Patent ID: 6565050
Filing Date: 2003-05-20
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An apparatus for top supporting a medical imaging transceiver from an elevated position comprising:a medical device of the type having a medical device cable coupled thereto; a medical device adapter, adapted and configured for coupling with and retaining therein said medical device; a patient physical support device; a vertically adjustable support structure disposed above said patient physical support device; the support structure coupled to said medical device adapter and further adapted and configured to maintain support, from a first elevated position, of said medical device adapter in a second elevated position without continuous human intervention, where said second elevated position is lower than said first elevated position; said support structure is adapted and configured to allow for repositioning of said medical device adapter to a third elevated position and for maintaining support, from said first elevated position, of said medical device adapter in said third elevated position without human intervention; wherein a first to second separation distance existing between said first elevated position and said second elevated position is different from a first to third separation distance existing between said first elevated position and said third elevated position; said support structure further having cable supports which are adapted and configured to retain said medical device cable in a location other than in a variably sized zone; where said variably sized zone is defined: at a highest extent by a lowest portion of said medical device; at a lowest extent by a patient supporting surface; and at lateral edges by vertical planes extending upward from a periphery of said patient supporting surface; wherein said medical device is a medical imaging transceiver; said medical device adapter is a medical imaging transceiver adapter and said medical device cable is a medical imaging transceiver power and signal cable; said support structure supports said medical imaging transceiver adapter in a suspended configuration, where said medical imaging transceiver adapter is suspended by a support line from above; and wherein said medical device is a medical imaging transceiver which emits a signal and receives an echo of the signal, and determines a distance to an object by a time delay between emission of said signal and receipt of said echo.