Abstract: A table drive system for driving a support table is disclosed herein. The table drive system comprises at least one of a first drive assembly or a second drive assembly or a combination thereof. The first drive assembly is configured for moving the support table in a first direction for example, a longitudinal direction and the second drive assembly is configured for moving the support table in a second direction for example, a vertical direction. The table drive system further includes a safety block in combination with at least one of the first drive assembly or the second drive assembly, the safety block configured to arrest the motion of the first drive assembly or the second drive assembly upon experiencing a predetermined condition such as the failure of at least one of the first drive assembly or the second drive assembly.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a braking system for a positioner unit in a medical imaging apparatus includes a first brake coupled to a drive unit that is configured to drive the positioner unit along an axis susceptible to influence of gravity. A second brake is coupled to the positioner unit, and configured for operating independently of the first brake. Examples of positioner unit include a patient cradle in a patient support table, and a C-arm and a pivot in a vascular gantry.

Abstract: A method for machining the surface of a long metal member flatwise substantially throughout the overall length of the surface, a mold for the machining, a machined long part, a table apparatus using the machined part, and an X-ray imaging system using the table apparatus, are to be provided. The machining method comprises the steps of positioning a mold in such a manner that a flat mold surface is opposed to a surface of a long metal member in a state of non-contact substantially throughout the overall length of the surface, filling a metal adhesive agent into the opposed portion between the long metal member and the mold, and removing the mold after curing of the metal adhesive agent.

Abstract: A table drive system for driving a support table is disclosed herein. The table drive system comprises at least one of a first drive assembly or a second drive assembly or a combination thereof. The first drive assembly is configured for moving the support table in a first direction for example, a longitudinal direction and the second drive assembly is configured for moving the support table in a second direction for example, a vertical direction. The table drive system further includes a safety block in combination with at least one of the first drive assembly or the second drive assembly, the safety block configured to arrest the motion of the first drive assembly or the second drive assembly upon experiencing a predetermined condition such as the failure of at least one of the first drive assembly or the second drive assembly.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a braking system for a positioner unit in a medical imaging apparatus includes a first brake coupled to a drive unit that is configured to drive the positioner unit along an axis susceptible to influence of gravity. A second brake is coupled to the positioner unit, and configured for operating independently of the first brake. Examples of positioner unit include a patient cradle in a patient support table, and a C-arm and a pivot in a vascular gantry.

Abstract: Certain embodiments include a system and method for tilting in a patient positioning system. The system includes a tilt plate for tilting a patient positioning surface, a screw for moving the tilt plate, a nut for translating rotary motion into linear motion to drive the screw, and a motor for imparting rotary motion to the nut. In an embodiment, the screw is a ball screw. In an embodiment, the nut is a rotary nut. The system may also include a drive gear situated on the motor, a driven gear situated on the nut the meshes with the drive gear, and a brake gear that meshes with the driven gear. The system may also include a fail-safe brake preventing collapse of the tilt mechanism in the event of a component failure.

Abstract: A drive system for a patient support table in a medical imaging apparatus is provided. In some embodiments, the system comprises at least one first drive means for driving a patient support surface in at least one first direction, at least one second drive means for driving the patient support surface in at least one second direction, wherein the at least first drive means and the at least second drive means are mounted on at least one common mounting member.

Abstract: A drive system for a patient support table in a medical imaging apparatus is provided. In some embodiments, the system comprises at least one first drive means for driving a patient support surface in at least one first direction, at least one second drive means for driving the patient support surface in at least one second direction, wherein the at least first drive means and the at least second drive means are mounted on at least one common mounting member.

Abstract: Certain embodiments include a system and method for positioning a patient with a patient positioning system. The system includes a patient positioning surface for supporting a patient. The system also includes a lift subsystem for adjusting elevation of the patient positioning surface, a longitudinal subsystem for moving the patient positioning surface in a longitudinal direction, a lateral subsystem for moving the patient positioning surface in a lateral direction, a tilt subsystem for tilting the patient positioning surface, and a rotation subsystem for rotating the patient positioning surface. The system further includes a control subsystem for controlling operation of the patient positioning system and a base affixed to a floor for securing the patient positioning system. The control subsystem may perform iso-center tracking to maintain a region of interest of the patient in an image area during tilt. The control subsystem may also avoid collision with the ground and/or predetermined objects.

Abstract: Certain embodiments include a system and method for tilting in a patient positioning system. The system includes a tilt plate for tilting a patient positioning surface, a screw for moving the tilt plate, a nut for translating rotary motion into linear motion to drive the screw, and a motor for imparting rotary motion to the nut. In an embodiment, the screw is a ball screw. In an embodiment, the nut is a rotary nut. The system may also include a drive gear situated on the motor, a driven gear situated on the nut the meshes with the drive gear, and a brake gear that meshes with the driven gear. The system may also include a fail-safe brake preventing collapse of the tilt mechanism in the event of a component failure.

Abstract: Certain embodiments include a system and method for positioning a patient with a patient positioning system. The system includes a patient positioning surface for supporting a patient. The system also includes a lift subsystem for adjusting elevation of the patient positioning surface, a longitudinal subsystem for moving the patient positioning surface in a longitudinal direction, a lateral subsystem for moving the patient positioning surface in a lateral direction, a tilt subsystem for tilting the patient positioning surface, and a rotation subsystem for rotating the patient positioning surface. The system further includes a control subsystem for controlling operation of the patient positioning system and a base affixed to a floor for securing the patient positioning system. The control subsystem may perform iso-center tracking to maintain a region of interest of the patient in an image area during tilt. The control subsystem may also avoid collision with the ground and/or predetermined objects.