TECHNICAL FIELD

[1] The present invention relates to a transportable computed tomography (CT) scanning system. In some preferable embodiments, the invention relates to a power supply system for a transportable CT scanning system.

BACKGROUND

[2] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge.

[3] Computed tomography (CT) is a well and widely known and used medical imaging process capable of creating a 3D image of the inside of an object.

[4] CT scanners and imaging systems require complex setups to ensure that the scanner has sufficient power but also to ensure that the operation of the scanner is safe, by way of shielding and cooling, for example. In particular, CT scanners require large quantities of electrical power in short bursts which can be difficult to source in remote and regional areas.

[5] As a result of these complex setups, it is incredibly difficult to transport CT scanners, meaning that those seeking to have a scan performed must travel to the dedicated CT scanning location. This creates significant barriers for those in regional areas whose hospitals and health services may be underserviced and do not have access to CT scanners. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[6] In an aspect, the invention provides a transportable computed tomography (CT) scanning system comprising: a transportable structure; a computed tomography (CT) scanner located on the transportable structure; and an onboard power supply system connected to the CT scanner and located on the transportable structure.

[7] Preferably, the transportable structure comprises wheels. Preferably, the transportable structure comprises one or more trailers having wheels.

[8] Preferably, the power supply system comprises: an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) connected to the CT scanner and configured to deliver power to operate the CT scanner; one or more batteries connected to the UPS.

[9] Preferably, the power supply system further comprises an isolation transformer connected to a main switchboard and the CT scanner. Preferably, the main switchboard is connected to the UPS. Preferably, the power supply system further comprises one or more general power outlets (GPOs) configured to receive electricity to recharge the one or more batteries.

[10] Preferably, the one or more batteries are rechargeable batteries.

[11] Preferably, the power supply system further comprises a solar power system connected to the one or more batteries. [12] Preferably, the transportable computed tomography (CT) scanning system further comprises an x-ray scanner located on the transportable structure. Preferably, the x-ray scanner is connected to the onboard power supply system.

[13] Preferably, the onboard power supply system further comprises a generator.

[14] In another aspect, the invention provides a transportable computed tomography (CT) scanning system comprising: a transportable structure comprising one or more trailers; a computed tomography (CT) scanner located on the transportable structure; and an onboard power supply system connected to the CT scanner and located on the transportable structure, the onboard power supply system comprising an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) connected to the CT scanner and configured to deliver power to operate the CT scanner, one or more batteries connected to the UPS, and at least one general power outlet (GPO) located on one of the one or more trailers and configured to receive electricity to recharge the one or more batteries.

[15] Preferably, the onboard power supply system is configured to supply sufficient power to the CT scanner via the UPS and one or more batteries. More preferably, the onboard power supply system is configured to only supply power to the CT scanner via the UPS and one or more batteries. Even more preferably, the onboard power supply system is configured to only supply power to the CT scanner via the UPS and one or more batteries when one or more generators are not in use or in operation.

[16] Preferably, the onboard power supply system is configured to operate in a discharge cycle and recharge cycle. Preferably, in the discharge cycle, the UPS provides power to the CT scanner. Preferably, the one or more generators are not operational during the discharge cycle. Preferably, in the recharge cycle, the one or more generators recharge the one or more batteries of the UPS. Preferably, the UPS is not providing power to the CT scanner during the recharge cycle. Preferably, only one of the recharge cycle and the discharge cycle may be performed at a time. Preferably, the recharge cycle and the discharge cycle cannot be performed simultaneously.

[17] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of operating a transportable computed tomography (CT) scanning system including the steps of: operating a computed tomography (CT) scanner located on a transportable structure, wherein the CT scanner draws sufficient power from an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) having one or more batteries.

[18] Preferably, the CT scanner is located on a transportable structure. Preferably, the transportable structure takes the form of a semi-trailer.

[19] Preferably, the method further includes the step of recharging the one or more batteries via a generator while the CT scanner is not in operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[20] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: Figure 1 is an overhead, interior view of a transportable CT scanning system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is an overhead, exterior view of the transportable CT scanning system of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a rear view of the transportable CT scanning system of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a side view of the transportable CT scanning system of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 is an block diagram of the power distribution system of the transportable CT scanning system; and

Figure 6 is an illustration of a draw profile of the transportable CT scanning system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[21] Figures 1 to 4 illustrate a transportable computed tomography (CT) scanning system 10 including a transportable structure (in the form of a first semi-trailer 100) and a computed tomography (CT) scanner 102 located on the transportable structure. The transportable CT scanning system 10 also includes an onboard power supply system (illustrated in Figure 5) connected to the CT scanner 102 and located on the transportable structure.

[22] The onboard power supply system includes an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) 104 connected to the CT scanner 102 which is configured to deliver power to operate the CT scanner 102, and a plurality of rechargeable batteries 106 connected to the UPS 104 for storing power to be delivered to the CT scanner 102 via the UPS 104. This is advantageous because the CT scanner 102 can operate even when grid or mains power is not directly or consistently available.

[23] The UPS 104 is configured to deliver sufficient power for the CT scanner 102 to operate and perform at least one scan before the batteries 106 need to be recharged. With reference to Figure 6, the load and draw profile of a CT scanner 102 over time can be seen. It will be appreciated that the CT scanner 102 requires a high amount of power (approximately 120kVa) in order to operate but this large amount of power is only required for a reasonably short amount of time (approximately 8 seconds at full power).

[24] As can be seen in the figures, the transportable structure comprises two vehicle trailers in the form of the first semi-trailer 100 and a second semi-trailer 108, each having a number of wheels 101 and the CT scanner 102 is located within the first semi-trailer 100 for transporting.

[25] The configuration of the onboard power supply system can be seen in greater detail in Figure 5, and is shown to include an isolation transformer 110 connected to a main switchboard 112 and the CT scanner 102, wherein the main switchboard 112 is connected to the UPS 104. In addition, the onboard power supply system further includes at least one general power outlet (GPO) 114 configured to receive electricity to recharge the one or more batteries 106. The GPO is, preferably, a 3-phase, 32 Amp rated inlet located on the first semi-trailer 100 and is connected to the UPS 104 and CT scanner 102 to provide power to the batteries 106. In some embodiments, the GPO 114 can provide power directly to the CT scanner 102.

[26] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 2, the power supply system also includes a solar power system 116 which can be connected to the one or more batteries 106 to recharge the batteries 106. This provides an auxiliary or supplementary recharge system for the rechargeable batteries 106, in addition to, or in the absence of, power supplied from the GPO 114 and/or the generators (described below).

[27] The illustrated embodiment also includes an optional x-ray scanner 118 located on the transportable structure. The x-ray scanner 118 is connected to and powered by the onboard power supply system.

[28] The onboard power supply system also includes a generator 120a, 120b located on each of the first semi-trailer 100 and the second semi-trailer 108 for providing power to the UPS 104 to power the CT scanner 102. The generators 120a, 120b are located remotely from the CT scanner 102 (relative to the location of the CT scanner 102 within the first semi-trailer 100) to minimise disruption and damage to the sensitive scanning equipment that can be caused by the excessive vibrations and heat generated by the generators 120a, 120b.

[29] In the first semi-trailer 100, shown in Figures 1 -4, the generator 120a located thereon is located at the rear of the first semi-trailer 100 which is relatively remote from the CT scanner 102.

[30] The second generator 120b, located in the second semi-trailer 108, is able to be connected to the first semi-trailer 100 via switchboards 124, 126 as illustrated in Figure 5, thereby completely isolating the first semi-trailer 100 and the CT scanner 102 onboard from the vibrations and heat of the second generator 120b while still providing power to the CT scanner 102 and/or the rechargeable batteries 106.

[31] Ideally, the first and second generators 120a, 120b are only in operation when the CT scanner 102 is not and thus the first and second generators 120a, 120b can be used to recharge the batteries 106 after they have been dissipated to mitigate any adverse effects from the operation of the generators 120a, 120b while the CT scanner 102 is in use. This effectively isolates the generators 120a, 120b from the CT scanner 102.

[32] In use, the onboard power supply system is configured to operate in a discharge cycle and recharge cycle. In the discharge cycle, the UPS 102 provides power to the CT scanner 102 and the generators 120a, 120b are not operational during the discharge cycle. Subsequently, in the recharge cycle, the generators 120a, 120b recharge the batteries 106 of the UPS 104 and the UPS 104 is not providing power to the CT scanner 102 during the recharge cycle. The onboard power supply system is preferably configured such that the recharge cycle and the discharge cycle cannot be performed simultaneously.

[33] The batteries 106 of the UPS 104 can also be recharged through the GPO 114. To minimise use of the generators 120a, 120b, an Auto Transfer Switch (ATS) 122 is utilised so that when mains power is available through the GPO 114, the system will prioritise drawing energy from a mains power source. However, in the absence of a mains power source, or the loss of power, the ATS 122 will switch to drawing electrical power from the generators 120a, 120b to ensure the batteries 106 are recharged.

[34] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer, component, or step, etc. [35] The above detailed description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

[36] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.

[37] The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

[38] In this specification, the terms ‘comprises’, ‘comprising’, ‘includes’, ‘including’, or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

[39] Throughout the specification and claims (if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term “substantially” or “about” will be understood to not be limited to the specific value or range qualified by the terms.