U.S. patent application number 10/646643 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-24 for multiple position support structure.
This patent application is currently assigned to Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.. Invention is credited to Dailey, George William.
Application Number | 20050039643 10/646643 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34194577 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050039643 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dailey, George William |
February 24, 2005 |
Multiple position support structure
Abstract
A multiple position support structure and method of use is
disclosed. The multiple position support structure includes a base,
a planar member, and a linking assembly disposed therebetween. The
linking assembly includes a plurality of elongated connecting arms.
A rotatable pedestal is disposed on the base and is pivotably
coupled to first ends of the connecting arms. Second ends of the
connecting arms are flexibly coupled to a bottom side of the planar
member. The planar member is pivotable about a vertical axis
through an angle that is perpendicular to the base. A motor
assembly or a clutch assembly may be included in the multiple
position support structure.
Inventors: |
Dailey, George William;
(Glen Ellyn, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Elsa Keller
Siemens Corporation
Intellectual Property Department
170 Wood Avenue South
Iselin
NJ
08830
US
|
Assignee: |
Siemens Medical Solutions USA,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
34194577 |
Appl. No.: |
10/646643 |
Filed: |
August 22, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/132 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 6/0487 20200801;
A61B 6/0407 20130101; A61B 6/102 20130101; A61B 6/548 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/132 |
International
Class: |
A47B 003/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An adjustable device for supporting a patient comprising: an
elongated planar member having a top side and a bottom side, the
planar member configured and adapted to support the patient; a
support assembly including a base defining a base plane with a
pedestal disposed thereon; and a plurality of elongated connecting
arms having first and second ends, each first end being pivotably
attached to the bottom side of the planar member and each second
end being pivotably attached to the pedestal for moving the planar
member from a first position defining a first plane to a second
position defining a second plane wherein each connecting arm
travels through an axis that is orthogonal to the base when the
planar member moves from the first position to the second
position.
2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a means for moving the
planar member from the first position to the second position.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first plane and the second
plane are substantially parallel to each other and to the base
plane.
4. The device of claim 2, wherein the means for moving the planar
member is a motor assembly operably coupled to each of the
connecting arms.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the pedestal is further
configured for independent rotational motion relative to the base
about a vertical axis.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein the support assembly further
includes a motor assembly for rotating the pedestal.
7. The device of claim 4, wherein the means for moving further
includes a remote control operably coupled to the motor
assembly.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of elongated
connecting arms is arranged as a four bar linkage.
9. A method for diagnostic imaging of a patient comprising the
steps of: providing a support device having a planar member capable
of moving from a first position defining a first plane to a second
position defining a second plane, the support device further
including a plurality of elongated connecting arms, one end of each
arm being pivotably attached to a bottom side of the planar member
and each connecting arm travels through an axis that is orthogonal
to the planar member when the planar member moves from the first
position to the second position; positioning the patient on the
planar member of the support device; moving the planar member into
the first plane; performing a first diagnostic procedure on the
patient; moving the planar member into the second plane; and
performing a second diagnostic procedure on the patient.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the first plane and the second
plane are substantially parallel to each other.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of providing a support
device includes the support device having a support assembly with a
base defining a base plane and a pedestal, the pedestal being
operably coupled to the connecting arms and configured for
rotational movement relative to the base about a vertical axis.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the means for moving the planar
member into the first position and the means for moving the planar
member into the second position is a motor assembly operably
coupled to the connecting arms.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of positioning the
patient includes the step of rotating the planar member relative to
the base.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the means for moving includes a
remote control operably coupled to the motor assembly.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the first plane and the second
plane are substantially parallel to each other and to the base
plane.
16. The method of claim 9, wherein the plurality of elongated
connecting arms is arranged as a four bar linkage.
17. A method of moving a patient from a first plane to a second
plane comprising the steps of: providing a support device having a
planar member capable of moving from a first position defining a
first plane to a second position defining a second plane, the
support device further including a plurality of elongated
connecting arms, one end of each arm being pivotably attached to a
bottom side of the planar member and each connecting arm travels
through an axis that is orthogonal to the planar member when the
planar member moves from the first position to the second position;
positioning the patient on the support device; moving the planar
member to the first plane; and moving the planar member to the
second plane.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first plane and the second
plane are substantially parallel to each other.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the steps of moving the planar
member to the first plane and moving the planar member to the
second plane include a motor assembly operably coupled to the
connecting arms.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of providing a support
device includes providing a support assembly having a base defining
a base plane and a pedestal, the pedestal being operably coupled to
the connecting arms and configured for independent rotational
movement relative to the base about a vertical axis.
21. The method of claim 18, including a remote control operably
coupled to the motor assembly.
22. The method of claim 20, wherein the first plane and the second
plane are substantially parallel to each other and to the base
plane.
23. The method of claim 17, wherein the plurality of elongated
connecting arms is arranged as a four bar linkage.
24. A device for supporting a patient comprising: an elongated
planar member having a top side and a bottom side, the planar
member configured and adapted to support the patient; a support
assembly including a base defining a base plane with a pedestal
disposed thereon, the pedestal being configured for independent
rotational motion relative to the base about a vertical axis; and a
plurality of elongated connecting arms having first and second
ends, each first end being pivotably attached to the bottom side of
the planar member and each second end being pivotably attached to
the pedestal for moving the planar member from a first position
defining a first plane to a second position defining a second
plane.
25. The device of claim 24, further comprising a means for moving
the planar member from the first position to the second
position.
26. The device of claim 24, wherein the first plane and the second
plane are substantially parallel to each other and to the base
plane.
27. The device of claim 25, wherein the means for moving the planar
member is a motor assembly operably coupled to each of the
connecting arms.
28. The device of claim 24, wherein the support assembly further
includes a motor assembly for rotating the pedestal.
29. The device of claim 25, wherein the means for moving further
includes a remote control operably coupled to the motor
assembly.
30. The device of claim 24, wherein the plurality of elongated
connecting arms is arranged as a four bar linkage.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to support systems.
More specifically, it relates to a multiple position support system
for diagnostic imaging. Aspects of the invention are particularly
useful for repositioning a patient during an imaging diagnostic
procedure.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] During a diagnostic procedure, it is necessary to provide a
support structure, such as a table, for a patient undergoing the
diagnostic procedure. Conventional tables are able to move the
patient's body through a variety of positions throughout the
diagnostic procedure. Once in a position for the diagnostic
procedure, the table must be capable of holding the patient
essentially motionless during the time needed to perform the
diagnostic procedure. This is especially important during an
imaging procedure. Movement of the patient and table combination
during the imaging procedure could result in unusable images
requiring the imaging procedure to be repeated. Other negative
results from patient movement during the imaging procedure include
additional time spent repeating the imaging procedure and/or
unnecessary patient exposure to radiation from repeating the
imaging procedure.
[0005] Additionally, the tables used in the imaging procedure
should provide comfortable patient support since some imaging
procedures require the patient to remain on the table for lengthy
periods of time. Alternatively, tables may have additional
supporting structures to hold a patient's body in a particular
position on the table as dictated by the selected imaging
procedure.
[0006] Conventional tables for imaging procedures are able to move
into a position close to the floor for enabling the patient to
easily move into position on its top surface. The table is also
positionable to allow a patient to be transferred from a gurney, a
stretcher, or a wheelchair. Once the patient is positioned atop the
table, an operator adjusts the height of the table for the selected
imaging procedure. When the imaging procedure uses a multi-modality
imaging device having different fields of view, the table, along
with the patient, must be moved from the first field of view to the
second field of view before completing the procedure. This may be
especially problematic since platforms of the conventional tables
have a limited angular range of movement that is generally less
than about 90.degree. while maintaining the platform substantially
parallel to the base of the device.
[0007] Unnecessary movement of the table and patient is not
desirable since it can introduce errors in the imaging procedure
due to misalignment after the table is moved. Additional time is
also required to move both the table and the patient between the
fields of view. In some prior art tables, one or more persons are
required to move the patient and table combination, which can add
time to the imaging procedure and/or require additional personnel
each time the patient needs to be moved for the imaging procedure.
Alternately, having the patient get off the table before moving it
and then having the patient reposition himself for the second field
of view is an inefficient method of moving between the fields of
view.
[0008] Examples of such support structures include U.S. Pat. No.
4,449,262 to Jahsman et al. that relates generally to a lifting
mechanism for a patient bed using pivotally connected support arms
in a scissor arrangement and a motor coupled to the supporting
arms. Another type of support structure is disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,953,776 to Sanders et al. that relates to a lifting apparatus
for a patient table using a motor coupled to vertically extensible
arms. U.S. Pat. No. 6,565,112 to Hanson et al. discloses a chair
that is capable of vertical movement using a plurality of
connecting arms in a scissor arrangement. The aforementioned
devices are directed toward raising and lowering the platform with
the patient in a generally vertical plane.
[0009] Accordingly, a need exists for an improved multiple position
support structure for use in diagnostic imaging procedures.
[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
multiple position support structure for use in diagnostic imaging
procedures.
[0011] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
multiple position support structure that is able to move through a
plurality of positions.
[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
multiple position support structure that can be operated by a
single person.
[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
multiple position support structure that can move a patient from a
first field of view to a second field of view during an imaging
procedure by repositioning a portion of the multiple position
support structure.
[0014] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
multiple position support structure where the platform is movable
between 0.degree. and about 180.degree. without repositioning the
entire multiple position support structure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] A multiple position support structure according to the
present invention is hereinafter disclosed. The multiple position
support structure includes an elongated planar member, a base
having a rotatable pedestal disposed thereon, and a linking
assembly disposed therebetween. A plurality of connecting arms is
included in the linking assembly where first ends of the connecting
arms are pivotably coupled to the pedestal and flexible coupled to
a bottom side of the planar member. The linking assembly is
preferably configured as a four bar linkage that permits the planar
member to pivotably move from a first position defining a first
plane to a second position defining a second plane. During the
movement from the first position to the second position, the planar
member remains substantially parallel to the base and passes
through an angle that is perpendicular to the base.
[0016] The pedestal is rotatable about a vertical axis for rotating
the linking assembly and planar member attached thereto. A clutch
assembly and lever combination may be included for manually
rotating the pedestal and/or pivoting the planar member among the
plurality of positions. A motor assembly including a remote control
device may be substituted for the clutch assembly and lever
combination. The multiple position support structure may include a
platform disposed on a top side of the planar member for supporting
a patient during a diagnostic procedure.
[0017] A method of diagnostic imaging is also disclosed. The method
includes providing a support device having a planar member and a
plurality of connecting arms pivotably attached to the planar
member. The connecting arm are configured and adapted to pass
through an angle that is perpendicular to the planar member when
the planar member moves from a first position defining a first
plane to a second position defining a second plane. An operator
positions a patient on the planar member on the support device and
moves the planar member into the first position. Once the patient
and planar member are in the first position, the operator performs
a first diagnostic procedure on the patient. After completing the
first diagnostic procedure, the operator moves the planar member to
a second position where the operator performs a second diagnostic
procedure on the patient. The plurality of connecting arms may be
configured as a four bar linkage. The support device may also
include a support assembly having a base and a pedestal rotatably
mounted thereon. The connecting arms are pivotably connected to the
pedestal. A clutch assembly and lever may be provided for rotating
the pedestal. A motor assembly may be substituted for the clutch
assembly and lever.
[0018] Further disclosed is a method for moving a patient from a
first plane to a second plane by providing a support device having
a planar member including a plurality of connecting arms pivotably
attached to the planar member and configured to traverse an angle
that is orthogonal to the planar member when moving from a first
position defining a first plane to a second position defining a
second plane. An operator positions the patient on the support
device and moves the planar member to the first plane. The operator
then moves the planar member to the second plane.
[0019] Additionally, a device for supporting a patient is disclosed
that includes an elongated planar member, a support assembly having
a base with a rotatable pedestal disposed thereon, and a plurality
of connecting arms located therebetween. Each connecting arm is
pivotably attached to a bottom side of the planar member and
pivotably attached to the pedestal. The plurality of connecting
arms is configured for moving the planar member from a first
position defining a first plane to a second position defining a
second plane. A clutch assembly and lever may be provided for
rotating the pedestal. A motor assembly may be substituted for the
clutch assembly and lever. The connecting arms may be configured as
a four bar linkage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The foregoing objects and advantages of the present
invention may be more readily understood by one skilled in the art
with reference being had to the following detailed description of
preferred embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multiple position support
system according to the present invention with a planar member in a
first position and parallel to a base;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the multiple position
support system of FIG. 1 with the planar member in a second
position and parallel to the base;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the multiple position
support system of FIGS. 1 and 2 with the planar member in a third
position and parallel to the base; and
[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the multiple position
support system of FIG. 3 with the planar member rotated
orthogonally to the base.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] Several embodiments of the present invention are hereby
disclosed in the accompanying description in conjunction with the
figures. Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be
described in detail with reference to the figures. With reference
to FIGS. 1-4, there is illustrated a multiple position support
structure, or imaging table, in accordance with the present
invention and generally designated by reference numeral 100.
[0026] The multiple position support structure 100 of the present
invention includes a base 110, a pedestal 120, a linking assembly
130, and a planar member 140. The base 110 is an elongate planar
structure with a top surface 112 and a bottom surface 114, where
the base 110 is configured and adapted for placement on a
horizontal surface 116 such as a floor. The base further includes a
front-end portion 106 and a back-end portion 108.
[0027] The pedestal 120 is disposed on the top surface 112 of the
base 110. The combination of the base 110 and the pedestal 120
provide structural support for the linking assembly 130. In one
preferred embodiment, the pedestal 120 is configured and adapted
for independent rotatable movement about a vertical axis-Y relative
to the base 110. When configured and adapted for independent
rotatable motion, the pedestal 120 may be attached to the base 110
by structure including a track (not shown) located on the top
surface 112 of the base 110 and a corresponding set of wheels (not
shown) disposed on the pedestal 120 as is known in the art. Other
structures for rotatably coupling the pedestal 120 and the base 110
may be employed within the scope of the invention and include, but
are not limited to, complementary gear arrangements in the pedestal
120 and the base 110 or an axle with bearings that rotatably
connects the pedestal 120 and the base 110.
[0028] Motive force for rotating the pedestal 120 may be provided
by an operator applying force to the planar member 140 or other
convenient gripping structure to rotate the pedestal 120. When the
operator supplies the motive force, it is preferred that the
pedestal 120 include a clutch assembly 124 (shown in dashed lines)
operably coupled to a lever 126. The clutch assembly 124 may be
engaged or disengaged by the lever 126. In the engage position, the
lever 126 engages the clutch assembly 124 that releases a braking
mechanism located within the clutch assembly 124 and permits
rotation of the pedestal 120. The operator may now rotate the
pedestal 120 to the desired position. In the engaged position, the
pedestal is rotatable from about 0.degree. to about 360.degree..
After the pedestal 120 has been rotated to the desired position,
the operator disengages the clutch assembly 124 by moving the lever
126 to the disengage position. By disengaging the clutch assembly
124, the pedestal 120 is inhibited from rotating due to the
actuation of the brake mechanism located within the clutch assembly
124.
[0029] In an alternate embodiment, a motor assembly 122 (shown in
dashed lines) is disposed within the pedestal 120 and is rotatably
coupled to the base 110. In one arrangement, one portion of the
motor assembly 122 is fixedly attached to the base 110 providing an
anchor point for rotation while another portion of the motor
assembly 122 is rotatably coupled to the pedestal using gears,
pulleys and belts, or other coupling structures as known in the
art. The motor assembly 122 rotates when power is applied to it and
the rotational force of the motor assembly 122 is transferred to
the pedestal 120 since one portion of the motor assembly 122 is
anchored to the base 110. The motor assembly 122, and therefore the
pedestal 120, is configured and adapted for clockwise and
counter-clockwise rotation about the vertical axis-Y. Power sources
for the motor assembly 122 include electric (both alternating and
direct currents), pneumatic, or hydraulic sources. Alternatively,
one portion of the motor assembly 122 is fixedly attached to the
pedestal 120 and another portion of the motor assembly 122 is
rotatably coupled to the base. This provides clockwise and
counter-clockwise rotation about the vertical axis-Y by reversing
the anchor and rotation points of the motor assembly 122. Similar
coupling structures and power sources, as discussed hereinabove,
are employable in this configuration. Either of the above-mentioned
configurations may include a remote control device 128 that allows
the operator to start and stop the rotation of the pedestal 120.
The remote control device 128 may also include controls for varying
the rate of rotation and selecting the direction of rotation.
[0030] Still referring to FIG. 1, the linking assembly 130 includes
a plurality of elongated connecting arms 132 pivotably coupled to
the pedestal 120. Although four connecting arms 132 are illustrated
in FIG. 1 as a four bar linkage, the linking assembly 130 may
include more or less than four connecting arms 132 while keeping
within the scope and spirit of the present invention. A first end
132a of each of the plurality of connecting arms 132 is pivotably
attached to the pedestal 120 at a pivot point 134, and each of the
connecting arms 132 is pivotable through a range of about 100 to
about 1700. Preferably, all of the connecting arms 132 will move in
unison to provide a smooth and uniform motion of the linking
assembly 130 as it pivots from one position to another position. A
variety of structures or mechanisms may be provided for each pivot
point 134. One example of such a structure includes wheel and axle
combinations where the first end 132a of each connecting arm 132 is
fixedly attached to the wheel and the wheel is fixedly attached to
the axle. In the wheel and axle configuration, the axle traverses
an outer wall of the pedestal, is positioned perpendicular to the
horizontal axis-X, and is rotatable. Other structures or mechanisms
known in the art may be adapted for pivotably coupling the
connecting arm 132 to the pivot point 134.
[0031] In one preferred embodiment, the motor assembly 122 is
further coupled to each of the connecting arms 132 through the
corresponding pivot point 134 for positioning the linking assembly
130 within its angular range of movement. Using the wheel and axle
structure described hereinabove as an example, the motor assembly
122 is rotatably coupled to each of the connecting arms 132 through
the corresponding wheel and axle structure. The motor assembly 122
is rotatably coupled to the plurality of axles thereby imparting
rotational force to all of the wheels simultaneously for pivoting
the linking assembly 130 through its range of angular movement. The
motor assembly 122 is operably coupled to the plurality of axles as
discussed hereinabove.
[0032] Further included in the motor assembly 122 is a selector
mechanism that is operable by the operator to select the mode of
operation of the motor assembly 122. In a first selectable mode,
the motor assembly 122 is operably coupled to the linking assembly
130 for pivoting it through its range of angular movement. In a
second selectable mode, the motor assembly 122 is operably coupled
to the base 110 and the pedestal 120 for rotating the pedestal 120
relative to the base 110. A third selectable mode is the lock mode
where the motor assembly 122 engages both the linking assembly 130,
and the base 110 and pedestal 120 combination simultaneously. By
engaging these structures, the motor assembly 122 inhibits
undesired movement of these structures by employing the principle
of dynamic braking and/or an internal braking mechanism. In one
preferred embodiment, the remote control device 128 is adapted to
select the desired mode of operation in addition to its other
functions as previously described.
[0033] In embodiments not employing the motor assembly 122, the
clutch assembly 124 and lever 126 combination are configured and
adapted to lock or unlock the linking assembly 130. By moving the
lever 126 into the engage position, the clutch assembly 124 is
engaged permitting rotational movement of the pedestal 120 and
pivoting movement of the linking assembly 130 simultaneously. In
this configuration, the clutch assembly 124 is also connected to
the pivot points 134, such as the wheel and axle combination
discussed previously, such that engaging the clutch assembly 124
releases the internal braking mechanism that is operably connected
to the axles, thereby permitting pivoting movement of the linking
assembly 130. When the operator disengages the clutch assembly 124
by moving the lever 126 to the disengage position, the internal
braking mechanism engages the axles and inhibits further pivoting
movement of the linking assembly 130. Rotational movement of the
pedestal 120 is controlled by the clutch assembly 124.
[0034] At a second end 132b of each connecting arm 132 is an
articulated connector 136 for flexibly attaching the second end
132b to a bottom side 144 of the planar member 140 as shown in
FIGS. 1-3. An elongated platform 146 may be positioned atop the
planar member 140 as necessary for operational considerations. The
platform 146 may include ergonomic support structure for the
patient during the diagnostic procedure, structure for properly
positioning the patient during the diagnostic procedure, or other
structures necessitated by the selected diagnostic procedure.
Preferably, the planar member 140 is flexibly attached to the
linking assembly 130 that is, in turn, pivotably attached to the
pedestal 120. By connecting the planar member 140 to the pedestal
120 with the linking assembly 130, the combination of the flexible
articulated connectors 136 and the pivotable pivot points 134
permit the planar member 140 to remain substantial parallel to the
horizontal axis-X as the linking assembly 130 pivots through its
range of angular movement. Essentially, as the linking assembly 130
is pivoted through its range of angular movement, the flexible
articulated connectors 136 also flex in a corresponding manner
allowing the planar member 140 to maintain a substantially parallel
arrangement with the horizontal axis-X and the base 110. This
advantageous configuration permits the planar member 140 to be
moved from a first position, as illustrated in FIG. 1, to a second
position, as illustrated in FIG. 2 where the first position,
defining the first plane, and the second position, defining the
second plane, are substantially parallel to each other and to the
base 110, that defines the base plane.
[0035] In the first position, the planar member 140 supports and
positions the patient in a first modality field of view 102 for the
diagnostic procedure as shown in FIG. 1. When the planar member 140
and patient are moved into the second position (see FIG. 2), the
patient is positioned in a second modality field of view 104 for
the diagnostic procedure. Movement of the planar member 140 over
the center of the pedestal 120 is described in detail
hereinafter.
[0036] Another significant advantage of the present invention is
that the planar member 140 may be moved from a first position (see
FIG. 1) through a position where the connecting arms 132 are
substantially orthogonal to the base plane and the horizontal
axis-X to a second position (see FIG. 2). The combination of the
linkage assembly 130, configured as a four bar linkage, the pivot
points 134, and the articulated connectors 136 provide sufficient
rigidity to support the patient on the planar member 140 and
sufficient flexibility to maintain the parallel relationship
between the planar member 140 and the horizontal axis-X as the
planar member 140 moves from the first position to the second
position. In a preferred embodiment, the first position of the
planar member 140 and the second position of the planar member 140
are substantially identical in vertical displacement from the base
110.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 3, the multiple position support structure
100 of the present invention is shown in a patient loading position
where the planar member 140 maintains its parallel relationship to
the horizontal axis-X when positioned for receiving a patient. In
the patient loading position, the planar member 140 has a vertical
displacement from the base 110 that is less than either the first
position (see FIG. 1) or the second position (see FIG. 2).
[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates the planar member 140 in a substantially
perpendicular relationship to the horizontal axis-X and the base
110. The motor assembly 122 or clutch assembly 124 and lever 126
combination is employed to rotate the pedestal 120 relative to the
base 110. Although the planar member 140 is shown in a
substantially perpendicular relationship to the horizontal axis-X,
other angular relationships are possible within the range of
pedestal's rotation about the vertical axis-Y.
[0039] In use, the multiple position support structure 100 is
lowered to the patient loading position by the operator (FIG. 3).
Depending on the available space at the location of the multiple
position support structure 100, the operator may rotate the
pedestal 120 relative to the base 110 to facilitate patient access
to the planar member 140 (FIG. 4). If the pedestal 120 has been
rotated for patient access, once the patient is on the planar
member 140, the operator rotates the pedestal 120, using the motor
assembly 122 or the clutch assembly 124, such that the planar
member 140 is substantially parallel to the base 110 and the
horizontal axis-X. After the patient is situated on the planar
member 140, the operator pivots the planar member 140 into the
first position within the first modality field of view 102. When
the patient and the planar member 140 are in the first position,
the operator performs a first diagnostic procedure on the patient
in the first modality field of view 102. The operator may manually
pivot the planar member 140 to the first position using the clutch
assembly 124 and lever 126. Alternately, the operator may use the
motor assembly 122 and remote control device 128 to pivot the
planar member 140 into the first position.
[0040] After the diagnostic procedure is completed in the first
modality field of view 102, the operator repositions the planar
member 140 into the second position within the second modality
field of view 104. During the pivoting of the planar member 140
from the first position to the second position, the planar member
140 traverses an angle that is substantially perpendicular to the
horizontal axis-X and substantially parallel to the vertical axis-Y
(i.e. "over the center movement"). Once the planar member 140 is in
the second position within the second modality field of view 104,
the operator performs a second diagnostic procedure on the patient
in the second modality field of view 104. The operator pivots the
planar member 140 from the first position to the second position
using the clutch assembly 124 and lever, or the motor assembly
122.
[0041] The patient and planar member 140 are returned to the
patient loading position after the second diagnostic procedure is
completed using the clutch assembly 124 and lever 126, or the motor
assembly 122 to lower the planar member 140. Depending on the room
configuration, the operator may rotate the pedestal 120 to
facilitate patient egress from the planar member 140. Once in the
patient loading position, the patient dismounts from the planar
member 140.
[0042] The described embodiments of the present invention are
intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and are not
intended to represent every embodiment of the present invention.
Various modifications and variations can be made without departing
from the spirit or scope of the invention as set forth in the
following claims both literally and in equivalents recognized in
law.
* * * * *