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:
Jun. 11, 2002
Filed:
May. 09, 2001
Ronald Bryan Sharpless, Cleveland, OH (US);
William Charles Brunnett, Concord, OH (US);
Philips Medical Systems (Cleveland), 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 gantry ( ) and the rotating gantry ( ) by means of radial and axial fluid bearing pads, ( ) 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.