The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 21, 2001
Filed:
Oct. 27, 1999
Ronald Bryan Sharpless, South Euclid, OH (US);
William Charles Brunnett, Concord, OH (US);
Picker International, Inc., Highland Heights, OH (US);
Abstract
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.