Patent ID: 6243484
Filing Date: 2001-06-05
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A non-rigid object holder assembly for use in examination of an object, said object holder assembly comprising:a support;first and second members movably mounted with respect to each other and said support;means operably connected to said first and second members for controllably moving said members with respect to each other and said support;a first resilient membrane attached to said first member and a second resilient membrane attached to said second member, said first and said second resilient membranes forming first and second inflatable components for holding the object therebetween;means operably connected to said first and said second inflatable components for controllably inflating each of said inflatable components;a source of electromagnetic radiation optically associated said inflatable components for providing a beam of light to the object;said first and said second resilient membranes and portions of both said first and second members being transparent to said electromagnetic radiation, andan optical detecting system optically aligned with said source of electromagnetic radiation for receiving said electromagnetic radiation passing through and/or being backscattered from the object.