Modular and configurable computed tomography scanning assembly
Inventors
Rakic, Miodrag • Van Kampen, William C. • Teofilovic, Dejan • CUSTER, Andrew J.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10952688-B2
Publication Date
2021-03-23
Expiration Date
Abstract
A computed tomography system is disclosed with a gantry assembly and a base assembly. The gantry assembly having a x-ray source, and a x-ray imager. The base assembly is configured to receive power and provide mechanical stability. A connection interface is located between the gantry assembly and the base assembly. The connection interface is configured to mechanically lock the gantry assembly to the base assembly and provide power to the gantry assembly through the base assembly.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a computed tomography system that includes a gantry assembly having a x-ray source and a x-ray imager, and a base assembly configured to receive power and provide mechanical stability. A connection interface between the gantry assembly and the base assembly includes a first locking mechanism configured to mechanically lock the gantry assembly to the base assembly, and the connection interface provides power to the gantry assembly through the base assembly. The gantry assembly is detachable from the base assembly when the first locking mechanism is unlocked.
In the detachable CT configuration, the system defines mounting and securing of the gantry assembly using sensing of spindle insertion into a socket assembly attached to the base assembly. The method includes inserting a spindle of a gantry assembly into the socket assembly, sensing insertion of the spindle into the socket assembly, actuating the first locking mechanism in response to the sensing insertion to secure the position of the gantry assembly to the base assembly, and providing power to the gantry assembly in response to the actuating of the first locking mechanism.
The invention further specifies an electronic connection arrangement in which wiring electronically connects the base assembly to the gantry assembly through the spindle such that the spindle remains stationary while a motor rotates the gantry assembly around the spindle. Additional refinements include safety and conditional unlocking behaviors based on sensed states, including sensing multiple handles being grasped and deactivating the first locking mechanism to disengage the gantry assembly.
Still further, the invention defines a detachable connection interface that supplies electrical connections for both power through the base assembly and data transmission between the gantry assembly and base assembly. It also includes sensing and transmission of operational status and other sensed information, such as lock status, motion-related information, position, image data, patient positioning surface and body-part type information, as well as electrical/power-related information and environmental conditions.
Claims Coverage
Independent claim coverage is provided for four independent CT system and method claims, each emphasizing detachable mounting, mechanical locking, and power and in some cases data delivery between a base assembly and a gantry assembly.
Detachable gantry-to-base connection with locking and power through the base
A computed tomography system with a gantry assembly having a x-ray source and a x-ray imager, a base assembly configured to receive power and provide mechanical stability, and a connection interface having a first locking mechanism to mechanically lock the gantry assembly to the base assembly; the connection interface provides power to the gantry assembly through the base assembly, and the gantry assembly is detachable when the first locking mechanism is unlocked.
Mounting by sensing spindle insertion and locking before power
A method for mounting a detachable imaging module that includes inserting a spindle of a gantry assembly into a socket assembly attached to a base assembly, sensing insertion of the spindle into the socket assembly, actuating a first locking mechanism to secure the gantry assembly position in response to the sensed insertion, and providing power to the gantry assembly in response to the actuating of the first locking mechanism.
Stationary spindle with wiring through the spindle while a motor rotates the gantry
A computed tomography system with a gantry assembly having a motor, a x-ray source, and a x-ray imager; a base assembly configured to receive power and provide mechanical stability; and a socket assembly attached to the base assembly that receives a spindle to mechanically lock the gantry assembly; wiring electronically connects the base assembly to the gantry assembly through the spindle such that the spindle remains stationary and the motor rotates the gantry assembly around the spindle.
Detachable interface providing power and data transmission between gantry and base
A computed tomography system with a gantry assembly having a x-ray source and a x-ray imager, a base assembly configured to receive power and provide mechanical stability, and a connection interface with a first locking mechanism that mechanically locks the gantry assembly to the base assembly and supplies electrical connections that provide power through the base assembly and transmit data between the gantry assembly and base assembly; the gantry assembly is detachable when the first locking mechanism is unlocked.
Across the independent claims, the inventive focus is a detachable CT architecture in which a gantry assembly is mechanically locked to a base assembly via a connection interface using a first locking mechanism, with power delivery through the base assembly, and with an additional wiring configuration that keeps a spindle stationary while a motor rotates the gantry; one independent claim further emphasizes electrical data transmission between the gantry and base assemblies and sensor-based status information.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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