초록 ▼

An ultrasonic prostate probe assembly is disclosed, characterized by the ultrasonic transducer being carried upon a gimbal cup which is rotatably mounted to the probe assembly to allow selection of multiple sector scan directions during operation of the probe. The transducer is pivoted via a spring

An ultrasonic prostate probe assembly is disclosed, characterized by the ultrasonic transducer being carried upon a gimbal cup which is rotatably mounted to the probe assembly to allow selection of multiple sector scan directions during operation of the probe. The transducer is pivoted via a spring biased cable linkage connected to a linear motor having an electric coil as the reciprocating moving member. Selective rotation of the gimbal cup is effectuated by manipulation of an additional cable linkage extending axially through the probe assembly. The use of multiple sector scan directions allows improved identification and sizing of problematic body tissue in applications such as prostate applications where space constraints prevent manipulation of the probe into differing scanning positions.

대표청구항 ▼

An ultrasonic probe assembly comprising: a housing; ultrasonic transducer means pivotally disposed within said housing for generating and receiving ultrasonic waves; means coupled to said ultrasonic transducer means for defining a scanning axis therefore motor means for generating a reciprocating mo

An ultrasonic probe assembly comprising: a housing; ultrasonic transducer means pivotally disposed within said housing for generating and receiving ultrasonic waves; means coupled to said ultrasonic transducer means for defining a scanning axis therefore motor means for generating a reciprocating motion for pivoting said transducer means about said scanning axis; means for biasing said transducer means in a first pivotal direction about said scanning axis; a flexible linkage extending between said motor means and said transducer means for translating reciprocal motion of said motor means to pivotal motion of said transducer means about said scanning axis; and means for selectively rotating said means for defining a scanning axis to enable pivoting of said transducer means in multiple scanning directions within said housing.