×

Method and apparatus for guiding a penetrating tool into a three-dimensional object

  • US 5,957,934 A
  • Filed: 12/22/1997
  • Issued: 09/28/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/22/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A system for directing a penetrating tool through a three-dimensional object from a known point of entry and along a desired slope of entry to a known point of interest within the object, the apparatus comprising(a) a plurality of peripheral markers suitable for placement about the periphery of the object, each peripheral marker capable of propagating a distinct signal;

  • (b) one or more internal markers suitable for placement within the object in the vicinity of the point of interest and in fixed relation thereto, each internal marker capable of propagating a distinct signal;

    (c) a receiver capable of receiving and distinguishing the signals propagated by each of said peripheral and internal markers;

    (d) a movable source of a light ray, the light ray being directable along a slope to intersect the object;

    (e) a computer means adapted to receive information relating to said signals from said receiver and able to calculate and store the location coordinates of each of said peripheral and internal markers with respect to one another, said computer means further adapted to receive the location coordinates of said light source, and to indicate whether the light ray'"'"'s point of intersection with said object and slope correspond to the known point of entry and desired slope of entry, whereby the light ray can guide a penetrating tool through the known point of entry and along the desired slope of entry to the known point of interest.

View all claims
  • 0 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×