Torsional support apparatus and method for craniocaudal rotation of animals
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for imaging an animal having a craniocaudal axis, comprising:
- an elongated flexible film for supporting such an animal in a position with its craniocaudal axis transverse to an axis of elongation of the elongated flexible film;
a forming mechanism for limning the elongated flexible film into an upwardly open, U-shaped loop, the loop being sized for receiving and engaging such an animal;
a moving mechanism for moving the elongated flexible film in a direction of the axis of elongation while maintaining the U-shaped loop, whereby movement of the elongated flexible film applies torsion to such an animal so that it is rotated about its craniocaudal axis; and
an imaging system for imaging such an animal at various angles of craniocaudal rotation.
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Abstract
A torsional support apparatus is disclosed for craniocaudal rotation of test animals to enable multiple-view imaging. The animal is supported in a U-shaped loop of optically transparent material and the loop is moved to apply torsion to the animal to rotate it about its craniocaudal axis. Methods of imaging also are disclosed that use the torsional support technique.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. Apparatus for imaging an animal having a craniocaudal axis, comprising:
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an elongated flexible film for supporting such an animal in a position with its craniocaudal axis transverse to an axis of elongation of the elongated flexible film; a forming mechanism for limning the elongated flexible film into an upwardly open, U-shaped loop, the loop being sized for receiving and engaging such an animal; a moving mechanism for moving the elongated flexible film in a direction of the axis of elongation while maintaining the U-shaped loop, whereby movement of the elongated flexible film applies torsion to such an animal so that it is rotated about its craniocaudal axis; and an imaging system for imaging such an animal at various angles of craniocaudal rotation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for imaging an animal having a craniocaudal axis, comprising:
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providing an elongated flexible film having an axis of elongation and longitudinally extending edges; forming the elongated flexible film into an upwardly open, U-shaped loop, the loop being sized for receiving and engaging the animal; supporting the animal in the U-shaped loop with the craniocaudal axis transverse to the axis of elongation; moving the elongated flexible film in a direction of the axis of elongation while maintaining the U-shaped loop, whereby torsion is applied to the animal so that it is rotated to various angles about the craniocaudal axis; and imaging the animal at various angles of craniocaudal rotation. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification