric International, Inc. Essex House 12-13 Essex Street London WC2R 3AA London WC2R 3AA (GB)

(54)	X-ray handswitch with integral indicator means

(57) A handswitch (110) held by an operator of any equipment requiring the use of a handswitch to operate the equipment provides integral feedback to indicate activation of certain switch positions. An exterior housing (12) of the handswitch fits into the hand of the operator, with an interior portion (14) housed within the exterior housing. An exposure position of a two-position switch (30) situated on the exterior housing operates the X-ray exposure. An audible feedback (24) indicates to the operator when an X-ray exposure is in process. A prepare position of the two-position switch is selected to prepare the system for an X-ray exposure. The prepare switch commands the system to prepare for imminent activation of the exposure switch. A tactile feedback (26) indicates to the operator when the system is prepared for an immediate exposure.

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