Gantry system with support wheels
Inventors
Basu, Samit Kumar • Murch, Anthony James • Moore, Jared William • Garzon, Pedro Andres
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10076294-B2
Publication Date
2018-09-18
Expiration Date
Abstract
A computed tomography (CT) gantry system is described herein. The CT gantry system includes a frame, a plurality of support wheels rotatably coupled to the frame, and a gantry resting upon the plurality of support wheels. In some embodiments, the gantry includes two gantry rings, and a cross member extending between the two gantry rings. In other embodiments, the gantry includes a first gantry ring, and a second gantry ring spaced apart from the first gantry ring in a direction parallel to an axis of rotation of the gantry. In some embodiments, the plurality of support wheels includes a plurality of front support wheels and a plurality of back support wheels. In some embodiments, the gantry includes a front gantry ring resting upon the front support wheels, a back gantry ring resting upon the back support wheels, and a cross member coupled between the front and back gantry rings.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a computed tomography (CT) gantry system in which a gantry rests upon a plurality of rotatably coupled support wheels. Instead of prior art cantilever slew bearings, the gantry support is implemented with multiple rotatable support wheels coupled to a frame.
The gantry comprises two gantry rings and, in at least one embodiment, at least one cross member extending between the two gantry rings. In the described structure, at least one of the two gantry rings comprises a double-chamfered outer surface with a first planar face and a second planar face, and a first pair of support wheels is coupled flush against the first planar face while a second pair is coupled flush against the second planar face.
In related embodiments, the system uses a first gantry ring and a second gantry ring spaced apart in a direction parallel to an axis of rotation. A detector and an x-ray generator are coupled to the gantry structure, and a communication channel may be integrated with or connected to a gantry ring to transfer data and power.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims (three total) cover a CT gantry system having a frame, a plurality of rotatably coupled support wheels, and a two-ring gantry supported by wheel pairs that couple flush against a double-chamfered outer surface with first and second planar faces.
Double-chamfered outer surface with flush wheel pairs on first and second planar faces
A gantry comprising two gantry rings where at least one ring comprises a double-chamfered outer surface having a first planar face and a second planar face, a first pair of support wheels coupled flush against the first planar face, and a second pair of support wheels coupled flush against the second planar face.
Two gantry rings connected by at least one cross member
At least one cross member extending between the two gantry rings of the gantry resting upon the plurality of support wheels.
Front and back support wheels with corresponding front and back gantry rings and cross member
A gantry comprising a front gantry ring resting upon a plurality of front support wheels and a back gantry ring resting upon a plurality of back support wheels, wherein the back gantry ring comprises a double-chamfered outer surface with first and second planar faces and wheel pairs coupled flush against the respective planar faces, and wherein at least one cross member is coupled between the front gantry ring and the back gantry ring.
Overall claim coverage centers on a CT gantry supported by multiple rotatable support wheels, with a two-ring gantry arrangement in which a double-chamfered outer surface defines first and second planar faces that receive respective wheel pairs coupled flush, and with the rings connected by at least one cross member.
Stated Advantages
Enables balanced support.
Supports higher rotational speeds throughput.
Reduces bearing service complexity.
Allows easier servicing by lifting the gantry off the support wheels.
Documented Applications
Used in a CT gantry system for supporting a CT gantry resting upon multiple rotatable support wheels with a two-ring gantry structure.
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