Motorized ultrasonic scanhead
US7798971B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 7, 2005 |
| Grant date | Sep 21, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 7, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B8/4281
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A motorized scanhead device is capable of rotating an array transducer through 360 degrees of angular rotation in a manner such as to provide acquisition of images in successive scanning planes arranged around the principal axis of the device. The device can be incorporated in endoscopes (e.g., transesophageal endoscopes), laparoscopes, endocavity or intracavity probes so as to provide an expanded angle of vision or to render 3D images, without the need for external movement of the device. The motorized scanhead device includes a motor that is isolated from the transducer signal interconnections in order to minimize electrical discharges associated with motor operation and to provide more room between an associated probe housing and the scanhead device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.