A Portable X-ray Department Maintained by Light Vans
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A Fleet of Commer Vans Used to Provide a Valuable Service for Doctors, Hospitals, Nursing Homes, etc,
AFLEET of five Commer 15-cwt. vans, which are operating an X-ray service for doctors, hospitals, nursing homes, etc., all over the country, are in the service of Portable X-Rays, Ltd., Power Road, London, W.4, and exterior and interior views of one of the vehicles are illustrated on this page.
Each van is equipped with a
alternator, run off the flywheel of the engine, and mounted between the driver and passenger. At the rear is a cable drum, which contains about 100 yds. of specially constructed cable. At one end of the drum are slip rings with carbon brushes which carry both the main current and the .current used for the telephones, which provide communication between the driver and the X-ray operator.
At the front end of the body are developing and fixing tanks, above which is mounted a dark-room lamp. On each side of the lamp are two venti lating panels. The surround of the tanks is of Staybrite steel so as to prevent corrosion due to acids used in developing and fixing the negatives.
The interior of the van is made lightproof and, therefore, acts as an efficient dark room for the development on the spot of the films. Thus, it will be seen that the entire outfit is selfcontained and, by reason of the alternator carried on the van, cases may beX-rayed at any place, even in an open field, if necessary. Thevother apparatus shown in the) interior of the van consists of a switch-• board, an X-ray tube, a high-tension transformer, etc., and cupboards are provided along the walls for all necessary accesories, such as films, cassettes, etc.
The company now has five ot these vans, fully equipped with all the necessary X-ray apparatus, operating chiefly in London and the Home Counties. More or less frequent visits are made, however, to places so far distant as 250 miles. The company also has a branch service in Manchester. Any case can he attended usually within a:n hour or so of receiving the call •at any time of the day or night; and On any day of the year.