Potter-Bucky diaphragm used in radiology, England, 1940-1950

Made:
1940-1950 in England
Potter Bucky diaphragm, sectioned, English, 1940-1950 Potter Bucky diaphragm, sectioned, English, 1940-1950

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Potter Bucky diaphragm, sectioned, English, 1940-1950
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Potter Bucky diaphragm, sectioned, English, 1940-1950
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Potter Bucky diaphragm, sectioned, English, 1940-1950

Early X-ray plates were blurred due to the scattering of rays by body tissue. Radiologists Gustav Bucky (1880–1963) and Hollis E. Potter (1880-1964) worked independently on this problem from about 1913. A section of the resultant Bucky-Potter Diaphragm is shown. It was placed between the patient and the X-ray film. Parallel lead strips move across inside the wooden casing during an exposure. They block scattered rays travelling at other angles. The lead strips are not visible on the X-ray film because they are moving. The device was first marketed in 1921. It has become standard equipment on X-ray tables.

Details

Category:
Radiomedicine
Object Number:
1980-1221
Materials:
steel and aluminium
Measurements:
overall: 120 mm x 590 mm x 350 mm,
type:
x-ray accessory
credit:
Hypher, T.J.