Patent ID: 6296610
Filing Date: 2001-10-02
Classification: A61B,B82Y,G06K,G10K

Abstract:
A probe for an ultrasonic imaging system for providing an output ultrasonic beam to scan human or animal tissue having a surface, said probe comprising:a) means for defining said surface in a manner rigidly supporting said human or animal tissue for imaging the same;b) transducer for providing an output ultrasonic beam;c) electrically-operated motive means operatively coupled to said transducer for moving said transducer in a manner such that said output ultrasonic beam is directed in a path along said surface;d) a fluid-tight housing extending from said surface defining means and having an interior region containing said transducer and said motive means;e) a fluid filling said interior region of said housing, said fluid having an acoustic impedance substantially equal to that of water and having a viscosity sufficiently low so as not to impede the movement of said transducer and being electrically non-conductive;f) an arm structure for directly said motive means to said transducer; andg) an encorder operatively associated with said motive means for providing positional information relating to said motive means.