US4246791A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ultrasonic imaging apparatus
Assignee: New York Institute of Technology
•
Filing: 1978-03-27
•
Granted: 1981-01-27
•
Expires: 1998-03-27
Abstract
Abstract A portable ultrasonic scanning module is disclosed which includes a fluid-tight enclosure having a window at about the front thereof and a reflective scanner at about the rear thereof and generally facing the window. A transducer is mounted in the enclosure frontwardly of the reflective scanner with the ultrasound-emitting face of the transducer generally facing the reflective scanner and being oriented with respect to the reflective scanner at a relatively acute angle such that the beam effectively "doubles-back" past itself during its excursion through the scanning module.
Inventors
- 👤 William E. Glenn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 06:51
CPC Classifications
G; G10; G10K; G10K11/00; G10K11/18; G10K11/26; A; A61; A61B; A61B8/00; C; C10; C10M; C10M2201/00; C10M2201/06; C10M2201/065; C10M2201/066; C10M2207/00; C10M2207/10; C10M2207/12; C10M2207/125; C10M2219/00; C10M2219/10; C10M2219/102; C10M2219/104; C10M2219/106; C10M2221/00; C10M2221/02; C10N; C10N2010/00; C10N2010/02; C10N2040/00; C10N2040/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 100
Claim 1
Independent Claim
219 words
In an apparatus for ultrasonically imaging sections of a body by transmitting ultrasonic energy in to the body and determining the characteristics of the ultrasonic energy reflected therefrom, said apparatus including timing means for generating timing signals; energizing/receiving means alternately operative in response to timing signals; and display/record means synchronized with said timing signals for displaying and/or recording image-representative signals from the energizing/receiving means; an improved portable scanning module, comprising: a fluid-tight enclosure having a window and a reflective scanner spaced from the window and generally facing the window; a transducer for converting energy from said energizing/receiving means to a beam of ultrasonic energy and for converting reflected ultrasonic energy to electrical signals, said transducer being stationarily mounted in said enclosure with the ultrasound-emitting face of the transducer generally facing said reflective scanner; said reflective scanner being pivotally mounted to scan said beam across said window in a scan path that maintains substantially constant, at a non-zero angle of less than about forty-five degrees, the angle formed between the central ray of said beam incident on said reflective scanner and the plane defined by the path of the central ray reflected from said reflective scanner during the scan; fluid means contained in said enclosure; and driving means synchronized with said timing signals for moving said scanner in periodic fashion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
219 words
In an apparatus for ultrasonically imaging sections of a body by transmitting ultrasonic energy in to the body and determining the characteristics of the ultrasonic energy reflected therefrom, said apparatus including timing means for generating timing signals; energizing/receiving means alternately operative in response to timing signals; and display/record means synchronized with said timing signals for displaying and/or recording image-representative signals from the energizing/receiving means; an improved portable scanning module, comprising: a fluid-tight enclosure having a window and a reflective scanner spaced from the window and generally facing the window; a transducer for converting energy from said energizing/receiving means to a beam of ultrasonic energy and for converting reflected ultrasonic energy to electrical signals, said transducer being stationarily mounted in said enclosure with the ultrasound-emitting face of the transducer generally facing said reflective scanner; said reflective scanner being pivotally mounted to scan said beam across said window in a scan path that maintains substantially constant, at a non-zero angle of less than about forty-five degrees, the angle formed between the central ray of said beam incident on said reflective scanner and the plane defined by the path of the central ray reflected from said reflective scanner during the scan; fluid means contained in said enclosure; and driving means synchronized with said timing signals for moving said scanner in periodic fashion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 1 wherein said angle is about thirty degrees.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 2 wherein the reflective surface of said reflective scanner includes a layer of sapphire material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 2 wherein said transducer is elongated along the direction of scanning of said beam.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 1 wherein the reflective surface of said reflective scanner includes a layer of sapphire material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 5 further comprising a focusing lens coupled to said transducer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 5 wherein said transducer is elongated along the direction of scanning of said beam.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 7 wherein said window is elongated along the direction of scanning of said beam.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 8 wherein said window is inclined at an angle with respect to the normal to the ultrasound beam incident on said window.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 1 wherein the reflective surface of said reflective scanner includes a layer of beryllium.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 1 further comprising a focusing lens coupled to said transducer.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 11 wherein said transducer is elongated along the direction of scanning of said beam.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 12 wherein said reflective scanner is elongated in the direction of elongation of the ultrasound beam incident thereon.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 13 wherein said reflective scanner is pivotally mounted in said fluid means on an axis perpendicular to its length, and wherein said driving means is operative to oscillate said reflective scanner.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 1 wherein said transducer is elongated along the direction of scanning of said beam.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
21 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 15 wherein said window is elongated along the direction of scanning of said beam.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
29 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 16 wherein said window is inclined at an angle with respect to the normal to the ultrasound beam incident on said window.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
29 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 1 wherein said window is inclined at an angle with respect to the normal to the ultrasound beam incident on said window.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
213 words
Apparatus for ultrasonically imaging sections of a body by transmitting ultrasonic energy into the body and determining the characteristics of the ultrasonic energy reflected therefrom, comprising: timing means for generating timing signals; energizing/receiving means alternately operative in response to timing signals; display/record means synchronized with said timing signals for displaying and/or recording image-representative signals from the energizing/receiving means; and a portable scanning module which includes: a fluid-tight enclosure having a window and a reflective scanner spaced from the window and facing the window; a transducer for converting energy from said energizing/receiving means to a beam of ultrasonic energy and for converting reflected ultrasonic energy to electrical signals, said transducer being stationarily mounted in said enclosure with the ultrasound-emitting face of the transducer generally facing said reflective scanner; said reflective scanner being pivotally mounted to scan said beam across said window in a scan path that maintains substantially constant, at a non-zero angle of less than about forty-five degrees, the angle formed between the central ray of said beam incident on said reflective scanner and the plane defined by the path of the central ray reflected from said reflective scanner during the scan; fluid means contained in said enclosure; and driving means synchronized with said timing signals for moving said scanner in periodic fashion.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
213 words
Apparatus for ultrasonically imaging sections of a body by transmitting ultrasonic energy into the body and determining the characteristics of the ultrasonic energy reflected therefrom, comprising: timing means for generating timing signals; energizing/receiving means alternately operative in response to timing signals; display/record means synchronized with said timing signals for displaying and/or recording image-representative signals from the energizing/receiving means; and a portable scanning module which includes: a fluid-tight enclosure having a window and a reflective scanner spaced from the window and facing the window; a transducer for converting energy from said energizing/receiving means to a beam of ultrasonic energy and for converting reflected ultrasonic energy to electrical signals, said transducer being stationarily mounted in said enclosure with the ultrasound-emitting face of the transducer generally facing said reflective scanner; said reflective scanner being pivotally mounted to scan said beam across said window in a scan path that maintains substantially constant, at a non-zero angle of less than about forty-five degrees, the angle formed between the central ray of said beam incident on said reflective scanner and the plane defined by the path of the central ray reflected from said reflective scanner during the scan; fluid means contained in said enclosure; and driving means synchronized with said timing signals for moving said scanner in periodic fashion.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 19 wherein said angle is about thirty degrees.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 20 wherein the reflective surface of said reflective scanner includes a layer of sapphire material.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 20 wherein said transducer is elongated along the direction of scanning of said beam.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 19 wherein the reflective surface of said reflective scanner includes a layer of sapphire material.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 23 further comprising a focusing lens coupled to said transducer.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 24 wherein said transducer is elongated along the direction of scanning of said beam.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 23 wherein said transducer is elongated along the direction of scanning of said beam.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 26 wherein said window is elongated along the direction of scanning of said beam.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 27 wherein said window is inclined at an angle with respect to the normal to the ultrasound beam incident on said window.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 19 wherein the reflective surface of said reflective scanner includes a layer of beryllium.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 19 further comprising a focusing lens coupled to said transducer.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 19 wherein said transducer is elongated along the direction of scanning of said beam.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 31 wherein said window is elongated along the direction of scanning of said beam.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 32 wherein said window is inclined at an angle with respect to the normal to the ultrasound beam incident on said window.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 19 wherein said window is inclined at an angle with respect to the normal to the ultrasound beam incident on said window.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
254 words
In an apparatus for ultrasonically imaging sections of a body by transmitting ultrasonic energy into the body and determining the characteristics of the ultrasonic energy reflected therefrom, said apparatus including timing means for generating timing signals; energizing/receiving means alternately operative in response to timing signals; and display/record means synchronized with said timing signals for displaying and/or recording image-representative signals from the energizing/receiving means; an improved portable scanning module, comprising: a fluid-tight enclosure having a window at about the front thereof and a reflective scanner at about the rear thereof and generally facing the window; a transducer for converting energy from said energizing/receiving means to a beam of ultrasonic energy and for converting reflected ultrasonic energy to electrical signals, said transducer being stationarily mounted in said enclosure frontwardly of said reflective scanner with the ultrasound-emitting face of said transducer facing said reflective scanner such that the entire ultrasound beam emitted by said transducer and reflected by said reflective scanner doubles back past the plane of said face of said transducer before passing through said window; said reflective scanner being pivotally mounted to scan said beam across said window in a scan path that maintains substantially constant, at a non-zero angle, the angle formed between the central ray of said beam incident on said reflective scanner and the plane defined by the path of the central ray reflected from said reflective scanner during the scan; fluid means contained in said enclosure; and driving means synchronized with said timing signals for moving said scanner in periodic fashion.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
254 words
In an apparatus for ultrasonically imaging sections of a body by transmitting ultrasonic energy into the body and determining the characteristics of the ultrasonic energy reflected therefrom, said apparatus including timing means for generating timing signals; energizing/receiving means alternately operative in response to timing signals; and display/record means synchronized with said timing signals for displaying and/or recording image-representative signals from the energizing/receiving means; an improved portable scanning module, comprising: a fluid-tight enclosure having a window at about the front thereof and a reflective scanner at about the rear thereof and generally facing the window; a transducer for converting energy from said energizing/receiving means to a beam of ultrasonic energy and for converting reflected ultrasonic energy to electrical signals, said transducer being stationarily mounted in said enclosure frontwardly of said reflective scanner with the ultrasound-emitting face of said transducer facing said reflective scanner such that the entire ultrasound beam emitted by said transducer and reflected by said reflective scanner doubles back past the plane of said face of said transducer before passing through said window; said reflective scanner being pivotally mounted to scan said beam across said window in a scan path that maintains substantially constant, at a non-zero angle, the angle formed between the central ray of said beam incident on said reflective scanner and the plane defined by the path of the central ray reflected from said reflective scanner during the scan; fluid means contained in said enclosure; and driving means synchronized with said timing signals for moving said scanner in periodic fashion.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
22 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 35 wherein the reflective surface of said reflective scanner includes a layer of sapphire material.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
17 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 36 further comprising a focusing lens coupled to said transducer.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
21 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 37 wherein said transducer is elongated along the direction of scanning of said beam.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
21 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 38 wherein said window is elongated along the direction of scanning of said beam.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
21 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 36 wherein said transducer is elongated along the direction of scanning of said beam.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
29 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 39 wherein said window is inclined at an angle with respect to the normal to the ultrasound beam incident on said window.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
17 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 35 further comprising a focusing lens coupled to said transducer.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
21 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 33 wherein said transducer is elongated along the direction of scanning of said beam.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
21 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 43 wherein said window is elongated along the direction of scanning of said beam.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
29 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 44 wherein said window is inclined at an angle with respect to the normal to the ultrasound beam incident on said window.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 43 wherein said reflective scanner is elongated in the direction of elongation of the ultrasound beam incident thereon.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 46 wherein said reflective scanner is pivotally mounted in said fluid means on an axis perpendicular to its length, and wherein said driving means is operative to oscillate said reflective scanner.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
29 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 35 wherein said window is inclined at an angle with respect to the normal to the ultrasound beam incident on said window.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
249 words
Apparatus for ultrasonically imaging sections of a body by transmitting ultrasonic energy into the body and determining the characteristics of the ultrasonic energy reflected therefrom, comprising: timing means for generating timing signals; energizing/receiving means alternately operative in response to timing signals; display/record means synchronized with said timing signals for displaying and/or recording image-representative signals from the energizing/receiving means; and a portable scanning module which includes: a fluid-tight enclosure having a window at about the front thereof and a reflective scanner spaced from the window and generally facing the window; a transducer for converting energy from said energizing/receiving means to a beam of ultrasonic energy and for converting reflected ultrasonic energy to electrical signals, said transducer being stationarily mounted in said enclosure frontwardly of said reflective scanner with the ultrasound-emitting face of said transducer facing said reflective scanner such that the entire ultrasound beam emitted by said transducer and reflected by said reflective scanner doubles back past the plane of said face of said transducer before passing through said window; said reflective scanner being pivotally mounted to scan said beam across said window in a scan path that maintains substantially constant, at a non-zero angle, the angle formed between the central ray of said beam incident on said reflective scanner and the plane defined by the path of the central ray reflected from said reflective scanner during the scan; fluid means contained in said enclosure; and driving means synchronized with said timing signals for moving said scanner in periodic fashion.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
249 words
Apparatus for ultrasonically imaging sections of a body by transmitting ultrasonic energy into the body and determining the characteristics of the ultrasonic energy reflected therefrom, comprising: timing means for generating timing signals; energizing/receiving means alternately operative in response to timing signals; display/record means synchronized with said timing signals for displaying and/or recording image-representative signals from the energizing/receiving means; and a portable scanning module which includes: a fluid-tight enclosure having a window at about the front thereof and a reflective scanner spaced from the window and generally facing the window; a transducer for converting energy from said energizing/receiving means to a beam of ultrasonic energy and for converting reflected ultrasonic energy to electrical signals, said transducer being stationarily mounted in said enclosure frontwardly of said reflective scanner with the ultrasound-emitting face of said transducer facing said reflective scanner such that the entire ultrasound beam emitted by said transducer and reflected by said reflective scanner doubles back past the plane of said face of said transducer before passing through said window; said reflective scanner being pivotally mounted to scan said beam across said window in a scan path that maintains substantially constant, at a non-zero angle, the angle formed between the central ray of said beam incident on said reflective scanner and the plane defined by the path of the central ray reflected from said reflective scanner during the scan; fluid means contained in said enclosure; and driving means synchronized with said timing signals for moving said scanner in periodic fashion.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 49 wherein the reflective surface of said reflective scanner includes a layer of sapphire material.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 50 further comprising a focusing lens coupled to said transducer.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 51 wherein said transducer is elongated along the direction of scanning of said beam.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 52 wherein said window is elongated along the direction of scanning of said beam.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 53 wherein said window is inclined at an angle with respect to the normal to the ultrasound beam incident on said window.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 50 wherein said transducer is elongated along the direction of scanning of said beam.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 49 further comprising a focusing lens coupled to said transducer.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 49 wherein said transducer is elongated along the direction of scanning of said beam.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 57 wherein said window is elongated along the direction of scanning of said beam.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 58 wherein said window is inclined at an angle with respect to the normal to the ultrasound beam incident on said window.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 49 wherein said window is inclined at an angle with respect to the normal to the ultrasound beam incident on said window.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
203 words
In an apparatus for ultrasonically imaging sections of a body by transmitting ultrasonic energy into the body and determining the characteristics of the ultrasonic energy reflected therefrom, said apparatus including timing means for generating timing signals; energizing/receiving means alternately operative in response to timing signals; and display/record means synchronized with said timing signals for displaying and/or recording image-representative signals from the energizing/receiving means; an improved portable scanning module, comprising: a fluid-tight enclosure having a window and a reflective scanner spaced from the window and generally facing the window, the reflective surface of said scanner including a layer of sapphire material; a transducer for converting energy from said energizing/receiving means to a beam of ultrasonic energy and for converting reflected ultrasonic energy to electrical signals, said transducer being mounted in said enclosure with the ultrasound-emitting face of the transducer generally facing said reflective scanner and being positioned with respect to said reflective scanner such that an ultrasound beam reflected by said reflective scanner as between said transducer and said window subtends an angle at said reflective scanner of less than about forty-five degrees; fluid means contained in said enclosure; and driving means synchronized with said timing signals for moving said scanner in periodic fashion.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
203 words
In an apparatus for ultrasonically imaging sections of a body by transmitting ultrasonic energy into the body and determining the characteristics of the ultrasonic energy reflected therefrom, said apparatus including timing means for generating timing signals; energizing/receiving means alternately operative in response to timing signals; and display/record means synchronized with said timing signals for displaying and/or recording image-representative signals from the energizing/receiving means; an improved portable scanning module, comprising: a fluid-tight enclosure having a window and a reflective scanner spaced from the window and generally facing the window, the reflective surface of said scanner including a layer of sapphire material; a transducer for converting energy from said energizing/receiving means to a beam of ultrasonic energy and for converting reflected ultrasonic energy to electrical signals, said transducer being mounted in said enclosure with the ultrasound-emitting face of the transducer generally facing said reflective scanner and being positioned with respect to said reflective scanner such that an ultrasound beam reflected by said reflective scanner as between said transducer and said window subtends an angle at said reflective scanner of less than about forty-five degrees; fluid means contained in said enclosure; and driving means synchronized with said timing signals for moving said scanner in periodic fashion.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
15 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 61 wherein said angle is about thirty degrees.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
17 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 61 further comprising a focusing lens coupled to said transducer.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
21 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 61 wherein said transducer is elongated along the direction of scanning of said beam.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
21 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 64 wherein said window is elongated along the direction of scanning of said beam.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
29 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 65 wherein said window is inclined at an angle with respect to the normal to the ultrasound beam incident on said window.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 64 wherein said reflective scanner is elongated in the direction of elongation of the ultrasound beam incident thereon.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 67 wherein said reflective scanner is pivotally mounted in said fluid means on an axis perpendicular to its length, and wherein said driving means is operative to oscillate said reflective scanner.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
202 words
In an apparatus for ultrasonically imaging sections of a body of transmitting ultrasonic energy into the body and determining the characteristics of the ultrasonic energy reflected therefrom, said apparatus including timing means for generating timing signals; energizing/receiving means alternately operative in response to timing signals; and display/record means synchronized with said timing signals for displaying and/or recording image-representative signals from the energizing/receiving means; an improved portable scanning module, comprising: a fluid-tight enclosure having a window and a reflective scanner spaced from the window and generally facing the window, the reflective surface of said scanner including a layer of beryllium; a transducer for converting energy from said energizing/receiving means to a beam of ultrasonic energy and for converting reflected ultrasonic energy to electrical signals, said transducer being mounted in said enclosure with the ultrasound-emitting face of the transducer generally facing said reflective scanner and being positioned with respect to said reflective scanner such that an ultrasound beam reflected by said reflective scanner as between said transducer and said window subtends an angle at said reflective scanner of less than about forty-five degrees; fluid means contained in said enclosure; and driving means synchronized with said timing signals for moving said scanner in periodic fashion.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
202 words
In an apparatus for ultrasonically imaging sections of a body of transmitting ultrasonic energy into the body and determining the characteristics of the ultrasonic energy reflected therefrom, said apparatus including timing means for generating timing signals; energizing/receiving means alternately operative in response to timing signals; and display/record means synchronized with said timing signals for displaying and/or recording image-representative signals from the energizing/receiving means; an improved portable scanning module, comprising: a fluid-tight enclosure having a window and a reflective scanner spaced from the window and generally facing the window, the reflective surface of said scanner including a layer of beryllium; a transducer for converting energy from said energizing/receiving means to a beam of ultrasonic energy and for converting reflected ultrasonic energy to electrical signals, said transducer being mounted in said enclosure with the ultrasound-emitting face of the transducer generally facing said reflective scanner and being positioned with respect to said reflective scanner such that an ultrasound beam reflected by said reflective scanner as between said transducer and said window subtends an angle at said reflective scanner of less than about forty-five degrees; fluid means contained in said enclosure; and driving means synchronized with said timing signals for moving said scanner in periodic fashion.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
199 words
Apparatus for ultrasonically imaging sections of a body for transmitting ultrasonic energy into the body and determining the characteristics of the ultrasonic energy reflected therefrom, comprising: timing means for generating timing signals; energizing/receiving means alternately operative in response to timing signals, display/record means synchronized with said timing signals for displaying and/or recording image-representative signals from the energizing/receiving means; and a portable scanning module which includes: a fluid-tight enclosure having a window and a reflective scanner spaced from the window and generally facing the window, the reflective surface of said scanner including a layer of sapphire material; a transducer for converting energy from said energizing/receiving means to a beam of ultrasonic energy and for converting reflected ultrasonic energy to electrical signals, said transducer being mounted in said enclosure with the ultrasound-emitting face of the transducer generally facing said reflective scanner and being positioned with respect to said reflective scanner such that an ultrasound beam reflected by said reflective scanner as between said transducer and said window subttends an angle at said reflective scanner of less than about forty-five degrees; fluid means contained in said enclosure; and driving means synchronized with said timing signals for moving said scanner in periodic fashion.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
199 words
Apparatus for ultrasonically imaging sections of a body for transmitting ultrasonic energy into the body and determining the characteristics of the ultrasonic energy reflected therefrom, comprising: timing means for generating timing signals; energizing/receiving means alternately operative in response to timing signals, display/record means synchronized with said timing signals for displaying and/or recording image-representative signals from the energizing/receiving means; and a portable scanning module which includes: a fluid-tight enclosure having a window and a reflective scanner spaced from the window and generally facing the window, the reflective surface of said scanner including a layer of sapphire material; a transducer for converting energy from said energizing/receiving means to a beam of ultrasonic energy and for converting reflected ultrasonic energy to electrical signals, said transducer being mounted in said enclosure with the ultrasound-emitting face of the transducer generally facing said reflective scanner and being positioned with respect to said reflective scanner such that an ultrasound beam reflected by said reflective scanner as between said transducer and said window subttends an angle at said reflective scanner of less than about forty-five degrees; fluid means contained in said enclosure; and driving means synchronized with said timing signals for moving said scanner in periodic fashion.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 70 wherein said angle is about thirty degrees.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 70 further comprising a focusing lens coupled to said transducer.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 70 wherein said transducer is elongated along the direction of scanning of said beam.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 73 wherein said window is elongated along the direction of scanning of said beam.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 74 wherein said window is inclined at an angle with respect to the normal to the ultrasound beam incident on said window.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
199 words
Apparatus for ultrasonically imaging sections of a body by transmitting ultrasonic energy into the body and determining the characteristics of the ultrasonic energy reflected therefrom, comprising: timing means for generating timing signals; energizing/receiving means alternately operative in response to timing signals; display/record means synchronized with said timing signals for displaying and/or recording image-representative signals from the energizing/receiving means; and a portable scanning module which includes: a fluid-tight enclosure having a window and a reflective scanner spaced from the window and generally facing the window, the reflective surface of said scanner including a layer of sapphire material; a transducer for converting energy from said energizing/receiving means to a beam of ultrasonic energy and for converting reflected ultrasonic energy to electrical signals, said transducer being mounted in said enclosure with the ultrasound-emitting face of the transducer generally facing said reflective scanner and being positioned with respect to said reflective scanner such that an ultrasound beam reflected by said reflective scanner as between said transducer and said window subtends an angle at said reflective scanner of less than about forty-five degrees; fluid means contained in said enclosure; and driving means synchronized with said timing signals for moving said scanner in periodic fashion.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
199 words
Apparatus for ultrasonically imaging sections of a body by transmitting ultrasonic energy into the body and determining the characteristics of the ultrasonic energy reflected therefrom, comprising: timing means for generating timing signals; energizing/receiving means alternately operative in response to timing signals; display/record means synchronized with said timing signals for displaying and/or recording image-representative signals from the energizing/receiving means; and a portable scanning module which includes: a fluid-tight enclosure having a window and a reflective scanner spaced from the window and generally facing the window, the reflective surface of said scanner including a layer of sapphire material; a transducer for converting energy from said energizing/receiving means to a beam of ultrasonic energy and for converting reflected ultrasonic energy to electrical signals, said transducer being mounted in said enclosure with the ultrasound-emitting face of the transducer generally facing said reflective scanner and being positioned with respect to said reflective scanner such that an ultrasound beam reflected by said reflective scanner as between said transducer and said window subtends an angle at said reflective scanner of less than about forty-five degrees; fluid means contained in said enclosure; and driving means synchronized with said timing signals for moving said scanner in periodic fashion.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
195 words
Apparatus for ultrasonically imaging sections of a body by transmitting ultrasonic energy into the body and determining the characteristics of the ultrasonic energy reflected therefrom, comprising: timing means for generating timing signals; energizing/receiving means alternately operative in response to timing signals; display/record means synchronized with said timing signals for displaying and/or recording image-representative signals from the energizing/receiving means; and a portable scanning module which includes: a fluid-tight enclosure having a window at about the front thereof and a reflective scanner spaced from the window and generally facing the window, the reflective surface of said scanner including a layer of sapphire material; a transducer for converting energy from said energizing/receiving means to a beam of ultrasonic energy and for converting reflected ultrasonic energy to electrical signals, said transducer being mounted in said enclosure frontwardly of said reflective scanner with the ultrasound-emitting face of said transducer generally facing said reflective scanner such that an ultrasound beam emitted by said transducer and reflected by said reflective scanner doubles back past said transducer before passing through said window; fluid means contained in said enclosure; and driving means synchronized with said timing signals for moving said scanner in periodic fashion.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
195 words
Apparatus for ultrasonically imaging sections of a body by transmitting ultrasonic energy into the body and determining the characteristics of the ultrasonic energy reflected therefrom, comprising: timing means for generating timing signals; energizing/receiving means alternately operative in response to timing signals; display/record means synchronized with said timing signals for displaying and/or recording image-representative signals from the energizing/receiving means; and a portable scanning module which includes: a fluid-tight enclosure having a window at about the front thereof and a reflective scanner spaced from the window and generally facing the window, the reflective surface of said scanner including a layer of sapphire material; a transducer for converting energy from said energizing/receiving means to a beam of ultrasonic energy and for converting reflected ultrasonic energy to electrical signals, said transducer being mounted in said enclosure frontwardly of said reflective scanner with the ultrasound-emitting face of said transducer generally facing said reflective scanner such that an ultrasound beam emitted by said transducer and reflected by said reflective scanner doubles back past said transducer before passing through said window; fluid means contained in said enclosure; and driving means synchronized with said timing signals for moving said scanner in periodic fashion.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 77 further comprising a focusing lens coupled to said transducer.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 78 wherein said transducer is elongated along the direction of scanning of said beam.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 79 wherein said window is elongated along the direction of scanning of said beam.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 80 wherein said window is inclined at an angle with respect to the normal to the ultrasound beam incident on said window.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 77 wherein said transducer is elongated along the direction of scanning of said beam.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
200 words
In an apparatus for ultrasonically imaging sections of a body by transmitting ultrasonic energy into the body and determining the characteristics of the ultrasonic energy reflected therefrom, said apparatus including timing means for generating timing signals; energizing/receiving means alternately operative in response to timing signals; and display/record means synchronized with said timing signals for displaying and/or recording image-representative signals from the energizing/receiving means; an improved portable scanning module, comprising: a fluid-tight enclosure having a window at about the front thereof and a reflective scanner at about the rear thereof and generally facing the window, the reflective surface of said scanner including a layer of sapphire material; a transducer for converting energy from said energizing/receiving means to a beam of ultrasonic energy and for converting reflected ultrasonic energy to electrical signals, said transducer being mounted in said enclosure frontwardly of said reflective scanner with the ultrasound-emitting face of said transducer generally facing said reflective scanner such that the ultrasound beam emitted by said transducer and reflected by said reflective scanner doubles back past said transducer before passing through said window; fluid means contained in said enclosure; and driving means synchronized with said timing signals for moving said scanner in periodic fashion.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
200 words
In an apparatus for ultrasonically imaging sections of a body by transmitting ultrasonic energy into the body and determining the characteristics of the ultrasonic energy reflected therefrom, said apparatus including timing means for generating timing signals; energizing/receiving means alternately operative in response to timing signals; and display/record means synchronized with said timing signals for displaying and/or recording image-representative signals from the energizing/receiving means; an improved portable scanning module, comprising: a fluid-tight enclosure having a window at about the front thereof and a reflective scanner at about the rear thereof and generally facing the window, the reflective surface of said scanner including a layer of sapphire material; a transducer for converting energy from said energizing/receiving means to a beam of ultrasonic energy and for converting reflected ultrasonic energy to electrical signals, said transducer being mounted in said enclosure frontwardly of said reflective scanner with the ultrasound-emitting face of said transducer generally facing said reflective scanner such that the ultrasound beam emitted by said transducer and reflected by said reflective scanner doubles back past said transducer before passing through said window; fluid means contained in said enclosure; and driving means synchronized with said timing signals for moving said scanner in periodic fashion.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
17 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 83 further comprising a focusing lens coupled to said transducer.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
21 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 84 wherein said transducer is elongated along the direction of scanning of said beam.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
21 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 85 wherein said window is elongated along the direction of scanning of said beam.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
29 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 86 wherein said window is inclined at an angle with respect to the normal to the ultrasound beam incident on said window.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 85 wherein said reflective scanner is elongated in the direction of elongation of the ultrasound beam incident thereon.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 88 wherein said reflective scanner is pivotally mounted in said fluid means on an axis perpendicular to its length, and wherein said driving means is operative to oscillate said reflective scanner.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
21 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 83 wherein said transducer is elongated along the direction of scanning of said beam.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-01-27 | 1984-07-28 | 1985-01-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-01-27 | 1988-07-28 | 1989-01-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-01-27 | 1992-07-28 | 1993-01-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |