Laparoscopic ultrasonic probe

Claim 2

An ultrasonic probe comprising: (a) an elongate tubular member having proximal and distal ends; (b) an imaging ultrasonic transducer pivotally mounted proximate the distal end of said tubular member; and (c) cable means for effecting reciprocating pivotal motion of said imaging ultrasonic transducer, comprising: a first cable having proximal and distal ends, said first cable being attached at its distal end to said imaging ultrasonic transducer to effect pivoting of said imaging ultrasonic transducer in a first direction when said first cable is pulled; a second cable having proximal and distal ends, said second cable being attached at its distal end to said imaging ultrasonic transducer to effect pivoting of said imaging ultrasonic transducer in a second direction when said second cable is pulled; a linear motor attached to said first cable for pulling said first cable to effect pivoting of said imaging ultrasonic transducer in the first direction; and a tension means attached to said second cable for pulling said second cable when said linear motor ceases pulling said first cable to effect pivoting of said imaging ultrasonic transducer in the second direction.

Claim 3

The ultrasonic probe as recited in claim 1 wherein said tubular member is approximately 6 mm in diameter.

Claim 4

The ultrasonic probe as recited in claim 1 further comprising a doppler ultrasonic transducer disposed proximate said imaging ultrasonic transducer.

Claim 5

The ultrasonic probe as recited in claim 1 further comprising a position sensor for detecting the position of said imaging ultrasonic transducer.

Claim 6

The ultrasonic probe as recited in claim 4 wherein said position sensor comprises: a) a metal member attached to one of said first and second cables; and b) a coil through which said metal member moves as said imaging ultrasonic transducer reciprocates, the inductance of said coil varying with the position of said metal member therein.

Claim 7

The ultrasonic probe as recited in claim 4 wherein said position sensor comprises a linear voltage differential transformer.

Claim 8

The ultrasonic probe as recited in claim 1 wherein said first and second cables attach directly to said imaging ultrasonic transducer by wrapping around said imaging ultrasonic transducer to minimize strain upon said first and second cables during reciprocating pivotal motion of said ultrasonic transducer,

Claim 9

An ultrasonic probe comprising: (a) an elongate tubular member having proximal and distal ends; b) an imaging ultrasonic transducer pivotally mounted proximate the distal end of sad tubular member; c) means for effecting reciprocating pivotal motion of said imaging ultrasonic transducer; and d) a position sensor for detecting the position of said imaging ultrasonic transducer, said position sensor comprising: i) a metal member attached to one of said first and second cables; and ii) a coil through which said metal member moves as said imaging ultrasonic transducer reciprocates, the inductance of said coil varying with the position of said metal member therein.

Claim 10

An ultrasonic probe comprising: (a) an elongate tubular member having proximal and distal ends; b) an imaging ultrasonic transducer pivotally mounted proximate the distal end of sad tubular member; c) means for effecting reciprocating pivotal motion of said imaging ultrasonic transducer; and d) a position sensor for detecting the position of said imaging ultrasonic transducer, said position sensor comprising: i) a metal member attached to one of said first and second cables; and ii) a coil through which said metal member moves as said imaging ultrasonic transducer reciprocates, the inductance of said coil varying with the position of said metal member therein.

Claim 11

The ultrasonic probe as recited in claim 8 wherein said tubular member is approximately 6 mm in diameter.

Claim 12

The ultrasonic probe as recited in claim 8 wherein said means for effecting reciprocating pivotal motion of said ultrasonic transducer comprises at least one control cable extending through said tubular member and attached to said imaging ultrasonic transducer.

Claim 13

The ultrasonic probe as recited in claim 8 wherein said means for effecting reciprocating pivotal motion of said imaging ultrasonic transducer comprises: a) a first cable having proximal and distal ends attached at its distal end to said imaging ultrasonic transducer to effect pivoting of said imaging ultrasonic transducer in a first direction when said first cable is pulled; b) a second cable having proximal and distal ends, attached at its distal end to said imaging ultrasonic transducer to effect pivoting of said imaging ultrasonic transducer in a second direction when said second cable is pulled; c) a linear motor attached to said first cable for pulling said first cable to effect pivoting of said imaging ultrasonic transducer in the first direction; and d) a tension means attached to said second cable, for pulling said second cable when said linear motor ceases pulling said first cable to effect pivoting of said imaging ultrasonic transducer in the second direction.

Claim 14

The ultrasonic probe as recited in claim 11 further comprising a doppler ultrasonic transducer disposed proximate said imaging ultrasonic transducer.

Claim 15

An ultrasonic probe comprising: a) an elongate tubular member having proximal and distal ends; b) an imaging ultrasonic transducer pivotally mounted proximate the distal end of said tubular member; c) means for effecting reciprocating pivotal motion of said imaging ultrasonic transducer; and d) a position sensor for detecting the position of said imaging ultrasonic transducer, said position sensor comprising a linear voltage differential transformer.

Claim 16

An ultrasonic probe comprising: a) an elongate tubular member having proximal and distal ends; b) an imaging ultrasonic transducer pivotally mounted proximate the distal end of said tubular member; c) means for effecting reciprocating pivotal motion of said imaging ultrasonic transducer; and d) a position sensor for detecting the position of said imaging ultrasonic transducer, said position sensor comprising a linear voltage differential transformer.

Claim 17

The ultrasonic probe as recited in claim 13 wherein said tubular member is approximately 6 mm in diameter.

Claim 18

The ultrasonic probe as recited in claim 13 wherein said means for effecting reciprocating pivotal motion of said ultrasonic transducer comprises at least one control cable extending through said tubular member and attached to said imaging ultrasonic transducer.

Claim 19

The ultrasonic probe as recited in claim 32 wherein said means for effecting reciprocating pivotal motion of said imaging ultrasonic transducer comprises: a) a first cable having proximal and distal ends, attached at its distal end to said imaging ultrasonic transducer to effect pivoting of said imaging ultrasonic transducer in a first direction when said first cable is pulled; b) a second cable having proximal and distal ends, attached at its distal end to said imaging ultrasonic transducer to effect pivoting of said imaging ultrasonic transducer in a second direction when said second cable is pulled; c) a linear motor attached to said first cable for pulling said first cable to effect pivoting of said imaging ultrasonic transducer in the first direction; and d) a tension means attached to said second cable for pulling said second cable when said linear motor ceases pulling said first cable to effect pivoting of said imaging ultrasonic transducer in the second direction.

Claim 20

The ultrasonic probe as recited in claim 16 further comprising a doppler ultrasonic transducer disposed proximate said imaging ultrasonic transducer.

Claim 21

An ultrasonic probe comprising: a) an elongate tubular member having proximal and distal ends; b) an imaging ultrasonic transducer pivotally mounted proximate the distal end of said tubular member; and c) a first cable having a distal end attached to said imaging ultrasonic transducer and a proximal end attached to a linear motor such that activation of said linear motor effects movement of said imaging ultrasonic transducer in a first direction and rotation of said spring-biased pulley in a first direction; d) a second cable having a distal end attached to said imaging ultrasonic transducer and a proximal end attached to a spring-biased pulley such that rotation of said spring-biased pulley in a second direction effects movement of said imaging ultrasonic transducer in a second direction opposite to said first direction; and e) wherein said linear motor comprises: i) a housing; ii) an armature slidably disposed within said housing; iii) a plurality of magnets disposed proximate said armature; iv) at least one magnet holder receiving the outboard surfaces of each magnet; v) bearing surfaces formed upon said magnets and slidable contacting said armature; and vi) wherein said magnets are captured intermediate said magnet holder(s) and said armature and are prevented from sliding longitudinally by said magnet holder.

Claim 22

An ultrasonic probe comprising: a) an elongate tubular member having proximal and distal ends; b) an imaging ultrasonic transducer pivotally mounted proximate the distal end of said tubular member; and c) a first cable having a distal end attached to said imaging ultrasonic transducer and a proximal end attached to a linear motor such that activation of said linear motor effects movement of said imaging ultrasonic transducer in a first direction and rotation of said spring-biased pulley in a first direction; d) a second cable having a distal end attached to said imaging ultrasonic transducer and a proximal end attached to a spring-biased pulley such that rotation of said spring-biased pulley in a second direction effects movement of said imaging ultrasonic transducer in a second direction opposite to said first direction; and e) wherein said linear motor comprises: i) a housing; ii) an armature slidably disposed within said housing; iii) a plurality of magnets disposed proximate said armature; iv) at least one magnet holder receiving the outboard surfaces of each magnet; v) bearing surfaces formed upon said magnets and slidable contacting said armature; and vi) wherein said magnets are captured intermediate said magnet holder(s) and said armature and are prevented from sliding longitudinally by said magnet holder.

Claim 23

The ultrasonic probe as recited in claim 18 wherein said imaging ultrasonic transducer provides an image in a direction selected by the user.

Claim 24

The ultrasonic probe as recited in claim 18 wherein said imaging ultrasonic transducer provides a front view or a side view, as selected by the user.

Claim 25

The ultrasonic probe as recited in claim 18 wherein said imaging ultrasonic transducer provides an image for a selected portion of its physical scan angle.

Claim 26

The ultrasonic probe as recited in claim 18 wherein the physical scan angle of said imaging ultrasonic transducer is selectable by the user.

Claim 27

An ultrasonic probe comprising: an elongate tubular member having proximal and distal ends; an imaging ultrasonic transducer pivotally mounted proximate the distal end of said tubular member; a first cable having a distal end attached to said imaging ultrasonic transducer and a proximal end attached to a linear motor such that activation of said linear motor effects movement of said imaging ultrasonic transducer in a first direction and rotation of a spring-biased pulley in a first direction; a second cable having a distal end attached to said imaging ultrasonic transducer and a proximal end attached to a spring-biased pulley such that rotation of said spring-biased pulley in a second direction effects movement of said imaging ultrasonic transducer in a second direction opposite to said first direction; wherein said linear motor comprises a housing, an armature slidable disposed within said housing, a plurality of magnets disposed proximate said armature, at least one magnet holder receiving the outboard surfaces of each magnet, bearing surfaces formed upon said magnets and slidably contacting said armature; and wherein said magnets are captured intermediate said magnet holder and said armature and are prevented from sliding longitudinally by said magnet holder.

Claim 28

An ultrasonic probe comprising: an elongate tubular member having proximal and distal ends; an imaging ultrasonic transducer pivotally mounted proximate the distal end of said tubular member; a first cable having a distal end attached to said imaging ultrasonic transducer and a proximal end attached to a linear motor such that activation of said linear motor effects movement of said imaging ultrasonic transducer in a first direction and rotation of a spring-biased pulley in a first direction; a second cable having a distal end attached to said imaging ultrasonic transducer and a proximal end attached to a spring-biased pulley such that rotation of said spring-biased pulley in a second direction effects movement of said imaging ultrasonic transducer in a second direction opposite to said first direction; wherein said linear motor comprises a housing, an armature slidable disposed within said housing, a plurality of magnets disposed proximate said armature, at least one magnet holder receiving the outboard surfaces of each magnet, bearing surfaces formed upon said magnets and slidably contacting said armature; and wherein said magnets are captured intermediate said magnet holder and said armature and are prevented from sliding longitudinally by said magnet holder.