Drive system for imaging device

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2016128656-A1
Application number	US-201514935752-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Nov 9, 2015
Priority date	Mar 12, 2010
Publication date	May 12, 2016
Grant date	—

Abstract

A drive mechanism for a mobile imaging system comprises a main drive geared into a drive wheel for propelling the imaging system, including a base and one or more imaging components, across a surface. The drive mechanism can also include a scan drive that moves the drive mechanism and the one or more imaging components along an axis relative to the base to provide an imaging scan, and a suspension drive that extends the drive wheel relative to a bottom surface when the imaging system is in a transport mode and retracts the drive wheel relative to the bottom surface of the base when the imaging system is in an imaging mode. The drive wheel supports the weight of the imaging components, but does not directly support the base assembly, which can include pedestal and tabletop support. One or more casters located on the base can support the weight of the base assembly.

First claim

1 . A drive mechanism for a mobile imaging system, comprising:
a drive wheel; and a main drive mechanically coupled to the drive wheel for propelling the imaging system, including a base and one or more imaging components, across a surface in a transport mode; and a translation mechanism that translates the one or more imaging components along an axis relative to the base in an imaging mode, the drive wheel supporting the one or more imaging components at least in part in both the transport mode and the imaging mode.

2 . The drive mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the translation mechanism comprises a scan drive that translates the one or more imaging components along an axis relative to the base to provide an imaging scan.

3 . The drive mechanism of claim 1 , further comprising:
a suspension drive that extends the drive wheel relative to a bottom surface of the base when the imaging system is in a transport mode and retracts the drive wheel relative to the bottom surface of the base when the imaging system is in an imaging mode.

4 . The drive mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the drive mechanism is mounted to the imaging components and supports the weight of the imaging components but not the base during transport of the system.

5 . The drive mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the drive wheel retracts for lowering the base onto floor during an imaging mode and extends raising the base from the floor during a transport mode.

6 . The drive mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the weight of the imaging components is supported by the drive mechanism during both transport and imaging modes.

7 . The drive mechanism of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of casters attached to the base together with a suspension system that support the weight of the base and a table system and allow the base and table system to be raised or lowered in coordination with the extension and retraction of the drive mechanism.

8 . The drive mechanism of claim 7 , wherein the weight of the base and the table system are supported by the casters in transport mode.

9 . The drive mechanism of claim 7 , wherein the drive mechanism is generally centrally located between the plurality of castors in the transport mode to balance the system in the transport mode.

10 . The drive mechanism of claim 9 , wherein steering is achieved by pivoting the system around the central drive mechanism.

11 . The drive mechanism of claim 7 , further comprising at least three pads that are attached to bottom of the base and sit on the floor when the base is lowered to define a scan plane, wherein the weight of the base and table are supported by the pads and/or casters during the imaging mode.

12 . The drive mechanism of claim 1 , further comprising a rail system that couples the imaging components to the base, the imaging components translating relative to the base on the rail system during an imaging scan.

13 . The drive mechanism of claim 1 , further comprising a suspension system that reduces or eliminates deflection of the scan plane path of the imaging components during the imaging scan.

14 . The drive mechanism of claim 13 , wherein the suspension system allows the drive wheel to conform to elevation differences in the floor while a rail system on the base maintains the plane of the imaging components.

15 . The drive mechanism of claim 14 , wherein the suspension system maintains a controlled force between the drive wheel and the floor.

16 . The drive mechanism of claim 14 , wherein the suspension system comprises an active suspension system.

17 . The drive mechanism of claim 3 , further comprising:
an active suspension system that is controlled by the suspension drive.

18 . The drive mechanism of claim 14 , wherein the suspension system enables the system to be transported over uneven surfaces.

19 . The drive mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the drive mechanism is mounted at least partially inside and beneath the base.

20 . The drive mechanism of claim 7 , wherein the drive wheel and casters are located beneath the base and do not interfere with a user approaching the base of a table system mounted to the base.

21 - 44 . (canceled)

Assignees

• Mobius Imaging Llc

Inventors

• Gregerson Eugene A
• Stanton Russell
• Allen Michael
• Connor Michael
• Coppen Scott

Classifications

• A61B6/4405 Primary

  the apparatus being movable or portable, e.g. handheld or mounted on a trolley · CPC title

• G01N2223/308

  support of radiation source · CPC title

• A61B6/4429

  related to the mounting of source units and detector units · CPC title

• G01N2223/301

  portable apparatus · CPC title

• G01N2223/3303

  object fixed; source and detector move · CPC title