Abstract: Systems and methods for braking and releasing one or more pivot joints used in an X-ray positioning device are described. The systems and methods use a support arm that extends between a main assembly of the x-ray positioning device and an X-ray imaging assembly with an X-ray source and an X-ray detector that are disposed nearly opposite to each other. The support arm includes one or more pivot joints (such as horizontal, lateral, and/or orbital pivot joints) that allow the imaging assembly to move with respect to the main assembly. The pivot joints can each be connected to an automated braking system that is capable of selectively locking and unlocking a corresponding pivot joint, as indicated by a user-controlled switching mechanism. The braking systems containing multiple pivot joints can be individually controlled by separate switching mechanisms or simultaneously controlled by a single switching mechanism. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an X-ray imaging system are described. The systems and methods typically include a support arm with a first end and a second end. The first end of the support arm connects to an articulating arm assembly and the second end of the support arm pivotally attaches to an X-ray imaging arm at a pivot joint so that the pivot joint functions as an axis of orbital rotation for the X-ray imaging arm. One or more controls for the X-ray imaging system are disposed on the support arm for the X-ray imaging arm. The controls can therefore remain stationary while the X-ray imaging arm rotates orbitally. The support arm can include a single member or a double member and one or more controls can be disposed on each member of the support arm. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using a brake system to selectively lock and release the vertical motion of a C-arm X-ray device that is part of a sliding counterbalanced C-arm positioning device are described. In such systems and methods, the C-arm positioning device typically includes a C-arm X-ray device, a linear bearing rail assembly, a linear bearing block, a counterbalance mechanism, and brake system. Generally, the C-arm is connected to the linear bearing block, which is slidably coupled to the bearing rail assembly to allow the bearing block and C-arm to slide up and down on the rail assembly. The counterbalance mechanism applies a force to the bearing block to substantially counterbalance the weight of the components, such as the C-arm, that are suspended from the bearing block. The brake system can be actuated to engage the linear bearing rail assembly and lock the vertical movement of the linear bearing block. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for making and using sliding counterbalanced C-arm positioning devices are described. In such systems and methods, each C-arm positioning device includes a C-arm X-ray device, a linear bearing rail, a linear bearing block, and a counterbalance mechanism. Generally, the C-arm is connected to the linear bearing block, which, in turn, is slidably coupled to the bearing rail to allow the bearing block and C-arm to slide up and down on the rail. The counterbalance mechanism can apply a force to the bearing block to counterbalance the weight of the C-arm and the bearing block. Thus, the described C-arm positioning device can allow a user to easily raise or lower the C-arm with relatively little effort. While some implementations of the C-arm positioning device are connected to mobile support structure, other implementations of the C-arm positioning device are mounted to a fixed support structure. Other implementations are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for rotating or pivoting an X-ray device are disclosed. The systems and methods use X-ray device in which an X-ray imaging arm (such as a C-arm) can pivotally rotate in an orbital manner about a pivot joint that is physically attached to the X-ray imaging arm and the pivot joint coincides with the center of gravity for the X-ray imaging arm. The X-ray device can have an X-ray imaging arm that has an X-ray source and an X-ray detector which are respectively disposed at nearly opposing locations of the imaging arm. The pivot joint can serve as an axis of orbital rotation around which the imaging arm pivots in an orbital fashion. The pivot joint can be pivotally attached to a first end of an X-ray imaging arm fork, which, in turn, can have its second end attached to an X-ray imaging arm support structure (such as a mobile cart). The imaging arm fork can further include a lateral pivot joint that provides a lateral axis of rotation for the imaging arm. The fork can consist of one or two arms.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using a brake system to selectively lock and release the vertical motion of a C-arm X-ray device that is part of a sliding counterbalanced C-arm positioning device are described. In such systems and methods, the C-arm positioning device typically includes a C-arm X-ray device, a linear bearing rail assembly, a linear bearing block, a counterbalance mechanism, and brake system. Generally, the C-arm is connected to the linear bearing block, which is slidably coupled to the bearing rail assembly to allow the bearing block and C-arm to slide up and down on the rail assembly. The counterbalance mechanism applies a force to the bearing block to substantially counterbalance the weight of the components, such as the C-arm, that are suspended from the bearing block. The brake system can be actuated to engage the linear bearing rail assembly and lock the vertical movement of the linear bearing block. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for making and using sliding counterbalanced C-arm positioning devices are described. In such systems and methods, each C-arm positioning device includes a C-arm X-ray device, a linear bearing rail, a linear bearing block, and a counterbalance mechanism. Generally, the C-arm is connected to the linear bearing block, which, in turn, is slidably coupled to the bearing rail to allow the bearing block and C-arm to slide up and down on the rail. The counterbalance mechanism can apply a force to the bearing block to counterbalance the weight of the C-arm and the bearing block. Thus, the described C-arm positioning device can allow a user to easily raise or lower the C-arm with relatively little effort. While some implementations of the C-arm positioning device are connected to mobile support structure, other implementations of the C-arm positioning device are mounted to a fixed support structure. Other implementations are also described.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to a collision detection system. The collision detection system includes a position indicator for determining an actual position of a component connected to the collision detection system. The system also includes an error calculator for determining a position error between the actual position and a selected position. The system further includes a comparator for comparing the position error to a position error limit. The comparator generates a halt signal based on the position error and position error limit. The system also includes a motion controller for controlling motion of the component. The motion controller stops motion of the component based on the halt signal. The comparator generates a halt signal when the position error is equal to or greater than the position error limit.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a patient table is provided, the patient table comprising a patient support surface for supporting a patient during a medical procedure; a base supporting the patient support surface; a monitor displaying medical information relating to a medical procedure; and a pivot arm having a first end connected to the base and a second end connected to the monitor; a pivot release member provided on one of the monitor and the pivot arm for releasably securing the monitor and the pivot arm at predetermined angular positions with respect to the base.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to a collision detection system. The collision detection system includes a position indicator for determining an actual position of a component connected to the collision detection system. The system also includes an error calculator for determining a position error between the actual position and a selected position. The system further includes a comparator for comparing the position error to a position error limit. The comparator generates a halt signal based on the position error and position error limit. The system also includes a motion controller for controlling motion of the component. The motion controller stops motion of the component based on the halt signal. The comparator generates a halt signal when the position error is equal to or greater than the position error limit.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a patient table is provided, the patient table comprising a patient support surface for supporting a patient during a medical procedure; a base supporting the patient support surface; a monitor displaying medical information relating to a medical procedure; and a pivot arm having a first end connected to the base and a second end connected to the monitor; a pivot release member provided on one of the monitor and the pivot arm for releasably securing the monitor and the pivot arm at predetermined angular positions with respect to the base.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a patient table comprising a patient support surface for supporting a patient during a medical procedure, a base supporting said patient support surface, a monitor displaying medical information relating to a medical procedure, and a support member mounted to said patient table for supporting said monitor, wherein said support member includes an adjustment linkage interconnecting said monitor and support member and providing movement of said monitor of the monitor relative to said support member in at least three degrees of freedom.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a patient table comprising a patient support surface for supporting a patient during a medical procedure, a base supporting said patient support surface, a monitor displaying medical information relating to a medical procedure, and a support member mounted to said patient table for supporting said monitor, wherein said support member includes an adjustment linkage interconnecting said monitor and support member and providing movement of said monitor of the monitor relative to said support member in at least three degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A patient table, which is movable in at least one of a vertical direction and a tiltable direction. The patient table comprises: a base; a patient support surface; a support mechanism connected to the base and the support mechanism moving the patient support surface in at least one of a vertical direction and a tiltable direction; and a telescopic cover enclosing the support mechanism, the telescopic cover expanding and constructing with movement of the support mechanism.

Abstract: A patient table, which is movable in at least one of a vertical direction and a tiltable direction. The patient table comprises: a base; a patient support surface; a support mechanism connected to said base and said support mechanism moving said patient support surface in at least one of a vertical direction and a tiltable direction; and a telescopic cover enclosing said support mechanism, said telescopic cover expanding and constructing with movement of said support mechanism.