Planmeca Oy

Timo M&uuml;ller

Arto Virta

Mikko Jarva

Liina Nyholm

The invention relates to a medical imaging means including a movement mechanism ( ). The movement mechanism ( ) comprises a first mounting part ( ) and a second mounting part ( ) and at least three link arm members. The link arm assemblies of the mechanism include actuator means and a link arm member or a set of link arm members. The movement mechanism is used for moving a medical imaging device or a part thereof.

Robot manipulator for medical imaging means

This invention relates to tomographic imaging and is particularly intended to be applied to medical x-ray photography. An object of the invention is to provide an imaging mode where the imaging means can follow the anatomy of the object to be imaged without having to make compromises between the thickness of the layer to be imaged and the optimal imaging path, i.e., a path which is perpendicular to the object to be imaged. The invention provides a new way of producing tomographic effect in tomographic methods based on the use of a narrow beam, the new way being based on the idea that the rotational direction of the beam is changed in the object to be imaged during an imaging scan.

Methods, apparatuses and imaging mode for tomographic imaging

The present invention relates to a cranial radiography apparatus, particularly intended for dental panoramic radiography, said apparatus comprising a first body part to which is connected a second body part ( ) having thereto connected a third body part ( ) to which is connected a fourth body part ( ). To the opposite ends of said fourth body part ( ) are connected an x-ray source and an x-ray detector. The body parts are connected to each other by means of pivot shafts aligned essentially parallel to each other. The pivot shafts are rotated by means of active actuators and their rotational movement is programmably controlled by means of a computer, thus permitting the x-ray source and the x-ray detector to be moved over any predetermined orbit. The apparatus further includes means for radiography using a cephalostat. The apparatus can be adapted for robotic change of the x-ray detector by virtue of said movements of the body parts of the apparatus and a storage post designed to store the x-ray detectors used in different radiography modes.

Cranial radiography apparatus

This invention relates to tomographic imaging, and particularly to producing complex motion or spiral tomography images in medical X-ray imaging. According to the invention, a curved path is arranged for the radiation source of the imaging apparatus in the vertical direction with respect to the object to be imaged, and a counter-movement with respect to the curved movement of the radiation source in the vertical is implemented by moving the radiation detector substantially linearly with respect to the radiation source on the opposite side of the object to be imaged. It is also preferable to keep the detector constantly parallel with a cross-sectional plan through the object to be imaged.

Method for use in tomographic imaging

A method of producing complex motion or spiral tomography images in tomographic imaging, comprising the steps of positioning an object to be imaged in a fixed position, arranging a radiation source on one side of the object to be imaged, arranging a detector on a second diametrically opposed side of the object to be imaged from the radiation source, the detector receiving radiation from the radiation source, while the radiation is being received, rotating the radiation source and the detector substantially around a vertical axis passing through the object to be imaged in a controlled manner whereby a tomographic effect is produced, while the radiation is being received, moving the radiation source in a first vertical direction, while the radiation is being received and simultaneously with the step of moving the radiation source, moving the detector in a second vertical direction opposite from the first vertical direction, and wherein the radiation source and the detector are moved independently from one another.

Growing community of inventors

Espoo, Finland

Timo Müller

Growing community of inventors

Espoo, Finland

Timo M&uuml;ller

Timo Müller