X-ray bone densitometry using a vertically scanning gantry
US6102567A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 17, 1996 |
| Grant date | Aug 15, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 17, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B6/505
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides a system that reduces the complexity of existing dual energy x-ray equipment which typically requires more complicated mechanisms to measure bone density, to a system with a single axis of mechanical motion and with a patient providing repositioning motions. This configuration allows for a much more compact design and smaller equipment "footprint," thus taking up less floor space in examination rooms and allowing for multiple uses of one room. The system of the present invention eliminates the need for a patient support table which can affect x-ray transmission because of the thickness and construction of the table which are dictated by the weight of the patient. The system includes a main cabinet or gantry enclosure which contains an x-ray source and ancillary support electronics and mechanisms. An extension arm positions a detector assembly on a side of the patient opposite to the source assembly and fixes the distance between the source and detector assemblies. The source and detector assemblies are capable of making dual energy bone measurements. The source assembly, detector assembly and extension arm form a gantry and the source assembly and det…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.