Support assembly for a tracking assembly and mounted transrectal ultrasound probe   

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/077,017, entitled “Linear Positioning Apparatus,” and having a filing date of Jun. 30, 2008 and also claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/078,164, entitled “Tracking Device to Assist 3-D and 4-D Image Guidance,” and having a filing date of Jul. 3, 2008, the entire contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention is directed to systems and methods for positioning and locating a medical instrument relative to a patient. More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus adapted to securely position a tracker assembly, which tracks 3-D locations of a supported medical device, relative to a patient.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

According to the National Cancer Institute, an estimated 234,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the United States alone this year. Of these cases, more than 27,000 deaths due to prostate cancer are expected to occur this year. Following skin cancer, statistics show that prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men.

Currently, medical professionals use a transrectal ultrasound-imaging device (TRUS) probe to acquire and guide prostate imaging and biopsy. The TRUS probe is the most widely accepted technique for prostate applications due to its simplicity, high specificity, and real time nature. In such an application, the TRUS probe may be inserted into the rectum of a patient to generate an image. Such images may be utilized to take one or more biopsies from a prostate location of interest and/or implant radioactive seeds at one or more desired locations in a brachy-therapy procedure. The TRUS probe may also be used in conjunction with other medical imaging applications, including cyrotherapy, photo-dynamic therapy, or a combination of these therapies and/or fusion-guided biopsies. With all of these applications, however, precise and repeatable TRUS probe placement and guidance is of utmost importance to achieve accurate imaging and rendering of the applicable therapy.

Prior art describes a number of methods and devices for assistance in guiding and placing the TRUS probe for imaging, biopsy, and therapy. Generally, these prior art devices utilize several mounting, stepping, and rotating devices for various commercially available TRUS probes. These tracking assemblies are typically stand-alone devices that utilize a combination of linkages and tracking mechanisms for monitoring the spatial position of a supported probe.

Such tracking assemblies are often not adapted for significant positional adjustment relative to the patient\'s body, as located on an examination table or a gurney bed. In order to “pre-fit” or “pre-position” such a tracking assembly to a patent, it has often been necessary to position the patient relative to the tracker assembly. In some instances, such limited tracker movement has impeded the accommodation of patients of varying heights and weights,

While extending the range of motion of the tracker assembly would apparently alleviate such pre-positioning difficulties, such expanded range of movement raises other difficulties. For instance, many tracking assemblies include a series of rotatively coupled armatures that allow extending and retracting the tracking assembly in one or more dimensions. To expand the range of movement of such devices, the length of the armatures would have to be increased. Considering the limited space often available in medical examination rooms, the armatures on any given tracking assembly would be prohibitively long to accommodate the movement often necessary to pre-position the tracking assembly relative to a patient.

Beyond limited space constraints, increasing armature length to achieve necessary movement may introduce an unacceptable level of distortion into the spatial tracking of the tracking assembly.

SUMMARY

The inventors of the present systems have recognized that solutions for pre-positioning a tracker assembly need not concentrate on the tracking assemblies themselves. Instead, such solutions may focus on a support and positioning device that is adapted to pre-position an entire tracking assembly relative to a patient\'s body as located on an examination table.

One aspect of the present invention provides a support assembly for vertically positioning a tracking assembly relative to a patient\'s body. As discussed above, such tracking assemblies may be utilized to position medical probes or instruments relative to patient tissue of interest. Such medical devices may include, without limitation, a TRUS probe, a biopsy needle, therapeutic devices, medical imaging devices, etc.

The support assembly includes a clamp that is adapted for connecting the assembly to a patient support structure such as an examination table or a gurney bed. In this regard, an operator may securely position the support assembly at a desired location along the edge of the examination table in an appropriate position relative to the patient\'s body. The support assembly also includes a sleeve member having one end that is interconnected to the clamp. When connected to a patient support, the sleeve member may be oriented vertically. The sleeve member at least partially houses a shaft that is selectively positionable relative to the sleeve member. One end of the shaft (e.g., a top end) extends out of the sleeve member and provides a mounting surface for connection to a tracking assembly. The shaft is operative to move between a retracted position and an extended position, thus allowing an operator to move a tracking assembly connected to the shaft vertically relative to the patient support surface and/or a patient\'s body. When the shaft is located at a desired position, for example a tracker assembly is at a desired height, the shaft may be locked in place to maintain the desired position.

In one arrangement, the support assembly includes a biasing device to assist in the movement of the shaft and supported tracking assembly. In one such arrangement, the biasing device may be a passive device. For instance, one or more springs may be compressed between a portion of the shaft and an inner portion of the sleeve. Such passive devices may assist an operator of the support assembly in manually adjusting the height of the tracking assembly connected thereto.

In another arrangement the biasing device may be an active device or an actuator. Such actuator may be utilized to controllably move the shaft between fully disposed and fully exposed positions relative to the sleeve member. Such actuators may include mechanical actuators such as, for example, cranks, gears, etc. Alternatively such actuators may be electromechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic. In such arrangements, the sleeve and shaft may be formed of a hydraulic/pneumatic cylinder. Further, it will be appreciated that the actuator could use a combination of these technologies.

In a further arrangement, the sleeve member may be moveably coupled to the clamp such that the sleeve member can be moved relative to the clamp. This may allow an operator to move the tracking assembly relative to the width of the examination table or gurney bed. In such an arrangement, the support assembly may provide four degrees of freedom (DOF) for selectively positioning the tracking assembly relative to a patient, including longitudinal motion along the length of the gurney bed, vertical motion up and down, transverse motion relative to the width of the gurney bed, and rotational motion about a vertical axis (e.g., about the shaft).

In another arrangement, rotational motion about a vertical axis may be achieved by rotatively coupling the shaft to the sleeve member. In such an arrangement, the top end of the shaft may fixably coupled to the tracking assembly through the mounting surface, such that the tracking assembly and the shaft rotate together about the vertical reference axis defined by the shaft. Alternately, the mounting surface may be rotatively coupled to the tracking assembly through a surface bearing, while the shaft is held angularly fixed. In this arrangement, the tracking assembly may rotate relative to the shaft. In a further arrangement, the mounting surface may be rotatively coupled to the shaft, which may be angularly fixed.

In yet another arrangement, movement of the support assembly may be locked into place at desired positions in relation to any degree of freedom of the support assembly. This may allow an operator to securely pre-position the attached tracking assembly prior to performing a medical procedure. For instance, the support assembly may include locking mechanisms to secure the support assembly (and thus the supported tracking assembly) at a desired longitudinal position along the length of the gurney bed, at a desired position relative to the width of the gurney bed, and at a desired vertical height and angular position. These locking mechanisms may be manual, electromagnetic, hydraulic, pneumatic, or utilize a combination of these technologies. Further, such locking mechanisms may permit hands-free operation. In such an arrangement, the user may utilize a remote switch to actuate one or all of the locking mechanisms. In one particular arrangement, a foot pedal is utilized to actuate and/or release the various locking mechanisms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a transrectal ultrasound imaging probe as applied to perform prostate imaging, biopsy, or other therapy.

FIG. 2 illustrates use of a tracking assembly to position an ultrasound imaging prove to perform prostate imaging, biopsy, or other therapy.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a support assembly connected to a patient support structure and interconnected with a tracking assembly.

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of the support assembly shown in FIG. 3 in a retracted position.

FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of the support assembly shown in FIG. 3 in an extended position.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side plan view of another embodiment of a support assembly adapted to be positioned on the floor.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of a vertical tower assembly for use with the support assembly shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of a horizontal linkage for use with the support assembly shown in FIG. 5

FIG. 8A illustrates a top plan view of the support assembly shown in FIG. 5 in an extended position.

FIG. 8B illustrates a top plan view of the support assembly shown in FIG. 5 in a retracted position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which assist in illustrating the various pertinent features of the present disclosure. This disclosure primarily describes the present invention in conjunction with transrectal ultrasound imaging for prostate imaging. That said, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that aspects of the present invention may be applicable to other medical imaging applications. For example, other embodiments of the present invention may be used in conjunction with brachy-therapy, cyrotherapy, photo-dynamic therapy, a combination of these therapies, fusion-guided biopsies, as well as other imaging and therapy applications. In this regard, the following description is presented for purposes of illustration and description only.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, one embodiment of the present invention may be adapted to fixedly position a tracking assembly for mounting a trans-rectal ultrasound (TRUS) probe or biopsy needle for medical imaging, biopsy, or other therapy. The support assembly of the present invention may interface with a tracking assembly such that a supported TRUS probe achieves target scanning of an area of interest within the prostate.

FIG. 1 illustrates a TRUS probe 10 being utilized to obtain a plurality of two-dimensional ultrasound images of the prostate 12. As shown, the probe 10 may be operative to automatically scan an area of interest. In such an arrangement, a user may rotate the acquisition end 14 of probe 10 over an area of interest. Accordingly, probe 10 may acquire a plurality of individual images while being rotated over the area of interest. In any arrangement, probe 10 may also include a biopsy gun (not shown) that may be attached to probe 10. Such a biopsy gun may include a spring driven needle that is operative to obtain a core from desired area within the prostate.

For imaging purposes, it is desirable to minimize relative movement between the probe 10 and the prostrate 12 (i.e., wobble or any other rotational movement of the probe about a fixed axis for image acquisition). It is also often desirable for probe 10 to remain fixed relative to the prostrate 12 during biopsy or other treatment procedures such that the desired tissue locations may be targeted accurately. To achieve such fixed positioning of probe 10, it is often desirable to interface the probe 10 with a tracking assembly 100, as shown in FIG. 2. Tracking assembly 100 maintains probe 10 in a fixed relative position to the prostate 12 as well as providing location information (e.g., frame of reference information) for use with an acquired image. In this regard, location outputs from tracking assembly 100 may be supplied to a computer and/or imaging device. Likewise, the output of the probe 10 may be provided to the computer and/or imaging device, and the computer and/or imaging device may utilize this information to produce an output (e.g., display) of imaged object (e.g., prostate).

The present invention may be used to position and fixably support various tracking assemblies of the type discussed above. One exemplary device is set forth in International Application Number PCT/CA2007/001076, entitled Apparatus for Guiding a Medical Tool. Another is set forth in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/850,482, entitled Tracker Holder Assembly, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference. Specifically, apparatuses are described that may be utilized to securely position such tracking devices and probe assemblies relative a patient support surface such as a gurney bed. Further, the apparatuses allow for movement of a supported tracking assembly in one or more degrees of freedom (DOF) so that a probe/medical device supported by the tracking assembly can be positioned in a desired position relative to a patient.

As previously discussed, oftentimes it is desirable to position a tracking assembly relative to a patient in a limited space environment such as a medical examination room, which may require a compact positioning/support assembly. The overall design and installation of one embodiment of such a compact support assembly 1, as attached to a gurney bed, is illustrated in FIG. 3. As shown, the support assembly 1 is securely clamped on to a gurney bed using a moveable jaw 11. A tracking assembly 100 is connected to the top of the support assembly. The support assembly 1 securely connects the tracking assembly 100 and supported probe to the gurney bed while allowing for selective positioning of the tracking assembly relative to the patient in one or more dimensions.

Specifically, the support assembly allows for selectively positioning the tracking assembly with multiple degrees of freedom (DOF) prior to initiating a medical procedure. As shown, and more fully discussed herein, the design allows for longitudinal motion along the length of the gurney bed, transverse motion relative to the width of the gurney bed (e.g., towards and away from a patient) as well as vertical up and down motion. For instance, it may be desirable to adjust the elevation of the supported tracking assembly along a vertical axis of the support assembly such that a probe supported by the tracking assembly is disposed relative to a centerline of a patient on a support surface. Once in such a position, the limited movement of the tracker assembly is typically sufficient for any further vertical adjustment relative to the patient. Finally, the support assembly allows for rotational motion of the tracking assembly about a vertical axis. In this regard, the support assembly 1 provides four degrees of freedom for selectively positioning the tracker assembly. Once an operator positions the support assembly in a desired location, the support assembly may be locked in place and a medical procedure may be performed.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4A-B, support assembly 1 comprises a clamp assembly 23 for securely mounting support assembly 1 at a desired location along an edge 15 of the patient support structure 13 which defines a reference axis XX′. As shown, the clamp assembly 23 includes a body 27 having a top/base surface 25 and a movable jaw 11. In use, the top surface of the body is positioned below a frame of patient support structure 13 and the jaw 11 is disposed on an opposing side of the frame. Prior to advancing the jaw 11 relative to the base surface of the clamp assembly, an operator may move support assembly 1 along axis XX′ to position the support assembly 1 relative to a patient. Once positioned at a desired location along the patient support structure 13, the jaw may be advanced relative to the base surface 25 of the clamp assembly 23 to compress the frame between the jaw 11 and base surface 25. The jaw 11 is adjusted vertically relative to the base surface 25 by releasing the mechanical friction lock 19. Once the frame of the patient support structure 13 has been compressed between the jaw 11 and the base surface 25, the friction lock 19 can be used to secure the clamping device at that particular position.

Safety lock 21 ensures that support assembly 1 remains fastened to patient support structure 13 as an operator moves support assembly 1 along axis XX′. As shown in FIGS. 4A-B, safety lock 21 is an L-shaped locking mechanism that comprises a tab 42 that extends toward jaw 11. Tab 42 is adapted to slip fit with the underside lip 41 (FIG. 3) of the frame of the patient support structure 13. In addition, safety lock 21 is slidably engaged within a slot 29 such that safety lock 21 may be adjusted to engage patient support structures of varying frame widths. In this embodiment, safety lock 21 ensures that support assembly 1 remains engaged with the underside lip 41 of the patient support structure 13 when the operator loosens the clamp assembly 23 to move support assembly 1 along axis XX′.

Once the frame is compressed between the jaw 11 and base surface 25 of the clamp assembly 23, the support assembly 1 may be secured via a mechanical friction lock 19. In the present embodiment, the clamp locking mechanism is a mechanical lock comprising a set screw (not shown) that extends though a threaded aperture in the base member of the clamp assembly 23 to engage the jaw 11. This locks the jaw relative to the clamp body 27. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the mechanical friction lock 19 may be manual, electromechanical, electromagnetic, hydraulic, pneumatic, or any combination of these technologies.

As shown in greater detail in FIG. 4A-B, support assembly 1 further comprises a hollow sleeve member 16 having a first end 18 and a second end 20. The first end 18 of sleeve member 16 may be slidably interconnected to clamp assembly 23 via a bearing (not shown) that interfaces with a sliding member 17. As shown, the sliding member 17 is formed of a beam/strap having a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. This strap is received in a corresponding channel 40 formed in the bottom of the body 27 of the clamp assembly 23. An operator may position sliding member 17 between a fully retracted position and fully extended position along a reference axis YY′, which is perpendicular to reference axis XX′. An operator may then engage slide member locking mechanism 32 to secure sliding member 17, and thus sleeve member 16, at a desired position relative to the width of the patient support structure 13 along axis YY′. In the present embodiment, the slide member lock mechanism 32 is a set screw (not shown) that extends through a threaded aperture in the body 27 of the clamp assembly 23. When advanced, a distal tip of the set screw extends into the channel 40 and engages the sliding member 17. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that slide member locking mechanism 32 may, in other embodiments, be manual, electromechanical, electromagnetic, hydraulic, pneumatic, or any combination of these technologies.

To position an attached tracking assembly vertically relative to a patient, a shaft 22 having a top end 24 and a bottom end 26 may be disposed within sleeve member 16. When disposed within sleeve member 16, shaft 22 defines a reference axis ZZ′ (FIG. 3) that is transverse to both reference axes XX′ and YY′ (FIGS. 4A-B). In use, the sleeve member 16 is typically oriented vertically such that reference axis ZZ′ defines a vertical reference axis. The shaft 22 is linearly coupled to sleeve member 16 via a sleeve bearing (not shown) that facilitates linear movement of shaft 22 along reference axis ZZ′ between a fully retracted position (see FIG. 4A) and a fully extended position (see FIG. 4B).

In the fully retracted position, shown in FIG. 4A, the top end 24 of the shaft 22 extends minimally above the second end 20 of the sleeve member 16. When extended, the top end 24 of the shaft 22 may extend significantly above the top end of the sleeve member. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft 22 is operative to move at least five inches. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the linear movement of shaft 22 along reference axis ZZ′ may be actuated manually, electromechanically, hydraulically, pneumatically, or through any combination of these technologies. In the present embodiment, the shaft 22 is spring biased. A compression spring (not shown) may be disposed within sleeve member 16 such that the spring is operative to exert a force between the shaft 22 and the sleeve member 16. In this configuration, the spring assists an operator of the support assembly 1 in manually adjusting the height of mounted tracking assembly 100. It will be appreciated that the spring may comprise a mechanical coil or helical compression spring or it could be a gas cylinder.

To rotatively position an attached tracking assembly about reference axis ZZ′, shaft 22 may be rotatively coupled to sleeve member 16 via a surface bearing 36. The top end 24 of shaft 22 may be fixably coupled to the tracking assembly via a mounting surface 30. Specifically, a bottom side 31 of mounting surface 30 may be fixably coupled to the top end 24 of shaft 22, while a top side 33 of mounting surface 30 may be fixably coupled to tracking assembly 100 (FIG. 3) such that tracking assembly 100 and shaft 22 may rotate together about reference axis ZZ′. A shaft locking mechanism 38 may secure shaft 22 and tracking assembly 100 at a desired vertical and angular position. As discussed above, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that the shaft locking mechanism 38 may be manual, electromagnetic, electromechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or a combination of these technologies.

In an alternative embodiment, tracking assembly 100 may be rotatively coupled to mounting surface 30 via a surface bearing such that tracking assembly 100 rotates independently of, and about, shaft 22.

FIGS. 5 through 8A-B illustrate the overall design of another embodiment of a support assembly for positioning the tracking assembly 100 relative to a patient. In the embodiment shown, a support assembly 50 may be positioned on the floor or any other stable surface located next to patient support structure 13. Further, the support assembly 50 allows for achieving precise linear positioning within multiple degrees of freedom prior to initiating a medical procedure. As more fully discussed below, support assembly 50 comprises a vertical tower assembly that, with the aid of a custom linear actuator assembly, provides vertical positioning relative to the height of the patient support structure and/or the centerline of a patient. This embodiment also incorporates a robotic horizontal linkage that interfaces the supported tracking assembly and the vertical tower assembly and allows for selectively positioning the tracking assembly within the horizontal plane. In this regard, the horizontal linkage comprises two armatures that are rotatively coupled through two electromagnetic locking joints. By engaging and disengaging the electromagnetic clutches associated with the locking joints, the horizontal linkage provides rotational motion about one or both of the electromagnetic locking joints. This allows the horizontal linkage to advance and retract in the horizontal plane, providing for positioning of the supported tracking assembly and probe with a great deal of motion within an additional degree of freedom. Once an operator positions the support assembly in a desired location and locks the horizontal linkage, a supported tracker assembly is securely positioned and a medical procedure may be performed.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 through 8A-B may also provide for operator controls (e.g., push buttons and limit switches) to control the overall length of travel in both the vertical and horizontal planes to ensure operational safety and ease of use. To further ensure safety and ease of use, as well as to provide a compact and neat packaging design, the components of the support assembly 50 are configured to route and manage several wires or cables, including, for example, power cords for the tracking assembly, an associated computer and/or monitor, and network cabling.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 through 8A-B, support assembly 50 comprises a base element 52, a vertical tower assembly 60, and a horizontal linkage 90 adapted to fixably support tracking assembly 100, as shown in FIG. 5. Base element 52 and vertical tower assembly 60 are moveably coupled to a horizontal linkage 90 via a linking cuff 54.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of vertical tower assembly 60. In this embodiment, vertical tower assembly 60 comprises a vertical sleeve member 62 having a vertical slot 84, and a linear actuator assembly 64 is mounted within vertical sleeve member 62 via a top mounting block 66 and a bottom mounting block 68. The vertical slot 84 is configured to allow access for the linear actuator assembly 64 to fixably connect with the horizontal linkage 90. When connected with the linear actuator assembly 64, horizontal linkage 90 moves upward and downward vertically in conjunction with the movement of the linear actuator assembly, as detailed below.

Linear actuator assembly 64 comprises a threaded shaft 70, an actuator 72, a threaded receptacle 74, an inner sleeve member 80, two low friction sleeve bearings 76, 78, and a vertical sleeve connecting block 82. Specifically, threaded shaft 70 is rotatively suspended between top mounting block 66 and bottom mounting block 68, defining a reference axis AA′. Actuator 72 is mounted within vertical sleeve member 62 to threaded shaft 70 and is adapted to rotate threaded shaft 70 relative to threaded receptacle 74. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that actuator 72 may be an electromechanical device, such as a servo motor, or it may be manual, hydraulic, pneumatic, or a combination of these technologies. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that threaded receptacle 74 may be a nut or any other internally threaded fastener known in the art.

Threaded receptacle 74 may be coupled to inner sleeve member 80 such that when threaded shaft 70 rotates, threaded receptacle 74 and inner sleeve member 80 move between a bottom position and a top position along reference axis AA′. Low friction sleeve bearings 76, 78 may attach to inner sleeve member 80 to facilitate smooth linear motion between inner sleeve member 80 and vertical sleeve member 62. Exemplary low friction sleeve bearings may be purchased from Igus® Inc., or any other suitable bearing manufacturer as is generally known in the art.

Limit switches (not shown) are located at both ends of the linear actuator assembly 64 at the top mounting block 66 and the bottom mounting block 68. The limit switches are generally maintained in an open state. As the inner sleeve member 80 reaches its top or bottom positions, it contacts the limit switches, cutting power to the actuator 72 and providing a smooth and safe stop.

As shown in FIG. 5, a linking cuff 54 interconnects vertical tower assembly 60 with horizontal linkage 90. As discussed in greater detail below, this embodiment of horizontal linkage 90 comprises two armatures and two electromagnetic locking joints. Rotating the armatures about one or both joints allows for the compact retraction and significant extension of the armature.

Through linking cuff 54, vertical tower assembly 60 is able to move horizontal linkage 90 vertically relative to reference axis AA′, which, in turn, also moves a supported tracking assembly 100 vertically in relation to reference axis AA′. In greater detail, a proximal flange 88 of vertical sleeve connecting block 82 fixably connects to inner sleeve member 80 through vertical slot 84 within vertical sleeve member 62. At least one distal aperture 89 of vertical sleeve connecting block 82 mates with linking cuff 54, which in turn connects to horizontal linkage 90.

While the vertical tower assembly 60 allows for vertically positioning the tracking assembly 100 to a desired height (i.e, horizontal plane), the horizontal linkage 90 allows for selectively positioning the tracker assembly 100 within the horizontal plane. In this regard, the linkage 90 includes various rotatively coupled armatures that allow at least for significant in-plane movement of the distal end of the horizontal linkage, as will be discussed in greater detail below.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of horizontal linkage 90. Horizontal linkage 90 comprises a first armature 101 having a proximal end 102 and a distal end 103 and a second armature 104 having a proximal end 105 and a distal end 111. It will be appreciated that the distal end 111 of second armature 104 also forms a free distal end of horizontal linkage 90.

FIGS. 8A-B illustrate that one embodiment of horizontal linkage 90 further comprises two electromagnetic locking joints 96, 98, about which first armature 101 and second armature 104 may be rotationally adjusted to provide an expanded motion within the horizontal plane. For instance, first electromagnetic locking joint 96 may be rotated to position the distal end 111 of the second armature 104 such that it is disposed at least partially behind or beside the vertical tower assembly 60 in a collapsed position (FIG. 8B). It will be appreciated that moving the first armature 101 and second armature 104 between expanded and retracted positions, as shown in FIGS. 8A-B, respectively, gives horizontal linkage 90 a significant range of motion within the horizontal plane while taking advantage of a compact design of limited armature length.

The electromagnetic locking joints 96, 98 each comprise a joint shaft 1061-2 having a threaded top end 1081-2, respectively. Joint shaft 1061 is fixably coupled with proximal end 102 of a top surface 113 of first armature 101, and joint shaft 1062 is fixably coupled with distal end 103 of top surface 113 of first armature 101. At each electromagnetic locking joint 96, 98, an electromagnetic clutch 1141-2 and at least two surface bearings 1221-2, 1241-2 may be positioned about joint shafts 1061-2, respectively. Surface bearing 1221-2 may be press fit into machined housings 110, 112, while bearing spacers 1091-2 may be fixably positioned between surface bearings 1241-2 and housings 110, 112. Further, electromagnetic clutches 1141-2 may be affixed to housings 110, 112, such that they selectively engage and disengage joint shafts 1061-2 to control the rotational motion of first armature 101 and second armature 104 about electromagnetic locking joints 96, 98, respectively. Finally, retaining nuts 1201-2 may be tightened about the threaded top ends 1081-2 of joint shafts 1061-2 in order to compress housings 110, 112 against top surface 113 of first armature 101 such that each component of electromagnetic locking joints 96, 98 is contained within housings 110, 112.

When electromagnetic clutches 1141-2 are actuated, they engage joint shafts 1061-2 such that the free distal end 111 of horizontal linkage 90 is locked in place to maintain the supported tracking assembly 100 in a desired position. One or more operator control devices such as push buttons (not shown) may be mounted alongside the keyboard of a control computer (not shown) that is externally connected to the tracking assembly 100 to provide the electrical/electronic controls for the linear actuator and electromagnetic locking joints/clutches. It will be appreciated that these devices may also be actuated through other types of remote switches such as, for example, a foot pedal (not shown).

Housing 112 is configured to fixably couple with second armature 104. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that this, as well as all of the fixed couplings discussed above, may be accomplished via threaded fasteners, rivets, pins, welding, a press fit, an adhesive, or any other method generally known in the art. Moreover, distal end 111 of second armature 104 may be adapted to support tracking assembly 100, as shown in FIG. 5.

To assist with cable management and routing, the components of vertical tower assembly 60 and horizontal linkage 90 may be configured to allow at least one cable to pass internally through vertical tower assembly 60 and horizontal linkage 90. In greater detail, vertical sleeve member 63, top and bottom mounting blocks 66, 68, inner sleeve member 80, low friction sleeve bearings 76, 78, vertical sleeve connecting block 82, horizontal linkage connecting block 118, first armature 101, second armature 104, and joint shafts 1061-2 may be formed such that they allow for the passage of cabling.

While FIGS. 5 through 8A-B illustrate an embodiment of support assembly 50 adapted to be positioned on the floor or any other stable surface located near patient support structure 13, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that support assembly 50 may be configured to attached directly to patient support structure 13 via a clamping device or another suitable method of attachment.

The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain best modes known of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in similar or other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the present invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.