Low and constant pressure transducer probe for ultrasonic diagnostic system
US4237901A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 30, 1978 |
| Grant date | Dec 9, 1980 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 30, 1998 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N29/28
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A diagnostic ultrasound real time B-scanner system has an improved probe assembly for fluid coupling a movable axis transducer to a patient's body. Pressure is maintained both low and constant by means of a passive pressure compensation apparatus. The probe includes apparatus containing the transducer and a fluid medium and including a compliant subject contacting bag. Pressure exerted by the bag on a subject is a function of (1) the pressure exerted on the fluid medium and (2) the orientation of the probe, due to the shifting weight of the fluid. The passive pressure compensator apparatus includes a gravity actuated apparatus for varying the pressure on the fluid medium as a function of the spatial orientation of the probe. This pressure variation compensates for the weight of the fluid medium and stabilizes the coupling pressure on the surface of the patient's body.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.