Counterbalance assembly for diagnostic imaging equipment
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A counterbalance assembly for supporting diagnostic imaging equipment, the assembly comprising:
- a base member;
a first arm having a first end pivotally secured to the base member for selective movement relative thereto;
a mounting member secured to a second end of the first arm;
fluid biasing means operatively associated with the first arm for urging the mounting member toward a first location; and
a clutch means for selectively controlling movement and permitting one-way movement between the mounting member and the base member.
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Abstract
A counterbalance assembly (A) provides support for diagnostic imaging equipment such as an x-ray source (B). A fluid spring (F) is utilized to counteract the weight of the source and provide controlled movement of the source. A one-way clutch (100) cooperates with an arm assembly (E) that interconnects a source mounting member (D) with a base member (C) to limit movement of the arm and source. A locking assembly (112) is associated with the clutch to selectively actuate and deactuate the clutch.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A counterbalance assembly for supporting diagnostic imaging equipment, the assembly comprising:
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a base member; a first arm having a first end pivotally secured to the base member for selective movement relative thereto; a mounting member secured to a second end of the first arm; fluid biasing means operatively associated with the first arm for urging the mounting member toward a first location; and a clutch means for selectively controlling movement and permitting one-way movement between the mounting member and the base member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A counterbalance assembly for supporting diagnostic imaging equipment, the assembly comprising:
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a base member; a mounting member adapted to receive diagnostic imaging equipment; first and second arms interposed between the base member and the mounting member for varying the dimension between the base member and mounting member and maintaining a parallel relationship therebetween; fluid biasing means operatively associated with the first arm for urging the mounting member toward a first location; a clutch means interposed between the mounting member and the base member for inhibiting movement of the mounting member toward the first location; and locking means for selectively actuating the clutch means. - View Dependent Claims (10)
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11. A counterbalance assembly adapted to support diagnostic imaging equipment, the assembly comprising:
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a base member; a mounting member adapted to receive diagnostic imaging equipment; first and second arms interconnecting the base member and the mounting member, each arm having a first end pivotably secured to the base member and each arm having a second end pivotally secured to the mounting member; clutch means associated with the first arm for limiting movement between the first arm and the mounting members; and fluid biasing means operatively associated with one of the first and second arms for urging the mounting member toward a first location. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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- 19. In a portable diagnostic imaging assembly including a base member, a mounting member adapted to receive a non-invasive examination means, a four-bar linkage operatively interconnecting the base member and mounting member, and a counterbalance assembly for urging the mounting member toward and upper location, the counterbalance assembly including a fluid biasing means operatively associated with the four bar linkage and a clutch means for selectively inhibiting movement of the mounting member and associated non-examination means toward the upper location and permitting movement of the mounting member toward a lower storage position.
Specification