Ultrasonic sweep echography and display endoscopic probe
US4605009A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 5, 1984 |
| Grant date | Aug 12, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 5, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B8/445
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The endoscopic probe, more especially for medical use, comprises a tubular member insertable in a cavity to be explored, having a flexible part ending in an endmost section able to be orientated by means of mechanical control means disposed inside the flexible section. The section carries optical illumination and image return means and an ultrasonic electro-acoustic translater. This translator comprises a fixed curved linear array of piezoelectric elements, the convexity of the curve being directed outwardly. The array is associated with an electronic circuit for energizing the elements according to a sectorial sweep sequence in an angular field overlapping with the field of view of the optical means.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.