Table Or Couch Patents (Class 378/209)
  • Patent number: 8217937
    Abstract: An isosurfacial three-dimensional imaging system and method uses scanning electron microscopy for surface imaging of an assumed opaque object providing a series of tilt images for generating a sinogram of the object and a voxel data set for generating a three-dimensional image of the object having exterior surfaces some of which may be obscured so as to provide exterior three-dimensional surface imaging of objects including hidden surfaces normally obscured from stereographic view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: The Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: Terence Sern-Wei Yeoh, Neil A. Ives
  • Patent number: 8191190
    Abstract: When inserting a patient into a bore of a patient imaging device (e.g., CT, SPECT, PET, MRI, fMRI, etc.), a cantilevered pallet supported by an adjustable table deflects under the patient's weight. A pair of springs couples the table to first and second support arms, which are coupled to each other at a pivot point. A lever is coupled to the front end of the table and pivots on a fulcrum. A pair of wires are coupled to a rearward end of the lever and passed over respective pulleys before being coupled to a rearward portion of the table. A component of the patient's weight applied to the front edge of the table causes the lever to pivot on its fulcrum, raising the forward ends of the wires, which pass over the pulleys and pull the rearward end of the table downward to maintain the patient at a desired altitude and/or angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Jorge Zapata
  • Patent number: 8176584
    Abstract: A patient-support apparatus includes frame and a lift arm. The frame includes a base frame and an upper frame. The lift arm has a first end coupled to the upper frame and a second end spaced apart from the first end and coupled to the base frame. In this embodiment, the lift arm is configured to move the frame in a generally vertical direction while the lift arm rotates with respect to the frame. The apparatus is configured to allow the first end of the lift arm to translate along the upper frame while the second end rotates about an axis that is fixed relative to the base frame. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Hornbach, Richard H. Heimbrock
  • Publication number: 20120114107
    Abstract: A method of optimizing operation of a medical diagnostic table according to a patient's weight is provided. The method includes sensing a weight carried by the medical diagnostic table using weighing sensors mounted under the medical diagnostic table, and adjusting a moving speed of the medical diagnostic table according to the sensed weight. The moving speed is reduced when the sensed weight is greater than a predetermined value, and the moving speed is increased when the sensed weight is less than the predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Feng Wang, Chengcheng Zhou
  • Patent number: 8161585
    Abstract: A patient support device of a radiation therapy treatment system includes an electromechanical motor and control system for moving the support device. The control system utilizes regenerative braking concepts, converting the motor into a generator as the support device is moved such that no matter the load, the support device will be moved at a constant speed. The control system also allows for moving of the support device in the powered off situation (i.e., when there is no power to the support device).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Tomotherapy Incorporated
    Inventors: Serge Nukhim Kuro, Graham T. Reitz, Bradley J. Brunker, Brent Harper
  • Patent number: 8146186
    Abstract: A method and device for accurately easily and accurately positioning patients with breast cancer in the prone position for imaging and radiotherapy is disclosed. The device is a couch or support structure with a double-layer structure that allows relative planar motion between the two layers. To easily slide the top layer, an array of ball transfer units is embedded on the upper side of the bottom layer while the under side of the top layer has a corresponding array of bearing plates to prevent the ball transfer units from grinding into the top layer. A locking mechanism is specially designed to interlock the two layers safely when a knob handle is tightened. A frame of bars is attached to the bottom layer to constrain translation of the top layer. Each layer has two openings for the through insertion of breasts. When a patient lies in the prone position, the breast to be treated is pendent through the couch, and the untreated breast may be blocked from radiation exposure by a removable opening cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Xcision Medical Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Xiumin Diao
  • Patent number: 8144832
    Abstract: The invention comprises an X-ray tomography method and apparatus used in conjunction with multi-axis charged particle or proton beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. In various embodiments, 3-D images are generated from a series of 2-D X-rays images; the X-ray source and detector are stationary while the patient rotates; the 2-D X-ray images are generated using an X-ray source proximate a charged particle beam in a charged particle cancer therapy system; and the X-ray tomography system uses an electron source having a geometry that enhances an electron source lifetime, where the electron source is used in generation of X-rays. The X-ray tomography system is optionally used in conjunction with systems used to both move and constrain movement of the patient, such as semi-vertical, sitting, or laying positioning systems. The X-ray images are optionally used in control of a charged particle cancer therapy system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Vladimir Balakin
  • Patent number: 8136184
    Abstract: A method and system for mitigations brake failure in a medical device. The method and system includes a motion system for at least one movable load. Each movable load has a drive, a controller for the drive, and a brake. The controller is adapted to monitor positional parameters of the drive or electrical parameters of the brake or a combination of both. The method involves the step of monitoring the parameters and evaluating the parameters to detect a brake failure of the brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventor: James Frank Caruba
  • Patent number: 8122542
    Abstract: A method and system configured to substantially synchronize two opposite ends of a table assembly of a radiation therapy treatment system. The system includes a lateral motion control system coupled to the table assembly and configured to detect positions of the two opposite ends of the table assembly and to substantially synchronize the positions as the table assembly is laterally moved with respect to a gantry of the radiation therapy treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Tomotherapy Incorporated
    Inventors: Graham T. Reitz, Bradley J. Brunker, Ralph J. Gable, Wayne L. Staats, Jr., Brent Harper
  • Patent number: 8113712
    Abstract: A radiation detecting cassette is disposed in a desired position between a bed and a patient in an operating room. After a detector-side connector and a bed-side connector are connected to each other by a cable, an image capturing apparatus captures and records radiation image information of the patient in a radiation detector. The recorded radiation image information is transmitted from a transceiver of the bed to a console by way of wireless communications in a communication range selected by a selector of the bed, then processed by the console, and transmitted to a display device, which displays a radiation image based on the supplied radiation image information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Tanabe, Eiichi Kito, Takuya Yoshimi, Takeshi Kuwabara, Kazuharu Ueta, Makoto Iriuchijima, Yasunori Ohta
  • Patent number: 8102964
    Abstract: A device is provided herein for locating a breast of a female patient. In one embodiment, the locating device is adapted to be inserted into an opening within a patient table. The locating device is further adapted with different sizes and shapes, and thus, can be adapted to various breast shapes. In one embodiment, the device is provided with an RFID transponder for identifying the particular locating device being used. The RFID transponder enables data about the locating device to be automatically recorded along with the image data. This enables the shape of the locating device to be taken into account when evaluating an image. Furthermore, the RFID transponder ensures that a locating device of the same shape is used for subsequent exposures of a patient's breast, so that the exposures remain comparable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: MIR Medical Imaging Research Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Harry Schilling, Willi Kalender
  • Publication number: 20120014513
    Abstract: A medical bed apparatus of an embodiment includes: a tiltable top board on which to place an examinee; a photographic mechanism configured to radiograph the examinee; an operation unit which is provided to a lateral side of the top board, and through which at least one of the top board and the photographic mechanism is operated by an operator; and a horizontally-holding mechanism configured to hold the operation unit horizontally when the top board tilts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicants: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION, Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Koichiro WATANABE, Satoru Ohishi, Masaki Kobayashi, Katsuie Ikawa
  • Publication number: 20110308016
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a patient in radiation therapy and other applications. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support structure and a panel carried by the support structure. The support structure can have first and second support members, such as rigid girders or other structures comprising substantially dielectric materials. The panel is also a rigid structure comprising substantially dielectric materials. The panel can further include a pass-through zone or other type of zone that is compatible with an ionizing radiation beam. For example, the panel can have a grid or solid low-density structure that mitigates beam contamination. The support structure and the panel together are configured to position a magnetic marker implanted in the patient in a navigational zone in which a magnetic field transmitted from the marker is not affected by conductive components or loops of conductive material in the pedestals or cantilevered support structures of conventional patient support systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Calypso Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven C. Dimmer, Matthew A. Herron, Edward J. Vertatschitsch
  • Patent number: 8079100
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a patient during radiation therapy includes a treatment table that is pivotable about a horizontal axis, and a laser measurement system which is designed to indicate a non-horizontal orientation of the treatment table to be adopted during the radiation therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Herrmann, Eike Rietzel, Andres Sommer
  • Patent number: 8038347
    Abstract: An imaging system includes a portable litter including a structural housing and a digital detector positioned in the structural housing to detect X-ray signals corresponding to a region of interest to be imaged. The imaging system further includes at least one X-ray source for generating the X-ray signals, the at least one X-ray source positioned above the portable litter on an open gantry arrangement and configured to generate X-rays from different focal spot locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joseph John Manak, David Allen Langan, Bernhard Erich Hermann Claus
  • Patent number: 8020227
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a patient in radiation therapy and other applications. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support structure and a panel carried by the support structure. The support structure can have first and second support members, such as rigid girders or other structures comprising substantially dielectric materials. The panel is also a rigid structure comprising substantially dielectric materials. The panels can further include a pass-through zone or other type of zone that is compatible with an ionizing radiation beam. For example, the panel can have a grid or solid low-density structure that mitigates beam contamination. The support structure and the panel together are configured to position a magnetic marker implanted in the patient in a navigational zone in which a magnetic field transmitted from the marker is not affected by conductive components or loops of conductive material in the pedestals or cantilevered support structures of conventional patient systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Calypso Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven C. Dimmer, Matthew A. Herron, Edward J. Vertatschitsch
  • Publication number: 20110200178
    Abstract: A radiotherapy couch top includes a cantilevered section adapted to support at least a portion of a prone patient's upper body. The cantilevered section may be provided with an opening configured to allow at least a portion of the body portion to extend into from above and to allow a radiation beam to pass through from below.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley Mansfield
  • Publication number: 20110188627
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a CT scanning tabletop includes a tabletop body and an aid. The tabletop body has a placement surface where a subject is to be placed, and is formed in a manner that an X-ray transmission loss by one end portion in a longitudinal direction thereof is smaller than an X-ray transmission loss by a portion of the tabletop body other than the one end portion. The aid is provided on the one end portion in a manner that the aid is attachable and detachable by moving in advancing and retreating directions toward and away from the placement surface, the aid is configured to hold a part of the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takahiro ISHII
  • Publication number: 20110170671
    Abstract: An approach is provided for patient positioning. A patient is arranged on a table having a positioning assembly coupled thereto, the positioning assembly including a plurality of spatially configurable members. A spatial configuration of at least one of the plurality of spatially configurable members is arranged to support the patient in a multipoint bending position during a medical procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: NEW YORK SOCIETY FOR THE RUPTURED AND CRIPPLED MAINTAINING THE HOSPITAL FOR SPECIAL SURGERY
    Inventors: Arkady Blyakher, John Denneen, Howard J. Hillstrom, Andrew Phillip Kraszewski, Mark William Lenhoff, Roger Franklin Widmann, Helene Pavlov, Edward T. White, Mary Campolongo
  • Patent number: 7957503
    Abstract: A medical breast-image capturing apparatus includes an aperture member for exposing a breast of a test subject. To perform adequate breast cancer screening, the aperture member has a noncircular shape, is arranged to be replaceable with another aperture member, or has a variable opening. Another medical breast-image capturing apparatus includes a pressure-reducing device for reducing a pressure in a hollow section in which a breast is exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaaki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7945020
    Abstract: The present invention provides a medical inspection apparatus which comprises a frame, an inspection module, and a motion control unit. The frame has a couch for positioning a patient, a flexible broad bandage, an opening on the flexible broad bandage, and a chamber formed inside the frame at a position corresponding to the opening. The inspection module is disposed in the chamber and is configured with at least one detector. The motion control unit is coupled to the inspection module for actuating the inspection module to perform a vertical movement and a rotating movement and for adjusting the relative position between the at least one detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research Atomic Energy Council, Executive Yuan
    Inventors: Meei-Ling Jan, Po-Hsiu Kuo
  • Publication number: 20110110497
    Abstract: An imaging area specifying apparatus that includes a storage component and a specifying component is provided. The storage component stores as correlation information a correlation value correlated with the amount of radiation emitted to each of a plurality of predetermined areas divided from a detection region of a radiation detector that outputs an electric signal indicating a radiological image represented by radiation which is emitted to the detection region for detecting the radiation. The specifying component specifies an imaging area capable of capturing the radiological image of a predetermined size while preventing variations in the amount of radiation emitted to each of the divided areas in the detection region, on the basis of the correlation information stored in the storage component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoyuki NISHINO, Kenji TAKAHASHI, Haruyasu NAKATSUGAWA, Yutaka YOSHIDA, Keiji TSUBOTA, Yasunori OHTA
  • Publication number: 20110091018
    Abstract: A bed and gurney extender for selective attachment to a standard hospital bed or gurney for supporting the head of a patient during scanning, comprising: a support for supporting the head of the patient during scanning, wherein at least a portion of the support is X-ray transparent; and an adapter for selectively attaching the support to the bed or gurney.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Andrew P. Tybinkowski, Lidia Nemirovsky
  • Publication number: 20110074407
    Abstract: A patient positioning couch for a combined medical examination device is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, at least one opening is provided in a support plate of the patient positioning couch and the patient positioning couch includes at least one conveyor belt in order to move a patient on the support plate in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Ralf Ladebeck
  • Patent number: 7909036
    Abstract: A head holder made of radiolucent material is attached near an end of a table to support a head of a patient during a CT scan. The head holder includes a base portion that supports the shoulders and upper back of the patient and a head rest that supports a patient's head. The head holder is moveable relative to the table in a direction that is generally parallel to a length of the table. A position of the head rest is adjustable in a vertical direction relative to the base portion. The radiolucent material of the head holder does not affect the quality of a resulting CT scan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Xoran Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Thomas Kusner, Jr., James A. Bertolina, William C. Van Kampen, Joseph Webster Stayman, Jonathan Alspaugh
  • Patent number: 7874031
    Abstract: A patient positioning apparatus for a magnetic resonance device is provided. The patient positioning apparatus includes a positioning unit with a fixing side for fixing to the magnetic resonance device, a supporting frame extending horizontally starting from the fixing side and being arranged in a vertically adjustable fashion on the positioning unit, a patient plate mounted in a moveable fashion on the supporting frame, and a vertical adjusting mechanism operable to vertically adjust the supporting frame, the vertical adjusting mechanism has a first drive motor disposed on a side within the supporting frame that is remote from the fixing side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Carsten Groβhauser, Herbert Weiler
  • Patent number: 7874030
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may provide a cradle transferring device, which moves and withdraws a cradle to and from an examination table of an MRI apparatus in a PET-MRI hybrid system. The cradle transferring device includes: a cradle, on which a subject lies; a shuttle table supporting the cradle and moving and withdrawing the cradle to and from the examination table of the MRI apparatus; and a cradle receiving member provided on the examination table of the MRI apparatus. The shuttle table is provided with a transfer member for holding and transferring the cradle and a transfer member driving means for reciprocating the transfer member along the shuttle table. The cradle transferring device is further provided with a cradle locking means, which locks the cradle to the examination table after the cradle is moved to the examination table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Gachon University of Medicine & Science Industry—Academic Cooperation Foundation
    Inventors: Zang Hee Cho, Cheol Ok Lee, Young Bo Kim, Ja Weon Yun, Hyung Jin Ahn, Dong Sung Kim, Hong Shim
  • Patent number: 7857513
    Abstract: To realize a method of automatically identifying a table apparatus and a medical imaging apparatus. There is provided a table apparatus identifying method in which when a table apparatus having a plurality of movable portions that are movable in the respective axial directions, independently, an absolute position of each of the movable portions on the axis is detected with respect to each of the axes, the passages of the movable portion at the predetermined two positions apart from each other by the given distance along the axis are optically detected, the respective absolute positions of the movable portion at that time is stored as characterization information, and the arrivals of the movable portion at two block positions on both ends of the axis are detected, respectively, and the respective absolute positions of the movable portion at that time are stored as the configuration information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventor: Qinglei Li
  • Patent number: 7860550
    Abstract: A robotic patient positioning assembly for therapeutic radiation treatment includes a robotic positioning device for moving and supporting the patient during treatment, a sensor system for detecting the position of the robotic positioning device, and a controller operatively connected with the sensor system for receiving position data of the robotic positioning device and operatively connected to the robotic positioning device for controlling the motions of the robotic positioning device. The controller is adapted for controlling the motion of the robotic positioning device in response to information representative of the position of the robotic positioning device received from the sensor system, so that the treatment target within a patient loaded on the robotic positioning device is properly aligned with a radiation source of a therapeutic radiation treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Accuray, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Saracen, James Wang, Euan Thomson, Eric Earnst, Chris Raanes, Mohan Bodduluri
  • Patent number: 7857512
    Abstract: The invention can be summarized as follows: A collision protection device for a patient examination table of a medical X-ray device is provided for the purpose of assuring simple and reliable avoidance of collisions between very fast moving device parts of a medical X-ray device and a patient, which collision protection device has a protective element made of an X-ray transparent material, wherein the collision protection device can be arranged relative to the patient examination table and brought into a position such that in said position the protective element mechanically shields at least a part of the lying surface of the patient examination table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Estelle Camus
  • Publication number: 20100310054
    Abstract: A radiotherapy treatment table top device (1) with high rigidity and load carrying capability, while at the same time providing a low attenuation of radiation, includes a core (2), preferably made of a foamed material, at least partly enclosed by a skin (3,3?) that preferably is made of a fiber material, whereby the core (2) is sandwiched between the skin (3,3?) on opposite sides (6,7) of the table top device (1). The core (2) is non-homogenous with respect to density. Preferably the core has a varying density, with higher density close to at least one interface (8. 8?) with the skin (3), such as a higher density in an upper layer (4) and a lower layer (5) close to the skin (3,3?) and lower density towards the central plane of the core (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: ONCOLOG MEDICAL QA AB
    Inventor: Kjell Benny WESTERLUND
  • Publication number: 20100296626
    Abstract: An X-ray fluoroscope table and an X-ray fluoroscope system using this fluoroscope table with simple structure and easily ensuring an area where a person stands near the top board. An X-ray fluoroscope table (1) comprises a stand unit (10), a support arm unit (20), a support frame (30), a top board (40), an X-ray generator (60), a column unit (50), and an X-ray detector (FPD 70). The end of the column unit (50) on the support frame side (30) and the end on the X-ray generator (60) side are displaced from each other in the length direction of the support frame (30). With this constitution, the area where an operator (OP3) stands can be ensured near the column unit (50). An X-ray fluoroscope system is constituted of this fluoroscope table (1), a high-voltage generator for supplying electric power to the fluoroscope table (1), and a remote control console for integrally controlling them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Atsushi Hibino, Tetsuji Sairaiji, Akio Hara
  • Patent number: 7828481
    Abstract: A medical table wherein a top board on which a patient is placed is supported by a base having an internal instrument so as to be movable parallel to the board surface, the medical table includes a detecting device that detects the possibility that a hand or fingers, which grip the top board, come in contact with the internal instrument during the movement of the top board or internal instrument, and a preventing device that prevents the movement of the top board or the internal instrument on the basis of a detection signal of the detecting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: Bin Ye, Jiake Xu, Shaobo Gu, Feng Wang
  • Patent number: 7817774
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system 10 for irradiating a breast 20 of a patient 22. The system 10 comprises a gantry 12 rotatable about a horizontal axis 14 and comprising a radiation source 16 for generating a radiation beam 18 and a detector 24 spaced from the radiation source 16, and a barrier 26 disposed between the patient 22 and the gantry 12. The barrier 26 is provided with an opening 30 adapted to allow a breast 20 passing therethrough to be exposed to the radiation beam 18. In some embodiments, the barrier 26 is provided with an opening 30 adapted to allow both the breast 20 and the tissue leading from the breast to axilla and the muscle tissue of the adjacent chest wall passing therethrough to be exposed to the radiation beam 18.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry D. Partain, David Humber
  • Patent number: 7810187
    Abstract: A patient handling system comprising a table top (6) for carrying a lying patient (8). The table top (6) is supported by a table base (1) and the table top (6) can move in longitudinal direction over said table base (1) so that at least a part of the table top (6) can be displaced to a position away from said table base (1). At least a portion (1;4) of said table base (1), to which portion (1;4) the table top (6) is movably attached, can be displaced in substantially said longitudinal direction in which the table top (6) can move. Thereby, said table top (6) can be displaced in longitudinal direction over a distance which is larger than the length of the table top (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Arthur Robert Van Es, Ravindra Bhat
  • Patent number: 7805783
    Abstract: Procedure radiograph orientation devices and methods of use are provided for stabilization and orientation of a patient's anatomy for a variety of surgical interventions. Additionally, devices of the present invention aid in orienting radiographic imaging devices through the inclusion of radiopaque fiducials so as to optimize radiographic images by providing radiographic reference landmarks. An example of the present invention includes a rostral base plate, a plurality of support slats, and a caudal base plate, these components being adapted to pivot about one another or in certain embodiments, adapted to pivot about a series of spacers. One or more tension wires extend through the slats and base plates, joining the elements. The devices may be secured in various configurations by increasing the tension of the tension cable(s). Visual sighting or aiming devices may also be included in certain embodiments. Certain embodiments may include a rigid base plate having radiopaque fiducials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: Rob G. Parrish
  • Patent number: 7794145
    Abstract: A medical table in which a top plate for a patient to lie on is supported by a pedestal base in a manner to be able to move parallel to a plate surface, includes a detecting device for detecting that fingers holding the top plate are about to collide against the pedestal base when moving the top plate, and a stopping device for stopping movement of the top plate according to a detection signal from the detecting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: Jiake Xu, Bin Ye
  • Patent number: 7789560
    Abstract: A device 10 for aligning a patient for delivering a plurality of radiation beams comprising a patient support surface 12, a coarse alignment subsystem 14 connected to the patient support surface, and a fine alignment subsystem connected to the patient support surface 16. A method of aligning a patient for delivering a plurality of radiation beams from a plurality of device positions comprising compensating for flexion of a radiation beam delivery device within a gantry during movement of the radiation beam delivery device from a first device position to a second device position by using a set of predetermined data describing the flexion behavior of the radiation beam delivery device so that the target tissue within the patient is placed at the beamline center for the radiation beam delivery device at the second device position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Loma Linda University Medical Center
    Inventor: Michael F. Moyers
  • Patent number: 7784127
    Abstract: A patient support device of a radiation therapy treatment system includes an electromechanical motor and control system for raising and lowering the support device in the Z direction. The control system utilizes regenerative braking concepts, converting the motor into a generator as the support device is lowered such that no matter the load, the support device will be lowered at a constant speed. The control system also allows for lowering of the support device in the powered off situation (i.e., when there is no power to the support device).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Tomotherapy Incorporated
    Inventors: Serge Nukhim Kuro, Graham T. Reitz, Bradley J. Brunker, Brent Harper
  • Publication number: 20100208871
    Abstract: A radiation detecting cassette is disposed in a desired position between a bed and a patient in an operating room. After a detector-side connector and a bed-side connector are connected to each other by a cable, an image capturing apparatus captures and records radiation image information of the patient in a radiation detector. The recorded radiation image information is transmitted from a transceiver of the bed to a console by way of wireless communications in a communication range selected by a selector of the bed, then processed by the console, and transmitted to a display device, which displays a radiation image based on the supplied radiation image information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Tanabe, Eiichi Kito, Takuya Yoshimi, Takeshi Kuwabara, Kazuharu Ueta, Makoto Iriuchijima, Yasunori Ohta
  • Patent number: 7767988
    Abstract: A particle therapy system is provided. The particle therapy system includes an imaging unit and a rotatable gantry with an irradiation unit. The irradiation unit projects into an irradiation room delimited by a wall. The imaging unit is arranged on a C-arm. The C-arm is operable to be moved between a retracted parking position and an extended diagnostic position for imaging purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignees: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, MT Mechatronics GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Kaiser, Eberhard Sust
  • Patent number: 7763864
    Abstract: A method and device for accurately and reproducibly positioning a woman's breast to receive radiation while the woman is positioned in a prone, face-down position upon a radiation treatment table are disclosed. The treatment table is useable with radiation accelerator tables of existing linear accelerator machines. The treatment table includes a generally flat patient support surface having an opening that allows the patient's breast to fall dependently below the support surface through the opening yet remain above the radiation accelerator table such that the breast can be irradiated for therapy or treatment. The platform further includes a head positioning device connected to the support surface such that a woman's head can be placed in the positioning device while she lies in the prone position and such that one or both of her breasts can be accurately and reproducibly positioned for treatment through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: New York University
    Inventor: Silvia C. Formenti
  • Patent number: 7761941
    Abstract: A patient positioning table for a tomography device has a table board movably mounted on a table stand. At one end of the table board, a module is attached that has a receptacle compartment therein, serving as a storage space and/or a receptacle for medical equipment. Attachments can be attached to the module for holding or mounting other items that are used in connection with a tomography procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael Loser
  • Patent number: 7753587
    Abstract: A patient table for a medical radiation therapy system or radiation diagnosis system is provided. The patient table includes a flat bearing surface and a surface-specific radiation absorption that is measured per radiated surface unit of the bearing surface. The perpendicular incidence radiation reduces along a transversal direction from a central longitudinal plane of the patient table to both of the lateral edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jochen Kusch, Jürgen Plannerer
  • Patent number: 7756242
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to realize an X-ray CT apparatus and a scan control method of performing contrast imaging by a helical shuttle scan with a smaller exposure amount. An X-ray CT apparatus for performing contrast imaging by repeating a reciprocating helical scan on a region in a subject repeats the helical shuttle scan (solid-line arrow) including, in shuttle (broken-line arrow) of a helical shuttle scan using an X-ray of a first X-ray dose, a helical scan using an X-ray of a second X-ray dose higher than the first X-ray dose. The start timing of the helical scan using the X-ray of the second X-ray dose is determined on the basis of a change in the CT number of a region of interest of an image captured by a helical scan using the X-ray of the first X-ray dose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventor: Masayuki Kudo
  • Publication number: 20100162488
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a system for transporting a patient between a plurality of diagnostic and/or therapy work stations. At each work station, a diagnostic and/or therapy process can be performed on the patient while the patient is attached to a table plate. The patient remains continuously attached to the table plate during a first diagnostic and/or therapy process at a first diagnostic and/or therapy work station, during transport to a second diagnostic and/or therapy work stations and during a second diagnostic and/or therapy process at said second diagnostic and/or therapy work station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: ONCOlog Medical QA AB
    Inventors: Hans Dahlin, Kjell Westerlund
  • Patent number: 7741623
    Abstract: The invention relates to a patient-positioning device for positioning a patient in an irradiation position in a radiation therapy arrangement, in particular in a particle radiation therapy arrangement comprising a patient supporting module, which is provided with a patient supporting device for holding the patient in a body holder where the irradiation is to be carried out, wherein, said patient supporting device is mounted on a base unit in such a way that it is rotatable about an axis by means of a bearing, said base unit is provided with a coupling element, the inventive device is also provided with a positioning arm, which comprises several joints and a coupling point for coupling the coupling element and for freely positioning the patient in any predefined irradiation position by adjusting the angle of rotation of the patient supporting module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Andres Sommer
  • Patent number: 7742562
    Abstract: A treatment couch having a tabletop that has a radiolucent region, and a lower-torso assembly that has a first slide member coupled to a slot of the tabletop, a second slide member coupled to a slot of the first slide member, and a link member coupled to the first and second slide members. The lower-torso assembly may be configured to adjust a patient along a longitudinal direction relative to a shoulder line of the tabletop while the lower-torso assembly remains outside the radio lucent region of the tabletop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Accuray Incorporated
    Inventor: Adam J. Weber
  • Patent number: 7736056
    Abstract: A bed and gurney extender for selective attachment to a standard hospital bed or gurney for supporting the head of a patient during scanning, comprising: a support for supporting the head of the patient during scanning, wherein at least a portion of the support is X-ray transparent; and an adapter for selectively attaching the support to the bed or gurney.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: NeuroLogica Corp.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Tybinkowski, Lidia Nemirovsky
  • Publication number: 20100119032
    Abstract: A system for radiotherapy includes a first imaging system and a second imaging system. The first imaging system generates projection images of an area of interest of an object, and the second imaging system generates portal images of the area of interest of the object synchronously with the generation of the projection images. The radiotherapy system further includes a processing system that receives data associated with the projection images and data associated with the portal images and reconstructs 3D and 4D portal images from the projection images and the portal images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Di Yan, Jian Liang, Alvaro Martinez