Multipanoramic ultrasonic probe
US5740804A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 18, 1996 |
| Grant date | Apr 21, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 18, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B8/4461
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A ultrasonic probe for use in transthoracic echocardiography to produce panoramic images of the area of interest and comprising a transducer array connected to a first and second rotating mechanism, wherein the rotating mechanisms are driven using open loop control signals. The first and second rotating mechanisms comprise first and second stepper motors to accurately rotate the transducer array through a particular scan plane and adjust the scan plane. Microstepping techniques are utilized to permit greater accuracy and control. Further, the first and second rotating mechanism comprise gear assemblies which permit the transducers to rotate through a wide angle to generate panoramic ultrasound images.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.