Sliding counterbalanced C-arm positioning devices and methods for using such devices
US8430564B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 28, 2011 |
| Grant date | Apr 30, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 5, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16M2200/048
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Systems and methods for making and using sliding counterbalanced C-arm positioning devices are described. In such systems and methods, each C-arm positioning device includes a C-arm X-ray device, a linear bearing rail, a linear bearing block, and a counterbalance mechanism. Generally, the C-arm is connected to the linear bearing block, which, in turn, is slidably coupled to the bearing rail to allow the bearing block and C-arm to slide up and down on the rail. The counterbalance mechanism can apply a force to the bearing block to counterbalance the weight of the C-arm and the bearing block. Thus, the described C-arm positioning device can allow a user to easily raise or lower the C-arm with relatively little effort. While some implementations of the C-arm positioning device are connected to mobile support structure, other implementations of the C-arm positioning device are mounted to a fixed support structure. Other implementations are also described.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.