CT slice proximity rotary table and elevator for examining large objects

In a Computerized Tomography system for examining large objects, e.g. rocket motors, the problem of avoiding errors due to the heavy load is met by a support structure comprising a large bearing and an elongated cup-like support attached to the inner race of the bearing and extending coaxially away from the bearing for supporting the object and for rotating that object about the axis of the bearing. Spacers or an elevator are provided adjacent the bottom of the support for selectively translating the object along said axis. An X-ray source is positioned to beam X-rays through the object at a diametral plane closely adjacent to one face of the bearing, and a detector is provided to determine the X-ray opacity of a slice of said object closely adjacent to the bearing. The source and detector, or alternatively the bearing and cup-like support, are mounted for translation in a direction transverse to the beam direction. The support structure may be oriented vertically within a pit located below the floor of a building structure, with the bearing, source and detector being located above the floor. (author)