Patent US5469852A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5469852A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ultrasound diagnosis apparatus and probe therefor
Assignee: Toshiba Corp
•
Filing: 1994-03-11
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Granted: 1995-11-28
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Expires: 2014-03-11
Abstract
Abstract An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus and a probe therefor for a body cavity of a patient are disclosed. The probe comprises a transducer which rotates to obtain sectional ultrasound images along various angles. The apparatus comprises a means for indicating the rotation angle of the transducer. A mark for indicating the angle is provided on a surface of the transducer. The rotation angle is detected electrically to be displayed on a CRT screen. For more precise detection, slack removers for removing slacks of rotation wires are provided. A rotation angle indicator for indicating the rotation angle of a rotation knob which represents the rotation angle of the transducer is provided on the operation portion.
Inventors
- 👤 Hisashi Nakamura
- 👤 Yasutaka Nagai
- 👤 Susumu Hiki
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 13:57
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B8/00; A61B8/12; A61B8/44; A61B8/4444; A61B8/445; A61B8/4461; A61B8/46; A61B8/461; A61B8/463
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 63
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
An ultrasound probe for insertion into a body cavity of a patient to obtain ultrasound images of the patient, comprising: an insertion portion having a flexible tubular body; a hollow housing provided at one end of the insertion portion; a transducer mounted in said housing, said transducer having a flat surface and being rotatable about an axis perpendicular to said flat surface; and a mark visible from the exterior of the housing for indicating a direction of the transducer provided on a surface of the rotation portion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
87 words
An ultrasound probe for insertion into a body cavity of a patient to obtain ultrasound images of the patient, comprising: an insertion portion having a flexible tubular body; a hollow housing provided at one end of the insertion portion; a transducer mounted in said housing, said transducer having a flat surface and being rotatable about an axis perpendicular to said flat surface; and a mark visible from the exterior of the housing for indicating a direction of the transducer provided on a surface of the rotation portion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The ultrasound probe according to claim 1, the mark being provided on the surface of the transducer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The ultrasound probe according to claim 2, the mark being printed on the surface of the transducer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The ultrasound probe according to claim 1, the housing further comprising a window being transparent such that the surface of the transducer can be viewed therethrough.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The ultrasound probe according to claim 4, the window having a scale.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The ultrasound probe according to claim 1, a part of the housing which surrounds the transducer having a scale.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
The ultrasound probe according to claim 1, further comprising a frame provided around the transducer, wherein the mark is provided on a surface of the frame.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
40 words
The ultrasound probe of claim 1, further comprising: a motor disposed in the housing for rotating the transducer; and operation means for operating the motor, electrically connected to the motor and provided at the other end of the insertion portion.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The ultrasound probe according to claim 8, the motor being connected to the transducer coaxially.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
The ultrasound probe according to claim 8, the motor disposed parallel to the rotation axis of the transducer, being connected to the transducer with a gear therebetween.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The ultrasound probe according to claim 8, the operation means having a switch for electrically switching the motor.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The ultrasound probe according to claim 11, wherein the motor is activated during the switch is being on.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
The ultrasound probe according to claim 11, wherein the motor rotates a predetermined angle when the switch is on.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
The ultrasound probe according to claim 8, further comprising detection means for electrically detecting a rotation angle of the transducer, being connected to the transducer.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
102 words
An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus for obtaining ultrasound images of a patient, having a probe to be inserted into a body cavity of the patient and display means for displaying the ultrasound images, the probe comprising: an insertion portion having a flexible tubular body; a hollow housing provided at one end of the insertion portion; a transducer mounted in said housing, said transducer having a flat surface and being rotatable about an axis perpendicular to said flat surface; and a mark visible from the exterior of the housing for indicating a direction of the transducer provided on a surface of the rotation portion.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
102 words
An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus for obtaining ultrasound images of a patient, having a probe to be inserted into a body cavity of the patient and display means for displaying the ultrasound images, the probe comprising: an insertion portion having a flexible tubular body; a hollow housing provided at one end of the insertion portion; a transducer mounted in said housing, said transducer having a flat surface and being rotatable about an axis perpendicular to said flat surface; and a mark visible from the exterior of the housing for indicating a direction of the transducer provided on a surface of the rotation portion.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
The ultrasound apparatus according to claim 11, the mark being provided on the surface of the transducer.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
18 words
The ultrasound diagnosing apparatus according to claim 9, the mark being printed on the surface of the transducer.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
29 words
The ultrasound apparatus according to claim 8, the rotation portion further comprising a frame provided around the transducer, wherein the mark is provided on a surface of the frame.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
44 words
The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the probe further comprises a detection means for electrically detecting a rotation angle of the transducer and the display means displays the detected rotation angle, further comprising: correction means for correcting the displayed rotation angle.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
18 words
The ultrasound diagnosing apparatus according to claim 19, the correction means comprising input means for inputting correction data.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
27 words
The ultrasound diagnosing apparatus according to claim 15, the housing further comprising a window being transparent such that the surface of the transducer can be viewed therethrough.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
13 words
The ultrasound diagnosing apparatus according to claim 21, the window having a scale.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
21 words
The ultrasound diagnosing apparatus according to claim 15, a part of the housing which is around the transducer having a scale.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
41 words
The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus of claim 15, further comprising: a motor disposed in the housing for rotating the transducer; and operation means for operating the motor, electrically connected to the motor and provided at the other end of the insertion portion.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
26 words
The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus according to claim 24, further comprising detection means for electrically detecting a rotation angle of the transducer, being connected to the transducer.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
20 words
The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus according to claim 25, the display means displaying the rotation angle detected by the detection means.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
102 words
An ultrasound probe for insertion into a body cavity of a patient to obtain ultrasound images of the patient, comprising: an insertion portion having a flexible tubular body; a hollow housing provided at one end of the insertion portion; and an array of transducer elements, said array having a flat surface, for transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves in a plane perpendicular to the surface, wherein said array is provided in the housing and is rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the surface; and detection means for electrically detecting a rotation angle of the plane, being connected to the transducer in the housing.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
102 words
An ultrasound probe for insertion into a body cavity of a patient to obtain ultrasound images of the patient, comprising: an insertion portion having a flexible tubular body; a hollow housing provided at one end of the insertion portion; and an array of transducer elements, said array having a flat surface, for transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves in a plane perpendicular to the surface, wherein said array is provided in the housing and is rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the surface; and detection means for electrically detecting a rotation angle of the plane, being connected to the transducer in the housing.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
16 words
The ultrasound probe according to claim 27, the detection means being connected to the transducer coaxially.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
30 words
The ultrasound probe according to claim 27, the motor disposed parallel to the rotation axis of the transducer, being connected to the array of transducer elements with a gear therebetween.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
116 words
An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus for obtaining ultrasound images of a patient, having a probe to be inserted into a body cavity of the patient and display means for displaying the ultrasound images, the probe comprising: an insertion portion having a flexible tubular body; a hollow housing provided at one end of the insertion portion; an array of transducer elements, said array having a flat surface, for transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves in a plane perpendicular to the surface, wherein said array is provided in the housing, and is rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the surface; and detection means for electrically detecting a rotation angle of the plane, being connected to the transducer in the housing.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
116 words
An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus for obtaining ultrasound images of a patient, having a probe to be inserted into a body cavity of the patient and display means for displaying the ultrasound images, the probe comprising: an insertion portion having a flexible tubular body; a hollow housing provided at one end of the insertion portion; an array of transducer elements, said array having a flat surface, for transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves in a plane perpendicular to the surface, wherein said array is provided in the housing, and is rotatable around an axis perpendicular to the surface; and detection means for electrically detecting a rotation angle of the plane, being connected to the transducer in the housing.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
17 words
The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus according to claim 30, the detection means being connected to the transducer coaxially.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
29 words
The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus according to claim 30, including a motor disposed parallel to the rotation axis of the transducer, being connected to the transducer with a gear therebetween.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
20 words
The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus according to claim 30, the display means displaying the rotation angle detected by the detection means.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
113 words
An ultrasound probe for insertion into a body cavity of a patient to obtain ultrasound images of the patient, comprising: an insertion portion having a flexible tubular body; a hollow housing provided at one end of the insertion portion; a transducer rotatably provided in the housing; a pulley coaxially connected to the transducer, being rotatable in connection with the transducer; rotating means for rotating the pulley, having a string-like body; operating means for operating the rotating means such that the transducer is rotated in a desired direction provided at the other end of the insertion portion; and slack removing means, provided to said rotating means, for removing a slack of the rotating means.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
113 words
An ultrasound probe for insertion into a body cavity of a patient to obtain ultrasound images of the patient, comprising: an insertion portion having a flexible tubular body; a hollow housing provided at one end of the insertion portion; a transducer rotatably provided in the housing; a pulley coaxially connected to the transducer, being rotatable in connection with the transducer; rotating means for rotating the pulley, having a string-like body; operating means for operating the rotating means such that the transducer is rotated in a desired direction provided at the other end of the insertion portion; and slack removing means, provided to said rotating means, for removing a slack of the rotating means.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
29 words
The ultrasound probe according to claim 34, further comprising detection means for electrically detecting a rotation angle of the transducer, provided between the transducer and the slack removing means.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
17 words
The ultrasound probe according to claim 35, wherein the detection means is connected to the transducer coaxially.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
50 words
The ultrasound probe according to claim 35, wherein: the rotation means is wound around the pulley and both ends thereof are led to the operating means through the insertion potion; and in the vicinity of each of the both ends of the rotating means the detection means is mounted thereto.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
37 words
The ultrasound probe according to claim 37, the two detection means are connected to control means for controlling the outputs of the detection means to be effective only when both of the detector means detect the rotation.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
35 words
The ultrasound probe according to claim 34, the slack removing means having a cylinder in which the rotating means runs therethrough and is divided into two portions such that the two portions can move independently.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
27 words
The ultrasound probe according to claim 34, the operating means comprising: a drive pulley for driving the rotating means; and a knob for rotating the drive pulley.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
35 words
The ultrasound probe according to claim 40, the operating means further comprising detection means for electrically detecting a rotation angle of the transducer which is represented by a distance of movement of the rotating means.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
14 words
The ultrasound probe according to claim 34, wherein the rotation means is a wire.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
14 words
The ultrasound probe according to claim 34, wherein the rotation means is a belt.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
128 words
An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus for obtaining ultrasound images of a patient, having a probe to be inserted into a body cavity of the patient and display means for displaying the ultrasound images, the probe comprising: an insertion portion having a flexible tubular body; a hollow housing provided at one end of the insertion portion; a transducer rotatably provided in the housing; a pulley coaxially connected to the transducer, being rotatable in connection with the transducer; rotating means for rotating the pulley, having a string-like body; operating means for operating the rotating means such that the transducer is rotated in a desired direction provided at the other end of the insertion portion; and slack removing means, provided to said rotating means, for removing a slack of the rotating means.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
128 words
An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus for obtaining ultrasound images of a patient, having a probe to be inserted into a body cavity of the patient and display means for displaying the ultrasound images, the probe comprising: an insertion portion having a flexible tubular body; a hollow housing provided at one end of the insertion portion; a transducer rotatably provided in the housing; a pulley coaxially connected to the transducer, being rotatable in connection with the transducer; rotating means for rotating the pulley, having a string-like body; operating means for operating the rotating means such that the transducer is rotated in a desired direction provided at the other end of the insertion portion; and slack removing means, provided to said rotating means, for removing a slack of the rotating means.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
30 words
The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus according to claim 44, further comprising detection means for electrically detecting a rotation angle of the transducer, provided between the transducer and the slack removing means.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
20 words
The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus according to claim 45, the display means displaying the rotation angle detected by the detection means.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
142 words
An ultrasound probe for insertion into a body cavity of a patient to obtain ultrasound images of the patient, comprising: an insertion portion having a flexible tubular body; a hollow housing provided at one end of the insertion portion; an array of transducer elements, said array having a flat surface, for transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves in a plane perpendicular to the surface, wherein said array is provided in the housing, and is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the surface; a pulley coaxially connected to the transducer, being rotatable in connection with the transducer; rotating means for rotating the pulley, having a string-like body; operating means, provided at the other end of said insertion portion, for operating said rotating means such that said array is rotated in a desired direction; and indication means for indicating a rotation angle of the transducer.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
142 words
An ultrasound probe for insertion into a body cavity of a patient to obtain ultrasound images of the patient, comprising: an insertion portion having a flexible tubular body; a hollow housing provided at one end of the insertion portion; an array of transducer elements, said array having a flat surface, for transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves in a plane perpendicular to the surface, wherein said array is provided in the housing, and is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the surface; a pulley coaxially connected to the transducer, being rotatable in connection with the transducer; rotating means for rotating the pulley, having a string-like body; operating means, provided at the other end of said insertion portion, for operating said rotating means such that said array is rotated in a desired direction; and indication means for indicating a rotation angle of the transducer.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
22 words
The ultrasound probe according to claim 47, wherein the indication means comprising a rotation part rotated in connection with the rotating means.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
20 words
The ultrasound probe according to claim 48, the rotation part constituting a rotation knob being mounted on the operating means.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
57 words
The ultrasound probe according to claim 49, the insertion portion comprising an angle portion to be bent in a desired angle, the ultrasound probe further comprising: angle wire means for bending the angle portion, being led to the operating means; and an angle knob for pulling the angle wire means, rotatably provided coaxially to the rotation knob.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
32 words
The ultrasound probe according to claim 48, the rotation part having a mark on a surface thereof, the indication means further comprises a stationary part having a scale on a surface thereof.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
24 words
The ultrasound probe according to claim 51, both of the rotation part and the stationary part having cylindrical shapes coaxially provided with different diameters.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
32 words
The ultrasound probe according to claim 48, the rotation part having a scale on a surface thereof, the indication means further comprises a stationary part having a mark on a surface thereof.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
24 words
The ultrasound probe according to claim 53, both of the rotation part and the stationary part having cylindrical shapes coaxially provided with different diameters.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
165 words
An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus for obtaining ultrasound images of a patient, having a probe to be inserted into a body cavity of the patient and display means for displaying the ultrasound images, the probe comprising: an insertion portion having a flexible tubular body; a hollow housing provided at one end of the insertion portion; a transducer elements rotatably provided in the housing; an array of transducer elements, said array having a flat surface, for transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves in a plane perpendicular to the surface, wherein said array is provided in the housing and is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the surface; a pulley coaxially connected to the transducer, being rotatable in connection with the transducer; rotating means for rotating the pulley, having a string-like body; operating means, provided at the other end of said insertion portion, for operating said rotating means such that said array is rotated in a desired direction; and indication means for indicating a rotation angle of the transducer.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
165 words
An ultrasound diagnosis apparatus for obtaining ultrasound images of a patient, having a probe to be inserted into a body cavity of the patient and display means for displaying the ultrasound images, the probe comprising: an insertion portion having a flexible tubular body; a hollow housing provided at one end of the insertion portion; a transducer elements rotatably provided in the housing; an array of transducer elements, said array having a flat surface, for transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves in a plane perpendicular to the surface, wherein said array is provided in the housing and is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the surface; a pulley coaxially connected to the transducer, being rotatable in connection with the transducer; rotating means for rotating the pulley, having a string-like body; operating means, provided at the other end of said insertion portion, for operating said rotating means such that said array is rotated in a desired direction; and indication means for indicating a rotation angle of the transducer.
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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) | 1998-11-27 | 1999-05-29 | 1999-11-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-11-27 | 2003-05-29 | 2003-11-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-11-27 | 2007-05-29 | 2007-11-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |