Manfred Elff

Title: Manfred Elff and His Lithotripsy Workstation Patents.

Introduction

Manfred Elff is an inventor associated with Munich, Germany, and U.S. Philips Corporation. His work includes patent inventions related to lithotripsy workstations, which combine shockwave treatment and X-ray imaging to support the treatment of kidney stones. His recorded portfolio includes 2 patents.

Latest Patents

Elff’s patents describe two approaches to coordinating X-ray imaging with shockwave treatment.

The first lithotripsy workstation uses a patient-supporting device and a shockwave source that focuses waves on a fixed point. An X-ray source images that point from at least two defined positions, while an image detector captures the resulting images. A marker attached to the X-ray source appears in the images and lies along the line between the X-ray focal spot and the treatment focus. This arrangement is intended to reduce the workstation’s cost and weight.

The second invention describes a workstation that can also perform X-ray examinations. Its X-ray device pivots around a horizontal axis, while its shockwave generator pivots around an inclined axis that intersects the horizontal axis. The shockwave generator’s focal point remains at the intersection as the generator moves to positions suited to treating a calculus in either kidney.

Career Highlights

Elff’s patent work addresses the mechanical alignment of imaging and treatment components. The inventions focus on maintaining a consistent treatment focus while allowing the equipment to be positioned for imaging and for treatment of either kidney.

Collaborations

Elff’s listed coworkers include Wilfried G. Pfeiffer and Dietrich Dirks. His work is associated with U.S. Philips Corporation.

Conclusion

Manfred Elff’s two recorded patents describe lithotripsy workstations designed to coordinate X-ray imaging and shockwave treatment through practical positioning and alignment features.