Patent Application
20050006155
This invention relates to a transport system, which is specially designed to transport a mobile CT scanner.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,845,914 discloses a portable suspension system for highly sensitive equipment. This system is designed for transporting such equipment as an excimer laser device from one location to another, and will allow it to be secured in a truck van.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,398,986 discloses a mobile laser surgical center. This center is incorporated into a large truck van and is not designed to transport a discrete piece of equipment inside a hospital or a doctor's office.
One object of the present invention is to provide a special purpose transport system which is joystick driven.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a special purpose transport system which allows for incremental user controlled movements across various terrains (asphalt, cement, carpeting, vinyl, etc.).
Another object of the present invention is to provide a special purpose transport system which allows the operator to control its speed and function and to maneuver around obstacles, negotiate ADA specification ramps and hallways.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a special purpose transport system which allows the operator to lower it to the floor and provide a stable platform from which to utilize the CT scanner.
Frequently, the need arises to move diagnostic equipment from one location in a hospital or clinic to another. Such equipment is extremely delicate and susceptible to shocks during motion. In addition, once the diagnostic equipment is at its new location, it is desirable to provide it with a stable platform. The present invention achieves these objects with a special purpose transport vehicel having pneumatic lift devices which allow three modes of operation: position, scan, and drive. Electric motors provide forward, reverse, and turning motion during the drive mode.
In accordance with the present invention,
Prior to operation, the user ensures joystick knob 320 is in the center (neutral) position. Key switch 230 is turned to the “ON” position. The user further ensures that operator variable speed control knob 330 is turned fully counterclockwise prior to pressing on/off button 340. Circuitry contained within electronics cabinet 200 performs a system self-check, after which status indicator lamp 345 turns on solid green, and electrical power is supplied to all components. If a fault exists in the system, status indicator lamp 345 will flash a code. User documentation provides information as to the nature of the fault, based on the flashing code.
Drive mode is selected by placing drive system mode switch 210 in the “DRIVE” position. This energizes main air compressor 140, which pressurizes air reservoir 145. Constant air pressure is maintained in air reservoir 145 by means of a Main Compressor pressure switch (
Air reservoir 145 supplies air to drive air springs 60, which lower drive wheels 90 and 110, as well as lowering transport casters 40, raising the transport system from the floor. The user moves joystick knob 320 in the desired direction of motion. If greater or lesser speed is desired, the user may turn operator variable speed control knob 330 in the appropriate direction. Joystick motion applies electrical power to right drive motor 120 and/or left drive motor (not shown). Motor rotation is applied to right axle 95 by means of right drive chain 100. Right axle 95 is secured by axle bearing 80. In a similar manner, the left drive motor applies power to left drive wheel 110. Turning is accomplished by user motion of the joystick, which applies differential power to the drive motors, causing the unit to turn. Releasing joystick knob 320 at any time causes the transport system to stop. If no joystick movement is detected for seven or more seconds, a stand-by mode of operation is entered. To resume movement, press on/off button 340. During movement, shock isolation is provided to the CT scanner by means of shock absorbers 30 and pneumatic cushioning inherent in drive air springs 60.
The second mode of operation is known as position mode, which allows manual movement of the transport system for precise positioning in confined areas and during patient treatment. Moving drive system mode switch 210 to “POSITION” allows air from air reservior 145 to be routed to position caster air springs 20, lowering position casters 50. The transport system can then be moved in any direction by manual means.
The third mode of operation is known as scan mode, and is the only mode recommended for use of the diagnostic equipment. Moving drive system mode switch 210 to SCAN deflates all air springs, lowering the transport system so that it rests on the floor, providing a stable platform.
In the event of loss of electrical power, the user may press emergency only wheel position switch 260, which routes air from air reservoir 145 to position caster air springs 20, lowering position casters 50. The transport system can then be moved in any direction by manual means.
In the event of a main air compressor 140 or air reservoir 145 failure, backup air compressor 130 will provide air pressure to position caster air springs 20, lowering position casters 50 and allowing manual movement of the transport system.
All system electrical components are protected by 50 amp circuit breaker 250. Electronics cabinet 200 also contains a cord reel and a battery charger (not shown), which are used to maintain a charge on the system battery. Battery charge indicator 240 informs the user of the status of the battery charge.
