Multi-axis planar mechanism for a positioner patient platform

Details Multi-axis planar mechanism for a positioner patient platform Multi-axis planar mechanism for a positioner patient platform

1999-06-29

2001-08-07

Knight, Anthony (Department: 3628)

Beds

Invalid bed or surgical support

C005S608000, C005S611000, C005S601000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06269499

ABSTRACT:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Positioner patient platforms allow a medical practitioner to properly position a patient during certain medical procedures, including, for example, XR, CT, Nuclear and PET procedures. Initially, these positioner platforms were little more than table-tops upon which a patient could lie. These prior patient platforms had only a limited ability to effect elevational changes in order to allow for the proper positioning of a patient. Moreover, these prior patient platforms did not allow for longitudinal changes to the location of the platform, and permitted tilting, if at all, only about a fixed point of rotation. Indeed, prior patient platforms provided motion only along a single degree of freedom and, therefore, significantly limited the ability of a medical practitioner to move a patient in other directions.
Past patient platforms, therefore, made it cumbersome and difficult, for example, for disabled or wheelchair-bound patients to gain initial access to the patient platform. In addition, past patient platforms unduly complicated the process of properly and accurately positioning the prone patient during a medical procedure. In particular, prior platforms did not permit independent or combined adjustments to elevation, tilt, or longitudinal position.
Beyond making it difficult to properly position a patient, prior patient platforms also limited a medical practitioner's access to the patient. Patient access, of course, is an important factor in achieving proper patient monitoring, positioning, and diagnosis. However, patient platforms permitting elevational changes, for example, were frequently designed in a “C” configuration, such that a supporting member interfered with access to the patient from at least one side of the platform.
A need has long existed for a new and improved positioner patient platform which overcomes the difficulties described above and others previously experienced.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a multi-axis positioner patient platform includes a patient table and a base. A first actuator drive having a first end connects to the patient table. A second end of the first actuator drive connects to the base. Further, a second actuator drive disposed longitudinally from the first actuator drive has a first end connected to the patient table and a second end connected to the base. Additionally, a third actuator drive is included and has a first end positioned at the same longitudinal position as the first end of the first actuator drive and a second end positioned at the same longitudinal position as the second end of the second actuator drive.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a multi-axis positioner patient platform includes a patient table and a base. A first actuator drive having a first end connects to the patient table. A second end of the first actuator drive connects to the base. Further, a second actuator drive, disposed substantially parallel to the first actuator drive, has a first end connected to the patient table and a second end connected to the base. Additionally, a third actuator drive is included and has a first end connected to the first actuator drive and a second end connected to the base.
The preferred embodiment has a number of advantages. The first, second, and third actuator drives can be independently extended to allow three degrees of independent motion. In particular, this configuration permits independent or combined adjustments to elevation, tilt, or longitudinal position. Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description that follows.


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