On-demand multiple step fluoroscope control assembly
First Claim
1. An on-demand multiple step fluoroscope control assembly adapted for use in a fluoroscope comprising means for generating x-rays, an x-ray tube for focusing the x-rays onto an area of a patient being imaged, and a fluoroscope monitor with a display screen for viewing the image captured by the fluoroscope, said control assembly comprising:
- a foot control adapted for being operatively connected to the fluoroscope and manually actuated by a foot of an operator, said foot control comprising a first step activation means for controlling activation of the x-ray generation means;
a head control adapted for being operatively connected to the fluoroscope and automatically actuated when the operator views the display screen, said head control comprising a second step activation means for controlling activation of the x-ray generation means;
whereby upon simultaneous employment of the first and second step activation means, said foot control and said head control cooperate to activate the x-ray generation means and output radiation to the patient; and
in the absence of simultaneous employment of said first and second step activation means, no radiation is output to the patient.
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Abstract
A fluoroscope includes an x-ray generator, an x-ray tube for focusing the x-rays onto an area of a patient being imaged, and a fluoroscope monitor with a display screen for viewing the image captured by the fluoroscope. An on-demand multiple step fluoroscope control assembly includes a foot control and a head control. The foot control is operatively connected to the fluoroscope and adapted for being manually actuated by a foot of an operator. The foot control defines a first step activator for controlling activation of the x-ray generator. The head control is operatively connected to the fluoroscope and adapted for being automatically actuated when the operator views the display screen. The head control defines a second step activator for controlling activation of the x-ray generator. Upon simultaneous employment of the first and second step activators, the foot control and the head control cooperate to activate the x-ray generator and output radiation to the patient. In the absence of simultaneous employment of the first and second step activators, no radiation is output to the patient.
29 Citations
8 Claims
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1. An on-demand multiple step fluoroscope control assembly adapted for use in a fluoroscope comprising means for generating x-rays, an x-ray tube for focusing the x-rays onto an area of a patient being imaged, and a fluoroscope monitor with a display screen for viewing the image captured by the fluoroscope, said control assembly comprising:
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a foot control adapted for being operatively connected to the fluoroscope and manually actuated by a foot of an operator, said foot control comprising a first step activation means for controlling activation of the x-ray generation means; a head control adapted for being operatively connected to the fluoroscope and automatically actuated when the operator views the display screen, said head control comprising a second step activation means for controlling activation of the x-ray generation means; whereby upon simultaneous employment of the first and second step activation means, said foot control and said head control cooperate to activate the x-ray generation means and output radiation to the patient; and
in the absence of simultaneous employment of said first and second step activation means, no radiation is output to the patient. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for imaging a patient using a fluoroscope comprising means for generating x-rays, said method comprising the steps of:
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actuating a foot control operatively connected to the fluoroscope; upon actuation of the foot control, simultaneously actuating a head control operatively connected to the fluoroscope; and whereby the foot control and head control cooperate to activate the x-ray generation means and output radiation to the patient, and in the absence of simultaneous actuation of the foot control and head control, no radiation is output to the patient.
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Specification