Patent ID: 7913564
Filing Date: 2011-03-29
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. An ultrasonic scanner comprising: a housing; an assembly having an elongated body pivotably attached to the housing at one end, and having an ultrasonic module at the other end and a contact surface there between said ultrasonic module selectively generating signals characterizing a target; a pivoting mechanism including a worm screw disposed in the housing, a motor selectively rotating said worm screw and a block mounted on the worm screw, said block being driven linearly when the worm screw is rotated, said block engaging said contact surface to cause said assembly to pivot about said one end; a controller including a position sensor for sensing the position of the assembly and generating an output based on said position of the assembly for driving said motor, wherein said controller receives a digital sensor signal based on said output from said sensor; and a translator that translates said digital sensor signal into a distance signal, said distance signal being used as a feedback signal by said controller.