Patent ID: 8052609
Filing Date: 2011-11-08
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A connectorized ultrasound probe for use with an ultrasound system, the connectorized ultrasound probe comprising: an actuator assembly including a transducer assembly having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the transducer assembly includes wherein the actuator assembly and the transducer assembly are configured so that when the second connector is mated with the first connector, transducer driving signals applied to the system interface are routed to the ultrasound transducer via the first electrical interface and the second electrical interface, and return signals from the ultrasound transducer are routed to the system interface via the second electrical interface and the first electrical interface, wherein the actuator assembly and the transducer assembly are configured so that when the second connector is mated with the first connector, actuation of the user-operated actuator drives the output actuator, whereby the output actuator mechanically actuates the control actuator, which makes the bending mechanism cause the bending section to bend, and wherein the control actuator has a depression or a protrusion configured to mate with a complementary surface on the output actuator.