US4272991A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Scanning method and apparatus
Assignee: Western Atlas Inc
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Filing: 1979-02-09
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Granted: 1981-06-16
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Expires: 1999-02-09
Abstract
Abstract A scanner for use in ultrasonic imaging systems of the type which translates a transducer assembly along a path of successive positions. The scanner rotates the assembly during translation and, in one embodiment, rotates the transducer about a center of rotation which is offset from the center of translation.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert W. Cribbs
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 15:50
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B8/00; A61B8/44; A61B8/4444; A61B8/4461; A61B8/08; A61B8/0825; G; G01; G01N; G01N29/00; G01N29/22; G01N29/26; G01N29/265; G01N2291/00; G01N2291/02; G01N2291/028; G01N2291/02854; G01N2291/0289; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S128/00; Y10S128/915
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
57 words
A scanner for use in an ultrasonic imaging system and of the type for translating a transducer assembly along a path of successive positions, each position being angularly referenced to a center of translation, wherein the scanner comprises: means for rotating the transducer assembly about a center of rotation which is offset from the center of translation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
57 words
A scanner for use in an ultrasonic imaging system and of the type for translating a transducer assembly along a path of successive positions, each position being angularly referenced to a center of translation, wherein the scanner comprises: means for rotating the transducer assembly about a center of rotation which is offset from the center of translation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
57 words
A scanner for use in an ultrasonic imaging system and of the type for translating a transducer assembly along a path of successive positions, each position being angularly referenced to a center of translation, wherein the scanner comprises: means responsive to the angular rate of translation for rotating the transducer assembly at a lesser rate of rotation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
57 words
A scanner for use in an ultrasonic imaging system and of the type for translating a transducer assembly along a path of successive positions, each position being angularly referenced to a center of translation, wherein the scanner comprises: means responsive to the angular rate of translation for rotating the transducer assembly at a lesser rate of rotation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The scanner of claim 2 wherein the angular rate of rotation is one-half the angular rate of translation.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
80 words
The scanner of claim 1 or 2 including a frame member a support member a transmission member mounted for rotation within the frame member and coupled to the support member so as to impart a generally arc-like translation to the support member when rotated a transducer element mounted for translation with the support member and for rotation thereon means responsive to the rotation of the transmission member for rotating the transducer element at a less than equal rate of rotation.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
50 words
The scanner of claim 4 wherein the rotation means includes a first gear mounted for rotation on the support member in response to the rotation of the transmission member, a second gear affixed to the transducer element for rotation therewith, and a chain for coupling the first and second gears.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
61 words
In an ultrasonic imaging process wherein a transducer assembly is translated along a path of successive positions angularly referenced to a center of translation and the transducer assembly is rotated during translation, the improved step comprising rotating the transduer assembly about a center of rotation which is at a greater radial length from the transducer assembly than the center of translation.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
61 words
In an ultrasonic imaging process wherein a transducer assembly is translated along a path of successive positions angularly referenced to a center of translation and the transducer assembly is rotated during translation, the improved step comprising rotating the transduer assembly about a center of rotation which is at a greater radial length from the transducer assembly than the center of translation.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the transducer assembly is rotated at a rate which is less than the angular rate of translation.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the rate of rotation is approximately one-half the rate of translation.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-06-15 | 1984-12-15 | 1985-06-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-06-15 | 1988-12-15 | 1989-06-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-06-15 | 1992-12-15 | 1993-06-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |