Electrostatically driven image probe
US7972272B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 22, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jul 5, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 30, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3604
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides an imaging probe for imaging mammalian tissues and structures using high resolution imaging, including ultrasound and optical coherence tomography. The imaging probe uses electrostatic discharge for actuating a metalized cantilever which holds the end portion of imaging assembly which emits energy in the imaging probe device by holding the cantilever at a potential such that it is neither grounded or charged such that the only electrical path to ground is through a dissipative polymer forming part of the device which is enveloped by a wire or coil held at ground potential. A high voltage electrode attracts the metalized cantilever and the dissipative polymer is used to connect to the cantilever to ground causing the cantilever to move about thereby scanning the region in front of the probe.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.