Abstract: An MRI apparatus has a gantry, a bed and a lighting unit collective including a plurality of lighting units. The gantry accommodates a static field magnet configured to generate a static field, a gradient coil configured to generate a gradient magnetic field, and an RF coil configured to transmit or receive an RF pulse as well as having an opening into which a person is inserted. The bed has a removable table-top for an inside and an outside of the opening. The lighting unit group is disposed at at least one of an inside position of the opening and an outside position from which an inside of the opening can be lighted so that the lighting units can carry out lighting such that an amount of emitting light increases bit by bit from a bedside to a counter bedside opposite to the bedside across the opening.

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).

Abstract: Embodiments include a platform allowing the female breast to be imaged by PET/CT, SPECT, and/or other modalities, while the patient is lying in the prone position. In some embodiments, a cushioned base may support the patient's torso, and articulating head and arm rests may extend from the base. A pair of open-sided lateral openings in the base allows the patient's breasts to hang independently. The articulating head and arm rests may be lockable into a fixed position and may be unlocked and returned to the original locked position. The base may be constructed of a composite material and covered with a cushioning material, with an optional adjustable, pneumatic layer in between. The cushioning material may be form-molded foam or other material. The platform may be attached to an existing PET gantry table via attachment means that allows the platform to be removed and afterward identically repositioned with respect to the gantry table for subsequent imaging.

Abstract: A movable floor system for use with a rotating gantry in a radiation treatment facility is provided that comprises a carriage assembly slidably supported within the gantry to maintain a substantially constant orientation while the gantry is rotating. An extendable/retractable panel assembly is supported on the carriage assembly that includes a plurality of non-movable floor panels and a like plurality of movable floor panels slidably mounted over corresponding ones of the non-movable panels. The movable panels are sized to span a distance between the carriage assembly and a fixed floor of the treatment room. Each of the movable panels has a platform surface for supporting a person for access to and from the patient table situated within the gantry. A control system coordinates the extension and retraction of the movable floor panels to prevent collisions with the radiation nozzle as it rotates during the patient treatment.

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: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus provides a belt-tension varying unit including a belt winding mechanism that performs reeling and unreeling a belt, a belt driving unit that drives the belt winding mechanism, and belt controlling unit that varies a tension of the belt corresponding to any one of a body length, a body weight, and a part to be imaged of a subject. The belt controlling unit varies the tension of the belt in such a manner that the belt controlling unit makes the tension of the belt large under a circumstance having high possibility where the subject moves, and makes the tension of the belt small under a circumstance having low possibility where the subject moves.

Abstract: A patient positioning table has a base part with a longitudinal axis and a support plate for positioning a patient. The support plate can be displaced in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the base part relative to the base part. The support plate is provided with a device that can interact with an acceptance device of the base part such that the support plate can be rotated relative to the base part after acceptance of the device of the support plate into the acceptance device of the base part of the support plate. The patient positioning table is suitable for a computed tomography apparatus.

Abstract: An isolation system with imaging or radiation therapy capability is disclosed. At least one containment barrier (14, 15, 16, 17) defines an isolation region (10). An imaging or therapy system (20) is disposed outside of the isolation region. The containment barrier includes a substantially hollow tubular extension (24, 42, 44, 124, 224, 324) protruding away from the isolation region (10). The substantially hollow tubular extension surrounds an interior volume (26) that is in fluid communication with the isolation region and is in fluid isolation from the imaging or therapy system. The substantially hollow tubular extension is made at least partially of a material providing operative communication between the imaging or therapy system and the interior volume of the substantially hollow tubular extension.

Abstract: It is intended to implement imaging in an efficient way. In a first period in which a cradle unit is driven under acceleration from a stationary state, the cradle unit is driven with a constant first torque value. In a second period which comes after the lapse of the first period and in which the cradle unit is driven under acceleration, the cradle unit is driven with a constant second torque value which is smaller than the first torque value.

Abstract: With a view to attaining both easiness of position adjustment and sureness of position holding, a patient supporting apparatus comprises an arm for supporting a patient, the arm comprising a horizontal arm portion and a vertical arm portion, a rail for supporting the arm movably in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal arm portion and the vertical arm portion, and a brake for preventing movement of the arm along the rail by utilizing a moment of rotation with the vertical arm portion of the arm being as an axis.

Abstract: A system is provided for supporting a patient during computed axial tomography imaging. The system includes a movable platform formed of a radiolucent material, a discrete attachment region in the platform, and a curvilinear articulating arm coupled to the platform at the discrete attachment region. A method for supporting a patient during a plurality of procedures also is provided. The method includes: disposing the patient on a movable platform formed of a radiolucent material; positioning a device with respect to the patient, the device being disposed on a curvilinear articulating arm coupled to the platform; placing the platform, positioned device, and patient in a computed axial tomography imaging system and performing an imaging procedure.

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus includes a patient-support deck having a head deck section, seat deck section, and foot deck section each of which is supported on a frame. The head deck section pivots and translates relative to the frame when driven. The drive systems of the deck sections are configured such that movement of links driving the deck sections occurs above the lowest point on the frame.

Abstract: A patient bed, in particular for a magnetic resonance apparatus, has at least one socket for accommodation of a plug of a device (in particular a local coil) to be arranged at the patient bed. A generation of a force generator that automatically assists or effects the insertion or the unplugging of the plug is built into the socket or is associated with the socket.

Abstract: Medical device with a patient tunnel lined by a lining and a patient couch that can be moved into and out of the tunnel and accommodated in a recess in the lining enclosing the sides of the patient couch, with the patient couch having a clearance from the lining when fully withdrawn from the tunnel, with an element that can be moved against a resetting force being provided at both sides in each case in the area of the recess near to the couch, it being possible for said element during a vertical movement from a lowered position into the completely withdrawn position or at the start of the inward movement to be deflected by the patient couch against the resetting force to a position separated from the patient couch by a narrow gap or to a position abutting against the patient couch.

Abstract: A patient table is described for use in equipment such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners that are susceptible to electrical or magnetic interference. The patient table is moved by hydraulic means, thus avoiding the need for electric motors that give rise to such interference.

Abstract: A seat, a chair, or a combination thereof can be part of or used in conjunction with an MRI system. The seat can be designed to allow for an MRI analysis without requiring insertion of a probe into a cavity of a patient. In one embodiment, the seat and chair can be adapted for use with a cylindrical-type MRI system. The seat and chair may be used with another type of MRI system, such as an open MRI system. The pelvic region or adjacent portion of a patient can be analyzed without the patient having to lie flat.

Abstract: A device for supporting of a patient on a patient positioning table that can be inserted into a scanner of a PET system in a PET examination has a vacuum mattress and has an electrically-operated compressor connected to the vacuum mattress. The compressor is controlled with a control device that can be activated with a foot.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method and apparatus to deliver medical devices to targeted locations within human tissues using imaging data. The method enables the target location to be obtained from one imaging system, followed by the use of a second imaging system to verify the final position of the device. In particular, the invention discloses a method based on the initial identification of tissue targets using MR imaging, followed by the use of ultrasound imaging to verify and monitor accurate needle positioning. The invention can be used for acquiring biopsy samples to determine the grade and stage of cancer in various tissues including the brain, breast, abdomen, spine, liver, and kidney. The method is also useful for delivery of markers to a specific site to facilitate surgical removal of diseased tissue, or for the targeted delivery of applicators that destroy diseased tissues in-situ.

Abstract: A rotatably adjustable patient support apparatus including a lower base assembly for mounting to a pedestal and an upper base assembly for mounting to a patient couch. The upper and lower base assemblies are connected by three spaced apart connectors, each of which includes two parts joined by a ball joint swivel bearing to enable pivoting of the connector parts about each of two horizontally disposed axes where the axes are perpendicular to one another. One of the connectors is stationary and the other two are mounted to move longitudinally along the base assemblies on guide rails. The guide rails of the upper base assembly are mounted to ramps such that predetermined movement of the two movable connectors cause the upper base assembly to pitch or roll, or to pitch and roll simultaneously. Movement of the two movable connectors is by acme screw and nut sets.

Abstract: An infant warming apparatus for supporting an infant upon an infant bed. The apparatus has a sensor that is affixed to the skin of the infant to detect one or more physiological functions of the infant. A transmitter is located within the enclosure of the sensor and which transmit the information detected by the physiological sensor to a receiver that is located on the infant care apparatus and which can then convert that information into a recognizable or usable medium. An alternative embodiment includes the transmitter located proximate to the infant within an infant scale located beneath the infant. The sensor is hardwired to the transmitter in the infant scale and signals relating to weight and/or a condition of the infant are transmitted by wireless telemetry to a monitor or other display device to display that information to the caregiver.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to readily move a transfer board from a stretcher to a radiographic table and to efficiently achieve radiography. The transfer board moved from the stretcher is borne by an intermediate table. The transfer board borne by the intermediate table is moved to the radiographic table by an intermediate table mover, and then borne by the radiographic table.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a patient positioning system for an imaging device. The patient positioning system comprises a table assembly for engaging and supporting a patient, at least one single cross bar assembly coupled to the table assembly and a belt drive assembly coupled to the single cross bar assembly, the belt drive assembly being configured to drive the single cross bar assembly. Another embodiment provides a patient positioning system comprising a table assembly and at least two multiple cross bar assemblies coupled to the table assembly. The table assembly is configured to be displaced to multiple positions along a vertical axis. The multiple cross bar assembly comprises multiple pair of cross bars coupled to one another by a pivot. The patient positioning system can further comprise a screw drive assembly coupled to the multiple cross bar assembly for driving the multiple cross bar assembly.

Abstract: A system for treating a patient by proton therapy, also called gantry, includes a proton beam guide involving, in particular, magnets, quadropoles, and the like and having an outlet aperture for guiding and directing the proton beam to the side in the patient that is to be treated. In addition, a patient table that cab en displaced in a controllable manner is provided for moving the patient into a desired position relative to the proton beam. The inventive proton beam guide and control device is mounted down from the patient table in the direction of the beam guide in a supported manner whereby being able to rotate or pivot about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: A positioning system for positioning a patient support in an imaging device is disclosed herein. The positioning system includes a fine positioning subsystem coupled to the patient support and adapted to position the patient support with fine precision along the X-axis; and a coarse positioning subsystem coupled to the fine positioning subsystem and adapted to position the patient support with coarse precision along the X-axis. In an embodiment, the fine positioning subsystem and the coarse positioning subsystem are a dual-stage drive positioning system, with the first drive including a screw mechanism and the second drive including a prime mover. In an embodiment, a programmer is provided for configuring the fine positioning subsystem to align the patient support based on a velocity profile.

Abstract: A medical support assembly for a moving pallet of a diagnostic imaging device is provided. The medical support assembly includes a support member having an elongate shaft defining a longitudinal axis and a transverse shaft mounted substantially orthogonal with respect to the support member. The medical support assembly further includes a mounting adapter assembly supported by an attachment bracket of the moving pallet, the mounting adapter assembly being removably mounted and configured to enable rotational movement of the support member upon a substantial impact to the support member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a patient support apparatus for use during a medical procedure. The patient support apparatus is configured to receive and support a body of a patient on a base member. The base member includes a top surface having a plurality of adjustable members, wherein each of the adjustable members is configured to support a different portion the body of the patient. A plurality of actuation mechanisms are operably connected to both the base member and one each of the plurality of adjustable members, such that each of the plurality of adjustable members is separately, selectively positionable with respect to the base member. A control device operably connected to the actuation mechanism to selectively control the position of each of the adjustable members and the corresponding body portions.

Abstract: A patient positioning apparatus to support a patient in a prone position on a patient table during a diagnostic imaging scan comprises a head support and an arm support. The head support is configured to extend above the patient table and supports a patient's head above a table top of the patient table while the patient lies on the patient table in a prone position. The arm support is joined to the head support and is configured to extend below the patient table to support a patient's forearms below the patient table.

Abstract: A patient positioning apparatus to support a patient in a prone position on a patient table during a diagnostic imaging scan comprises a head support and an arm support. The head support is configured to extend beyond an end of a patient table and to support a patient's head relative to a table top of the patient table while the patient lies on the patient table in a prone position. The arm support is joined to the head support and is configured to extend below the patient table to support a patient's forearms below the patient table.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a patient table having a longitudinal axis for a medical imaging system are provided. The patient table includes a body including a first end, an axially-spaced second end, and a first and a second axially oriented side edges extending therebetween, the body further including at least one of an aperture extending through the body and a notch extending from at least one of the first and second axially oriented side edges, and a base configured to couple to the body using at least one of the first end and the second end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a head restraint kit for use with a medical head device for immobilizing the head of a patient in medical research, diagnosis and operation. The head restraint kit is particularly suitable for use with a head coil for magnetic resonance imaging. The head restraint kit contains a head rest pillow for providing support to the head of a patient, a neck cushion for providing neck support, and one or more wedge cushions for providing further support for the head. The head restraint kit may also contain one or more compact square cushions which can be inserted into a space between the head and the medical head device for additional head support. The head restraint kit may further contain a cloth strap placed over the forehead of a patient for protecting and securing the head against movement.

Abstract: Transportation and placement of elderly patients and patients with movement problems to a exam room and on a exam table is difficult and cumbersome. Many times patients need help to move to the exam room. The customary exam tables in the exam rooms have a higher height thus the patient has to move up one step and then to rotate for being able to sit on the exam table. Performing these movements, moving up and the rotation are difficult and time consuming when the person has neuro-muscular or arthritic problems. Many times a nurse or the doctor has to help the patient which has its own difficulties and make cause back pain of the staff members. The same case is true when a patient needs to be moved from a bed to a stretcher and again significant help is needed which needs a capable worker and may cause back problem in such health care providers. For this reason an easier method will be welcomed in solving this problem.

Abstract: A docking assembly connected to a movable couch (30) docks the couch with an imaging apparatus (10). Couch alignment surfaces (72) mate with corresponding alignment surfaces (64) of a connecting region (50) of the imaging apparatus (10) to define a docked position of the movable couch (30) with respect to the imaging apparatus. A docking sensor (160) detects the movable couch (30) approaching the docked position. A latch (82) mates with the connecting region (50) of the imaging to apparatus (10). An actuator (130, 154) cooperates with the latch (82) to bias the movable couch (30) into the docked position responsive to a signal produced by the docking sensor (160).

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.

Abstract: A patient bed is provided for transporting and/or positioning a patient. The patient bed has a bed area provided for receiving a patient. The patient bed is flexible at least in the bed area in such a way that the patient bed can be rolled up around a part of the patient bed. The patient bed has at least one transport mount for acting on by a transporter, and the patient bed is designed to be transported via the at least one transport mount when loaded with a patient. The patient bed has a plurality of reinforcing fibers, which are flexible and tension-proof, wherein each of the reinforcing fibers passes through the bed area and is operatively connected to at least one of the at least one transport mount in such a way that a force acting on the bed area can be transmitted at least partially to the at least one transport mount.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus has a lower frame and an upper supported above the lower frame and movable relative to the lower frame. A plurality of casters are coupled to the lower frame. A wheel is movable relative to the lower frame between a lowered position engaging the floor and a raised position spaced from the floor. A drive assembly is coupled to the wheel and is operable to drive the wheel to propel the patient support apparatus along the floor. A foot pedal is coupled to the lower frame and is movable to raise and lower the wheel relative to the floor. Elevation adjust pedals are coupled to the lower frame and are movable to change an elevation of the upper frame relative to the lower frame.

Abstract: A medical procedural patient platform includes a peripheral edge that can receive a medical patient platform extension. The medical procedural patient platform peripheral edge includes a generally male connecting portion that can receive a female connecting portion located on the medical patient platform extension. The connection is a slip fit and the two components do not snap together. A bracket is included on the medical patient platform extension that allows the medical patient platform extension to rotate at discrete intervals.

Abstract: A headrest, armrest, or other attachment to an image diagnosis bed apparatus having leaf springs formed as integral parts of its connecting portion, and a bed apparatus tabletop with a connecting hole for the insertion of the attachment connecting portion at one end and fixing holes for the leaf springs at its top. Also, an armrest shaped so as to be capable of being placed over a headrest connected to the tabletop.

Abstract: Adapter for attaching a patient positioning plate of a patient transport cart or gurney to a diagnosis and/or treatment table, in particular of a medical examination modality, has attachment elements for detachable attachment to the diagnosis and/or treatment table, and the shape of the top side of the adapter in the attachment region for the patient positioning plate is substantially adapted to the underside of the patient positioning plate.

Abstract: A patient support structure for a laser imaging apparatus, comprises a tabletop to support a female patient in front-down, prone position. The tabletop includes an opening adapted to permit a breast of the patient to be vertically pendant below the tabletop. The opening is non-symmetric with respect to an axis of rotation of a scanning mechanism disposed below the tabletop.

Abstract: A positioning aid (1) for tomographic functional examinations with a base plate (3) which is connected to a moveable patient trolley and with a shoulder plate at the same height as the thorax, which permits a continuously diagonal positioning of the thorax, at the head-end of the shoulder plate, a swivelling reclining plate (23) is linked to an articulated axle (22a) which runs horizontally in a direction transverse to the z-direction, it being possible to lower the said plate in the direction of the base plate, this being characterised in that the shoulder plate is in the form of a first raising plate (4) which is linked to the base plate facing away from the head, this being swivelled via a horizontal articulated axle (5) and in that a first raising pouch (6) of an elastic material is situated between the base plate and the first raising plate, which when filled with a fluid raises the first raising plate from the base plate from one side, in that when the raising plate raises or lowers, the reclining plate

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system is provided with a fixture which can be mounted to the static field magnet within the patient-receiving space of the magnet. The fixture can support and stabilize the patient.

Abstract: A patient support device which can be connected to patient placement devices of medical examination or treatment equipment, for example an MRI device, an X-ray machine, or of ambulances. The patient support device supports a patient during medical examination and treatment. The patient support device has a structural rigidity that is less than a minimal rigidity that enables the patient support device to be self-supporting while the patient is resting thereon. Such a patient support device can be designed in a simple manner in such a way that it can be used in MRI devices, as well as in devices of other types, and can be transferred between the devices without repositioning of the patient on different support devices.

Abstract: An optical CT scanner for small laboratory animals comprises a housing having a vertical through opening through which a test subject is passed through during a scanning session, the housing including a peripheral slot disposed around the perimeter of the opening; a movable horizontal table disposed through the opening, the table being split with a horizontal slot aligned with the peripheral slot; a light beam directed toward the peripheral slot and orbitable around the opening; a plurality of collimators directed toward the peripheral slot and orbitable around the opening together with the light beam; a plurality of main photodetectors to detect the light beam after passing through the test subject and the collimators; a perimeter photodetector adapted to provide perimeter data of the test subject during a scanning session; and a first computer programmed to reconstruct an image of the test subject from the output of the perimeter and main photodetectors.

Abstract: A therapeutic bed is arranged so that its inclination is adjusted by a bed inclination adjusting device provided to a rotation drive device disposed in a Y-direction moving device. The bed inclination adjusting device supports the therapeutic bed at three points by its three inclination adjusters. Each of the inclination adjusters converts the rotation of a motor into the rectilinear motion of a slider, and varies the level of a universal joint provided to the therapeutic bed by a support rod rotatably attached to the slider. This allows the inclination angle of the therapeutic bed to be varied. The provision of the bed inclination adjusting device reduces the number of drive devices for positioning the therapeutic bed, thereby decreasing the cumulative value of errors in all drive devices.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes a body unit including a bed unit where an object is put, an X-ray irradiation unit configured to irradiate an X-ray to the object and an X-ray detector configured to detect the X-ray passing through the object, an input unit configured to input control information to control at least part of operation of the body unit, a selection unit configured to select ON or OFF of a lock mode and a controller configured to determine at least part of the control information is locked when the lock mode is ON and the at least part of the control information is released when the lock mode is OFF.

Abstract: A patient positioning system for radiation therapy, including an elongated table, a lock bar positioned on the table and extending perpendicular to a length of the table, and first and second clamps secured to opposing ends of the lock bar. The clamps are adapted to grip flat surfaces of sides of the table so as to secure the lock bar in a fixed position along the length of the table. The second clamp is adjustably secured on the lock bar so that the second clamp can be unsecured from the lock bar, the lock bar can be re-positioned on the table as desired, and the second clamp then re-secured to the lock bar to fix the lock bar in place on the table. The system also includes a patient restraint member secured to the lock bar and adapted to extend over a patient lying on the table.

Abstract: A medical examination device (1) comprising an examination space (3), a combination of a frame (5) and a patient table (4), and rack (8) which can be driven by a drive (9, 10) to displace a patient on the patient table into and out of the examination space. The rack comprises an elongated push-pull member (8) which is connected to the patient table and which has a length that exceeds the length of the patient table. As a result, the patient table can be displaced from the frame into the examination space over a distance that is larger than the length of the patient table.

Abstract: An optical CT scanner for small laboratory animals comprises a housing having a vertical through opening through which a test subject is passed through during a scanning session, the housing including a peripheral slot disposed transversely through the perimeter of the opening; a movable horizontal table disposed through the opening, the table being split with a horizontal slot aligned with the peripheral slot; a scanning head rotatable about the opening, the scanning head including a light beam directed toward the peripheral slot, the scanning head including a plurality of collimators directed toward the peripheral slot, the scanning head including a plurality of main photodetectors to detect the light beam after passing through the test subject and the collimators; a perimeter photodetector adapted to provide perimeter data of the test subject during a scanning session; an electrical circuit to amplify and digitize the output from the photodetectors; and a first computer programmed to reconstruct an image o

Abstract: A stretcher with a dedicated multi-functional removable floating patient support platform is described. The stretcher has a lower frame assembly and an upper frame assembly is vertically displaceable thereover in an adjustable manner. The patient support platform is a rigid rectangular platform having a substantial portion thereof constructed of radiolucent material. The patient support platform is supported on bearings and retained captive on a platform support structure, whereby to slide axially thereof. Restraining hingeable side frames are provided and permit the patient support platform to be displaced laterally on the bearings to permit the patient support platform to be transferred from the platform support structure laterally thereof, in an effortless support manner.

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.