초록 ▼

A thermal output device for heating therapeutic ultrasound transducer heads. Typically, a plastic non-conductive housing or case is provided a cutout receptacle which houses a molded tray insert to accommodate insertion therein of various shapes and sizes of ultrasound head transducers. The case is

A thermal output device for heating therapeutic ultrasound transducer heads. Typically, a plastic non-conductive housing or case is provided a cutout receptacle which houses a molded tray insert to accommodate insertion therein of various shapes and sizes of ultrasound head transducers. The case is either wall mountable or may safely rest on a horizontal table or shelf. No connection is made either functionally or operationally to the ultrasound unit when it is in operation. The heating element consists in an insulated nichrome wire-wafer type element which is fixed in the receptacle bottom or bed. The element is regulated by an on/off switch and a trimmer component to control heating of the element. Provision is made in the invention to handle various sized and shaped ultrasound transducer instruments. The heating element does not directly contact the patient or the ultrasound head, while it's output is maximized (for safety) at about 5 watts. A thermocouple feedback loop and a temperature display are provided as a higher end option in production of the invention.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A stand-alone thermal unit for warming a portion of a body-contacting instrument comprising, in combination:a non-conductive case having a saddle shape defined by elevated front and rear ends with a lower ridge therebetween, a circular depression disposed proximately cent

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A stand-alone thermal unit for warming a portion of a body-contacting instrument comprising, in combination:a non-conductive case having a saddle shape defined by elevated front and rear ends with a lower ridge therebetween, a circular depression disposed proximately central of said ridge and a manually height-adjustable col member disposed in an uppermost portion of at least one of said ends; andan electrical heating element comprising a nichrome filament sandwiched between two mica wafers and disposed in said depression, said heating element connected to a power control circuit contained within said case and which is operable by a manual control means included therein.