CT scanner with tripod base
Inventors
Stayman, Joseph Webster • Brown, David C. • Chin, Wai Ngai • O'Connell, James F. • Bertolina, James A. • TEOFILOVIC DEJAN, null • Teofilovic, Dejen
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-7422368-B2
Publication Date
2008-09-09
Expiration Date
Abstract
A CT scanner includes a base, two fixed portions extending transversely from the base, and a rocking beam pivotally attached to the base about an axis. The CT scanner includes four wheels that allow the CT scanner to move over a floor. A wheel is attached to each fixed portion, and a wheel is attached to each end of the rocking beam. If the CT scanner is positioned on a floor with an unlevel portion, the rocking beam rotates about the axis. One wheel attached to the rocking beam raises in a generally vertical direction, and the other beam attached to the rocking beam lowers in a generally vertical direction so all four wheels contact the floor, stabilizing the CT scanner and preventing rocking.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a computed tomography (CT) scanner architecture that includes a base with a tripod-style, three-point balance to maintain stability on level and unlevel floors. The base supports a gantry that includes an x-ray source, optionally a cone-beam x-ray source, and an x-ray detector, including a flat-panel detector with a converter to visible light and an array of photodetectors. The gantry rotates to acquire a plurality of x-ray images at rotational positions for three-dimensional CT reconstruction.
The base includes fixed transverse arms at a rear area carrying two fixed wheels, and a front rocking beam pivotally attached to the base via a pivot post/axis defining a rocking beam axis. Two additional wheels are mounted on ends of the rocking beam, and move in a vertical arc when the floor includes an unlevel portion, while the fixed wheels on the fixed portions remain vertically unchanged. Elastic bumpers on a flange limit rocking-beam travel and bias the rocking beam back toward its level condition when the floor is level.
When positioned on an unlevel portion, all four wheels maintain floor contact while the scanner remains balanced on three points defined by the fixed rear wheel(s) and the rocking beam pivot axis, reducing rocking and tipping during a CT scan. The described configuration also improves tip/tilt stability when the scanner is bumped, thereby reducing the need for repeat scans.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims are directed to three inventive features: a CT scanner with a rocking beam and two wheels on opposite sides of a rocking beam axis, a CT scanner variant with fixed rear wheels and a front/rear base arrangement in which the rocking beam raises and lowers relative to the base, and a method of stabilizing a CT scanner on a floor with an unlevel portion by raising a first wheel and lowering a second wheel relative to the base.
Rocking beam pivotally attached to the base about a rocking beam axis with wheels on opposing ends
A computed tomography scanner comprising an x-ray source that generates x-rays; an x-ray detector mounted opposite the x-ray source; a base; a rocking beam pivotally attached to the base about a rocking beam axis, wherein the rocking beam includes a first end and an opposing second end; a first wheel connected to the rocking beam between the rocking beam axis and the first end; and a second wheel connected to the rocking beam between the rocking beam axis and the opposing second end.
Rocking beam pivots to raise a first end and first wheel and lower a second end and second wheel with fixed rear wheels
A computed tomography scanner comprising an x-ray source that generates x-rays; an x-ray detector mounted opposite the x-ray source; a base including a front area and a rear area; a rocking beam pivotally attached to the front area of the base about a rocking beam axis, wherein the rocking beam includes a first end and an opposing second end; a first wheel connected to the rocking beam between the rocking beam axis and the first end; a second wheel connected to the rocking beam between the rocking beam axis and the opposing second end; and a third wheel and a fourth wheel each connected near the rear area of the base, wherein the third wheel and the fourth wheel are fixed relative to the base in at least a generally vertical direction, wherein the rocking beam pivots about the rocking beam axis to raise the first end of the rocking beam and the first wheel relative to the base and to lower the opposing second end of the rocking beam and the second wheel relative to the base.
Positioning on an unlevel floor portion and raising one wheel while lowering another to stabilize
A method for stabilizing a position of a computed tomography scanner, the method comprising the steps of: positioning the computed tomography scanner including a base on a floor with an unlevel portion; and raising a first wheel relative to the base and lowering a second wheel relative to the base to stabilize the computed tomography scanner.
Across the independent claims, stabilization is achieved by a rocking beam pivotally attached to a base about a rocking beam axis with wheels positioned on opposing sides of the axis, optionally combined with fixed rear wheels in a base front/rear configuration, and implemented in the method claim by positioning on an unlevel floor portion and raising one wheel while lowering another relative to the base.
Stated Advantages
Prevents rocking/tipping during a CT scan.
Reduces need for repeat scans.
Improves tip/tilt stability when bumped.
Documented Applications
Acquiring a plurality of x-ray images at rotational positions and generating a three-dimensional CT image through three-dimensional CT reconstruction.
Stabilizing the position of a computed tomography scanner when the scanner base is on a floor with an unlevel portion.
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