Patent ID: 8270563
Filing Date: 2012-09-18
Classification: A61B,F16C

Abstract:
1. A diagnostic scanning apparatus comprising: an annular rotor configured to be rotated about a rotational axis, the rotor having (i) a hollow interior sized to receive a patient, (ii) a longitudinal length less than its diameter and (iii) a magnetically-permeable material disposed on or proximal to an outer circumference of the rotor, a radiation source affixed to the rotor so as to rotate therewith, at least one non-magnetic bearing disposed around the outer circumference of the rotor, and a magnetic bearing system configured to influence the position of the rotor in three-dimensional space and including at least three actuators configured to generate a magnetic field that interacts with the magnetically-permeable material of the rotor, wherein: at least one lift actuator generates a force for lifting the rotor in a vertical direction, at least one radial actuator influences the position of the rotor in the radial direction of the rotor and at least assists in maintaining an annular gap between the rotor and the at least one non-magnetic bearing in a radial direction of the rotor while the rotor is rotating under control of the magnetic bearing system, and at least one axial actuator influences the position of the rotor in an axial direction of the rotor.