Multiplanar probe for ultrasonic imaging
US5467779A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 18, 1994 |
| Grant date | Nov 21, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 18, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG10K11/355
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A multiplanar ultrasonic probe incorporates a mechanically rotatable linear phased transducer array. The transducer array can be remotely maneuvered to change the scan plane. A ring gear affixed to the transducer array surrounds the transducer array and is concentric with the axis of rotation. The ring gear is engaged and rotated by an indexing mechanism in incremental angular steps in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The indexing mechanism includes a ratchet mechanism displaceable along a line between first and second positions from a neutral position intermediate the first and second positions. The ratchet mechanism carries a pair of pawls, one of which engages the ring gear to cause clockwise rotation and the other of which engages the ring gear to cause counterclockwise rotation. The ratchet mechanism is displaced by actuators such as bimorphic devices, made of piezoelectric material, which bend in response to electrical pulsing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.