US4457311A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ultrasound imaging system for scanning the human back
Assignee: Medtronic Inc
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Filing: 1982-09-03
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Granted: 1984-07-03
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Expires: 2002-09-03
Abstract
Abstract An ultrasound scanning system having a linear array of ultrasound transducers and a transporter system for moving the transducers along the human back. There is a means for producing a position signal indicative of the position of the array along the plane of the back, and a means for producing a range signal representative of the distance of objects interacting with the ultrasound signal from the transducer. An output means, such as a printer or cathode ray tube display, is responsive to the range signal and the position signal to produce an output representative of the structure of the body imaged during the back scan.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul D. Sorenson
- 👤 Dale A. Dickson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 11:22
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B8/00; A61B8/08; A61B8/0875; A61B8/42; A61B8/4209; G; G01; G01S; G01S15/00; G01S15/88; G01S15/89; G01S15/8906; G01S15/8934; G01S15/8938; G01S7/00; G01S7/52; G01S7/52017; G01S7/52053; G01S7/52057; G01S7/5206; G10; G10K; G10K11/00; G10K11/18; G10K11/26; G10K11/35; G10K11/352
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
160 words
An ultrasound imaging system for scanning the skeletal structure of the human back comprising: frame means for positioning relative to the back and for defining an axis which crosses over the spine at at least two points; an array of ultrasound transducers moveably mounted on the frame for movement along the axis in contact with the human back, each ultrasound transducer of the array having means for generating an ultrasound signal, for receiving an ultrasound signal, and for producing an electrical signal representative of the received ultrasound signal; means for producing a position signal representative of the position of the array along the axis; means responsive to the electrical signals for providing a range signal representative of the distance from the transducer to objects within the body interacting with the received ultrasound signal; and means responsive to the range signal and the position signal for producing an output representative of spinal curvature of the human body relative to the axis.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
160 words
An ultrasound imaging system for scanning the skeletal structure of the human back comprising: frame means for positioning relative to the back and for defining an axis which crosses over the spine at at least two points; an array of ultrasound transducers moveably mounted on the frame for movement along the axis in contact with the human back, each ultrasound transducer of the array having means for generating an ultrasound signal, for receiving an ultrasound signal, and for producing an electrical signal representative of the received ultrasound signal; means for producing a position signal representative of the position of the array along the axis; means responsive to the electrical signals for providing a range signal representative of the distance from the transducer to objects within the body interacting with the received ultrasound signal; and means responsive to the range signal and the position signal for producing an output representative of spinal curvature of the human body relative to the axis.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The ultrasound imaging system of claim 1 further comprising: means for moving the array of ultrasound transducers along the axis.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
53 words
The ultrasound imaging system of claim 2 wherein: the means for moving includes a motor for moving the array in response to control signals; and a control system for generating control signals and transmitting them to the motor, the control signals being indicative of rate of movement from one reference point to another.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
The ultrasound imaging system of claim 1 wherein the frame further comprises: means to allow transducers of the array to rock so as to remain tangent to the surface of the back while scanning the skeletal system of the back.
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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) | 1987-07-03 | 1988-01-02 | 1988-07-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-07-03 | 1992-01-02 | 1992-07-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-07-03 | 1996-01-02 | 1996-07-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |