Abstract: A patient is supported along a longitudinal axis for a patient table (10). An outer gantry structure (20) is mounted to move on rails (22) parallel to the longitudinal axis. The outer gantry structure supports a large diameter outer race (46) of a large diameter bearing (42). An inner race (44) of the large diameter bearing doubles as a structural outer frame for an inner gantry structure (30) which defines a patient receiving aperture (36) centrally therethrough. The large diameter bearing enables the inner gantry structure to rotate about the longitudinal axis. A motor (68) selectively adjusts an angular position of a first detector head (32) about a first axis (62) that lies in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis through the large diameter bearing. A second motor (78) selectively adjusts an angular position of a second detector head (34) about a second axis (72) also lying in the plane.

Abstract: A mechanical support structure which coordinates patient positioning and medical diagnostic equipment positioning in a unified system. More particularly, the system includes a vertically adjustable patient table supported at both ends by substantial upright end support members. Also suspended between these two end supports is a radiation detector such as a scintillation camera head whose position relative to the patient table is conveniently and accurately adjustable from an operator control panel provided on one end support. Each degree of freedom afforded the detector is accomplished independently of the other and, if desired, simultaneously, or in any desired combination. To perform static imaging the separation between the detector and the patient table is adjustable, as is the lateral position of the detector between the two end stands and hence along the span of the patient table. In a detector having a non-symmetrical field of view, its length and width orientation may be reversed.