US4248090A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for ultrasonically imaging a body
Assignee: New York Institute of Technology
•
Filing: 1978-03-27
•
Granted: 1981-02-03
•
Expires: 1998-03-27
Abstract
Abstract The disclosure is directed to an apparatus for ultrasonically investigating a section or slice of a body by transmitting ultrasonic energy into the body and determining the characteristics of the ultrasonic energy reflected therefrom. A transducer is coupled to an energizing means and generates a beam of ultrasonic energy. The beam is focused and scanned across the body being investigated along the plane of the slice of the body to be imaged. A feature of the present invention is that the ultrasound-generating transducer has a generally elliptical shape elongated along the direction of the scan. The result is a scanned focused spot which is elongated in a direction normal to the direction of scan. The thickness of the investigated "slice" is therefore substantially larger (preferably at least twice as large) as a resolution element in the direction of scan.
Inventors
- 👤 William E. Glenn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 04:42
CPC Classifications
G; G10; G10K; G10K11/00; G10K11/18; G10K11/26; A; A61; A61B; A61B8/00; C; C10; C10M; C10M2201/00; C10M2201/06; C10M2201/065; C10M2201/066; C10M2207/00; C10M2207/10; C10M2207/12; C10M2207/125; C10M2219/00; C10M2219/10; C10M2219/102; C10M2219/104; C10M2219/106; C10M2221/00; C10M2221/02; C10N; C10N2010/00; C10N2010/02; C10N2040/00; C10N2040/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 107
Claim 1
Independent Claim
132 words
Apparatus for ultrasonically investigating a slice of a body to obtain an image thereof, comprising: means for generating an energizing signal; a transducer coupled to said energizing means for generating a beam of ultrasonic energy; a focusing lens for focusing said beam, said lens having a thickness defined by a surface of revolution around the axis of said beam; means for scanning said beam across said body along the plane of the slice of the body to be imaged; said transducer having a periphery which is elongated along the direction of the scan, whereby the spot resulting from the focused ultrasonic beam is elongated in a direction normal to the direction of scan; and means for converting ultrasound reflected from said body into an electrical representation of said slice of the body.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
132 words
Apparatus for ultrasonically investigating a slice of a body to obtain an image thereof, comprising: means for generating an energizing signal; a transducer coupled to said energizing means for generating a beam of ultrasonic energy; a focusing lens for focusing said beam, said lens having a thickness defined by a surface of revolution around the axis of said beam; means for scanning said beam across said body along the plane of the slice of the body to be imaged; said transducer having a periphery which is elongated along the direction of the scan, whereby the spot resulting from the focused ultrasonic beam is elongated in a direction normal to the direction of scan; and means for converting ultrasound reflected from said body into an electrical representation of said slice of the body.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said transducer has a length-to-width aspect ratio of at least two to one.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 2 wherein said means for scanning said ultrasonic beam comprises a scanning reflector spaced from said transducer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 3 wherein said scanning reflector has an elongated reflecting surface which is elongated in the direction corresponding to the direction of elongation of the ultrasonic beam incident thereon.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 4 wherein said transducer and reflector are disposed in a fluid-containing housing having a window adapted for placement next to said body, and wherein said reflector is disposed in the fluid in the ultrasound path between said transducer and said window.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 5 wherein said window is inclined at an angle with respect to the normal to the ultrasound incident on said window.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 6 wherein said window is elongated in the scan direction of the ultrasonic beam incident thereon.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 6 further comprising an ultrasound absorbing medium disposed in said housing in the path of ultrasound internally reflected from said inclined window.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 5 wherein said window is elongated in the scan direction of the ultrasonic beam incident thereon.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
56 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 2 wherein said transducer is pivotally mounted, on an axis substantially perpendicular to its length, in a fluid-containing housing, said housing having a window opposing said transducer and adapted for placement next to said body, and wherein said means for scanning said ultrasonic beam comprises means for mechanically oscillating said transducer.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 10 wherein said window is inclined at an angle with respect to the normal to the ultrasound incident on said window.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 11 wherein said window is elongated in the scan direction of the ultrasonic beam incident thereon.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 10 wherein said window is elongated in the scan direction of the ultrasonic beam incident thereon.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein the periphery of said transducer has a generally elliptical shape.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 14 wherein said focusing means is a lens having a generally elliptical periphery which conforms in shape to the generally elliptical periphery of said transducer.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 15 wherein said transducer includes annular sectors for use in dynamic focusing.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 15 wherein said lens is bonded to said transducer.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 14 wherein said transducer includes annular sectors for use in dynamic focusing.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said means for scanning said ultrasonic beam comprises a scanning reflector spaced from said transducer.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 19 wherein said scanning reflector has an elongated reflecting surface which is elongated in the direction corresponding to the direction of elongation of the ultrasonic beam incident thereon.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
46 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 20 wherein said transducer and reflector are disposed in a fluid-containing housing having a window adapted for placement next to said body, and wherein said reflector is disposed in the fluid in the ultrasound path between said transducer and said window.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 21 wherein said window is inclined at an angle with respect to the normal to the ultrasound incident on said window.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 2 wherein said window is elongated in the scan direction of the ultrasonic beam incident thereon.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 22 further comprising an ultrasound absorbing medium disposed in said housing in the path of ultrasound internally reflected from said inclined window.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 21 wherein said window is elongated in the scan direction of the ultrasonic beam incident thereon.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 25 further comprising an ultrasound absorbing medium disposed in said housing in the path of ultrasound internally reflected from said inclined window.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
56 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said transducer is pivotally mounted, on an axis substantially perpendicular to its length, in a fluid-containing housing, said housing having a window opposing said transducer and adapted for placement next to said body, and wherein said means for scanning said ultrasonic beam comprises means for mechanically oscillating said transducer.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 27 wherein said window is inclined at an angle with respect to the normal to the ultrasound incident on said window.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 28 wherein said window is elongated in the scan direction of the ultrasonic beam incident thereon.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 29 further comprising an ultrasound absorbing medium disposed in said housing in the path of ultrasound internally reflected from said inclined window.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 28 further comprising an ultrasound absorbing medium disposed in said housing in the path of ultrasound internally reflected from said inclined window.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 27 wherein said window is elongated in the scan direction of the ultrasonic beam incident thereon.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said focusing lens has an elongated periphery which conforms in shape to the periphery of said transducer.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said transducer includes annular sectors for use in dynamic focusing.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
133 words
In an apparatus for ultrasonically imaging sections of a body by transmitting ultrasonic energy into the body and determining the characteristics of the ultrasonic energy reflected therefrom, said apparatus including timing means for generating timing signals; energizing/receiving means alternately operative in response to timing signals; and display/record means synchronized with said timing signals for displaying and/or recording image-representative signals from the energizing/receiving means; an improved portable scanning module, comprising: a fluid-tight enclosure having a scanning window; fluid means contained in said enclosure; a transducer for converting energy from said energizing/receiving means to periodic ultrasonic energy and for converting reflected ultrasonic energy to electrical signals, said transducer having an elongated generally elliptical periphery; and means for scanning said beam across said body along the plane of the slice of the body to be imaged.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
133 words
In an apparatus for ultrasonically imaging sections of a body by transmitting ultrasonic energy into the body and determining the characteristics of the ultrasonic energy reflected therefrom, said apparatus including timing means for generating timing signals; energizing/receiving means alternately operative in response to timing signals; and display/record means synchronized with said timing signals for displaying and/or recording image-representative signals from the energizing/receiving means; an improved portable scanning module, comprising: a fluid-tight enclosure having a scanning window; fluid means contained in said enclosure; a transducer for converting energy from said energizing/receiving means to periodic ultrasonic energy and for converting reflected ultrasonic energy to electrical signals, said transducer having an elongated generally elliptical periphery; and means for scanning said beam across said body along the plane of the slice of the body to be imaged.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 35 wherein said transducer and window each have a length-to-width aspect ratio of at least two to one.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
44 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 36 wherein said means for scanning said beam comprises a scanning reflector disposed in said fluid means, said scanning reflector having an elongated reflecting surface which is elongated in the direction of elongation of the ultrasound beam incident thereon.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 35 wherein said window is inclined at an angle with respect to the normal to the ultrasound incident on said window.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
44 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 38 wherein said means for scanning said beam comprises a scanning reflector disposed in said fluid means, said scanning reflector having an elongated reflecting surface which is elongated in the direction of elongation of the ultrasound beam incident thereon.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
44 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 35 wherein said means for scanning said beam comprises a scanning reflector disposed in said fluid means, said scanning reflector having an elongated reflecting surface which is elongated in the direction of elongation of the ultrasound beam incident thereon.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 40 wherein said transducer and window each have a length-to-width aspect ratio of at least two to one.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 41 further comprising an ultrasound absorbing medium disposed in said housing in the path of ultrasound internally reflected from said inclined window.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 35 wherein said transducer includes annular sectors for use in dynamic focusing.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
112 words
Apparatus for ultrasonically investigating a slice of a body to obtain an image thereof, comprising: means for generating an energizing signal; a transducer coupled to said energizing means for generating a beam of ultrasonic energy; means for scanning said beam across said body along the plane of the slice of the body to be imaged; said transducer having a periphery of generally elliptical shape which is elongated along the direction of the scan, whereby the spot resulting from the focused ultrasonic beam is elongated in a direction normal to the direction of scan; and means for converting ultrasound reflected from said body into an electrical representation of said slice of the body.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
112 words
Apparatus for ultrasonically investigating a slice of a body to obtain an image thereof, comprising: means for generating an energizing signal; a transducer coupled to said energizing means for generating a beam of ultrasonic energy; means for scanning said beam across said body along the plane of the slice of the body to be imaged; said transducer having a periphery of generally elliptical shape which is elongated along the direction of the scan, whereby the spot resulting from the focused ultrasonic beam is elongated in a direction normal to the direction of scan; and means for converting ultrasound reflected from said body into an electrical representation of said slice of the body.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 44 wherein said transducer has a length-to-width aspect ratio of at least two to one.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 44 wherein said means for scanning said ultrasonic beam comprises a scanning reflector spaced from said transducer.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 46 wherein said scanning reflector has an elongated reflecting surface which is elongated in the direction corresponding to the direction of elongation of the ultrasonic beam incident thereon.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
46 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 47 wherein said transducer and reflector are disposed in a fluid-containing housing having a window adapted for placement next to said body, and wherein said reflector is disposed in the fluid in the ultrasound path between said transducer and said window.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 48 wherein said window is inclined at an angle with respect to the normal to the ultrasound incident on said window.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 49 wherein said window is elongated in the scan direction of the ultrasonic beam incident thereon.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 49 further comprising an ultrasound absorbing medium disposed in said housing in the path of ultrasound internally reflected from said inclined window.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 48 wherein said window is elongated in the scan direction of the ultrasonic beam incident thereon.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 52 wherein said window is formed of a rigid material.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
161 words
In an apparatus the ultrasonically imaging sections of a body by transmitting ultrasonic energy into the body and determining characteristics of the ultrasonic energy reflected therefrom, said apparatus including timing means for generating timing signals; energizing/receiving means alternately operative in response to timing signals; and display/record means synchronized with said timing signals for displaying and/or recording image-representative signals from the energizing/receiving means; an improved portable scanning module, comprising: a fluid-tight enclosure having a scanning window; fluid means contained in said enclosure; transducer means for converting energy from said energizing/receiving means to a periodic ultrasonic energy beam and for converting reflected ultrasonic energy to electrical signals, said transducer means having an elongated configuration in the plane perpendicular to the beam emitted therefrom, said configuration having a width at its longitudinal center that is greater than the width at its longitudinal ends; and means for scanning said beam across said body along the plane of the slice of the body to be imaged.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
161 words
In an apparatus the ultrasonically imaging sections of a body by transmitting ultrasonic energy into the body and determining characteristics of the ultrasonic energy reflected therefrom, said apparatus including timing means for generating timing signals; energizing/receiving means alternately operative in response to timing signals; and display/record means synchronized with said timing signals for displaying and/or recording image-representative signals from the energizing/receiving means; an improved portable scanning module, comprising: a fluid-tight enclosure having a scanning window; fluid means contained in said enclosure; transducer means for converting energy from said energizing/receiving means to a periodic ultrasonic energy beam and for converting reflected ultrasonic energy to electrical signals, said transducer means having an elongated configuration in the plane perpendicular to the beam emitted therefrom, said configuration having a width at its longitudinal center that is greater than the width at its longitudinal ends; and means for scanning said beam across said body along the plane of the slice of the body to be imaged.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 54 wherein said transducer means and window each have a length-to-width aspect ratio of at least two to one.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
64 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 55 wherein said means for scanning said beam comprises a scanning reflector disposed in said fluid means, said scanning reflector having an elongated reflecting surface which is elongated in the direction of elongation of the ultrasound beam incident thereon, said scanning reflector having a width at its longitudinal center which is greater than the width at its longitudinal ends.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
39 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 56 wherein said scanning reflector is pivotally mounted in said fluid means on an axis substantially perpendicular to its length, and wherein said means for scanning said beam includes means for oscillating said reflector.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 57 wherein said reflective scanner has a generally elliptical periphery.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
39 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 55 wherein said transducer means is pivotally mounted in said fluid means on an axis substantially perpendicular to its length, and wherein said means for scanning said beam comprises means for oscillating said transducer.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 55 wherein said transducer means has a generally elliptical periphery.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
64 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 54 wherein said means for scanning said beam comprises a scanning reflector disposed in said fluid means, said scanning reflector having an elongated reflecting surface which is elongated in the direction of elongation of the ultrasound beam incident thereon, said scanning reflector having a width at its longitudinal center which is greater than the width at its longitudinal ends.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
39 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 61 wherein said scanning reflector is pivotally mounted in said fluid means on an axis substantially perpendicular to its length, and wherein said means for scanning said beam includes means for oscillating said reflector.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 62 wherein said reflective scanner has a generally elliptical periphery.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 61 wherein said reflective scanner has a generally elliptical periphery.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
39 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 54 wherein said transducer means is pivotally mounted in said fluid means on an axis substantially perpendicular to its length, and wherein said means for scanning said beam comprises means for oscillating said transducer.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 65 wherein said transducer means has a generally elliptical periphery.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 54 wherein said transducer means has a generally elliptical periphery.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
118 words
Apparatus for ultrasonically investigating a slice of a body to obtain an image thereof, comprising: means for generating an energizing signal; a transducer coupled to said energizing means for generating a beam of ultrasonic energy; axially symmetrical focusing means for focusing said beam; means for scanning said beam across said body along the plane of the slice of the body to be imaged; said transducer having a generally elliptical periphery which is elongated along the direction of the scan, whereby the spot resulting from the focused ultrasonic beam is elongated in a direction normal to the direction of scan; and means for converting ultrasound reflected from said body into an electrical representation of said slice of the body.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
118 words
Apparatus for ultrasonically investigating a slice of a body to obtain an image thereof, comprising: means for generating an energizing signal; a transducer coupled to said energizing means for generating a beam of ultrasonic energy; axially symmetrical focusing means for focusing said beam; means for scanning said beam across said body along the plane of the slice of the body to be imaged; said transducer having a generally elliptical periphery which is elongated along the direction of the scan, whereby the spot resulting from the focused ultrasonic beam is elongated in a direction normal to the direction of scan; and means for converting ultrasound reflected from said body into an electrical representation of said slice of the body.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 68 wherein said transducer has a length-to-width aspect ratio of at least two to one.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 69 wherein said means for scanning said ultrasonic beam comprises a scanning reflector spaced from said transducer.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 70 wherein said scanning reflector has an elongated reflecting surface which is elongated in the direction corresponding to the direction of elongation of the ultrasonic beam incident thereon.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
46 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 71 wherein said transducer and reflector are disposed in a fluid-containing housing having a window adapted for placement next to said body, and wherein said reflector is disposed in the fluid in the ultrasound path between said transducer and said window.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 72 wherein said window is inclined at an angle with respect to the normal to the ultrasound incident on said window.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 72 wherein said window is elongated in the scan direction of the ultrasonic beam incident thereon.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
56 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 69 wherein said transducer is pivotally mounted, on an axis substantially perpendicular to its length, in a fluid-containing housing, said housing having a window opposing said transducer and adapted for placement next to said body, and wherein said means for scanning said ultrasonic beam comprises means for mechanically oscillating said transducer.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 75 wherein said window is elongated in the scan direction of the ultrasonic beam incident thereon.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 69 wherein said focusing means is a lens having an elliptical periphery which conforms in shape to the elliptical periphery of said transducer.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 77 wherein said transducer includes annular sectors for use in dynamic focusing.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 69 wherein said focusing means is a lens having a thickness defined by a surface of revolution around said beam.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 69 wherein said transducer includes annular sectors for use in dynamic focusing.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 68 wherein said means for scanning said ultrasonic beam comprises a scanning reflector spaced from said transducer.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 81 wherein said scanning reflector has an elongated reflecting surface which is elongated in the direction corresponding to the direction of elongation of the ultrasonic beam incident thereon.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
46 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 82 wherein said transducer and reflector are disposed in a fluid-containing housing having a window adapted for placement next to said body, and wherein said reflector is disposed in the fluid in the ultrasound path between said transducer and said window.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 83 wherein said window is inclined at an angle with respect to the normal to the ultrasound incident on said window.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 83 wherein said window is elongated in the scan direction of the ultrasonic beam incident thereon.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
56 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 68 wherein said tranducer is pivotally mounted, on an axis substantially perpendicular to its length, in a fluid-containing housing, said housing having a window opposing said transducer and adapted for placement next to said body, and wherein said means for scanning said ultrasonic beam comprises means for mechanically oscillating said transducer.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 86 wherein said window is elongated in the scan direction of the ultrasonic beam incident thereon.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 68 wherein said focusing means is a lens having an elliptical periphery which conforms in shape to the elliptical periphery of said transducer.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 68 wherein said focusing means is a lens having a thickness defined by a surface of revolution around said beam.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 68 wherein said transducer includes annular sectors for use in dynamic focusing.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
129 words
In an apparatus the ultrasonically imaging sections of a body by transmitting ultrasonic energy into the body and determining characteristics of the ultrasonic energy reflected therefrom, said apparatus including timing means for generating timing signals; energizing/receiving means alternately operative in response to timing signals; and display/record means synchronized with said timing signals for displaying and/or recording image-representative signals from the energizing/receiving means; an improved portable scanning module, comprising: a fluid-tight enclosure having a scanning window; fluid means contained in said enclosure; transducer means, having a generally elliptical periphery, for converting energy from said energizing/receiving means to periodic ultrasonic energy and for converting reflected ultrasonic energy to electrical signals; and means for scanning said beam across said body along the plane of the slice of the body to be imaged.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
129 words
In an apparatus the ultrasonically imaging sections of a body by transmitting ultrasonic energy into the body and determining characteristics of the ultrasonic energy reflected therefrom, said apparatus including timing means for generating timing signals; energizing/receiving means alternately operative in response to timing signals; and display/record means synchronized with said timing signals for displaying and/or recording image-representative signals from the energizing/receiving means; an improved portable scanning module, comprising: a fluid-tight enclosure having a scanning window; fluid means contained in said enclosure; transducer means, having a generally elliptical periphery, for converting energy from said energizing/receiving means to periodic ultrasonic energy and for converting reflected ultrasonic energy to electrical signals; and means for scanning said beam across said body along the plane of the slice of the body to be imaged.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus ad defined by claim 91 wherein said transducer and window each have a length-to-width aspect ratio of at least two to one.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
64 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 92 wherein said means for scanning said beam comprises a scanning reflector disposed in said fluid means, said scanning reflector having an elongated reflecting surface which is elongated in the direction of elongation of the ultrasound beam incident thereon, said scanning reflector having a width at its longitudinal center which is greater than the width at its longitudinal ends.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
39 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 93 wherein said scanning reflector is pivotally mounted in said fluid means on an axis substantially perpendicular to its length, and wherein said means for scanning said beam includes means for oscillating said reflector.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 94 wherein said reflective scanner has a generally elliptical periphery.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
39 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 92 wherein said transducer means is pivotally mounted in said fluid means on an axis substantially perpendicular to its length, and wherein said means for scanning said beam comprises means for oscillating said transducer.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
64 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 91 wherein said means for scanning said beam comprises a scanning reflector disposed in said fluid means, said scanning reflector having an elongated reflecting surface which is elongated in the direction of elongation of the ultrasound beam incident thereon, said scanning reflector having a width at its longitudinal center which is greater than the width at its longitudinal ends.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
39 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 97 wherein said scanning reflector is pivotally mounted in said fluid means on an axis substantially perpendicular to its length, and wherein said means for scanning said beam includes means for oscillating said reflector.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 98 wherein said reflective scanner has a generally elliptical periphery.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 97 wherein said reflective scanner has a generally elliptical periphery.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
39 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 91 wherein said transducer means is pivotally mounted in said fluid means on an axis substantially perpendicular to its length, and wherein said means for scanning said beam comprises means for oscillating said transducer.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-02-03 | 1984-08-04 | 1985-02-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-02-03 | 1988-08-04 | 1989-02-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-02-03 | 1992-08-04 | 1993-02-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |