Patent ID: 6190318
Filing Date: 2001-02-20
Classification: A61C,G01N

Abstract:
A probe for the detection of smooth surface lesions of a tooth crown surface, comprising an ultrasonic transducer, capable of transmitting ultrasonic waves and receiving ultrasonic wave reflections via a distal face thereof, and further comprising a coupler operatively connected to said distal face of said transducer and having a contact surface distal to said transducer, wherein said transducer is a focused transducer comprising at least one focusing element capable of at least partially focusing ultrasonic sound waves generated by said transducer along a principal axis of the said focusing element at least within said coupler, said coupler comprising a wedge angle B between a plane substantially perpendicular to the said principal axis of the said focusing element and a plane substantially tangential to the said contact surface at least at the intersection of said principal axis with said contact surface, said wedge angle B being substantially different from 0.degree., whereby, when said contact surface is in substantial contact with a tooth crown surface at least at said intersection of said principal axis with said contact surface, ultrasonic waves generated by said ultrasonic transducer are imparted by said coupler onto said tooth crown surface as surface ultrasonic waves which migrate along said tooth crown surface, said ultrasonic waves being at least partially focused along said principal axis at least within said coupler, and said lesions being detectable as surface ultrasonic wave reflections produced thereat received by said transducer.