Patent ID: 6659955
Filing Date: 2003-12-09
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A modular transducer system comprising:a scan head comprising: a transducer array comprising a plurality of transducer elements; a plurality of conductors, each electrically coupled with a respective transducer element of the transducer array; and a first plurality of contacts, each electrically coupled with a respective conductor of the plurality of conductors; a receptacle assembly forming an opening sized to receive part of the scan head that comprises the first plurality of contacts, wherein the receptacle assembly comprises: a second plurality of contacts that mate with the first plurality of contacts; a member carrying the second plurality of contacts, the member movable between first and second positions, wherein the first and second plurality of contacts are electrically coupled when the member is in the second position; and a detector operative to detect when the member is in the second position; and a cable assembly electrically coupling the receptacle assembly with a medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging system; wherein the detector in the receptacle assembly sends a signal to the medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging system when the member is in the second position, and wherein the medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging system enables a set of transmitters in response to the signal.