Patent ID: 7180978
Filing Date: 2007-02-20
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An x-ray mammography system, comprising: a C-arm including a first portion having a distal segment extending in a first direction substantially parallel to a rotation axis of the C-arm, and a second portion having a distal segment extending in the first direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis, wherein both of the first and the second portions of the C-arm can be rotated independently about the rotation axis; an x-ray tube mounted on the distal segment of the first portion of the C-arm; and a compressor-Bucky assembly mounted on the distal segment ofthe second portion of the C-arm facing the x-ray tube; and a stand supporting a casement, wherein the first portion of the C-arm is mounted for rotation on a first set of bearings in the casement and the second portion of the C-arm is mounted for rotation on a second set of bearings in the casement, wherein the first portion of the C-arm includes a tubular base and the first set of bearings are located between the base of the first portion and the casement, and the second portion of the C-arm includes a base coaxially received within the tubular base of the first portion and the second set of bearings are located between the base of the first portion and the base of the second portion.