Abstract: A rigid frame that is positioned around the skull to define a multi-dimensional coordinate system. Multiple arms are coupled together with a support ring to increase the overall stiffness of the frame. The arms and the support ring are made from a plastic material that makes the frame appear transparent in CT and MRI images. Receptors provide a mounting base upon which the frame is repeatedly attached and detached from the skull at the same reproducible reference location. Each receptor is mounted to the skull with a screw that inserts through a rear end. A drill assembly and attachment assembly are used to secure the receptors in the skull.

Abstract: The invention comprises a rigid frame that is positioned around the skull to define a multi-dimensional coordinate system. Multiple arms are coupled to the frame, each arm having an attachment assembly movable along a longitudinal axis directed toward the center of the rigid frame assembly. Multiple receptors are either attached to the skull or drilled into the skull for receiving an associated attachment assembly. The receptors provide a mounting base upon which the frame is repeatedly attached and detached from the skull at the same reproducible reference location. Each arm has a multi-station receptacle that receives various attachments used for mounting and attaching the receptors. Special bushing are used to lock the attachment assembly in a preset longitudinal position in relation to the arm. The locked attachment assembly can then be removed from the arm allowing the frame to be removed from the skull while maintaining frame position information.

Abstract: The invention includes a rigid frame that is positioned around the skull to define a multi-dimensional coordinate system. Multiple arms are coupled to the frame, each arm having an attachment assembly movable along a longitudinal axis directed toward the center of the rigid frame assembly. Multiple receptors are either attached to the skull or drilled into the skull for receiving an associated attachment assembly. The receptors provide a mounting base upon which the frame is repeatedly attached and detached from the skull at the same reproducible reference location. Each arm has a multi-station receptacle that receives various attachments used for mounting and attaching the receptors. Special bushings are used to lock the attachment assembly in a preset longitudinal position in relation to the arm. The locked attachment assembly can then be removed from the arm allowing the frame to be removed from the skull while maintaining frame position information.