US5386453A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Imaging and treatment apparatus having a floor-mounted guiding track
Assignee: Diasonics Inc
•
Filing: 1992-05-12
•
Granted: 1995-01-31
•
Expires: 2012-05-12
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus having a support for supporting a subject on a surface and an imager for imaging the subject. The imager is movably coupled to a track to allow relative movement of the imager about the support. The track is located substantially along a plane which is substantially parallel to the surface of the support. The support may, in some embodiments, be rotatable from a horizontal to a vertical position for certain procedures. The track provides movement of the imager about at least three sides of the apparatus and, in some embodiments, is affixed to the floor. Further, the track is substantially aligned with a centerline of the support surface. This provides a firm support for the imaging means, but keeps the support structure at a position where it will not interfere with clinical operations.
Inventors
- 👤 Larry E. Harrawood
- 👤 James R. Harvey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 22:55
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B6/00; A61B6/44; A61B6/4476; A61B6/04; A61B6/0407; A61B6/0442; A61B6/0487; A61N; A61N5/00; A61N5/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 62
Claim 1
Independent Claim
79 words
An apparatus comprising: a. support means for supporting a subject on a surface thereof, said support means having at least one axis of rotation; b. imaging means for imaging said subject; and c. guide means coupled with said imaging means for allowing relative movement of said imaging means about said support means, said guide means aligned with a centerline of said surface and in a plane which is substantially parallel to and beneath said surface of said support means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
79 words
An apparatus comprising: a. support means for supporting a subject on a surface thereof, said support means having at least one axis of rotation; b. imaging means for imaging said subject; and c. guide means coupled with said imaging means for allowing relative movement of said imaging means about said support means, said guide means aligned with a centerline of said surface and in a plane which is substantially parallel to and beneath said surface of said support means.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
73 words
An apparatus for examination of a subject comprising: a. support means having a surface for supporting said subject; b. a single guide means mounted along a plane parallel to said surface and substantially aligned along with a centerline of and beneath said surface, said guide means for guiding an imaging means; and c. imaging means movably coupled to said guide means for imaging said subject from opposite lateral sides of said support surface.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
73 words
An apparatus for examination of a subject comprising: a. support means having a surface for supporting said subject; b. a single guide means mounted along a plane parallel to said surface and substantially aligned along with a centerline of and beneath said surface, said guide means for guiding an imaging means; and c. imaging means movably coupled to said guide means for imaging said subject from opposite lateral sides of said support surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said imaging means comprises an X-ray emitter.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said imaging means further comprises an X-ray collector, said X-ray collector positioned to receive X-rays emitted by said X-ray emitter.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said support means further comprises a support structure, said support structure extending beneath said support surface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said support structure comprises a rotation means for rotating said support means about an axis of rotation from a horizontal position to a vertical position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said guide means extends beyond one end of said support surface a distance which is sufficient to allow movement of said imaging means beyond said one end of said support surface.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said guide means is coupled to the floor.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein movement of said imaging means is controlled by servomotors.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said apparatus provides relative movement of said imaging means along an axis perpendicular to said plane.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said guide means comprises a channel for accommodating cabling for said imaging means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
53 words
An imaging apparatus comprising: a. a support means having a top surface for supporting a patient; and b. an imaging means movably coupled relative to said support means along a guide means, where said guide means is located on a ground floor and is substantially aligned with a centerline of said top surface.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
53 words
An imaging apparatus comprising: a. a support means having a top surface for supporting a patient; and b. an imaging means movably coupled relative to said support means along a guide means, where said guide means is located on a ground floor and is substantially aligned with a centerline of said top surface.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
34 words
The imaging apparatus of claim 12 wherein said imaging means is movably coupled relative to said support means allowing said imaging means to move substantially along at least two sides of said support means.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
25 words
The imaging apparatus of claim 13 wherein said imaging means is movably coupled to allow movement along at least three sides of said support means.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
88 words
An apparatus comprising: a. support means allowing for accommodation of a body, such as a human body, on a surface thereof, said support means having a central axis: b. imaging means for imaging said body; and c. guide means coupled with said imaging means for allowing relative movement of said imaging means about opposite sides of said support means, wherein said guide means is located below and is substantially parallel to said surface of said support means and is aligned with said central axis of said support means.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
88 words
An apparatus comprising: a. support means allowing for accommodation of a body, such as a human body, on a surface thereof, said support means having a central axis: b. imaging means for imaging said body; and c. guide means coupled with said imaging means for allowing relative movement of said imaging means about opposite sides of said support means, wherein said guide means is located below and is substantially parallel to said surface of said support means and is aligned with said central axis of said support means.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
75 words
A floor-mounted X-ray imaging apparatus allowing for imaging of a patient on a support table, said support table having lateral sides and opposing ends and having a surface, said X-ray imaging apparatus movably coupled to a track substantially aligned with a centerline of and located beneath said surface of said support table to allow movement of said X-ray imaging apparatus about at least said lateral sides and one of said opposing ends of said table.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
75 words
A floor-mounted X-ray imaging apparatus allowing for imaging of a patient on a support table, said support table having lateral sides and opposing ends and having a surface, said X-ray imaging apparatus movably coupled to a track substantially aligned with a centerline of and located beneath said surface of said support table to allow movement of said X-ray imaging apparatus about at least said lateral sides and one of said opposing ends of said table.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
21 words
The floor-mounted X-ray apparatus of claim 16 further coupled to provide for relative movement away from and toward said support table.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
16 words
The X-ray apparatus of claim 16 wherein said X-ray apparatus is coupled along a floor-mounted track.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
101 words
An apparatus for imaging a subject comprising: a. a support means for supporting the subject, the support means being substantially rectangular and located in a first plane; and b. an imaging means for imaging the subject located adjacent to said support means, the imaging means being coupled to a coupling means which is affixed to the floor, the coupling means being oriented substantially parallel to the first plane and aligned along a centerline of said support means, said coupling means allowing said imaging means to traverse and rotate about at least two lateral sides and one end of said support means.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
101 words
An apparatus for imaging a subject comprising: a. a support means for supporting the subject, the support means being substantially rectangular and located in a first plane; and b. an imaging means for imaging the subject located adjacent to said support means, the imaging means being coupled to a coupling means which is affixed to the floor, the coupling means being oriented substantially parallel to the first plane and aligned along a centerline of said support means, said coupling means allowing said imaging means to traverse and rotate about at least two lateral sides and one end of said support means.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said imaging means comprises an X-ray emitter and receptor.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said imaging means comprises a C-arm X-ray unit.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the imaging means comprises two sets of X-ray emitters and receptors which have beam paths converging at the centerline of said support means.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising an envelope control means which prevents said imaging means from colliding with the support means.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the imaging means comprises an longitudinal axis of rotation and a lateral axis of rotation.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the support means comprises an angiographic support surface.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the support means comprises a floating examination table.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
58 words
An apparatus for examination of a human body comprising: a. support means having a surface for supporting said human body; b. guide means located parallel and aligned along a centerline of and located beneath said surface, said guide means for guiding an imaging means; and c. imaging means movably coupled with said guide means for imaging said body.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
58 words
An apparatus for examination of a human body comprising: a. support means having a surface for supporting said human body; b. guide means located parallel and aligned along a centerline of and located beneath said surface, said guide means for guiding an imaging means; and c. imaging means movably coupled with said guide means for imaging said body.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said guide means defines a channel for accommodating cabling providing for coupling of said imaging means with external sources.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said external sources comprise power sources.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said external sources comprises control means for controlling said imaging means.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said support means has a first side and a second side, said first and second sides located opposite each other, said guide means extending beyond said first side.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 31 wherein said support means is movable about an axis of rotation.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 32 wherein said guide means extends beyond said first side at least enough to allow movement of said imaging means beyond said fast side.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said guide means is located on the floor.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein movement of said imaging means is provided by motors.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said apparatus provides relative movement of said imaging means along an axis perpendicular to said plane.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said imaging means comprises an X-ray emitter.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said imaging means further comprises an X-ray collector, said X-ray collector positioned to receive X-rays emitted by said X-ray emitter.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
64 words
An imaging apparatus comprising: a. a support means having a top surface for supporting a patient; and b. an imaging means movably coupled relative to said support means along a guide means, wherein said guide means is located on a ground surface, said ground surface being below said top surface, and wherein said guide means is aligned with a centerline of said top surface.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
64 words
An imaging apparatus comprising: a. a support means having a top surface for supporting a patient; and b. an imaging means movably coupled relative to said support means along a guide means, wherein said guide means is located on a ground surface, said ground surface being below said top surface, and wherein said guide means is aligned with a centerline of said top surface.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
34 words
The imaging apparatus of claim 39 wherein said imaging means is movably coupled relative to said support means allowing said imaging means to move substantially along at least two sides of said support means.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
25 words
The imaging apparatus of claim 40 wherein said imaging means is movably coupled to allow movement along at least three sides of said support means.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
49 words
An apparatus comprising: a. a support assembly having a surface for supporting a subject; b. an imaging assembly for imaging said subject; and c. a guide substantially aligned along a centerline of and located beneath said surface, said guide coupled to said imaging assembly for guiding said imaging assembly.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
49 words
An apparatus comprising: a. a support assembly having a surface for supporting a subject; b. an imaging assembly for imaging said subject; and c. a guide substantially aligned along a centerline of and located beneath said surface, said guide coupled to said imaging assembly for guiding said imaging assembly.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 42 wherein said guide is located on a floor.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 42 wherein said guide is located in a plane substantially parallel to said surface and wherein said apparatus provides relative movement of said imaging assembly along an axis perpendicular to said plane.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 42 wherein said support assembly comprises a rotation assembly for rotating said surface about an axis of rotation from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 42 wherein said guide allows said imaging assembly to move substantially along at least two sides of said surface.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 46 wherein said guide allows said imaging assembly to move substantially along at least three sides of said surface.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 42 wherein said imaging assembly comprises an X-ray emitter.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 48 wherein said imaging assembly further comprises an X-ray collector, said X-ray collector positioned to receive X-rays emitted by said X-ray emitter.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 42 wherein said surface of said support assembly has a first side and a second side, said first and second sides located opposite each other, said guide extending beyond said first side.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 50 wherein said surface of said support assembly is movable about an axis of rotation.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 51 wherein said guide extends beyond said first side a distance which is sufficient to allow movement of said imaging assembly beyond said first side.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 42 wherein said guide includes a track.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-01-30 | 1998-08-01 | 1999-01-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-01-30 | 2002-08-01 | 2003-01-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-01-30 | 2006-08-01 | 2007-01-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |