X-ray or gamma ray systems or devices – Source support – Including object support or positioning
Reexamination Certificate
2000-12-21
2001-11-13
Kim, Robert H. (Department: 2882)
X-ray or gamma ray systems or devices
Source support
Including object support or positioning
C378S055000, C378S208000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06315445
ABSTRACT:
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to x-ray equipment and in particular to an adapter for bone density measurements as may be used with compact x-ray fluoroscopy equipment used for orthopedic and similar procedures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Portable x-ray fluoroscopy machines provide an x-ray source held in opposition to an electronic image detector, typically on a C-arm, so that x-rays from the x-ray source are received by the image detector. The C-arm may slide through a collar so as to allow it to be rotated to different angles about the patient. Further, the collar may be supported by a pivoting arm providing additional freedom in the positioning of the C-arm.
When the C-arm is correctly positioned, the x-ray source is activated and x-rays pass through the patient to be received by the image detector which provides electronic signals to a video monitor. For larger mobile C-arm systems, the video monitor is typically held on a separate cart or may be suspended from the ceiling on a fixed bracket to be connected to the mobile unit when the mobile unit is in place.
With improvements in electronic hardware and in particular the development of compact image intensifiers and CCD video cameras, it has become possible to build extremely compact mobile C-arm systems. Such systems may make use of increasingly powerful desktop computer technology for image processing and other tasks and may use compact digital printers for producing images.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an adapter that may convert a compact fluoroscopy machine or other mobile x-ray source into a precision quantitative densitometer suitable for measuring bone mass or density such as may be helpful in the treatment and detection of osteoporosis.
The invention provides a stand to be used with a fluoroscopy machine, the stand having a cradle for accurately locating the x-ray source and/or detector with respect to either the patient's forearm or foot. Special software is loaded to the computer of the fluoroscopy machine to operate the fluoroscopy machine in a quantitative dual energy mode and to adapt the fluoroscopy data to densiometric data. For fluoroscopy equipment not providing for digital imaging or that may not be easily operated in a dual energy mode, the invention includes a provision for a separate digital dual energy detector and if necessary an associated processing computer.
Other objects, advantages, and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following specification when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
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Bisek Joseph P.
Ergun David L.
Mazess Richard B.
Ho Allen C
Kim Robert H.
Lunar Corporation
Quarles & Brady LLP
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