Appeal 2006-3404
Application 10/601,715
Appellants’ invention relates to a system for avoiding contact between
an X-ray machine and a subject being imaged. In the words of the
Appellants:
The present technique also provides a collision avoidance
system for avoiding collision of a system component
with objects is provided. The system comprises a
collision avoidance array disposed on a face of the
system component, the collision avoidance array
comprising a plurality of plates configured to detect a
presence of objects and generate a corresponding
electrical signal. In addition, the system further
comprises a multiplexer coupled to the collision
avoidance array, the multiplexer configured to selectively
couple the plurality of plates to a sensing circuit. The
sensing circuit configured to sense the electrical signal
and generate a corresponding electric field around the
collision avoidance array to prevent the object from
colliding with the system sub-component.
(Specification 2, second paragraph).
Claim 1 is exemplary:
1. An imaging system for sensing a presence of objects near the
imaging system, the imaging system comprising:
a source configured for emitting a stream of radiation;
a detector configured for detecting a portion of radiation and
impacting a detecting face of the detector; and
a collision avoidance array disposed on the detecting face of the
detector and configured for sensing objects.
The prior art relied upon by the Examiner in rejecting the claims on
appeal is:
Klotz, Jr. US 5,651,044 Jul. 22, 1997
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