Detector head proximity sensing and collision avoidance apparatuses and methods
US8269176B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 31, 2007 |
| Grant date | Sep 18, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 11, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B6/4291
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A gamma camera (8, 180) includes at least one radiation detector head (10, 12, 210, 212). At least one such radiation detector head (10, 12, 210, 212) includes a plurality of capacitive elements (60, 260, 76, 276) disposed over at least a radiation sensitive portion (50) of the radiation detector head. A proximity sensor monitor (62) is coupled with the plurality of capacitive elements to detect proximity of a subject to the radiation detector head based on a measured electrical characteristic of the capacitive elements. A collision sensor monitor (64) is coupled with the plurality of capacitive elements to detect conductive electric current flowing between spaced apart parallel conductive plates (66, 67) of the capacitive element responsive to mechanical deformation of the spacing between the plates.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.