Forklift, suitable for handling loads in a nuclear medicine department

Abstract

The present invention relates to a forklift truck, particularly suitable for handling loads in a nuclear medicine department, for example shielded containers, which forklift truck comprises a chassis which is equipped with: - a base provided with rolling means, - a tool, suitable for gripping said load, - maneuvering means, suitable for maneuvering said tool at height. Figure for abstract: 1

Description

Title of the invention: Forklift, suitable for handling loads in a nuclear medicine department Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of forklifts, particularly suitable for handling loads in a nuclear medicine department. State of the art

[0002] In the field of nuclear medicine, the handling of shielded containers constitutes a significant constraint for operators.

[0003] Several times a week, or even several times a day, operators are in fact required to carry these containers which can weigh around 20 kg.

[0004] Conventional, often manual, manipulations require considerable effort from operators (with risks of MSDs) and can present safety risks, particularly with regard to exposure to radiation.

[0005] There is therefore a need for a technical solution to optimally meet the needs of nuclear medicine professionals. Presentation of the invention

[0006] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawback of the state of the art, the present invention proposes a forklift truck, suitable for handling loads in a nuclear medicine department, for example shielded containers,

[0007] which forklift comprises a chassis which is equipped with:

[0008] - a base provided with rolling means,

[0009] - a tool, suitable for gripping said load,

[0010] - maneuvering means, adapted to maneuvering said tool at height (for example on a height stroke ranging from 500 to 1000 mm).

[0011] Other non-limiting and advantageous characteristics of the product according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are the following:

[0012] - said tool is secured to said operating means by means of a connection removable, forming an interchangeable tool;

[0013] - said operating means comprise an arrow (length dimension going by example of 200 to 700 mm), also called “crosspiece”, comprising a front end receiving said tool, so as to move said tool away from an operator;

[0014] - said chassis is equipped with a handle, suitable for moving said trolley elevator by an operator; preferably, said handle also constitutes a control interface for controlling the maneuvering means, for example by pi- voting around a horizontal rotation axis to move said tool in height;

[0015] - said chassis is equipped with a radiation protection screen, for example opaque, translucent or transparent, interposed between said tool (and where applicable the shielded container) and said operator (where applicable said handle); said radiation protection screen comprises a lower vertical panel (for example along an upright, also called a “mast” or “post”) extended by an upper inclined panel (for example overlying said upright) which is inclined towards said tool;

[0016] - the operating means comprise an amount on the height of which is placed said tool, for example via said boom (said boom is movable in translation over the height of said upright); preferably, said base comprises two front arms, extending from the upright and towards the tool, each equipped with a caster, and two rear arms, extending from the upright and away from the tool, said front arms being longer than said rear arms;

[0017] - the operating means comprise at least one electric motor member associated with an electrical source, advantageously interchangeable.

[0018] Of course, the various features, variants and embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other in various combinations to the extent that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. Detailed description of the invention

[0019] Furthermore, various other characteristics of the invention emerge from the appended description given with reference to the drawings which illustrate non-limiting forms of embodiment of the invention and where:

[0020] [Fig-1] is a general and perspective view of the forklift according to the invention;

[0021] [Fig.2] is a view of the rear face of the forklift truck according to the invention, side operator;

[0022] [Fig.3] is a view of the front face of the forklift truck according to the invention, side charge ;

[0023] [Fig.4] is a side view of the forklift according to the invention;

[0024] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of the forklift truck according to the invention, equipped of an interchangeable clamp for gripping by the strap;

[0025] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of the forklift truck according to the invention, during a loading under the worktop drawer;

[0026] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of the forklift truck according to the invention, equipped an interchangeable clamp for gripping by the handle in a flycase;

[0027] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of the forklift truck according to the invention, equipped with a plateau ;

[0028] [Fig.9] is a perspective view of the forklift according to the invention, illustrating its tool storage store;

[0029] [Fig. 10] is a perspective view of the forklift truck according to the invention, equipped with an interchangeable clamp for gripping by the handle.

[0030] It should be noted that, in these figures, the structural and / or functional elements common to the different variants may have the same references.

[0031] The present invention relates to a forklift truck, preferably motorized and advantageously ergonomic.

[0032] The forklift according to the invention is advantageously designed to avoid the handling of heavy loads during essential uses in a nuclear medicine department: unpacking, transporting and placing shielded containers in equipment for preparing radiopharmaceutical drugs.

[0033] The forklift according to the invention assists the user in particular when loading / unloading shielded containers. The main containers are Technetium 99m generators and FDG multi-dose pots.

[0034] This forklift truck assists the operator throughout the generator loading / unloading chain. This forklift truck is adapted to each generator, and its associated packaging, in order to manage unpacking and loading while limiting the carrying of the load.

[0035] By “armored containers” we include for example:

[0036] - generators, for example Tekcis, UTK - Ultra-TechneKow, Monrol, and

[0037] - shielded pots, for example AAA, Cyclopharma, Posisafe®).

[0038] By “preparation equipment” we mean, for example, the Ea-sypharma Compact® shielded enclosure or the Posijet® injector-preparer.

[0039] The forklift according to the invention is versatile, being compatible with a wide range of interchangeable quick-attach tools in order to adapt to the different needs and uses of the services.

[0040] By “tool”, we include for example and without limitation:

[0041] - a multipurpose tray for transporting nuclear medicine accessories,

[0042] - a clamp for installing generators in preparation chambers used in nuclear medicine,

[0043] - a tool for placing pots in preparation equipment.

[0044] Preferably, the tool is movable over a vertical stroke which is delimited by two end positions:

[0045] - a lower end position, close to the ground, and

[0046] - an upper end position, at a distance from the ground.

[0047] The tool can be maneuvered into various intermediate positions, between these two end-of-travel positions, to carry out the unpacking, transport and positioning of the armored container.

[0048] The tool is advantageously carried by an arrow, also called a “crossbar”, advantageously movable in height.

[0049] This arrow is useful for moving the shielded container away from the operator and for inserting this shielded container into an enclosure.

[0050] Preferably, said arrow has two ends:

[0051] - a front end, carrying the tool, and

[0052] - a rear end, cooperating with an upright to together form a gallows.

[0053] The arrow is preferably movable in translation along the height of the upright.

[0054] The upright advantageously comprises a carriage, movable in translation on said upright, and intended to receive the arrow.

[0055] A storage space in the internal part is advantageously available in order to have access to all interchangeable tools at hand.

[0056] Furthermore, the chassis is advantageously made of stainless steel, allowing better resistance over time and simple and rapid maintenance.

[0057] The forklift is advantageously compact and easy to use.

[0058] It aims to minimize the efforts made by operators, while facilitating and securing the installation of generators in nuclear medicine enclosures.

[0059] Preferably, the forklift according to the invention also offers optimal radiation protection to operators throughout the maneuver.

[0060] The forklift preferably has a lifting capacity of 20 to 50 kg, equipped with an anti-crushing system, supported by a rechargeable battery.

[0061] The battery is preferably powerful enough to provide several lifts per charge.

[0062] The forklift preferably offers the flexibility of continuous operation thanks to interchangeable batteries as well as a battery charge indicator.

[0063] The great maneuverability of its system allows it to easily dock with preparation equipment, making the transfer of generators and armored pots both easy and quick.

[0064] Generally speaking, the forklift according to the invention combines:

[0065] - assistance with the transport of parcels,

[0066] - assistance with unpacking,

[0067] - assistance with loading,

[0068] - compatible with all generators,

[0069] - compatible with FDG pots,

[0070] - radioprotected,

[0071] - height adjustment.

[0072] Of course, various other modifications can be made to the invention in within the framework of the annexed claims.

Claims

Claims

1. Forklift truck, suitable for handling loads in a nuclear medicine department, for example shielded containers, which forklift truck comprises a chassis which is equipped with: - a base provided with rolling means, - a tool, suitable for gripping said load, - maneuvering means, suitable for maneuvering said tool at height (for example over a height travel ranging from 500 to 1,000 mm).

2. Forklift according to claim 1, characterized in that said tool is secured to said operating means by means of a removable connection, forming an interchangeable tool.

3. Forklift truck according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said maneuvering means comprise an arrow, advantageously horizontal, also called a "side member" or "cross member" (length dimension ranging for example from 200 to 700 mm) comprising a front end receiving said tool, so as to move said tool away from an operator.

4. Forklift truck according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said chassis is equipped with a handle, suitable for moving said forklift truck by an operator.

5. Forklift truck according to claim 4, characterized in that said handle also constitutes a control interface for controlling the maneuvering means, for example by pivoting around a horizontal rotation axis to move said tool in height.

6. Forklift truck according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said chassis is equipped with a radiation protection screen, for example opaque or translucent, intended to be interposed between said tool and said operator (where appropriate said handle).

7. Forklift according to claim 6, characterized in that said radiation protection screen comprises a lower vertical panel (for example along an upright) extended by an upper inclined panel (for example overlying said upright) which is inclined towards said tool.

8. Forklift according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the maneuvering means comprise an upright on the height of which said tool is placed, for example via a trolley equipped with said boom (said boom is movable in translation along the height of said upright).

9. Forklift truck according to claim 8, characterized in that said base comprises: - two front arms, extending from the upright and towards the tool, each equipped with a castor, and - two rear arms, extending from the upright and away from the tool, said front arms being longer than said rear arms.

10. Forklift truck according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating means comprise at least one electric motor member associated with an electrical source, advantageously interchangeable.

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