Patent ID: 7134786
Filing Date: 2006-11-14
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An examination table for selectively providing x-ray densitometry comprising: a fixed horizontal table having a longitudinally opposed head end and a foot end, the table including a pedestal supporting a table top that is x-ray transmissive over at least a portion of the head end of the table; a support arm attached to the table and movable between a first position having a first end in cantilevered transverse extension over the table top and a stowed second position with the first end substantially removed from overhanging obstruction of the table top to allow access to a patient lying on the table top; an x-ray source and x-ray detector attached, one on a first mounting at the first end of the arm and one on a second mounting within the head end of the table in substantial vertical opposition to the first mounting when the arm is in the first position, the x-ray source and x-ray detector cooperating to generate dual energy x-ray signals indicating x-ray attenuation at two x-ray energies along an axis through the patient lying on the table top when the arm is in the first position, the x-ray source and x-ray detector being substantially offset from opposition in the second position; processing electronics for receiving the dual energy x-ray signals to reconstruct data related to at least one of two basis materials of the patient; and wherein the foot end of the table includes: (i) a step attached to the pedestal to extend from and retract into the pedestal with a longitudinal sliding motion; (ii) a table extension section slidably extending longitudinally from and retracting longitudinally into a remainder of the table top; (iii) foot stirrups slidably extending longitudinally from and retracting longitudinally into a remainder of the table top; and (iv) at least one drawer extending longitudinally from and retracting longitudinally into the pedestal.