Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
170 words
An adapter for an ultrasound probe comprising a first unitary, molded elastic coupler portion and a second unitary, molded elastic receptacle portion, said coupler portion including a first housing with an integral coupling surface on one end of said first housing and an opening on an opposing end of said first housing, said receptacle portion including a second housing with an integral coupling surface on one end of said second housing and an opening on an opposing end of said second housing, said second housing being inserted through said opening of said first housing and nested within said first housing with said coupling surfaces and said first housing defining a fluid cavity for transmitting ultrasound waves and said second housing further including a vent hole for venting air from said fluid cavity and a filler hole for filling said fluid cavity with fluid, said opening of said second housing receiving a probe head whereby said probe head is positioned within said first and second housings and abutting said fluid cavity.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
170 words
An adapter for an ultrasound probe comprising a first unitary, molded elastic coupler portion and a second unitary, molded elastic receptacle portion, said coupler portion including a first housing with an integral coupling surface on one end of said first housing and an opening on an opposing end of said first housing, said receptacle portion including a second housing with an integral coupling surface on one end of said second housing and an opening on an opposing end of said second housing, said second housing being inserted through said opening of said first housing and nested within said first housing with said coupling surfaces and said first housing defining a fluid cavity for transmitting ultrasound waves and said second housing further including a vent hole for venting air from said fluid cavity and a filler hole for filling said fluid cavity with fluid, said opening of said second housing receiving a probe head whereby said probe head is positioned within said first and second housings and abutting said fluid cavity.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The adapter as defined by claim 1 wherein said filler hole is sealed at one end and receives a needle for applying fluid to said fluid cavity.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
The adapter as defined by claim 2 wherein said receptacle portion includes an adapter ridge within said second housing for receiving a groove in a probe when said probe is fully inserted into said receptacle portion.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
48 words
The adapter as defined by claim 3 wherein said second housing includes at least one groove on an internal surface of said second housing through which a coupling gel between a probe and the receptacle portion can exit when the probe is fully inserted into said receptacle portion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The adapter as defined by claim 4 wherein said second housing has a tactile feel on an external surface thereof for alignment with a probe.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
The adapter as defined by claim 1 wherein said receptacle portion includes an adapter ridge within said second housing for receiving a groove in a probe when said probe is fully inserted into said receptable portion.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
44 words
The adapter as defined by claim 1 wherein said second housing includes at least one groove on an internal surface thereof whereby excess coupling gel between the probe and said receptacle portion can exit when the probe is fully inserted into said receptacle portion.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The adapter as defined by claim 1 wherein said second housing has a tactile feel on an external surface thereof for alignment with a probe.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The adapter as defined by claim 1 wherein said coupler portion and said receptacle portion comprise silicone rubber.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The adapter as defined by claim 9 wherein said coupler portion and said receptacle portion are bonded together after assembly.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
The adapter as defined by claim 1 wherein said coupler portion and said receptacle portion comprise compression molded elastomer material.