Emergency stop assembly for MRI scanner

Abstract

An apparatus for an imaging scanner, such as an MRI scanner, to position an emergency stop assembly on the scanner. The scanner includes a front cover having an inner surface and an outer surface. The receiving plate is mounted to an inner surface of the front cover. The locking bracket is coupled to the emergency stop assembly. A locking bracket is positioned on the receiving plate and rotates relative to the receiving plate to move between a release position and a locking position. The locking bracket includes an engagement flange that is received and retained in the receiving slot of the receiving plate. A locking assembly is positioned adjacent the receiving plate and is operable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the locking assembly prevents the locking bracket from moving away from the locked position. A method for mounting an emergency stop assembly to an imaging scanner is provided.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This disclosure relates in its entirety to an emergency stop assembly for an MRI scanner. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a mounting device for removably mounting the emergency stop assembly onto the MRI scanner without having to completely remove the front cover of the MRI scanner.

[0002] MRI scanners consist of very large, powerful magnet assemblies. Therefore, MRI scanners are required to include an emergency stop component that can be activated by the user to immediately interrupt power to the magnets in the event of any problem requiring immediate intervention. Currently available MRI scanners include an emergency stop button that extends through a portion of the scanner's front cover at one or more locations, allowing the user to quickly access the button as needed during an MRI procedure.

[0003] To remove or replace the emergency stop assembly, users typically have to remove the entire front cover or a significant portion of its frame from the MRI scanner. Recently, there has been a growing desire to create an MRI scanner with a one-piece front cover to improve its overall aesthetics. Because one-piece front covers can be very large, heavy, and therefore difficult to remove, an improved method and system for mounting the emergency stop assembly on the MRI scanner is needed. This mounting must present the emergency stop assembly's stop button to clinicians in a manner similar to currently available MRI scanners.

[0004] The inventors recognized the need for a system and method for installing an emergency stop assembly that allows the assembly to be installed and removed without removing the entire front cover of an MRI scanner. This disclosure provides an improved system and method for installing an emergency stop assembly onto the inner surface of a front cover during replacement or initial installation without removing the entire front cover. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This summary is provided to introduce a series of concepts that will be further described in the detailed embodiments below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to help limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] In one embodiment of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided for an imaging scanner such as an MRI or CT scanner, the imaging scanner having an integral front cover including an outer surface and an inner surface, and one or more displays. The apparatus includes a receiver plate securely attached to the inner surface of the front cover. When the front cover is mounted to the outer housing of the imaging scanner, a user can access the receiver plate. The receiver plate includes a plurality of receiver slots spaced around its outer periphery. The apparatus also includes an emergency stop assembly configured to communicate with controls of the imaging scanner. The emergency stop assembly includes a stop button operable to initiate an emergency stop procedure. The emergency stop assembly including the stop button allows a user to initiate a stop procedure externally relative to the front cover of the imaging scanner.

[0007] The device also includes a locking bracket coupled to the emergency stop assembly. The locking bracket is designed to be received by a receiving plate, allowing the emergency stop assembly to be mounted onto the receiving plate. The locking bracket is configured to rotate relative to the fixed receiving plate between a release position and a locked position. In the locked position, the emergency stop assembly is held in place on the receiving plate, and in the release position, the emergency stop assembly can be removed from the inner surface of the front cover. The locking bracket includes multiple engagement flanges, each of which is received and held by the receiving plate when the locking bracket is rotated to the locked position. The receiving plate includes multiple receiving slots, each sized to receive one of the engagement flanges on the locking bracket when it is rotated to the locked position.

[0008] In one embodiment, the device includes a locking assembly positioned adjacent to a receiving plate and operable to engage a locking bracket to prevent rotation of the locking bracket from a locked position. When the locking assembly is in a disengaged position, the locking bracket is rotatable relative to the fixed receiving plate, allowing the locking bracket to move to a released position. Therefore, the locking assembly is movable between the engaged and disengaged positions to control the ability to remove the locking bracket from the receiving plate mounted to the inner surface of the front cover.

[0009] In addition to multiple engaging flanges, the locking bracket may also include at least one locking arm. The locking assembly is positioned to engage the locking arm when the locking assembly is in the engaged position to prevent the locking bracket from rotating from the locked position. In one exemplary embodiment, the locking arm includes a tab that hangs from the locking arm. When the locking bracket is in the locked position, the tab is positioned adjacent to the locking assembly. In one exemplary embodiment, the locking assembly includes a retaining screw received in the tab to prevent rotation of the locking bracket.

[0010] In another embodiment of this disclosure, an imaging scanner, such as an MRI or CT scanner, is provided, comprising a front cover having an outer surface and an inner surface. The imaging scanner may include one or more displays that are visible and accessible from the outer surface of the front cover. A receiver plate is securely attached to the inner surface of the front cover and is accessible without removing the entire front cover of the imaging scanner. The receiver plate includes a plurality of receiver slots spaced equidistantly around the receiver plate. The imaging scanner also includes an emergency stop assembly configured to communicate with controls of the imaging scanner. The emergency stop assembly includes a stop button that can be operated by a user to initiate an emergency stop procedure.

[0011] The imaging scanner also includes a locking bracket coupled to the emergency stop assembly. The locking bracket is designed to be removably received by a receiving plate, allowing the locking bracket to be used to mount the emergency stop assembly to the inner surface of the front cover, and specifically to the receiving plate. The locking bracket is configured to rotate relative to the fixed receiving plate between a released position and a locked position. The locking bracket includes multiple engagement flanges, each of which is received and held by the receiving plate when the locking bracket is rotated to the locked position. The receiving plate includes multiple receiving slots, each sized to receive one of the engagement flanges on the locking bracket when the locking bracket is in the locked position.

[0012] In one embodiment, the imaging scanner further includes a locking assembly positioned adjacent to the receiver plate. The locking assembly is operable between engaged positions in which it engages a locking bracket to prevent rotation of the locking bracket from the locked position. When the locking assembly is in a disengaged position, the locking bracket is rotatable relative to the fixed receiver plate, allowing it to be removed from contact with the receiver plate.

[0013] In addition to the engagement flange, the locking bracket may also include at least one locking arm. When the locking assembly is in the engaged position, the locking assembly engages the locking arm to prevent the locking bracket from rotating. In one exemplary embodiment, the locking arm includes a tab, and the locking assembly includes a retaining screw received in the tab to prevent the locking bracket from rotating.

[0014] This disclosure also relates to a method of mounting an emergency stop assembly, including a stop button, to an imaging scanner such as an MRI scanner, the imaging scanner including a front cover having an outer surface and an inner surface. The front cover of the MRI scanner is a one-piece component and is mounted to the outer housing of the MRI scanner. The MRI scanner may include one or more displays and an internal control system for controlling the operation of the MRI scanner in a known manner. The method includes the step of first attaching a receiver plate to the inner surface of the front cover. The receiver plate is located at a position on the inner surface of the front cover such that it can be accessed without removing the entire front cover. A locking bracket is mounted to the emergency stop assembly before mounting the emergency stop assembly to the MRI scanner.

[0015] Once the locking bracket is installed on the emergency stop assembly, the emergency stop assembly is positioned behind the front cover and contacts the receiving plate mounted to the inner surface of the front cover. Once in this position, the emergency stop assembly and the locking bracket rotate to a locked position, in which the locking bracket engages the receiving plate to hold the emergency stop assembly on the receiving plate.

[0016] During the mounting of the receiving plate onto the inner surface of the front cover, the receiving plate is aligned with an access opening in the front cover. When the locking bracket is received by the receiving plate, the stop button of the emergency stop assembly extends into the access opening formed in the front cover and is accessible from the outer surface. In one exemplary embodiment, the locking assembly is mounted and attached to the inner surface of the front cover adjacent to the receiving plate. The locking assembly is operable to move to an engaged position, in which the locking assembly engages the locking bracket to prevent the locking bracket from rotating away from the locked position. When the locking assembly moves to a disengaged position, the locking bracket is released and can rotate away from the locked position to a released position. The locking bracket is configured to include at least one locking arm, and the locking assembly engages the locking arm to prevent the locking bracket from rotating. The locking arm may include a tab engaged by a retaining screw of the locking assembly.

[0017] With the locking bracket and emergency stop assembly in place on the receiver plate, rotation of the locking bracket in a first direction moves it to the locked position, while rotation in the opposite second direction moves it to the released position. Prior to installing the emergency stop assembly, the MRI scanner's display is removed to allow access to the receiver plate, which is mounted to the inner surface of the MRI scanner's front cover.

[0018] Various other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] This disclosure is described with reference to the following figures.

[0020] Figure 1This is a front perspective view of an MRI scanner according to this disclosure;

[0021] Figure 2 This is an enlarged view of the location of the emergency stop button on a conventional MRI scanner;

[0022] Figure 3 This is an enlarged view showing the location of the emergency stop button on the MRI scanner disclosed herein;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a view showing the removal of the display and shield to allow access to the receiver plate mounted on the inner surface of the front cover of the MRI scanner;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a rear view showing the front cover where the receiver plate is installed;

[0025] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An enlarged view of the receiver plate shown;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a top view of the emergency stop assembly with the locking bracket installed;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a side view of the emergency stop assembly with the locking bracket installed;

[0028] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the emergency stop assembly and locking bracket;

[0029] Figure 10 This is a view of the emergency stop assembly and locking bracket relative to the receiving plate in the released position;

[0030] Figure 11 This is a view of the emergency stop assembly and locking bracket in the locked position relative to the receiving board, with the locking assembly disengaged; and

[0031] Figure 12 This is a view of the emergency stop assembly and locking bracket in the locked position relative to the receiving plate, with the locking assembly engaged. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The inventors have recognized several problems with mounting emergency stop components on MRI scanners that include a large, heavy, and therefore difficult-to-remove, time-consuming, one-piece front cover. When the emergency stop component needs to be removed and replaced, or during the initial assembly of the MRI scanner, the inner surface of the front cover is difficult to access without removing the entire front cover from the MRI scanner housing. In prior art MRI scanners, the emergency stop component is typically mounted somewhere behind the front cover or a removable frame portion of the front cover. This disclosure was developed by the inventors to improve the mounting and access of the emergency stop component by mounting a receiving plate to the inner surface of the front cover and designing the receiving plate to receive the emergency stop component and lock the emergency stop component in a locked position. Although this disclosure illustrates the use of a receiving plate and locking bracket to mount the emergency stop component on the front cover of an MRI scanner, this disclosure can also be used with other imaging scanners, such as CT scanners, that have large, difficult-to-remove front covers. The terms imaging scanner, MRI scanner, and CT scanner will be used throughout this disclosure to refer to imaging scanners from which the subject matter of this disclosure may be utilized.

[0033] Figure 1 An MRI scanner 10 constructed according to this disclosure is shown. The MRI scanner 10 includes a main housing 12 surrounding a magnet, gradient coil, and radio frequency coil. The MRI scanner 10 includes a central aperture 14 that allows access to the interior of the scanner 10 for receiving a patient being scanned. A patient examination table 16 is movable in and out of the central aperture 14 to position the patient correctly during the scanning procedure.

[0034] The MRI scanner 10 of this disclosure includes a front cover 18 that provides the desired appearance for the entire scanner 10. The front cover 18 has a central opening aligned with a central aperture 14, allowing a patient to pass through it. In the illustrated embodiment, the front cover 18 is a single piece of material removed from the housing 12 as a single component. Due to the relatively large size and considerable weight of the front cover 18, removing the one-piece front cover 18 from the main housing 12 can require more than one person and is both difficult and time-consuming. Although this disclosure shows a front cover for an MRI scanner, it can also be used with other types of imaging scanners, such as CT scanners, that have large, difficult-to-remove front covers. The term MRI scanner will be used throughout the disclosure; however, it should be understood that the concepts of this disclosure can be used with other types of imaging scanners, such as CT scanners, which are not specifically shown in the figures.

[0035] Figure 1The front cover 18 shown supports a pair of displays 20 that present scan information to a clinician using the MRI scanner 10 and allow the clinician to control various operating parameters that enable the clinician to perform MRI procedures. In the illustrated embodiment, a control panel with a series of control buttons 22 is located below each of the displays 20 to allow the clinician to input commands and select options related to the operation of the MRI scanner 10. Both the displays 20 and the control panel buttons 22 are included as part of a shield 24, which is mounted in a recessed access area formed as part of the front cover 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the displays 20 and the control panel including the series of buttons 22 are located on either side of a central opening 14, allowing the clinician to operate the MRI scanner 10 from either side of the central opening 14. It is conceivable that some MRI scanners 10 may include only one display 20 and only a single control panel including the buttons 22.

[0036] Due to the operational nature of the MRI scanner 10, the MRI scanner 10 needs to include an emergency stop button 26, which a clinician can press to immediately interrupt power supply to the internal magnets of the MRI scanner 10. The emergency stop button 26 is formed as part of a larger emergency stop assembly. When the emergency stop button 26 is pressed, the emergency stop assembly immediately communicates with the internal operating system of the MRI scanner 10. The internal operating system of the MRI scanner is designed to immediately disconnect power from the magnets of the MRI scanner 10 and initiate other emergency procedures when the emergency stop button 26 is pressed. The details of the emergency procedures taken when the emergency stop button 26 is pressed can vary depending on the specific MRI scanner 10 and are known to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, in different types of imaging scanners such as CT scanners, the emergency stop assembly communicates with the internal operating system of the imaging scanner, allowing the operating system to take emergency actions when the emergency stop button 26 is pressed.

[0037] Figure 2 A prior art MRI scanner is shown for comparison with the MRI scanner 10 of this disclosure. Figure 2The prior art MRI scanner shown includes a large front bezel 28 positioned in an open area of ​​a prior art front cover 30. In prior art embodiments, the front bezel 28 supports various hardware components, such as a display 32, a control panel 34, and control buttons 36. An emergency stop button 38 extends into an access hole 40 formed in the front bezel 28. The emergency stop button 38 is slightly recessed (approximately 1 mm) from the front surface of the front cover 30 to prevent accidental pressing. In the illustrated embodiment, an emergency stop assembly including the emergency stop button 38 is mounted to the front bezel 28 or an internal frame element of the MRI scanner. In prior art embodiments, removing the front bezel 28 to access the emergency stop assembly including the emergency stop button 38 is cumbersome because the various hardware components are directly attached to the front bezel 28. The weight of the combined hardware attached to the front bezel 28 makes accessing the emergency stop assembly inconvenient and difficult. Therefore, the design of this disclosure was created to enable better access to the emergency stop assembly.

[0038] Figure 3 This is an enlarged view of an MRI scanner 10 constructed using one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, a display 20 and a control panel including control buttons 22 are located in the area of ​​the front cover including a removable shield 24. During assembly or maintenance of the MRI scanner 10, the display 20 can be removed first, and then the shield 24 can be removed from the front cover 18 to allow access to the inner surface of the front cover 18. When the display 20 and the shield 24 are removed, access is made to the space behind the front cover and the inner surface of the front cover 18.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a view of the front cover 18 with the monitor, control panel, and cover removed. With the monitor and cover removed, access area 42 is exposed. Access area 42 is recessed from the outer surface 44 of the front cover 18. Access area 42 forms an area that allows connection between the internal control system of the MRI scanner and the monitor and control panel. Access area 42 includes a side opening 46 that allows a user to reach behind the front wall 48 of the front cover 18 to access the inner surface 56 of the front wall 48. Figure 4 As shown, the front wall 48 includes an access opening 50 located near the side opening 46, allowing a user to reach the back of the front cover to access the access opening 50. The access opening 50 is sized to allow the emergency stop button to be accessed through the front wall 48, enabling the operator to press the emergency stop button if needed. As previously noted, the emergency stop button is slightly recessed from the outer surface 44 of the front cover 18 to prevent accidental pressing of the stop button.

[0040] The distance between the front wall 48 and the mounting surface 52 is sufficient to allow a user to reach behind the front wall 48 and install and / or remove the emergency stop assembly in a manner described in more detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the access area 42 includes a series of legs 54 providing support and attachment points for the display 20. When the display 20 is removed as shown, the legs 54 are positioned to allow access to the side opening 46. Although Figure 4 The access area 42 to the right of the center hole is shown, but it should be understood that the same access area is included on the other side of the center hole in the front cover 18. The access areas on the opposite sides of the front cover 18 are... Figure 4 The image shown is a mirror image of the entry area 42.

[0041] Figure 5 This is a rear view of the front cover 18, showing the inner surface 56 of the front cover 18. When the front cover 18 is mounted to the outer housing of the MRI scanner, the inner surface 56 faces the interior of the scanner, so the user cannot see or normally access this inner surface. The inner surface 56 of the front cover 18 serves as the mounting surface for the receiving plate 58 and the locking assembly 60 according to this disclosure. The receiving plate 58 and the locking assembly 60 are designed to secure and lock the emergency stop assembly in place on the inner surface 56 of the front cover 18, aligned with the access opening 50 extending through the front wall 48 of the front cover 18, as referenced. Figure 4 As shown and described. The receiving plate 58 includes a central opening 62 aligned with the access opening 50, and thus allows access to the outer surface of the front cover 18.

[0042] Figure 6 This is an enlarged view of a receiver plate 58 constructed as part of an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiver plate 58 is formed of a metallic material and is attached to an inner surface 56 via a series of connectors 64. The receiver plate 58 includes a generally planar body portion 66 having a generally circular outer edge 68. The outer edge 68 of the receiver plate 58 includes a flat side surface 70 that is generally aligned with a portion of the central opening of the front cover closest to the front cover. The receiver plate 58 includes a series of ears 72 that project and are spaced apart over the top surface 74 of the body portion 66 to define a receiving groove 73 between the ears 72 and the planar body portion 66. The series of ears 72 are equidistantly spaced around the outer periphery of the receiver plate 58, and each ear includes a leading edge surface 75. The leading edge surfaces 75 are each oriented in the same direction. The leading edge surfaces 75 define an entrance to the receiving groove 73 formed between the ears 72 and the top surface of the body portion 66. The position and size of the receiving slot 73 are set such that the receiving plate 58 can receive the emergency stop component in the manner described below.

[0043] The receiver plate 58 is designed so that it can be mounted on either side of the central opening of the front cover 18. As described above, each side of the front cover includes the same operating components, allowing the MRI scanner to be controlled and operated from either side of the central opening. This configuration is common for other types of imaging scanners such as CT scanners, where the scanner can be operated from either side of the patient. When the receiver plate 58 is used on the opposite side of the front cover, the receiver plate 58 is rotated so that the flat side surface 70 is aligned with... Figure 6 The opening faces the center in the same manner as shown.

[0044] In addition to the receiver plate 58, a locking assembly 60 is also mounted to the inner surface 56 of the front cover. The locking assembly 60 is secured to the inner surface 56 via a series of connectors 76. The locking assembly 60 is positioned adjacent to the outer edge surface 68 of the receiver plate 58 such that when the emergency stop assembly is received on the receiver plate 58, the locking assembly 60 can engage the emergency stop assembly, as will be described below. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking assembly 60 is a manually activated assembly and does not require any connection to the MRI scanner's control system. However, it is also contemplated that, in alternative embodiments, the locking assembly may be controlled by the MRI scanner's control system.

[0045] Figures 7 to 9 An emergency stop assembly 82 and a locking bracket 84 constructed according to this disclosure are shown. The emergency stop assembly 82 is a commercially available component already used in previously available imaging scanners such as MRI scanners and CT scanners to communicate the need for an emergency stop procedure. According to this disclosure, it is desirable to mount the emergency stop assembly 82 to the inner surface of the front cover of an MRI scanner and in the position shown in the foregoing figures to provide a signal to the MRI scanner when pressed, allowing the MRI scanner's control system to modify the operation of the MRI scanner.

[0046] like Figure 9As best shown in the exploded view, the emergency stop assembly 82 includes a control panel 86, a stop button 88, and a top housing 90 that engage with each other. The stop button 88 includes a flexible central portion 89 and an outer edge 91. The outer edge 91 supports the stop button 88 on the control panel 86. The flexible central portion 89 includes a symbol 93 that provides a visual cue to the user of the function of the stop button 88. Additionally, the stop button 88 is typically in a very bright color, such as red or orange, which provides another indication of the emergency stop button's function. The flexible central portion 89 is positioned above an activation plate 92, which rests on a series of switches 94 supported on the control panel 86. When the stop button 88 is supported on the control panel 86, the central portion 89 is positioned slightly higher than the activation plate 92. If force is applied to the stop button 88, the central portion 89 presses down on the activation plate 92, thereby depressing one or more of the switches 94 to signal that the stop button 88 has been pressed by the user.

[0047] The control panel 86 is connected to a communication module 96 comprising a series of communication connections 98, which allow the communication module 96, and thus the stop button 88, to communicate with the internal control system of the MRI scanner. The series of communication connections 98 can take the form of any type of plug, which can be connected to the control lines in a mating plug included as part of the MRI scanner. During the installation of the emergency stop assembly 82, the mating plug and communication connections 98 on the MRI scanner cooperate to establish a communication link between the MRI scanner and the communication module 96. Similarly, when the emergency stop assembly 82 is removed, the plug connection between the control lines of the MRI scanner is disconnected from the communication connections 98.

[0048] According to this disclosure, a locking bracket 84 is attached to an emergency stop assembly 82 to provide a mounting configuration for the emergency stop assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking bracket 84 is combined with an attachment bracket 100 to clamp the assembled emergency stop assembly 82 between two brackets 84 and 100. A series of threaded connectors 102 extend through alignment holes in the locking bracket 84, the top housing 90, and the control plate 86, and are received in receiving holes 104 in the attachment bracket 100. In this way, the locking bracket 84 is securely attached to the entire assembled emergency stop assembly 82 and is movable with the entire assembled emergency stop assembly. It is contemplated that the locking bracket 84 can be attached to the assembled emergency stop assembly in different ways. However, it is important that the locking bracket 84 is secured to the emergency stop assembly 82 and is movable with the emergency stop assembly.

[0049] Figure 7The configuration of a locking bracket 84 attached to an emergency stop assembly 82 is shown. The locking bracket 84 of this disclosure includes a generally rectangular body portion 106 having a pair of spaced-apart side edges 108 and a pair of spaced-apart end edges 110. Each of the spaced-apart side edges 108 and spaced-apart end edges 110 includes an engagement flange 112 extending through the respective edge of the body portion 106. As shown, the engagement flanges 112 are spaced apart from each other at 90° intervals around a circular stop button 88 extending through the center of the body portion 106. Each engagement flange 112 includes a receiving channel 114 extending into the engagement flange 112. The receiving channel 114 is designed to engage a support or foot to lock the engagement flange 112 in a desired position. The opening of each receiving channel 114 extends in the same direction of rotation, such that when the locking bracket 84 is rotated counterclockwise (e.g., when the bolt is rotated in a counterclockwise direction...), the bolt... Figure 7 As shown when viewed from above, a support or leg can enter the receiving channel 114, while rotating in the opposite clockwise direction will remove the support or leg from the receiving channel 114.

[0050] In addition to the engaging flange 112, the locking bracket 84 includes a pair of locking arms 116 extending from the body portion 106. The locking arms 116 extend away from the body portion 106 at two corners between the end edge 110 and the side edge 108. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking arms are positioned 180° to each other. This configuration allows the locking bracket 84 to be used on either side of the front cover. Figure 9 As best seen in the image, each of the locking arms 116 includes a tab 118 extending perpendicularly to the portion of the locking arm 116 coplanar with the body portion 106. Each tab 118 includes a threaded opening 120, the size of which is configured to receive a threaded shaft or other type of threaded connector for a cap screw. Figure 9 As shown, the locking bracket 84 includes a button opening 122 that allows the stop button 88 to extend through the body portion 106. Figure 7 As shown in the top view, even though the locking arms 116 have different lengths, a pair of tabs 118 are located at approximately the same distance from the center of the stop button 88. The position of the tabs 118 relative to the stop button 88 also allows the locking bracket 84 to be used on either side of the front cover. Once the emergency stop assembly 82 is combined with the locking bracket 84 as shown... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the assembly is ready to be mounted on an imaging scanner, such as the MRI scanner shown in the figure.

[0051] The sequence of steps for mounting the combination of locking bracket 84 and emergency stop assembly 82 onto the inner surface of the front cover of the MRI scanner will now be described. As previously mentioned, the initial step in the installation process is to attach both the receiver plate 58 and the locking assembly 60 to the inner surface 56 of the front cover 18, as follows: Figure 5 As shown. In the envisioned embodiment, one of the receiving plates 58 and one of the locking components 60 will be mounted to each side of the center hole. Once the receiving plate 58 and the locking component 60 are mounted to each side of the front cover, the receiving plate 58 is ready to receive one of the locking brackets 84 and one of the emergency stop components 82.

[0052] like Figure 4 As shown, the side opening 46 provides an area for accessing the installed receiver plate. The installer can reach into the area behind the front wall 48 and begin installing the emergency stop assembly. Figures 10 to 12 The sequence of steps required to install the emergency stop component is shown. Figure 10 In the initial position shown, a series of engagement flanges 112 are positioned away from the planar body portion 66 of the receiving plate 58. The engagement flanges 112 are positioned counterclockwise away from the leading edge 75 of each receiving slot in the receiving slot 73. Figure 10 The position shown is the fully released position of the locking bracket 84. Because the locking bracket 84 is not engaged with the receiving plate 58, it can be moved away from the receiving plate 58.

[0053] Once in this position, the locking bracket 84 and the attached emergency stop assembly 82 can move toward the receiving plate 58 until the engaging flange 112 contacts the top surface 74. In this position, when viewed from above, the entire emergency stop assembly 82 and locking bracket 84 can rotate clockwise, as... Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown. Clockwise rotation causes each engagement flange of engagement flange 112 to enter a receiving groove 73 formed between ear 72 and top surface 74 of receiving plate 58. It is conceivable that locking bracket 84 will need to be rotated approximately 10° clockwise so that each engagement flange of engagement flange 112 is received in one of the receiving grooves 73. Although not shown, receiving channels 114 included in each engagement flange of engagement flange 112 receive supports or other protrusions formed in the receiving grooves to help retain the engagement flange. Figure 11 The lock position is shown.

[0054] After the locking bracket 84 is rotated to the indicated locking position, the symbol 93 on the stop button 88 ( Figure 7The receiver plate 58 is oriented on the opposite side of the central hole such that rotating the locking bracket 84 to the locked position will also rotate the symbol 93 to the correct orientation. In this way, the locking bracket 84 and the receiver plate 58 can be used to mount one of the emergency stop components 82 to each side of the imaging scanner.

[0055] When the locking bracket 84 is in the locked position, the outer surface of the stop button 88 is slightly recessed from the outer surface of the front cover. Since the receiver plate 58 is securely mounted to the inner surface of the front cover in a position aligned with the access opening formed in the front cover, mounting the receiver plate to the front cover ensures that the stop button 88 is recessed from the outer surface by the desired distance (approximately 1 mm) to reduce the chance of the stop button being accidentally pressed.

[0056] exist Figure 11 In the position shown, locking assembly 60 is in the disengaged position. When locking assembly 60 is in the disengaged position, locking bracket 84 can rotate freely, which is required for the described initial installation steps. Figure 11 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the locking assembly 60 includes an internal hexagonal screw 124, which includes a threaded shaft 126. However, it is contemplated that the locking assembly 60 may include other elements that can be used to engage the locking bracket 84. Figure 11 In the disengaged position shown, the threaded shaft 126 is spaced apart from the tab 118, which is formed as part of the locking arm 116.

[0057] Once the stent is locked in Figure 11 In the locked position, the locking component 60 can move to the engaged position, such as... Figure 12 As shown. Specifically, the hex socket screw 124 is moved forward until the threaded shaft 126 is received in the threaded opening 120 formed in the tab 118. The cap screw 124 is then rotated until the threaded shaft 126 is securely received and held in the threaded opening 120 of the tab 118. When the locking assembly 60 is in the engaged position, the locking assembly 60 prevents any unwanted rotation of the locking bracket 84 relative to the fixed receiving plate 58. Thus, the locking assembly 60 acts as a mis-operation preventer to lock the emergency stop assembly 82 in place relative to the receiving plate 58, which is securely attached to the inner surface of the front cover.

[0058] If it is necessary to remove the emergency stop assembly 82 from the front cover, the steps described for installing the emergency stop assembly 82 are reversed. The first step in the removal sequence is to remove the display 20, the cover 24, and the components including... Figure 3 The control panel with button 22 shown. Removing the cover 24 allows access to... Figure 4The side opening 46 is shown. Once the user touches the side opening 46, the user can reach into the space behind the front wall 48 and touch the... Figure 12 The locking assembly 60 is shown in the engaged position. When the user touches the locking assembly 60, the user can rotate the cap screw 124 to disengage the threaded shaft portion 126 from the tab 118. In the illustrated and described embodiments, the locking assembly 60 is manually operated and therefore not controlled by the internal control system of the MRI scanner. This manual system is preferred but not required. It is conceivable that in other embodiments, the locking assembly 60 may be automatically controlled. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the locking assembly may include other manual engagement mechanisms besides the rotatable cap screw shown.

[0059] After the cap screw 124 disengages from the tab 118, as Figure 11 As shown, the user can rotate the emergency stop assembly 82 and the attached locking bracket 84 counterclockwise, causing the engaging flange 112 to disengage from the receiving slot 73, such as... Figure 10 As shown. In this released position, the locking bracket 84 can be moved away from the receiver plate 58, and the emergency stop assembly 82 can be completely removed. As part of the removal, the connection 98 on the communication module 96 is disconnected from the MRI scanner's control system.

[0060] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also enables those skilled in the art to perform and use the invention. Certain terms are used for the purpose of brevity, clarity, and ease of understanding. Unnecessary limitations should not be inferred from this description beyond the requirements of the prior art, as such terms are used for descriptive purposes only and are intended to be understood broadly. The patent scope of this invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that would occur to those skilled in the art. These other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have features or structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent features or structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

[0061] Unless otherwise stated or limited, the terms “installation,” “connection,” “link,” “support,” and “joint,” and their variations, are used extensively and cover both direct and indirect installation, connection, support, and jointing. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated or limited, “connection” and “joint” are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or joints. As used herein, unless otherwise limited or specified, discussions of a particular direction are provided by way of example only with respect to a particular embodiment or related illustration. For example, discussions of features such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” and “right” are generally intended only to describe the orientation of such features relative to a particular example or illustration. Accordingly, for example, a “top” feature may sometimes be positioned below a “bottom” feature (etc.), depending on the location of the element and the frame of reference. Additionally, the use of the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., is not intended to imply priority or importance, but merely to distinguish one of several similar elements or machines from another.

Claims

1. An apparatus for an imaging scanner having a front cover, the front cover having an outer surface and an inner surface, the apparatus comprising: a receiving plate attached to the inner surface of the front cover; an emergency stop assembly configured to communicate with an MRI scanner; a stop button included as part of the emergency stop assembly, the stop button operable to cause the emergency stop assembly to initiate an emergency stop procedure when activated; and a locking bracket coupled to the emergency stop assembly, wherein the locking bracket is received by the receiving plate to mount the emergency stop assembly to the inner surface of the front cover such that the stop button is accessible from the outer surface of the front cover.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the locking bracket is received by the receiving plate and is rotatable relative to the receiving plate between a release position and a locked position.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the locking bracket includes a plurality of engagement flanges, each of the plurality of engagement flanges being received and retained by the receiving plate when the locking bracket is rotated to the locked position.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the receiving plate includes a plurality of receiving slots, each of the plurality of receiving slots being sized to receive one of the plurality of engagement flanges when the locking bracket is rotated to the locked position.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a locking assembly positioned adjacent to the receiving plate and operable to engage the locking bracket to prevent rotation of the locking bracket from the locked position.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the locking bracket includes at least one locking arm extending therefrom, wherein the locking assembly engages the at least one locking arm to prevent rotation of the locking bracket.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the locking assembly includes a set screw received in a locking tab formed as part of the at least one locking arm.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the receiving plate includes a central opening sized to allow the stop button to extend through the receiving plate.

9. A method of mounting an emergency stop assembly including a stop button to an imaging scanner having a front cover and one or more display screens, the front cover having an outer surface and an inner surface, the method comprising the steps of: attaching a receiving plate to the inner surface of the front cover; mounting a locking bracket to the emergency stop assembly; positioning the emergency stop assembly including the locking bracket on the receiving plate; and rotating the emergency stop assembly and the locking bracket to a locked position such that the locking bracket engages the receiving plate to retain the emergency stop assembly on the receiving plate.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the receiving plate is aligned with an access opening in the front cover prior to attaching the receiving plate to the inner surface of the front cover. ​ 11. The method of claim 10, wherein when the emergency stop assembly and the locking bracket are in the locked position, the stop button extends into the access opening and is accessible from the outer surface of the front cover.

12. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of: positioning a locking assembly adjacent the receiving plate and operating the locking assembly to engage the locking bracket, thereby preventing the locking bracket from rotating from the locked position.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the locking bracket includes at least one locking arm and the locking assembly engages the at least one locking arm to prevent the locking bracket from rotating.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the locking assembly includes a set screw that is received in a locking tab formed as part of the at least one locking arm.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein the emergency stop assembly and the locking bracket rotate in a first direction to the locked position and in a second direction to a released position.

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