WO2008110170A1

WO2008110170A1 - Examination table

Info

Publication number: WO2008110170A1
Application number: PCT/DK2008/000092
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mogens Ravn; Mogens Soele Eriksen; Dick Daniel Dyreby
Original assignee: NRT-Nordisk Røntgen Teknik A/S
Priority date: 2007-03-09
Filing date: 2008-03-07
Publication date: 2008-09-18

Abstract

Patient support table for use in particular during patient examinations involving a detector and an emitter, such as for example an X-ray emitter and a corresponding x-ray detector, wherein the table comprises a single height adjustable base and an elongated support surface wherein the substantially vertically height adjustment is carried out along a Z-axis, and that perpendicular to this axis, a substantially horizontal plane is defined by two perpendicular axis, an X-axis and Y-axis respectively, and that connection means between the support surface and the base are provided whereby the support surface may be translated in the direction of the X-axis and Y-axis, characterised in that the means for performing all movements are coupled/connected to registering means, such as a for example a potentiometer and/or inclinometer, whereby the relative displacement of the support surface relative to the base may be registered and used as input for a computer in order to determine the exact location of the support surface, where said information may be used as input for the control and manipulation of other equipment such as a detector plate, x-ray emitter and the like.

Description

Examination table

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a patient support table for use in particular during pa- tient examinations.

Background of the Invention

Patient examinations may include the use of x-ray or image intensifier equipment or other types of equipment where it is necessary to place a part of the equipment on one side of the patient and another part of the equipment on the opposite side of the patient. This requires certain features of the patient support table which is suitable for use in these procedures.

An example of the prior art patient support table is disclosed in US 3868103.

The prior art support table comprises a relatively solid base which is suitable to be placed on the floor of an examination room. The base includes a mechanism such that the elevation of the support surface on which the patient is placed, may be altered in order to adjust the height of the support surface either for the doctors and nurses to have a more comfortable working position or in order to accommodate the equipment which may be used during the examination. Furthermore, the support table is supported substantially in the middle of the support surface and comprises means such that the support surface may be translated, i.e. slid, in the longitudinal direction whereby it becomes possible to expose the support surface from both sides in all posi- tions of the table. Furthermore, a tilting mechanism is built into the base of the support table so that the support surface may be tilted both in relation to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In this manner it is possible to manipulate the patient support surface into a variety of positions accommodating both doctors and nurses working on the table and also to a large degree equipment which is to be used in connection with examining patients as mentioned above. The mechanisms for providing the movements of the support surface in relation to the base are all based on hydraulics, hydraulic pistons and guide rails as well as a complicated system of valves and hydraulic supply lines.

In an environment where the requirements to hygiene and sterility are remarkably high and furthermore where the reliability and user friendliness of devices are extremely important this type of mechanism appears to be very cumbersome. Liquids in the hydraulic systems which are prone to leak and thereby become free in the environment will not be accepted, e.g. in a surgery, and as such the proposed equipment is liable to be very difficult to implement into such an environment due to the enhanced risk of pollution from the aggressive hydraulic liquids.

Furthermore, in an attempt to decrease radiation doses particularly when performing x- ray examinations it is desirable to have as little reflection surfaces in the vicinity of the examining area as possible. The relatively cumbersome and heavy construction of hydraulic systems together with steel rails, pistons, slides, hinges etc. provide for sources of reflection which may be detrimental to, in particular low power applications such as is used in modern equipment of the types mentioned above.

Object of the Invention It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a patient support table which in particular when carrying out examinations involving x-ray equipment and the like provides the same manoeuvrability possibilities as the patient support table known from US 3868103, but in addition provides novel and inventive features which furthermore provide less distortion and reflections into the images produced by using e.g. x-ray equipment in combination with this type of patient support tables.

Description of the Invention

The invention addresses this by providing a patient support table which is particular in that the means for performing all movements are coupled/connected to registering means, such as a for example a potentiometer and/or inclinometer, whereby the relative displacement of the support surface relative to the base may be registered and used as input for a computer in order to determine the exact location of the support surface, where said information may be used as input for the control and manipulation of other equipment such as a detector plate, x-ray emitter and the like.

By being able to register all movements of the different parts in particular the elon- gated support surface in relation to the height adjustable base it is possible at all times to determine the exact location of the elongated support surface. When a patient is placed on top of said support surface it is in this manner also possible to very accurately and precisely determine the location of the patient in particular if the patient is placed in a fixed relationship in relation to the support table, e.g. by aligning the shoulders of the patient in relation to a marking on the elongated support surface. The registration of the position of the patient will also provide an accurate relative relationship between the images captured by the equipment used to examine the patient so that the equipment automatically may register the relationship between two or more images captured by said equipment.

This is further enhanced when the patient support table according to the invention is coupled to a computer where the input stemming from the registering means is used as control data for controlling the position and manipulation of other equipment such as the detector plate or x-ray for example as described in the applicant's prior patent ap- plication DK PA 2006 001297. In this manner it becomes possible to pre-programme the equipment so that it may e.g. be possible for an operator to select relative positions of the x-ray equipment and the patient support table so that the x-ray equipment is positioned in an approximate position for carrying out specific examinations. For example if the patient on the patient support table needs to be examined for diseases around the heart it may be possible for an operator to select "heart mode" whereby the x-ray equipment will automatically reposition itself from a rest or storage position into a position in the heart region so that the precise repositioning of the x-ray and detector devices may be carried out manually and very easily as most of the movement is preformed automatically by the device.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention the support surface is fastened to the base adjacent one end of the elongated surface. In this configuration and in particular when all movements are detected by the registering means a large portion of a patient's body may be accessible for the equipment used for the examination without having to move the elongated surface or only by providing very limited movements of the elongated surface. Furthermore, by providing the support adjacent one end of the elongated surface as opposed to substantially in the middle portion where the most weight is placed when a patient is placed on the elongated patient support surface, the patient placed on the table will be accessible for examination both from above and below and from the side, without the support base interfering for most of the body portion of a patient placed on such patient support table.

In a still further advantageous embodiment of the invention the connection means comprises means for inclining the surface of the support table relative to the X and/or Y axis, where the X-axis is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the elongated sup- port surface, such that when the support surface is rotated about an axis parallel to the Y-axis of the support surface the angle which the surface is inclined from horizontal may be +90° to -90° more preferably +90° to -30° or -90° to +30° and when the support surface is rotated about an axis parallel to the X-axis of the support surface the angle which the surface is inclined from horizontal may be +10° to -10° more preferably +5° to -5°.

For some examinations it is advantageous to be able to carry out x-ray examinations when a patient is in a substantially vertical position. By being able to incline the table or the patient support surface so that the patient will be placed in a substantially verti- cal position these examinations become possible simply by inclining the patient support table's surface. The patient may during the examination either be weakened by their illness or by other causes not be able to stand up by themselves such that a similar examination could not take place without support. Furthermore, by placing the patient in a fixed relationship in relation to the surface it becomes possible to fix the pa- tient to the support surface so that movements or vibrations will not have an influence on the images provided by the x-ray equipment. This is particularly interesting when a series of images are needed in order to carry out a full exposure of the problem which it is desirable to detect by the x-ray examination. For other examinations it is important to incline the person so that the head is lower than the rest of the body, e.g. up to 30° which may also comfortably be done by providing the features as disclosed in this embodiment. The types of examinations which patients may be exposed to in this mode may for example be when a detection fluid is injected into the vascular system and it is desirable to detect the circulation of this detection fluid without being influenced by gravity. By being able to incline a person the effect of gravity may be diminished so that only the blood circulation due to the pumping of the heart will have influence on the spreading of the detection fluid. This is just one example but many other examples of examinations which may be carried out in this mode may also be contemplated.

By being able to tilt the table perpendicular to the elongated direction it is furthermore possible to compensate for patients having peculiar shapes or in order to align certain organs or bones more optimal in relation to the x-ray equipment.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention the means for providing and controlling the inclination about the y-axis comprise a plate member having a half- circle shaped periphery wherein teeth are arranged along the periphery and an axis of rotation arranged perpendicular to the plane of the plate member and proximate the periphery of said plate member, and a toothed wheel, having an axis of rotation parallel to the plate members axis of rotation, and teeth intermeshing with the teeth provided on the plate member, such that by rotating the toothed wheel, the plate member will rotate correspondingly.

This relatively simple mechanical construction controlled by one or two electrical motors provides for a very reliable and strong construction which is able to carry the load of the patient, particularly when the tilting action is desired.

Due to the increased weight of the general population and the fact that medical problems are often associated with overweight there is an increased demand for patient support tables of this type being able to handle heavier and heavier patients. At the same time the safety margins have been increased due to a desire of not exposing the patients to any risk of failure which could cause accidents and therefore additional injuries. Therefore, most of these tables are required to be able to handle patients weighing in the range 200-300 kilos with an additional safety factor of 2-4 so that the loads that the support tables must be able to handle are close to 1,200 kilos. Particu- larly when inclination features are built into the support table, these constructions must be able to withstand the extreme loads and at the same time provide for a very smooth and reliable movement so that a patient being placed oh such a patient support table is maintained and kept as comfortable as possible at all times during all movements. The inventive construction using a plate member having a half-circle provided with teeth which teeth intermesh with a relatively small gear wheel provides for the possibility of creating smooth transitions.

In a still further advantageous embodiment of the invention the movements of the table is further improved by providing the support surface with features so that it may be rotated about the said axis. In this relation a construction providing for this possibility built into the base member is described and disclosed in the applicant's prior, not yet published patent application PA 2006 01105 originally filed in Denmark. This application is by reference incorporated into the present application.

In a further advantageous embodiment the movements of the support surface along the X- and/or Y-axis are facilitated by linear telescoping rail(s) or rails and carriages, and optionally one or more electric motor(s), preferably step or DC motor(s) propelling the support surface relative to the base.

In comparison to the prior art means for being able to translate the patient support surface in relation to the base, see discussion above, the linear telescoping rails having incorporated ball bearings or a system of rails and carriages, either in connection with electrical motors provide for a very simple and mechanically relatively small construction. Furthermore, the rails may be made from the same material as the material of the patient support surface which is typically from a resin reinforced carbon fibre material. This material is chosen so that the x-rays or other imaging equipment used for medical examinations may transverse the material whereby the emitted rays may be received unhindered by the detector. The provision of creating the rails either from steel, but having a relatively small size, or from carbon fibre not interfering with the emitted rays substantially lowers the distortion and reflection of the emitted rays and thereby enhances the quality of the images produced by equipment involving a patient support table or in the case where carbon fibres are used they will have no influence on the image quality.

The motors coupled to potentiometers utilizes the same source of energy, i.e. electricity, so that no leakage from hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems or the like are likely to influence the working environment around the patient support table and the surgery in general.

In a further advantageous embodiment a foot support may be fastened to the support surface in either end of the elongated support surface, for supporting a patient, when the support surface is in its inclined position.

For the reasons already discussed above it is desirable to be able to provide a reference for the examination of a patient, such as e.g. a mark on the elongated patient support surface or as suggested in this embodiment by a foot rest. The foot rest may furthermore serve as a support for the patient when the patient support table is tilted into a more or less upright position whereby the patient will be able to stand on the foot rest but at the same time be maintained on the patient support surface.

In a further advantageous embodiment releasable locking means are provided for maintaining the support surface in its desired position, where said means may be me- chanical or a combination of mechanical and electrical means. These locking means may e.g. be mechanical and purely mechanical so that once the table is arranged in the desired position a brake, e.g. consisting of a mechanical member clad with a high friction resilient material is engaged with the under-surface of the patient support table.

This may be particularly interesting when the patient support table is used for examining patients in a tilted position in that should failure occur in the electric brakes built into the motors used to manipulate the table into the desired position, the mechanical brake will hinder any movement of the table and thereby the consequences to the pa- tient which could have arisen from such uncontrolled movement. The means may also be a combination between mechanical and electrical means such as e.g. a solenoid which is electrically driven into engagement with the patient support surface, and when the electrical current is disconnected, the solenoids actuation member will stay in place and thereby maintain the patient support surface in a mechanical connection with the support base whereby the relative position of the patient support surface is maintained even when the power is disconnected.

In a still further advantageous embodiment of the invention the movable parts, such as support surface, detector plate, x-ray emitter and the like, are provided with proximity sensors in order to detect the presence of objects, equipment and/or patients, and where said registration may be used as input for the control of relative movements between the moveable parts.

The proximity sensors are widely known for other applications such as e.g. used in vehicles in order to indicate how close a vehicle, particularly the back of the vehicle, is to e.g. a wall or another vehicle in order to inform the operator, i.e. driver, of the vehicle that the vehicle is close to a wall. The same principles are applied to providing the movable parts of the present invention with proximity sensors, e.g. ultra-sound capac- ity sensors, or induction sensors, so that it becomes possible to build in a safety circuit which will avoid one part of the device coming into contact with a different part of the device. This is particularly interesting when manipulating e.g. an x-ray detector in relation to the patient support table, where the movements of both the patient support table and the x-ray detector are used as input in a computer whereby it becomes possi- ble by means of the proximity sensors to avoid that the patient support table comes into contact with the detector which could cause entanglement or even damage to one part or the other.

The support surface as well as the base are equipped with potentiometers, which con- stantly registers the position of these elements relative to the starting position. If more elements are present and compatible in the system, such as for example X-ray receivers and emitters, these may also be equipped with potentiometers such that also for these elements, their relative positions are determined. In this manner it is possible to avoid that elements of the system come into contact either with the elements themselves or fixed features in the vicinity. For other elements, such as persons, auxiliary equipment which is not connected to the system, the proximity sensors are provided for detecting these elements.

In a still further advantageous embodiment of the invention a self-centering mechanism is provided, which mechanism is electrical, such that activation of the self- centring mechanism, causes an electrical motor to interact with the patient support surface and the base where input from the registering means is used in order to deter- mine the relative position of the different elements of the patient support table, and a pre-defined rest position is stored in an associated memory in the electrical means, such that the electrical motor is activated in order to bring the support surface from the registered position into the rest position. This embodiment benefits from input provided by sensors. By defining a rest position being the normal position or starting po- sition for the support surface relative to the base, the purpose of the self-centring mechanism is to return the support surface to this position. This is done by storing the input relating to the tables "now" position in a memory and comparing that data to the data relating to the rest position. The means for moving the support surface relative to the base, for example one or more motors are hereafter activated, to move the support surface from the "now" position to the pre-defined rest position.

In a further embodiment the mechanism is electrical-mechanical wherein the self- centring mechanism comprises an intermediate plate member interposed between the base and the patient support surface, where the base is provided with at least one up- standing attachment along two parallel sides of said base and the patient support surface on the underside is provided with at least one downwards projecting attachment, and where the intermediate plate member has a dimension fitting inside the attachments and a thickness such that the attachments of the base and the support surface overlap the intermediate plate member, and where a flexible member is provided along the periphery of the intermediate member, where said flexible member can rotate around the periphery in response to activation of a motor, and where notches are attached to the flexible member, which notches engages and moves the attachments, and thereby moves the patient support surface relative to the base. The self-centring mechanism serves to provide a reliable starting position for manipulating the patient support surface into any desired location. This is particularly interesting when there are pre-programmed positions into which the patient support surface may be brought depending on the desired examination, e.g. in relation to an x-ray examination apparatus.

In this manner a simple, yet very reliable mechanism is provided whereby simply by activating the flexible member to rotate around the intermediate member a fixed dis- tance the self-centering mechanism will push the support surface into the desired position. This is achieved by the notches provided on the flexible belt engaging the attachments projecting from the support surface and the base. Naturally the projections shall be provided in the path of the notches, hi practice the attachments are fork- shaped, having a part arranged on neither side of the flexible member, such that the flexible member may travel through the fork, but the notches will engage the attachments, and thereby bring the attachments, which are fixed to the base and support surface into a predetermined position, corresponding to the travel length allowed for the flexible member.

The desired position may be detected by a stop such that as the motor rotating the flexible member detects a mechanical stop it will release and thereby not attempt to rotate the flexible member further, but release it completely so that the patient support surface may be manipulated manually. On the other hand, when the motor receives input to translate in any direction, this may also be carried out, but the movements of the patient support table may be carried out as explained above with respect to sliding along the rails in the x-direction, y-direction or tilting about the y- or x-axes.

Below the invention will be explained with reference to a particular embodiment, but many variations may be contemplated within the scope of protection as defined by the appended claims. In the drawings figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of patient support table according to the invention, Description of the Drawing

In figure 1 is illustrated a perspective view of the patient support table illustrating the inventive principle of the present invention. Figure 2 and 3 illustrate different possible movements, figure 4 illustrates an example of a tilting mechanism, figure 5 illustrates the patient support table incorporated into an x-ray apparatus, figure 6 illustrates an exploded view of the self-centering mechanism figure 7 illustrates a plain view of the self-centering mechanism figure 8 illustrates a second example of a tilting mechanism.

Detailed description of an embodiment

The patient support table 1 comprises a patient support surface 2, a base 3 and a section 4 which provide the features as will be explained below for manipulating the patient support surface.

The base 3 is able to change the elevation of the patient support table 2 by an elevating mechanism, e.g. a mechanism as disclosed in the applicant's prior, not yet published patent application DK PA 2006 01105. However, other systems for elevating the patient support table may also be used within the present invention. The base 3 may fur- thermore be able to rotate the patient support table 2 about a vertical axis 5 which will hereinafter be referred to as the z-axis. The patient support surface 2 is placed in a plane defined by an x-axis and a y-axis, where the x-axis is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the patient support table.

In figure 2 is illustrated the situation where the patient support surface 2 may be tilted about an axis parallel to the y-axis into a position of e.g. minus 30° and to a position plus approx. 90°. The tilting mechanism or an example of such is illustrated with reference to figure 4, see below.

In the position where the patient support table is tilted into a substantially vertical position the patient support table may be equipped with a foot rest 6 so that the patient who is being examined may stand on the foot rest and at the same time be more or less fixated to the patient support table so that the images carried out by the e.g. x-ray equipment may be as sharp as possible in that the patient when being more or less fixated to the patient table will be less likely to move during the exposure.

In figure 3 is illustrated the versatility of the patient support surface when it is tilted about an axis parallel to the x-axis.

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of the principle used when tilting the support table surface 2. Between the support table surface 2 and the turning mechanism 8 is provided a sliding mechanism 7. The sliding mechanism 7 may typically be in the shape of carriages comprising one or more rails which allow the table support surface 2 to slide in a direction parallel to the x-axis. A member 9 comprising a circular portion 10 is provided with a toothed section 11. The teeth provided on the toothed section 11 correspond to the tilting action in this example from minus 90° to plus 30° from a substantially horizontal plane. The toothed section engages a small gear wheel 12 so that by rotating the gear wheel 12 the member 9 will be brought to rotate about its axis 13. The axis 13 is placed off centre in relation to the circular section 10 so that the turning action will be performed around this axis. By activating the gear wheel 12, e.g. by means of a step or DC motor, the patient support table surface 2 may be brought into any desired inclination with respect to the horizontal plane defined by the x- and y-axes.

In fig. 8 is illustrated an additional embodiment of the mechanism to control and facilitate the inclination of the patient support table. In this particular embodiment the plate member 9' provided with teeth 10' is arranged as an integral part of the base 3. In order to provide added stability two plate members 9' are provided, whereby the patient support table, in addition to be easier to manipulate and control, also will be able to handle larger weights securely. The intermeshing gear wheel 12 is not illustrated, but it is clear that the construction operates in exactly the same manner as the construction described above with reference to fig. 4.

The different means for changing the position of the patient support table, be it sliding in the x- or y-axis directions or tilting as illustrated with reference to figures 2 and 3, may all be performed by electrical step motors or DC motors. In addition to this potentiometers and/or inclinometers are inserted so that the relative position of the patient support table in relation to a fix point may be determined at all times. The fix point may for example be where the axis crosses as illustrated in figure 1.

Turning to figure 5 a patient support table 1 according to the invention is seen inte- grated into an x-ray imaging system. The x-ray imaging system comprises two rails 14, 15 on which a carriage 16 may travel in order to position an x-ray emitter 17 and a detector 18. In the illustration the patient support table 1 is illustrated so that the underside of the patient support table 2' may be seen. The rails 19 providing the possibility of sliding the patient support surface 2 in the x-axis' direction are clearly visible on the underside 2' of the patient support table. Furthermore, the turntable 20 facilitating rotation about the z-axis may also be seen.

The x-ray emitter 17 and the detector 18 may also be provided with position detection means such as potentiometers or the like, whereby the relative movement of these fea- tures with reference to a fix point may be used as input to a computing unit so that the relative positions of the x-ray emitter 17 and the detector 18 may be determined. By furthermore incorporating input from the position of the patient support table 1 and thereby the position of the patient into a coordinate system it becomes possible to position the patient support table's surface 2 in an appropriate position relative to the x- ray imaging apparatus 17, 18 so that the operator of the equipment may preposition the apparatus in a optimal way.

In order to allow for accurate positioning of the patient support table in relation to e.g. the x-ray emitter 17 the step and DC motors used within the present system will once they have manipulated the table 1 into the preset position be released so that manual manipulation of the patient support surface 2 may be carried out. Usually x-ray measures 17 are provided with a light beam indication a cross which cross in turn indicates where the centre of the x-ray emits will be positioned relative to the patient. The pre- positioning carried out by the computer of the patient support table 1 in relation to the other equipment in figure 5 illustrated as an x-ray imaging apparatus may therefore roughly preposition the cross in relation to the patient in the most optimal manner, but due to the variation in sizes of patients a manual fine adjustment may be necessary in order to be able to create the images desired. Therefore, by releasing the motor's en- gagement with the manipulation means and thereby allowing for free manual manipulation the cross may be positioned in the most precise manner.

In order to further improve the usability of the present apparatus a reposition mecha- nism may be provided as illustrated with reference to figures 6 and 7.

In figure 6 is illustrated one example of such mechanism by schematically illustrating an exploded view of the mechanism 4 of figure 1. The mechanism is mounted on the base 3 and comprises an intermediate plate member 21 inserted between the patient support surface 2 and the top of the base member 22. Both the top 22 of the base member 3 as well as the underside of the patient support surface 2 are provided with attachments 23, 24. In figure 6 the mechanism is showed in an exploded view, but when correctly assembled the attachments 23, 24 project from the respective surfaces 2, 22 so that they will overlap the intermediate plate member 21. The intermediate plate member 21 has a size slightly smaller than the exterior dimensions of the end part overlying the member 21 of the patient support surface 2 and the top of the base 3. In this manner the attachments 23, 24 which are provided on corresponding sides of the upper and lower surfaces 2, 22 will overlap the intermediate member 21. On the intermediate member 21 a resilient or flexible wire or the like 25 is arranged around the periphery of the intermediate member 21. On the wire 25 is arranged notches 26, 27 which notches project enough from the periphery of the member 21 in order to engage the attachments 23, 24 provided on the patient support surface 2 and base member 3's top surface 22. By rotating the wire around the periphery of the intermediate plate member 21 the notches 26, 27 will engage and push the attachments 23, 24 and thereby move the patient support surface relative to the base 3. In the actual embodiment of the invention implemented into the patient support table a number of guide rails and stops have been arranged between the patient support table, the intermediate plate member and the top of the base 22, but in order to visualize the self-centering mechanism and for clarity's sake these guide rails have been left out in the illustra- tions depicting the principle as illustrated in figures 6 and 7. Turning to figure 7 a plain view of the mechanism is illustrated. Dashed lines illustrate the patient support table surface 2 and the top of the base 22. The intermediate member 21 is illustrated as being surrounded along its periphery by the wire member.

It may therefore in the figure be seen that attachments 23 and 24 are arranged on corresponding sides of the underside of the patient support surface 22 respectively the top of the base 22. The notches 26, 27 correspond to the number of attachments so that a substantially uniform and linear engagement will occur on either side of the device. In order to drive the wire 25 the wire is looped around a drive wheel 28 so that by rotat- ing the drive wheel 28 as indicated by the arrow 29 the patient support table's support surface 2 may be brought into a reference position. This aspect is important in order to utilize the detection system detecting the position of the support surface 2 in relation to the base 3 so that any pre-programmed imaging positions may be achieved simply by ordering the computer to move the patient support surface 2 into the desired posi- tion relative to the fixed base position.

Although reference above has been made to step and DC motors it is clear that the inventive concept of the present invention is not to be limited to these devices. Any type of motor, preferably electrical, may be implemented in the system and the devices without departing from the underlying inventive concept.

The invention has now been explained above with reference to a specific embodiment, but the scope of protection should not be limited to the very specific examples mentioned above, but should only be limited by the scope of protection as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. Patient support table for use in particular during patient examinations involving a detector and an emitter, such as for example an X-ray emitter and a corresponding x- ray detector, wherein the table comprises a single height adjustable base and an elongated support surface wherein the substantially vertically height adjustment is carried out along a Z-axis, and that perpendicular to this axis, a substantially horizontal plane is defined by two perpendicular axis, an X-axis and Y-axis respectively, and that connection means between the support surface and the base are provided whereby the support surface may be translated in the direction of the X-axis and Y-axis, characterised in that the means for performing all movements are coupled/connected to registering means, such as a for example a potentiometer and/or inclinometer, whereby the relative displacement of the support surface relative to the base may be registered and used as input for a computer in order to determine the exact location of the support surface, where said information may be used as input for the control and manipulation of other equipment such as a detector plate, x-ray emitter and the like.

2. Support table according to claim 1 characterised in that the support surface is fastened to the base adjacent one end of the elongated surface.

3. Support table according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the connection means comprises means for inclining the surface of the support table relative to the X and/or Y axis, where the X-axis is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the elongated support surface, such that when the support surface is rotated about an axis parallel to the Y-axis of the support surface the angle which the surface is inclined from horizontal may be +90° to -90° more preferably +90° to -30° or -90° to +30° and when the support surface is rotated about an axis parallel to the X-axis of the support surface the angle which the surface is inclined from horizontal may be +10° to -10° more preferably +5° to -5°.

4. Support table according to claim 3, wherein the means for providing and controlling the inclination about the y-axis comprises a plate member having a half-circle shaped periphery wherein teeth are arranged along the periphery, and an axis of rotation ar- ranged perpendicular to the plane of the plate member, and proximate the periphery of said plate member, and that a toothed wheel, having an axis of rotation parallel to the plate members axis of rotation, and teeth intermeshing with the teeth provided on the plate member, such that by rotating the toothed wheel, the support surfacewill rotate correspondingly.

5. Support table according to any preceding claim wherein the support surface may be rotated about the Z-axis.

6. Support table according to claim 1 wherein the movements of the support surface along the X- and/or Y-axis are facilitated by linear telescoping rail(s) or rails and carriages, and optionally one or more electric motor(s), preferably step or DC motor(s) propelling the support surface relative to the base.

7. Support table according to any preceding claim wherein a foot support may be fastened to the support surface in either end of the elongated support surface, for supporting a patient, when the support surface is in its inclined position.

8. Support table according to any preceding claim wherein releasable locking means are provided for maintaining the support surface in its desired position, where said means may be mechanical or a combination of mechanical and electrical means.

9. Support table according to claim 8, wherein the moveable parts, such as support surface, detector plate, x-ray emitter and the like, are provided with proximity sensors in order to detect the presence of objects, equipment and/or patients, and where said registration may be used as input for the control of relative movements between the moveable parts.

10. Support table according to any preceding claim wherein a self-centring mechanism is provided, which mechanism is electrical, such that activation of the self-centring mechanism, causes an electrical motor to interact with the patient support surface and the base where input from the registering means is used in order to determine the relative position of the different elements of the patient support table, and a pre-defined rest position is stored in an associated memory in the electrical means, such that the electrical motor is activated in order to bring the support surface from the registered position into the rest position.

11. Support table according to any of claims 1 to 9wherein a self-centring mechanism is provided, which mechanism is electrical-mechanical wherein the self-centring mechanism comprises an intermediate plate member interposed between the base and the patient support surface, where the base is provided with at least one upstanding attachment along two parallel sides of said base and the patient support surface on the underside is provided with at least one downwards projecting attachment, and where the intermediate plate member has a dimension fitting inside the attachments and that the attachments of the base and the support surface overlap, a flexible member arranged along the periphery of the intermediate member, where said flexible member can rotate around the periphery in response to activation of a motor, and where notches are attached to the flexible member, which notches engages and moves the attachments, and thereby moves the patient support surface relative to the base.