Probe coupler for ultrasound examination system
US6039695A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 8, 1998 |
| Grant date | Mar 21, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 8, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG10K11/004
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An ultrasound probe coupler for electrically and rotationally coupling an ultrasound probe with a probe control unit of an ultrasound examination system. The probe coupler essentially includes a tail end connector provided at the tail end of a flexible cord to be connected to the probe control unit. The tail end connector is provided with a stationary ring which is fixedly connected to a tail end portion of the flexible cord, and a rotational coupler having a series of rotary rings, including at least one electrode ring, for coupling the flexible shaft with a rotational drive means and an electrode on the part of the probe control unit. The rotational coupler further includes a rotation transmission member detachably connected to one of the rotating electrode rings and projected radially outward of the inner periphery of the stationary ring for engagement with a rotational drive member on the part of the probe control unit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.