Breakable gantry apparatus for multidimensional x-ray based imaging
US6940941B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 12, 2002 |
| Grant date | Sep 6, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 28, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B6/4441
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An x-ray scanning imaging apparatus with a generally O-shaped gantry ring, which has a segment that fully or partially detaches (or “breaks”) from the ring to provide an opening through which the object to be imaged may enter interior of the ring in a radial direction. The segment can then be re-attached to enclose the object within the gantry. Once closed, the circular gantry housing remains orbitally fixed and carries an x-ray image-scanning device that can be rotated inside the gantry 360 degrees around the patient either continuously or in a step-wise fashion. The x-ray device is particularly useful for two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) imaging applications.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.