Movement mechanism for a panoramic X-ray machine

An excursion mechanism is described for rotating a large rotating disc member having a column upstanding therefrom at an outer position thereof, the column being permanently affixed thereto. The column supports an X-ray source and camera for radiographing a patient's dental arch area. The column circularly orbits about the patient seated in a patient chair which rests on a stationary platform disposed above the large rotating disc member. A sprocket is rotatably mounted on the rotating disc member. A belt articulates between the sprocket and the stationary patient platform such that rotation of the sprocket through external motor means causes the large rotating disc member and column to orbit the patient. (Auth.)