Picker International, Inc.

Ronald Bryan Sharpless

Jeffrey Harold Yanof

Christopher Bauer

David Jeri

Daniel S Furst

William Charles Brunnett

A CT scanner (,) for obtaining a medical diagnostic image of a subject includes a stationary gantry (,), and a rotating gantry (,) rotatably supported on the stationary gantry (,) for rotation about the subject. A fluid bearing (,) is interposed between the stationary and rotating gantries (,) and (,), respectively. The fluid bearing (,) provides a fluid barrier (,) which separates the rotating gantry (,) from the stationary gantry (,). In a preferred embodiment, the fluid bearing (,) provides for quieter CT scanner operation at high rotational speeds. Moreover, eliminating the physical contact between the gantries minimizes wear and optimizes longevity.

Aerostatic CT suspension

An imaging apparatus (18) includes a frameless stereotactic arm apparatus (30) including a first base portion (42) mounted in a fixed relationship to the imaging device. A second free end (40) of the arm assembly is adapted to move into varied positions near a specimen disposed on the imaging apparatus. At least one pivot joint (44, 48, 52, 56, 60) is provided between the first base portion and the free end of the arm for permitting selective relevant movement between the arm members. Electro-mechanical and electro-magnetic brake devices are provided at respective joints to selectively lock the free end of the arm assembly to the base portion. The brakes are responsive to a brake command signal (210) generated by the imaging device. A low pass filter (240) conditions the brake command signal to substantially eliminate high frequency electromagnetic switching noise in the stereotactic arm. So that the arm is movable in emergency situations, the brakes are adapted to rebase in response to application of a force in excess of a predetermined breakaway threshold force.

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South Euclid, OH, United States of America

Ronald Bryan Sharpless