Method and apparatus for automatic self-aligning docking of a couch with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner
US7293308B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 19, 2003 |
| Grant date | Nov 13, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 4, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/704
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
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).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.