Diagnostic ultrasound system cart with variable elevation control panel

US6663569B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS NV · NL

Inventors

• Jay Wilkins · Belgrade, US
• Robert Mesaros · Bozeman, US
• Yas Matsui · Redmond, US
• Randall Dean Lord · Everett, US
• John Murkowski · Seattle, US
• William Hollman · Tucson, US
• Ulrich H. Rankers · Livermore, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 23, 2002
• Grant date: Dec 16, 2003
• Expiry date: Jun 8, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16M2200/063
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A cart-borne ultrasound system is described which includes a portable cart holding the electronic circuitry of the ultrasound system, a control panel for controlling the ultrasound system, and a display. The control panel is supported by an articulating mechanism which enables the control panel to be raised and lowered to accommodate operators of different height, and enables the control panel to move toward and away from the user to accommodate users in the sitting or standing positions. In a preferred embodiment the articulating mechanism comprises a parallelogram-shaped linkage which also maintains a constant angle of inclination of the control panel as it is raised and lowered.