US5222115A — Film cassette carrier accurate positioning mechan…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 97 words

X-ray apparatus for supporting a patient and disposed on a table, comprising: a housing having a top panel for supporting said patient and a bottom panel coupled to and spaced from said top panel for interfacing with said table; a frame mounted in said housing for receiving and transporting an X-ray film cassette; drive means mounted in said housing and coupled to said frame for slidably displacing said frame longitudinally substantially the length of said housing; and means coupled to said drive means for accurately indicating the position of said frame along the length of said housing.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 97 words

X-ray apparatus for supporting a patient and disposed on a table, comprising: a housing having a top panel for supporting said patient and a bottom panel coupled to and spaced from said top panel for interfacing with said table; a frame mounted in said housing for receiving and transporting an X-ray film cassette; drive means mounted in said housing and coupled to said frame for slidably displacing said frame longitudinally substantially the length of said housing; and means coupled to said drive means for accurately indicating the position of said frame along the length of said housing.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 33 words

The X-ray apparatus, as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a track longitudinally disposed within said housing and extending substantially the length thereof, said track adapted for receiving and supporting said frame.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 32 words

The X-ray apparatus, as set forth in claim 2, wherein said frame comprises at least two wheels for traveling longitudinally along said track, said track adapted for receiving and supporting said wheels.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 21 words

The X-ray apparatus, as set forth in claim 3, further comprising a second track disposed parallel and spaced from said track.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 24 words

The X-ray apparatus, as set forth in claim 4, wherein said frame comprises at least four wheels for rolling longitudinally along both said tracks.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 22 words

The X-ray apparatus, as set forth in claim 1, further comprising means for accessing said X-ray film cassette carried in said frame.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 38 words

The X-ray apparatus, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said housing further comprises substantially vertical side panels, at least one of said side panels defining an opening for allowing mounting and removal of said X-ray film cassette.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 23 words

The X-ray apparatus, as set forth in claim 7, wherein said housing further comprises a door for selectively covering and revealing said opening.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 90 words

The X-ray apparatus, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said drive means comprises: a first shaft mounted substantially horizontally and transversely at a first end of said housing; a first pulley mounted on one end of said first shaft; a second shaft mounted substantially horizontally and transversely at a second end of said housing; a second pulley mounted on one end of said second shaft; and a belt attached to said frame and further installed around said first and second pulleys for effecting longitudinal slidable displacement of said frame.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 29 words

The X-ray apparatus, as set forth in claim 9, wherein said drive means further comprises manual turning means coupled to said first pulley for rotatively driving said first pulley.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 35 words

The X-ray apparatus, as set forth in claim 10, wherein said accurate position indicating means comprises a displacement indicator for indicating a relative displacement of said frame in response to rotating said manual turning means.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 60 words

The X-ray apparatus, as set forth in claim 10, wherein said drive means further comprises: a drive pulley mounted within said housing and coupled to said manual turning means; and a second belt coupling said drive pulley and said first pulley, so that said first pulley rotates in response to said drive pulley being rotated by said manual turning means.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 18 words

The X-ray apparatus, as set forth in claim 12, wherein said manual turning means comprises a circular wheel.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 56 words

The X-ray apparatus, as set forth in claim 11, wherein said accurate position indicating means comprises: a circular face having a first plurality of division markers indicated thereon along its circumference; and a first pointer for pointing to said plurality of division markers in response to the amount of angular displacement of said manual turning means.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 57 words

The X-ray apparatus, as set forth in claim 14, wherein said accurate position indicating means further comprises: a second plurality of division markers indicated along the circumference of said circular face; and a second pointer for pointing to said second plurality of division markers in response to the amount of angular displacement of said manual turning means.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 43 words

The X-ray apparatus, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said housing comprises a frame structure including said top and bottom panels and corner supports therebetween for allowing visual alignment of said X-ray film cassette frame with a portion of said patient's body.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 43 words

The X-ray apparatus, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said housing comprises substantially vertical and transparent side panels secured between said top and bottom panels for allowing visual alignment of said X-ray film cassette frame with a portion of said patient's body.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 25 words

The X-ray apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said accurate position indicating means is mounted externally of said housing at one end thereof.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 25 words

The X-ray apparatus, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said accurate position indicating means includes an indicator displaying the relative positioning of said frame.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 20 words

The X-ray apparatus, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said frame receives and transports at least one X-ray film.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 19 words

The X-ray apparatus, as set forth in claim 20, wherein said frame receives and transports a 14"×17" X-ray film.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 28 words

The X-ray apparatus, as set form in claim 1, wherein said frame further comprises at least one marker for aiding visual alignment of said frame with said patient.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 100 words

An X-ray apparatus for accurate positioning of an X-ray film cassette beneath a patient, comprising: an upper surface for supporting said patient; a frame for horizontally receiving and carrying said X-ray film cassette slidably mounted beneath said upper surface; drive means coupled to said frame for slidably transporting said frame beneath said upper surface; means coupled to said drive means for accurately actuating said drive means to position said frame at a plurality of predetermined locations beneath said upper surface; and indicator means coupled to said accurate actuating means for indicating the relative position of said X-ray film cassette frame.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 100 words

An X-ray apparatus for accurate positioning of an X-ray film cassette beneath a patient, comprising: an upper surface for supporting said patient; a frame for horizontally receiving and carrying said X-ray film cassette slidably mounted beneath said upper surface; drive means coupled to said frame for slidably transporting said frame beneath said upper surface; means coupled to said drive means for accurately actuating said drive means to position said frame at a plurality of predetermined locations beneath said upper surface; and indicator means coupled to said accurate actuating means for indicating the relative position of said X-ray film cassette frame.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 64 words

The X-ray apparatus, as set forth in claim 23, wherein said drive means comprises: a first and second pulley mounted longitudinally spaced from one another; and a belt attached to said X-ray film cassette frame and wound around said first and second pulleys, the rotation of one pulley effecting the rotation of the other pulley and linear displacement of said X-ray film cassette frame.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 130 words

The X-ray apparatus, as set forth in claim 23, wherein said drive means comprises: a first and second pulley mounted longitudinally spaced from one another; a third and fourth pulley mounted longitudinally spaced from one another and spaced from said first and second pulleys; and a first belt attached to said X-ray film cassette frame and wound around said first and second pulleys; and a second belt attached to said X-ray film cassette frame and wound around said third and fourth pulleys, the rotation of said first pulley effecting a synchronous rotation of said third pulley, the rotation of said first and third pulleys effecting the rotation of said second and fourth pulleys through s id first and second belts and a linear displacement of said X-ray film cassette frame.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 17 words

The X-ray apparatus, as set forth in claim 23, wherein said frame comprises at least two wheels.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 25 words

The X-ray apparatus, as set forth in claim 26, further comprising at least one track longitudinally disposed beneath said upper surface for receiving said wheels.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 33 words

The X-ray apparatus, as set forth in claim 23, wherein said frame comprises four wheels, said apparatus further including two parallely spaced tracks longitudinally disposed beneath said upper surface for receiving said wheels.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 35 words

The X-ray apparatus, as set forth in claim 23, wherein said actuating means comprises a manual turn wheel coupled to said drive means for effecting a longitudinal linear displacement of said X-ray film cassette frame.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 60 words

The X-ray apparatus, as set forth in claim 24, wherein said actuating means comprises: a manual turn wheel; a driving pulley coupled to said manual turn wheel for synchronous angular displacement; a driving belt coupling said driving pulley and said first pulley, the angular displacement of said manual turn wheel effecting a linear displacement of said X-ray film cassette frame.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 51 words

The X-ray apparatus, as set forth in claim 23, wherein said indicator means comprises: a circular dial having a plurality of divisions; and at least one pointer for pointing to one of said plurality of divisions, said plurality of divisions representative of the relative position of said X-ray film cassette frame.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 47 words

The X-ray apparatus, as set forth in claim 23, further comprising a generally rectangular housing, said housing having substantially vertical side panels, at least one of said side panels being transparent, said housing defining at least one end opening for allowing access of said X-ray film cassette.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 25 words

The X-ray apparatus, as set forth in claim 32, wherein said housing further comprises an end door for selectively covering or revealing said end opening.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 143 words

Apparatus for supporting a patient and use with X-ray equipment, comprising: a substantially horizontal and elongated top panel for supporting said patient; a substantially horizontal and elongated bottom panel mounted parallel with and spaced from said top panel, said top and bottom panels defining a cavity; at least one channel disposed longitudinally on said bottom panel in said cavity, said channel extending substantially the length of said top and bottom panels; a carrier having at least two wheels for traveling along said channel, said carrier adapted for carrying a cassette containing at least one X-ray film; a drive system coupled to said carrier for slidably transporting said carrier longitudinally substantially the length of said top and bottom panels; and an indicator coupled to said drive system and mounted externally of said cavity for displaying a value indicative of the position of said carrier.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 143 words

Apparatus for supporting a patient and use with X-ray equipment, comprising: a substantially horizontal and elongated top panel for supporting said patient; a substantially horizontal and elongated bottom panel mounted parallel with and spaced from said top panel, said top and bottom panels defining a cavity; at least one channel disposed longitudinally on said bottom panel in said cavity, said channel extending substantially the length of said top and bottom panels; a carrier having at least two wheels for traveling along said channel, said carrier adapted for carrying a cassette containing at least one X-ray film; a drive system coupled to said carrier for slidably transporting said carrier longitudinally substantially the length of said top and bottom panels; and an indicator coupled to said drive system and mounted externally of said cavity for displaying a value indicative of the position of said carrier.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 17 words

The apparatus, as set forth in claim 34, wherein said top and bottom panels are substantially rectangular.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 24 words

The apparatus, as set forth in claim 35, further comprising two vertical, elongated and substantially transparent side panels joining said top and bottom panels.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 40 words

The apparatus, as set forth in claim 36, further comprising: a first end panel joining said top, bottom, and side panels; a second end panel detachably joining said top, bottom, and side panels for providing an opening to said cavity.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 24 words

The apparatus, as set forth in claim 37, wherein said second end panel is connected to one of said top, bottom and side panels.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 16 words

The apparatus, as set forth in claim 34, wherein said top panel is permeable to X-rays.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 74 words

The apparatus, as set forth in claim 34, wherein said drive system comprises: a first pulley rod mounted transversely in said cavity near said first end panel; a first pulley mounted on said first pulley rod; a second pulley rod mounted transversely in said cavity near said second end panel; a second pulley mounted on said second pulley rod; and a belt attached to said carrier and installed around said first and second pulleys.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 27 words

The apparatus, as set forth in claim 40, wherein said drive system further comprises a belt tensioner coupled to said belt for maintaining tension in said belt.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 31 words

The apparatus, as set forth in claim 40, wherein said drive system further comprises actuating means for rotating said first pulley and effecting linear travel of said carrier along said channel.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 72 words

The apparatus, as set forth in claim 42, wherein said actuating means comprises: a drive rod mounted transversely near said first pulley rod; a drive pulley mounted on said drive rod; a drive belt substantially tightly installed around said first pulley and said drive pulley; and a manual turn wheel coupled to said drive pulley for effecting angular displacement of said drive pulley in response to said manual turn wheel being rotated.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 31 words

The apparatus, as set forth in claim 43, wherein said indicator includes: means for measuring said angular displacement of said manual turn wheel; and means for displaying said measured angular displacement.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 22 words

The apparatus, as set forth in claim 44, wherein said displayed angular displacement is indicative of relative linear travel of said carrier.

Claim 49

Independent Claim 159 words

A method for taking X-rays of a patient lying on a horizontal surface during a medical procedure, comprising the steps of: actuating a drive mechanism for positioning an X-ray film cassette beneath the patient and aligning with a preselected body part; noting the relative position of said X-ray film cassette indicated by position indicating means; actuating said drive mechanism for repositioning said X-ray film cassette and aligning with a second preselected body part; noting a relative position of said X-ray film cassette indicated by said position indicating means; repeating said above steps until alignment relative positions have been obtained for all body parts to be X-rayed; performing said medical procedure; actuating said drive mechanism until the relative position of said X-ray film cassette for the preselected body part is reached as indicated by said position indicating means; taking an X-ray of said preselected body part; and repeating the above two steps until all preselected body parts have been X-rayed.

Claim 50

Independent Claim 159 words

A method for taking X-rays of a patient lying on a horizontal surface during a medical procedure, comprising the steps of: actuating a drive mechanism for positioning an X-ray film cassette beneath the patient and aligning with a preselected body part; noting the relative position of said X-ray film cassette indicated by position indicating means; actuating said drive mechanism for repositioning said X-ray film cassette and aligning with a second preselected body part; noting a relative position of said X-ray film cassette indicated by said position indicating means; repeating said above steps until alignment relative positions have been obtained for all body parts to be X-rayed; performing said medical procedure; actuating said drive mechanism until the relative position of said X-ray film cassette for the preselected body part is reached as indicated by said position indicating means; taking an X-ray of said preselected body part; and repeating the above two steps until all preselected body parts have been X-rayed.

Claim 51

Independent Claim 146 words

A method of X-raying a patient, comprising the steps of: apportioning an X-ray film into at least two sections; supporting said patient on a surface permeable to X-rays; providing an X-ray film cassette carrying said X-ray film under said first surface; selecting a predetermined number of portions of said patient's body for taking X-rays; slidably transporting said X-ray film cassette to achieve alignment of a predetermined apportioned section of said film cassette with a first selected portion of said patient's body; taking an X-ray of said first selected body portion; slidably transporting said X-ray film cassette to achieve alignment of another predetermined apportioned and unexposed section of said film cassette with another selected portion of said patient's body; taking an X-ray of said other selected body portion; and repeating said above two steps until X-rays have been taken of all selected portions of said patient's body.

Claim 52

Independent Claim 146 words

A method of X-raying a patient, comprising the steps of: apportioning an X-ray film into at least two sections; supporting said patient on a surface permeable to X-rays; providing an X-ray film cassette carrying said X-ray film under said first surface; selecting a predetermined number of portions of said patient's body for taking X-rays; slidably transporting said X-ray film cassette to achieve alignment of a predetermined apportioned section of said film cassette with a first selected portion of said patient's body; taking an X-ray of said first selected body portion; slidably transporting said X-ray film cassette to achieve alignment of another predetermined apportioned and unexposed section of said film cassette with another selected portion of said patient's body; taking an X-ray of said other selected body portion; and repeating said above two steps until X-rays have been taken of all selected portions of said patient's body.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method, as set forth in claim 47, further comprising the step of selecting for X-ray taking said patient's hips, knees and ankles.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 29 words

The method, as set forth in claim 48, wherein said X-ray film apportioning step includes the step of apportioning said X-ray film into first, second and third equal sections.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 52 words

The method, as set forth in claim 49, wherein said slidably transporting steps include the steps of slidably transporting said X-ray film cassette to achieve alignment of said first X-ray film section with said hips, said second X-ray film section with said knees, and said third X-ray film section with said ankles.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 36 words

The method, as set forth in claim 50, wherein said X-ray taking steps include exposing said first, second and third sections of said apportioned X-ray film to X-rays passing through said hips, knees, and ankles, respectively.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 60 words

The method, as set forth in claim 51, further comprising the steps of: developing said X-ray film; drawing a line on said developed X-ray film connecting a point on said hip to a point on said ankle of the same leg; and determining the alignment of said knee by assessing whether said line falls near the center of said knee.

Claim 58

Independent Claim 219 words

A method of taking X-rays of a patient's hips and knee and ankle of the same leg for determining the alignment of said knee with respect to said hips and ankle, the method comprising the steps of: providing a surface permeable to X-rays and supporting the patient thereon; providing an X-ray film cassette carrier controllably actuatable to slide under said surface and the patient's body; loading an X-ray film cassette carrying an X-ray film into said carrier; apportioning said carrier into first, second and third sections; controllably actuating said carrier to achieve substantial alignment of said patient's hips with said first film section; positioning an X-ray source generally above said patient's hips and taking an X-ray thereof; controllably actuating said carrier to achieve substantial alignment of said patient's knee with said second film section; positioning said X-ray source generally above said patient's knee and taking an X-ray thereof; controllably actuating said carrier to achieve substantial alignment of said patient's ankle with said third film section; positioning said X-ray source generally above said patient's ankle and taking an X-ray thereof; obtaining a developed X-ray image of said X-ray film; drawing a line between a corresponding hip of said hips and said ankle; and determining alignment of said knee by assessing whether said line falls near the center of said knee.

Claim 59

Independent Claim 219 words

A method of taking X-rays of a patient's hips and knee and ankle of the same leg for determining the alignment of said knee with respect to said hips and ankle, the method comprising the steps of: providing a surface permeable to X-rays and supporting the patient thereon; providing an X-ray film cassette carrier controllably actuatable to slide under said surface and the patient's body; loading an X-ray film cassette carrying an X-ray film into said carrier; apportioning said carrier into first, second and third sections; controllably actuating said carrier to achieve substantial alignment of said patient's hips with said first film section; positioning an X-ray source generally above said patient's hips and taking an X-ray thereof; controllably actuating said carrier to achieve substantial alignment of said patient's knee with said second film section; positioning said X-ray source generally above said patient's knee and taking an X-ray thereof; controllably actuating said carrier to achieve substantial alignment of said patient's ankle with said third film section; positioning said X-ray source generally above said patient's ankle and taking an X-ray thereof; obtaining a developed X-ray image of said X-ray film; drawing a line between a corresponding hip of said hips and said ankle; and determining alignment of said knee by assessing whether said line falls near the center of said knee.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 17 words

The method, as set forth in claim 53, wherein said knee is a trial knee prosthetic implant.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1996-06-21	1996-12-21	1997-06-22	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2000-06-21	2000-12-21	2001-06-22	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2004-06-21	2004-12-21	2005-06-22	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Film cassette carrier accurate positioning mechanism for X-ray apparatus and method

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