Arm having an end movable in translation, and therapeutic treatment apparatus constituting an application thereof
First Claim
1. A positioning device for use in three dimensional positioning of a support having an instrument for use with a therapeutic treatment apparatus, the device comprising a stand, at least one substantially rigid arm having a first end and a second end, a first hinge means for securing the first end to said stand for movement about at least one hinge axis, a second hinge means for securing said support to the second end of said at least one arm for movement about at least one hinge axis, and means for moving said support in translation relative to the second end of said at least one arm for enabling said instrument to be moved in translation relative to said second end of said at least one arm.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A positioning device for positioning an instrument in three dimensions, the device comprising at least one arm which is essentially rigid having a first end and a second end, the second end being hinged relative to a support stand via at least one hinge axis, and said instrument being mounted on a support which is connected to the second end of the arm via at least one hinge axis, wherein said instrument comprises an exploration probe and said support for the instrument comprises a device for motion in translation enabling the instrument comprising the exploration probe to be moved in translation relative to the second end of the arm, making it possible to perform exploration for each of the translation positions. The invention enables the instrument at the end of the positioning device to be moved in translation, thereby providing a maximum amount of freedom for positioning the instrument in three dimensions and facilitating locating operations, particularly in the context of transrectal echographic location, this being particularly useful for therapeutic treatment of the prostate.
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Citations
20 Claims
- 1. A positioning device for use in three dimensional positioning of a support having an instrument for use with a therapeutic treatment apparatus, the device comprising a stand, at least one substantially rigid arm having a first end and a second end, a first hinge means for securing the first end to said stand for movement about at least one hinge axis, a second hinge means for securing said support to the second end of said at least one arm for movement about at least one hinge axis, and means for moving said support in translation relative to the second end of said at least one arm for enabling said instrument to be moved in translation relative to said second end of said at least one arm.
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18. In combination:
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a therapeutic treatment apparatus; and a positioning device for use in three dimensional positioning of a support for carrying an instrument connected to the therapeutic treatment apparatus, said positioning device comprising; a stand, at least one substantially rigid arm having a first end and a second end; a first hinge means for securing the first end to said stand for movement about at least one hinge axis; a second hinge means for securing said support to the second end of said at least one arm for movement about at least one hinge axis; and means for moving said support in translation relative to the second end of said at least one arm for enabling said instrument to be moved in translation relative to said second end of said at least one arm. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification