US3141972A - Radiological apparatus wherein the patient support and X-ray sources are supportedon a rotatable horizontal shaft - Google Patents
Radiological apparatus wherein the patient support and X-ray sources are supportedon a rotatable horizontal shaft Download PDFInfo
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- US3141972A US3141972A US147650A US14765061A US3141972A US 3141972 A US3141972 A US 3141972A US 147650 A US147650 A US 147650A US 14765061 A US14765061 A US 14765061A US 3141972 A US3141972 A US 3141972A
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- 210000000653 nervous system Anatomy 0.000 description 5
- 210000004556 brain Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002872 contrast media Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000002594 fluoroscopy Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 2
- 210000002414 leg Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000001356 surgical procedure Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012800 visualization Methods 0.000 description 2
- 208000027089 Parkinsonian disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 206010034010 Parkinsonism Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000003169 central nervous system Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000007812 deficiency Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003745 diagnosis Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002405 diagnostic procedure Methods 0.000 description 1
- 201000010099 disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000037265 diseases, disorders, signs and symptoms Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 238000004880 explosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001385 heavy metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000003127 knee Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002441 reversible effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001954 sterilising effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004659 sterilization and disinfection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009897 systematic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/04—Positioning of patients; Tiltable beds or the like
- A61B6/0487—Motor-assisted positioning
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/04—Positioning of patients; Tiltable beds or the like
- A61B6/0407—Supports, e.g. tables or beds, for the body or parts of the body
- A61B6/0464—Supports, e.g. tables or beds, for the body or parts of the body mounted to ceiling
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/56—Details of data transmission or power supply, e.g. use of slip rings
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/44—Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis
- A61B6/4423—Constructional features of apparatus for radiation diagnosis related to hygiene or sterilisation
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to a patient supporting apparatus for radiological studies. More specifically, the present invention relates to a patient supporting adjustable chair which cooperates with at least one source of radiant energy in a manner that permits a number of revolutions of the patient and the radiant energy sources to obtain X-ray studies of the patient in any position in space.
- Another objective of the present invention is to provide apparatus for rotating the patient and at least in one source of radiant energy about a common axis, in order that the X-rays may be taken during the revolution of the patient in space and at any position in space.
- a further objective of this invention is to provide free 3,141,9i2 Patented July 21, 1964 access to the patient from the side, front and back without hindering any surgical technique and with a minimum of apparatus being exposed to the atmosphere, thereby requiring less sterilization.
- This invention also has as an objective the provision of a patient supporting X-ray apparatus in which the patient may be revolved in space during X-ray studies and in which the mechanism for the X-ray sources and revolution of the patient are remote from the working area around the patient.
- Yet another objective of the present invention is the provision of X-ray source electric connections which permit the X-ray source to be not only adjusted in space, but also to be rotated any number of revolutions without the usual cables becoming twisted or broken.
- FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view in partial section of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the patient support as a chair, and in phantom lines the adjustability of the chair to support a patient in a horizontal position;
- FIGURE 2 is an end elevational view partly broken away, showing the positioning of the radiant energy sources and the chair relative to the rotating shaft and also the projection of the shaft through a wall to separate the chair and radiant energy sources from the rotating means and high voltage source;
- FIGURE 3 is a sectional view taken along lines 33 of FIGURE 1, showing the slide connections for supporting the radiant energy sources;
- FIGURE 4 is an exploded view of the chair mounting means
- FIGURE 5 is a sectional view through the rotatable shaft showing the slip ring connection
- FIGURE 6 is a cross sectional view along lines 66 of FIGURE 5, showing further details of the slip ring connection.
- FIGURES 1 and 2 wherein the character it! denotes the apparatus generally.
- One of the significant and important features of the invention is the rotatable shaft 12, which is shown protruding through wall W forming one of the sides of an operating room, for instance. It is preferable that the shaft protrude through a wall for a number of reasons, one being that the weight of the shaft is easily supportable, as on suitable bearings 14, and also for the reason that the electrical wires 16 to a source of electric energy, not shown, are separated from the operating room, or at least shielded from the patient, thereby lessening the hazards of using high voltage current, which can cause an explosion.
- the wall from which the shaft 12 protrudes can be used to shield and protect not only the electric wiring, but also the rotating mechanism 18.
- the motor 18 is provided with a switch 20 and conventional gearing 22 for engagement with gear 24, which is keyed to the shaft 12, thereby eifecting rotation of the shaft.
- the motor 18 is preferably reversible by means of the switch 20, in order that the shaft may be rotated in either direction. It has been found desirable to design the gears 22 and 24, as well as the speed of the motor, to produce one complete revolution in either direction of the shaft in about 45 seconds.
- the support member 28 Suitably secured to the shaft as by struts 26 is the support member 28, which is preferably in the form of an enclosed circle on wheel, as best shown in FIGURE 1.
- the wheel 28 may be made of any suitable material such as a heavy metal rod.
- upper and lower stand supporting members 36 Suitably secured within the plane of the wheel, as by welding, are upper and lower stand supporting members 36, which are mutually parallel, and take the form of cords within the circular wheel 28.
- Slidably received on the stand supporting members 30 are a plurality of stands 32, which extend longitudinally of the apparatus in an upright position. Each of the stands slides at its upper and lower end by means of a bifurcation at 34. Each leg of the bifurcation is formed as a ring 36, which engages the stand supporting member 30.
- the positioning of the stands 30 on their support is maintained by conventional set screws 38, as shown.
- the radiant energy sources in the form of Yray cameras 40 and 41 must be adjustably positioned, in order that they may be directed as desired to promote, respectively, frontal and lateral views.
- camera 40 camera holder 42 is slidable along stand 32. Any suitable means for maintaining the camera holder in a desired position, such as set screws 4-4, may be used.
- the camera holder 42 may be geared to the stand 32 for positive movement along the stand.
- the camera it) may be slidably mounted on are 46, which is approximately a 30 arc.
- the arc in turn, may be permanently or movably affixed to a sleeve 48, which is slidable along the holder 42.
- the camera 41 may be pivotally mounted on a similar camera holder 51, which is shorter in extent than holder 42, as shown in FIGURE 2.
- the patient supporting means takes the form of a chair which may be suitably opened to maintain the patient in the chair in a horizontal position.
- the chair is secured to an end of the shaft 12 in a manner best shown in FIGURE 4.
- the chair support is in the form of an arm 54 having a sleeve 56 at one end, which is keyed as at 58 to the shaft 12.
- an abutment plate 60 formed at right angles to the arm 54.
- the plate 60 as shown, is provided at its lower end with a bolt stem 62, having suitable screw threads thereon.
- the abutment plate 60 is designed to receive friction plates 64 and 66, which are provided with aligned openings 68 for receiving the bolt 62.
- the friction plates 64 and 66 are pivotable about bolt 62 and movable relative to each other, the movement being controlled by the stud 70, which cooperates with the arcuate slot 72 on plate 64. Wing nut 74 is provided to maintain the desired relative positioning of these plates.
- the plates also carry the back 76 and seat 78 support members in the integrally formed sleeves 80, which slidably receive the back and seat supports 76 and 78.
- the height of the back and seat is adjustable by means of suitable set screws 82, as shown.
- Secured to the base of the plate 66 is the transverse seat support 84, which is similarly aflixed to similar pairs of friction plates 86 and 83 on the opposite side of the chair.
- Each of the plates 86 and 88 have similar adjusting means for relative angular movement, as by the stud 7t) and arcuate slot 72, and are also provided with integral sleeves 80 to slidably receive corresponding similar back and seat supports 76 and 78.
- the back supports 76 are suitably constructed to receive thereon the Cassette holder disclosed in applicants copending application, Serial No. 53,269, filed August 31, 1960, now Patent No. 3,072,788 granted January 8, 1963.
- the ends of the seat support member 73 are suitably pivoted as at 90, in order to accommodate the lower part of the leg at the knee.
- Means such as screw 92 is provided to maintain any particular pivoted position of the member 78 relative to the extension 94.
- slidable foot rest 96 is positioned again with adjustment means 98.
- at least one seat belt 100 is provided to enable the patient to be rotated in space.
- a slip ring electric connection to 102 to prevent any tangling or damage to the camera wires 104.
- the wires are affixed to the shaft 12, as by means of collar 106, which is permanently attached to the shaft and rotates with the shaft.
- the wires Th4- enter the shaft through conduits 16S and extend through the hollow portion of the shaft 119 to the slip ring connection 162.
- Each of the wires 1%? leads to conventional brushes 112, which are resiliently edged outwardly from the surface of the shaft 12.
- Each brush is designed to make contact with a fixed sleeve 114 through a plurality of concentric spaced bands 116 of electrically conductive materials, which are embedded in suitable grooves in the sleeve 114.
- Suitable insulation 117 is provided, as shown in FIGURE 6.
- Suitable pairs of bands 116 are selectively energized by means of the wires 118, which are in continuous contact with each of the bands; thus, a pair of the bands 116 may be used to energize one radiant energy source of camera 4 9, or all of the bands may be utilized to energize both of the cameras it in order that X-ray studies may be made of both the frontal and lateral views at the same time, and also during the time that the shaft is rotating.
- the operation of the apparatus according to the present invention is believed clear and should be obvious from the description of the individual elements; however, a short description may be helpful.
- the patient is supported in a chair 52 and the chair maintained in a position shown in FIGURE 1, and it may assume a horizontal position, as shown in the phantom lines, by releasing the wing nuts 74 to permit relative angular movement between the friction plates 64 and 66 on one side of the chair and frictional plates 86 and 88 on the other side.
- the cameras may be adjusted for lateral and frontal views by means of the adjustments along th stands 32 and along the camera holders 42 and 51.
- the camera arranged for the frontal view is movable along a 30 are, provided by plate 46, and the plate in turn is pivoted about the holder 42.
- the need for a variety of adjustments is important for the camera taking the frontal view, while the camera taking the side view need only be vertically and laterally adjustable as regards the specific apparatus.
- camera 41 may be constructed to pivot about a horizontal axis, if such is desired.
- the chair will permit the rotation of the patient in the sagittal plane of the nervous system, which will allow selective and systematic visualization of all parts of the patients central nervous system upon injection of air into the nervous system. It is possible, therefore, to expose X-ray film while the patient is rotating in space in all degrees of arc, especially when the patient is erect, prone, supine and in a vertex-down position.
- the present invention will permit the chair used as an operating table, in which the X-ray unit is immediately available without the necessity of moving the patient, and therefore will allow many diagnostic procedures to be carried out while operations are in progress.
- maximum information to the operating surgeon will be available through the medium of angiograms, ventriculograms, contrast ventriculograms and myelograms. All of these views or studies of the patient may be obtained at the time of surgery, instead of the usual days or weeks later.
- the invention will allow more accurate and precise operations under X-ray or fluoroscopy control. Operations, such as those for Parkinsonism, which are guided by X-ray, can be accomplished with a clearer degree of safety by obtaining the X-rays during the operation.
- a further advantage of the invention is that by the use of the single supporting shaft, the X-ray cameras and the patient can be shielded from the hazards of the motor and high voltage lines, which may be on the other side of the wall or otherwise enclosed.
- a radiological apparatus comprising a rotatable horizontal shaft, means for supporting and means for rotating said shaft, a patient support secured only to one end of said shaft for rotation with said shaft, at least one X-ray energy source, an electrical connection for said X-ray energy source consisting of a slip ring connection means on said shaft, means secured to said shaft for supporting said X-ray energy source including a support member consisting of an enclosed circular wheel disposed concentric to said shaft, strut means secured to said shaft maintaining said support member spaced from said shaft and longitudinally extending stands for supporting said X-ray energy source and stand supporting means secured to said circular Wheel for slidably receiving said stands.
- a radiological apparatus wherein the patient support is a chair, adjustable means cooperating with the chair to permit the chair to present a flat surface for supporting a patient, said chair being supported beyond the end of the shaft to permit free movement about the chair.
- a radiological apparatus comprising a rotatable horizontal shaft, means for supporting and rotating said shaft, a chair secured only to one end of said shaft for rotation with said shaft, adjustable means cooperating with the chair to permit the chair to present a flat surface for supporting a patient, said chair being supported beyond the end of the shaft to permit free movement about the chair, a plurality of X-ray energy sources, a wheel-like member supported concentric about said shaft for rotation therewith, stand supporting means transversely positioned Within said wheel-like member, longitudinally extending stands supporting each of said X-ray energy sources being slidably received on said stand supporting means and said shaft being provided with a slip ring having pairs of concentric rings of electrically conductive ma- 6 terial and brushes embedded within the shaft for moving contact with each ring to provide a continuous electrical circuit for said X-ray energy sources while the shaft is rotating.
- a radiological apparatus comprising a support base member, a rotatable substantially horizontally disposed shaft mounted on said support base member, means for rotating said shaft, patient support means mounted adjacent one end of said shaft for rotation with said shaft, a support member mounted on said shaft and lying in a plane substantially normal to the axis of said shaft, a pair of movable stands mounted on said support member each being independently adjustable along a line of travel normal to the lengths thereof in the plane of said support member, first and second X-ray energy sources, a first mounting member mounted on a stand adjustable along the length thereof, said first mounting member having a holding member disposed substantially normal to the plane of said support member for mounting said first X-ray energy source, a second mounting member being adjustably mounted along the length of the other of said stands and said second X-ray energy source being mounted on said second mounting member.
- a radiological apparatus wherein the stands are parallel and the support member is mounted on the shaft between the support base member and the patient support means.
- a radiological apparatus wherein the patient support means is a chair, adjustable means cooperating with the chair to permit the chair to present a flat surface for supporting a patient and said chair being supported beyond the end of the shaft to permit free movement about the shaft.
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- High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
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Description
July 21, 1964 L. GARCIA OLLER 3,141,972
J. RADIOLOGICAL APPARATUS WHEREIN THE PATIENT SUPPORT AND X-RAY SOURCES ARE SUPPORTED ON A ROTATABLE HORIZONTAL SHAFT Filed Oct. 25, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 illll INVENT OR Jase'l. 'alw'm 0%! BY ww m July 21, 1964 J. L. GARCIA OLLER 3,141,972
RADIOLOGICAL APPARATUS WHEREIN THE PATIENT SUPPORT AND XRAY SOURCES ARE SUPPORTED ON A ROTATABLE HORIZONTAL SHAFT Filed Oct. 25, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENT OR BY I United States Patent RADIOLOGICAL APPARATUS WHEREIN THE PA- TEENT SUPPORT AND X-RAY SUURCES ARE SUPPURTED ON A RUTATABLE HORIZUNTAL SHAFT Jos L. Garcia Giler, 34% Nashville Ave, New Orleans 25', La. Filed Oct. 25, 1961, Ser. No. 147,650 6 Claims. (6!. 25tl55) This invention relates generally to a patient supporting apparatus for radiological studies. More specifically, the present invention relates to a patient supporting adjustable chair which cooperates with at least one source of radiant energy in a manner that permits a number of revolutions of the patient and the radiant energy sources to obtain X-ray studies of the patient in any position in space.
Current usage in diagnosis of diseases and injuries of the nervous system with X-ray and fiuoroscopy requires visualization of the head, neck, and entire spine. These studies often require that a contrast medium be injected in the nervous system, and thereafter the patient be moved in space to successively visualize various parts of the nervous system. As medical knowledge has developed, it becomes desirable to X-ray complete movements of head and/or body while in motion in a full circle, and even various continuous successive circles, as well as at any point in space when stationary. The need has thus arisen for an X-ray mounting means that will follow the patient and obtain X-ray images during full rotation of one and more than one revolution, both from the front and from the side of the patient. The known prior art apparatus will accomplish only segments of this need. For instance, tilt and rotary tables for fluoroscopy and X-ray for horizontal and vertical positions of patient are well known, but for complete inversion (head-down) and full continuous circle X-rays of the head studies, the present equipment is found to be inadequate.
Additionally, there has been a need for an apparatus which will permit X-ray studies of patients undergoing operative procedures in the operating pavillion. For instance, during an operation on the brain the present method of obtaining X-ray views in the operating room are essentially limited to front and side views with portable X-ray machines, or floor or ceiling mounted machines which are independent of the operating table. Thus, any of the X-ray studies would of necessity be limited to those in which the patient would not have to be moved to a position such as in which the patients head would be directed downwardly. Because of this deficiency in the prior art, all the necessary X-ray images of the horizontally lying patient could not be obtained, since there was no satisfactory means whereby the patient could be rotated in space during an operation, and therefore it would not be possible to obtain ventriculograms of various parts of the brain and spine after injection of gas, or contrast ventriculograms or myelograms during spinal operations with the use of a fluid contrast medium.
Accordingly, it is the principal and primary objective of the present invention to provide a patient supporting X-ray apparatus which permits the patient to be rotated in a vertical circle any number of times during which X-rays are being taken of various parts of the patients body.
Another objective of the present invention is to provide apparatus for rotating the patient and at least in one source of radiant energy about a common axis, in order that the X-rays may be taken during the revolution of the patient in space and at any position in space.
A further objective of this invention is to provide free 3,141,9i2 Patented July 21, 1964 access to the patient from the side, front and back without hindering any surgical technique and with a minimum of apparatus being exposed to the atmosphere, thereby requiring less sterilization.
This invention also has as an objective the provision of a patient supporting X-ray apparatus in which the patient may be revolved in space during X-ray studies and in which the mechanism for the X-ray sources and revolution of the patient are remote from the working area around the patient.
Yet another objective of the present invention is the provision of X-ray source electric connections which permit the X-ray source to be not only adjusted in space, but also to be rotated any number of revolutions without the usual cables becoming twisted or broken. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art, from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view in partial section of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the patient support as a chair, and in phantom lines the adjustability of the chair to support a patient in a horizontal position;
FIGURE 2 is an end elevational view partly broken away, showing the positioning of the radiant energy sources and the chair relative to the rotating shaft and also the projection of the shaft through a wall to separate the chair and radiant energy sources from the rotating means and high voltage source;
FIGURE 3 is a sectional view taken along lines 33 of FIGURE 1, showing the slide connections for supporting the radiant energy sources;
FIGURE 4 is an exploded view of the chair mounting means;
FIGURE 5 is a sectional view through the rotatable shaft showing the slip ring connection;
FIGURE 6 is a cross sectional view along lines 66 of FIGURE 5, showing further details of the slip ring connection.
The apparatus, according to the present invention, is best shown in FIGURES 1 and 2, wherein the character it!) denotes the apparatus generally. One of the significant and important features of the invention is the rotatable shaft 12, which is shown protruding through wall W forming one of the sides of an operating room, for instance. It is preferable that the shaft protrude through a wall for a number of reasons, one being that the weight of the shaft is easily supportable, as on suitable bearings 14, and also for the reason that the electrical wires 16 to a source of electric energy, not shown, are separated from the operating room, or at least shielded from the patient, thereby lessening the hazards of using high voltage current, which can cause an explosion. The wall from which the shaft 12 protrudes can be used to shield and protect not only the electric wiring, but also the rotating mechanism 18. As shown in FIGURE 2, the motor 18 is provided with a switch 20 and conventional gearing 22 for engagement with gear 24, which is keyed to the shaft 12, thereby eifecting rotation of the shaft. The motor 18 is preferably reversible by means of the switch 20, in order that the shaft may be rotated in either direction. It has been found desirable to design the gears 22 and 24, as well as the speed of the motor, to produce one complete revolution in either direction of the shaft in about 45 seconds.
Suitably secured to the shaft as by struts 26 is the support member 28, which is preferably in the form of an enclosed circle on wheel, as best shown in FIGURE 1. The wheel 28 may be made of any suitable material such as a heavy metal rod. Suitably secured within the plane of the wheel, as by welding, are upper and lower stand supporting members 36, which are mutually parallel, and take the form of cords within the circular wheel 28. Slidably received on the stand supporting members 30 are a plurality of stands 32, which extend longitudinally of the apparatus in an upright position. Each of the stands slides at its upper and lower end by means of a bifurcation at 34. Each leg of the bifurcation is formed as a ring 36, which engages the stand supporting member 30. The positioning of the stands 30 on their support is maintained by conventional set screws 38, as shown.
The radiant energy sources in the form of Yray cameras 40 and 41 must be adjustably positioned, in order that they may be directed as desired to promote, respectively, frontal and lateral views. For camera 40 camera holder 42 is slidable along stand 32. Any suitable means for maintaining the camera holder in a desired position, such as set screws 4-4, may be used. Alternatively, of course, the camera holder 42 may be geared to the stand 32 for positive movement along the stand. The camera it) may be slidably mounted on are 46, which is approximately a 30 arc. The arc, in turn, may be permanently or movably affixed to a sleeve 48, which is slidable along the holder 42. Conventional means, such as set screws 54) or gearing similar to that proposed between the stand and the camera holder, may be provided between the sleeve 48 and the holder 42, in order to permit the fine adjustment necessary for the camera. The camera 41 may be pivotally mounted on a similar camera holder 51, which is shorter in extent than holder 42, as shown in FIGURE 2.
The patient supporting means, shown generally at 52, takes the form of a chair which may be suitably opened to maintain the patient in the chair in a horizontal position. The chair is secured to an end of the shaft 12 in a manner best shown in FIGURE 4. The chair support is in the form of an arm 54 having a sleeve 56 at one end, which is keyed as at 58 to the shaft 12. At the end of the arm 54 is an abutment plate 60, formed at right angles to the arm 54. The plate 60, as shown, is provided at its lower end with a bolt stem 62, having suitable screw threads thereon. The abutment plate 60 is designed to receive friction plates 64 and 66, which are provided with aligned openings 68 for receiving the bolt 62. The friction plates 64 and 66 are pivotable about bolt 62 and movable relative to each other, the movement being controlled by the stud 70, which cooperates with the arcuate slot 72 on plate 64. Wing nut 74 is provided to maintain the desired relative positioning of these plates. As shown in FIGURE 4, the plates also carry the back 76 and seat 78 support members in the integrally formed sleeves 80, which slidably receive the back and seat supports 76 and 78. The height of the back and seat is adjustable by means of suitable set screws 82, as shown. Secured to the base of the plate 66 is the transverse seat support 84, which is similarly aflixed to similar pairs of friction plates 86 and 83 on the opposite side of the chair. Each of the plates 86 and 88 have similar adjusting means for relative angular movement, as by the stud 7t) and arcuate slot 72, and are also provided with integral sleeves 80 to slidably receive corresponding similar back and seat supports 76 and 78.
The back supports 76 are suitably constructed to receive thereon the Cassette holder disclosed in applicants copending application, Serial No. 53,269, filed August 31, 1960, now Patent No. 3,072,788 granted January 8, 1963.
The ends of the seat support member 73 are suitably pivoted as at 90, in order to accommodate the lower part of the leg at the knee. Means such as screw 92 is provided to maintain any particular pivoted position of the member 78 relative to the extension 94. At the end of the seat extension 94, slidable foot rest 96 is positioned again with adjustment means 98. To hold the patient securely in the chair, at least one seat belt 100 is provided to enable the patient to be rotated in space.
It View of the fact that the chair and the cameras are fully rotatable any number of revolutions consecutively, there is provided a slip ring electric connection to 102 to prevent any tangling or damage to the camera wires 104. As best shown in FIGURES 5 and 6, the wires are affixed to the shaft 12, as by means of collar 106, which is permanently attached to the shaft and rotates with the shaft. The wires Th4- enter the shaft through conduits 16S and extend through the hollow portion of the shaft 119 to the slip ring connection 162. Each of the wires 1%? leads to conventional brushes 112, which are resiliently edged outwardly from the surface of the shaft 12. Each brush is designed to make contact with a fixed sleeve 114 through a plurality of concentric spaced bands 116 of electrically conductive materials, which are embedded in suitable grooves in the sleeve 114. Suitable insulation 117 is provided, as shown in FIGURE 6. Thus, as the shaft rotates, the brushes are always in contact, each with its own band 116 of electrically conductive material.
Suitable pairs of bands 116 are selectively energized by means of the wires 118, which are in continuous contact with each of the bands; thus, a pair of the bands 116 may be used to energize one radiant energy source of camera 4 9, or all of the bands may be utilized to energize both of the cameras it in order that X-ray studies may be made of both the frontal and lateral views at the same time, and also during the time that the shaft is rotating.
The operation of the apparatus according to the present invention is believed clear and should be obvious from the description of the individual elements; however, a short description may be helpful. In operation the patient is supported in a chair 52 and the chair maintained in a position shown in FIGURE 1, and it may assume a horizontal position, as shown in the phantom lines, by releasing the wing nuts 74 to permit relative angular movement between the friction plates 64 and 66 on one side of the chair and frictional plates 86 and 88 on the other side. The cameras may be adjusted for lateral and frontal views by means of the adjustments along th stands 32 and along the camera holders 42 and 51. Additionally, the camera arranged for the frontal view is movable along a 30 are, provided by plate 46, and the plate in turn is pivoted about the holder 42. The need for a variety of adjustments is important for the camera taking the frontal view, while the camera taking the side view need only be vertically and laterally adjustable as regards the specific apparatus. However, camera 41 may be constructed to pivot about a horizontal axis, if such is desired.
It will be seen that the chair will permit the rotation of the patient in the sagittal plane of the nervous system, which will allow selective and systematic visualization of all parts of the patients central nervous system upon injection of air into the nervous system. It is possible, therefore, to expose X-ray film while the patient is rotating in space in all degrees of arc, especially when the patient is erect, prone, supine and in a vertex-down position.
Further, the present invention will permit the chair used as an operating table, in which the X-ray unit is immediately available without the necessity of moving the patient, and therefore will allow many diagnostic procedures to be carried out while operations are in progress. Thus, maximum information to the operating surgeon will be available through the medium of angiograms, ventriculograms, contrast ventriculograms and myelograms. All of these views or studies of the patient may be obtained at the time of surgery, instead of the usual days or weeks later. Additionally, the invention will allow more accurate and precise operations under X-ray or fluoroscopy control. Operations, such as those for Parkinsonism, which are guided by X-ray, can be accomplished with a clearer degree of safety by obtaining the X-rays during the operation.
A further advantage of the invention is that by the use of the single supporting shaft, the X-ray cameras and the patient can be shielded from the hazards of the motor and high voltage lines, which may be on the other side of the wall or otherwise enclosed.
From the foregoing detailed description, it will be evident that there are a number of changes, adaptations, and modifications of the present invention which come within the province of those skilled in the art. However, it is intended that all such variations not departing from the spirit of the invention, be considered as within the scope thereof as limited solely by the appended claims.
What is claimed is:
1. A radiological apparatus comprising a rotatable horizontal shaft, means for supporting and means for rotating said shaft, a patient support secured only to one end of said shaft for rotation with said shaft, at least one X-ray energy source, an electrical connection for said X-ray energy source consisting of a slip ring connection means on said shaft, means secured to said shaft for supporting said X-ray energy source including a support member consisting of an enclosed circular wheel disposed concentric to said shaft, strut means secured to said shaft maintaining said support member spaced from said shaft and longitudinally extending stands for supporting said X-ray energy source and stand supporting means secured to said circular Wheel for slidably receiving said stands.
2. A radiological apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the patient support is a chair, adjustable means cooperating with the chair to permit the chair to present a flat surface for supporting a patient, said chair being supported beyond the end of the shaft to permit free movement about the chair.
3. A radiological apparatus comprising a rotatable horizontal shaft, means for supporting and rotating said shaft, a chair secured only to one end of said shaft for rotation with said shaft, adjustable means cooperating with the chair to permit the chair to present a flat surface for supporting a patient, said chair being supported beyond the end of the shaft to permit free movement about the chair, a plurality of X-ray energy sources, a wheel-like member supported concentric about said shaft for rotation therewith, stand supporting means transversely positioned Within said wheel-like member, longitudinally extending stands supporting each of said X-ray energy sources being slidably received on said stand supporting means and said shaft being provided with a slip ring having pairs of concentric rings of electrically conductive ma- 6 terial and brushes embedded within the shaft for moving contact with each ring to provide a continuous electrical circuit for said X-ray energy sources while the shaft is rotating.
4. A radiological apparatus comprising a support base member, a rotatable substantially horizontally disposed shaft mounted on said support base member, means for rotating said shaft, patient support means mounted adjacent one end of said shaft for rotation with said shaft, a support member mounted on said shaft and lying in a plane substantially normal to the axis of said shaft, a pair of movable stands mounted on said support member each being independently adjustable along a line of travel normal to the lengths thereof in the plane of said support member, first and second X-ray energy sources, a first mounting member mounted on a stand adjustable along the length thereof, said first mounting member having a holding member disposed substantially normal to the plane of said support member for mounting said first X-ray energy source, a second mounting member being adjustably mounted along the length of the other of said stands and said second X-ray energy source being mounted on said second mounting member.
5. A radiological apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the stands are parallel and the support member is mounted on the shaft between the support base member and the patient support means.
6. A radiological apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the patient support means is a chair, adjustable means cooperating with the chair to permit the chair to present a flat surface for supporting a patient and said chair being supported beyond the end of the shaft to permit free movement about the shaft.
References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,573,571 Pohl Feb. 16, 1926 1,871,005 Mutscheller et al Aug. 9, 1932 2,078,672 Knowles Apr. 27, 1937 2,818,510 Verse Dec. 31, 1957 3,069,543 Sazavsky Dec. 18, 1962 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,145,402 France Oct. 25, 1957 1,070,776 Germany Dec. 10, 1959
Claims (2)
1. A RADIOLOGICAL APPARATUS COMPRISING A ROTATABLE HORIZONTAL SHAFT, MEANS FOR SUPPORTING AND MEANS FOR ROTATING SAID SHAFT, A PATIENT SUPPORT SECURED ONLY TO ONE END OF SAID SHAFT FOR ROTATION WITH SAID SHAFT, AT LEAST ONE X-RAY ENERGY SOURCE, AN ELECTRICAL CONNECTION FOR SAID X-RAY ENERGY SOURCE CONSISTING OF A SLIP RING CONNECTION MEANS ON SAID SHAFT, MEANS SECURED TO SAID SHAFT FOR SUPPORTING SAID X-RAY ENERGY SOURCE INCLUDING A SUPPORT MEMBER CONSISTING OF AN ENCLOSED CIRCULAR WHEEL DISPOSED CONCENTRIC TO SAID SHAFT, STRUT MEANS SECURED TO SAID SHAFT MAINTAINING SAID SUPPORT MEMBER SPACED FROM SAID SHAFT AND LONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING STANDS FOR SUPPORTING SAID X-RAY ENERGY SOURCE AND STAND SUPPORTING MEANS SECURED TO SAID CIRCULAR WHEEL FOR SLIDABLY RECEIVING SAID STANDS.
4. A RADIOLOGICAL APPARATUS COMPRISING A SUPPORT BASE MEMBER, A ROTATABLE SUBSTANTIALLY HORIZONTALLY DISPOSED SHAFT MOUNTED ON SAID SUPPORT BASE MEMBER, MEANS FOR ROTATING SAID SHAFT, PATIENT SUPPORT MEANS MOUNTED ADJACENT ONE END OF SAID SHAFT FOR ROTATION WITH SAID SHAFT, A SUPPORT MEMBER MOUNTED ON SAID SHAFT AND LYING IN A PLANE SUBSTANTIALLY NORMAL TO THE AXIS OF SAID SHAFT, A PAIR OF MOVABLE STANDS MOUNTED ON SAID SUPPORT MEMBER EACH BEING INDEPENDENTLY ADJUSTABLE ALONG A LINE OF TRAVEL NORMAL TO THE LENGTHS THEREOF IN THE PLANE OF SAID SUPPORT MEMBER, FIRST AND SECOND X-RAY ENERGY SOURCES, A FIRST MOUNTING MEMBER MOUNTED ON A STAND ADJUSTABLE ALONG THE LENGTH THEREOF, SAID FIRST MOUNTING MEMBER HAVING A HOLDING MEMBER DISPOSED SUBSTANTIALLY NORMAL TO THE PLANE OF SAID SUPPORT MEMBER FOR MOUNTING SAID FIRST X-RAY ENERGY SOURCE, A SECOND MOUNTING MEMBER BEING ADJUSTABLY MOUNTED ALONG THE LENGTH OF THE OTHER OF SAID STANDS AND SAID SECOND X-RAY ENERGY SOURCE BEING MOUNTED ON SAID SECOND MOUNTING MEMBER.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US147650A US3141972A (en) | 1961-10-25 | 1961-10-25 | Radiological apparatus wherein the patient support and X-ray sources are supportedon a rotatable horizontal shaft |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US147650A US3141972A (en) | 1961-10-25 | 1961-10-25 | Radiological apparatus wherein the patient support and X-ray sources are supportedon a rotatable horizontal shaft |
Publications (1)
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US3141972A true US3141972A (en) | 1964-07-21 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US147650A Expired - Lifetime US3141972A (en) | 1961-10-25 | 1961-10-25 | Radiological apparatus wherein the patient support and X-ray sources are supportedon a rotatable horizontal shaft |
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Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3449569A (en) * | 1966-07-22 | 1969-06-10 | Jose L Garcia Oller | Radiological apparatus wherein the x-ray source is mounted for rotational and straight-line movement |
US3504179A (en) * | 1963-10-08 | 1970-03-31 | Alexandre & Cie Sa | Diagnostic x-ray table having a tiltable surface made of a plurality of connected sections |
US3506826A (en) * | 1967-07-12 | 1970-04-14 | Philips Corp | Patient supporting device for radiographic examination |
US3626186A (en) * | 1969-10-03 | 1971-12-07 | Charles D Allard | Mobile x-ray chair |
US3652077A (en) * | 1969-02-24 | 1972-03-28 | Philips Corp | Device for positioning a patient |
US4150293A (en) * | 1976-04-01 | 1979-04-17 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Tomographic apparatus for producing transverse layer images |
EP0612501A1 (en) * | 1993-02-26 | 1994-08-31 | C.A.T. DI CORSINI GIUSEPPE & C. S.p.A. | A patient's examination table for carrying out medical examinations |
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DE1070776B (en) * | ||||
US1573571A (en) * | 1924-03-28 | 1926-02-16 | Pohl Ernst | Table for X-ray transradiation |
US1871005A (en) * | 1926-05-25 | 1932-08-09 | Wappler Electric Company Inc | Cystoscopic x-ray table |
US2078672A (en) * | 1934-01-31 | 1937-04-27 | Westinghouse Electric & Mfg Co | Inverter tube |
FR1145402A (en) * | 1956-01-23 | 1957-10-25 | M Veller & Fils Ets | Medical or surgical fluoroscopy stand |
US2818510A (en) * | 1953-07-23 | 1957-12-31 | Philips Corp | Diagnostic x-ray device |
US3069543A (en) * | 1960-10-07 | 1962-12-18 | Chirana Praha | Tiltable wall or table as used in x-ray examinations |
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1961
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Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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DE1070776B (en) * | ||||
US1573571A (en) * | 1924-03-28 | 1926-02-16 | Pohl Ernst | Table for X-ray transradiation |
US1871005A (en) * | 1926-05-25 | 1932-08-09 | Wappler Electric Company Inc | Cystoscopic x-ray table |
US2078672A (en) * | 1934-01-31 | 1937-04-27 | Westinghouse Electric & Mfg Co | Inverter tube |
US2818510A (en) * | 1953-07-23 | 1957-12-31 | Philips Corp | Diagnostic x-ray device |
FR1145402A (en) * | 1956-01-23 | 1957-10-25 | M Veller & Fils Ets | Medical or surgical fluoroscopy stand |
US3069543A (en) * | 1960-10-07 | 1962-12-18 | Chirana Praha | Tiltable wall or table as used in x-ray examinations |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3504179A (en) * | 1963-10-08 | 1970-03-31 | Alexandre & Cie Sa | Diagnostic x-ray table having a tiltable surface made of a plurality of connected sections |
US3449569A (en) * | 1966-07-22 | 1969-06-10 | Jose L Garcia Oller | Radiological apparatus wherein the x-ray source is mounted for rotational and straight-line movement |
US3506826A (en) * | 1967-07-12 | 1970-04-14 | Philips Corp | Patient supporting device for radiographic examination |
US3652077A (en) * | 1969-02-24 | 1972-03-28 | Philips Corp | Device for positioning a patient |
US3626186A (en) * | 1969-10-03 | 1971-12-07 | Charles D Allard | Mobile x-ray chair |
US4150293A (en) * | 1976-04-01 | 1979-04-17 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Tomographic apparatus for producing transverse layer images |
EP0612501A1 (en) * | 1993-02-26 | 1994-08-31 | C.A.T. DI CORSINI GIUSEPPE & C. S.p.A. | A patient's examination table for carrying out medical examinations |
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