Patent ID: 8672851
Filing Date: 2014-03-18
Classification: A61B,G16H

Abstract:
1. A handheld ultrasound based assessment device, comprising: a housing having a front end, a back end, and a cavity, the front end having an opening that opens into the cavity having a primary axis; a flexible membrane that at least in use is disposed across the opening at the front end of the housing, the flexible membrane having an inside facing surface that faces an interior of the housing and an outside facing surface that faces an exterior of the housing; an ultrasound transducer assembly having an outward face via which ultrasound signals are transmitted and received; an elongated stem having a first end extending rearwardly toward the back end of the housing from the ultrasound transducer assembly and a second end received in the cavity of the housing; a first drive assembly mechanism physically coupled to the elongated stem at least proximate the second end of the elongated stem; a second drive assembly mounted within the housing at least proximate the second end of the elongated stem, the first and the second drive assembly mechanisms magnetically interacting to cause a displacement of the ultrasound transducer assembly at least during use; a socket member that includes a ball joint socket located at least proximate the first end of the housing; and a ball joint from which the elongated stem extends rearwardly toward the back end of the housing, the ball joint pivotally received in the ball joint socket of the socket member, the ultrasound transducer assembly mounted to the ball joint for movement therewith.