Cleaning Device for a Tomography Apparatus Having an Examination Tunnel and Tomography Apparatus

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention is an automated cleaning device designed for the internal tunnel of medical tomography machines, especially MRI scanners. The device features a nozzle arrangement that sprays cleaning or disinfecting liquid onto the tunnel's interior surface and may include a wiping mechanism that follows the spraying to ensure thorough cleaning. It is controlled and moved along the tunnel automatically, minimizing manual labor and avoiding safety risks in high magnetic fields.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Routine disinfection of MRI or CT scanner tunnels in hospitals and clinics
• Rapid cleaning between patient examinations to improve hygiene and workflow
• Minimized need for cleaning staff to enter restrictive or hazardous environments, particularly within MRI machines
• Integration into new tomographic equipment to enable scheduled self-cleaning cycles
• Deployment during health crises (such as pandemics) to maintain strict hygiene standards
• Retrofitting existing tomography devices with automated in-tunnel cleaning solutions

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Improved patient safety by ensuring consistent, thorough disinfection of surfaces
• Reduced labor and time required for cleaning, increasing scanner availability and throughput
• Minimized exposure of staff to strong magnetic fields, enhancing occupational safety
• More reliable and repeatable cleaning compared to manual methods
• Potentially lower infection transmission risk due to more frequent and automated cleaning
• Adaptable to different tunnel geometries and cleaning protocols

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning device (10) for a tomography apparatus (1), in particular an MRT apparatus, having an examination tunnel (4). This cleaning device (10) has a nozzle arrangement (12) for applying a liquid cleaning agent to a tunnel inner face (8) directed toward the tunnel axis, a holding device which is designed to hold the nozzle arrangement (12), parallel to the tunnel axis and movably along the examination tunnel (4), on a structural unit (6) of the tomography apparatus (1), and a control unit (18) which, in the intended cleaning mode, is configured to predefine the application of the cleaning agent according to the movement of the nozzle arrangement (12).