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US 2004/0202289 A1Published application
Examination table providing x-ray densitometry
AssigneeGE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
InventorsDonald T. Settergren, Joseph P. Bisek, David Ergun
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A dual energy x-ray densitometer is incorporated into a standard patient examination table to provide improved access to this screening tool during regular examinations. A repositionable scanning head allows the table to remain unobstructed when scanning is not occurring and a limited scanning area allows the examination table to retain standard examination table features such as table extensions, foot end drawers, trays and stirrups, and a step for access to the high examination table surface.
Claims20
An examination table for x-ray densitometry comprising:
- a table having a longitudinally opposed head end and a foot end, the table including a pedestal supporting a table top that is x-ray transmitting over at least a portion of the head end of the table;
- a support arm attached to the table and movable between a first position having a first end in cantilevered transverse extension over the table top and a stowed second position with the first end substantially removed from overhanging obstruction of the table top;
- an x-ray source and x-ray detector attached, one on a first mounting at the first end of the arm and one on a second mounting within the head end of the table in substantial vertical opposition to the first mounting, the x-ray source and x-ray detector cooperating to generate dual energy x-ray signals indicating x-ray attenuation at two x-ray energies along a vertical axis through a patient lying on the table top;
- processing electronics for receiving the dual energy x-ray signals to reconstruct data related to at least one of two basis materials of the patient;
- and
- wherein the foot end of the table includes at least one examination table feature selected from the group consisting of:
- (i) a step attached to the pedestal to extend from and retract into the pedestal with a longitudinal sliding motion;
- (ii) a table extension section slidably extending longitudinally from and retracting longitudinally into a remainder of the table top;
- (iii) foot stirrups slidably extending longitudinally from and retracting longitudinally into a remainder of the table top;
- and
- (iv) at least one drawer extending longitudinally from and retracting longitudinally into the pedestal.
8 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.