Medical image scanner with automatic patient weight determination
US6026318A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 3, 1997 |
| Grant date | Feb 15, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 3, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01G19/445
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method is provided for measuring the weight of a medical imaging scanner patient. The scanner has a bore portion for receiving and housing the patient during a scan. Initially, a reclining apparatus associated with the scanner is provided, on which the patient can recline during the scan. A hydraulic lift mechanism is then used to position the reclining apparatus and the patient at bore level. The pressure within the hydraulic lift mechanism can then be measured as a function of downward force exerted by the reclining apparatus and the patient surface. Alternatively, the automatic measuring of patient mass, associated with the movement of the reclining apparatus and patient into the bore, can be determined by calculating instantaneous acceleration of the reclining apparatus and patient as the reclining apparatus and patient are slid into the bore.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.