Patent ID: 8012095

Claim:
An immersion bag system for interfacing an ultrasound probe with the surface of an object to be examined, the ultrasound probe having a body and a transducer extending from the body, the immersion bag system comprising: a. reservoir of ultrasound transmission media; b. flexible immersion bag for internally retaining the reservoir of ultrasound transmission media in communication with the transducer; and, c. means for sealingly connecting the bag to the body of the ultrasound probe, wherein the means to sealingly connect includes: i. a flexible collar, an integral annual seal in the flexible collar for sealing about the upper open end, wherein the integral annular internal seal having at least one self-sealing valve extending along, about and through the annular internal seal thereby providing a unidirectional air passage, thereby providing for the escape of air or liquid from within the immersion bag to limit the pressure therein and close upon equalization between the immersion bag interior and ambient pressure; ii. a capture ring, snappingly engagable within the flexible collar and having an annular groove and an opening for engaging a lip of the immersion bag; iii. an O-ring for securing the lip of the immersion bag in the annular groove of the capture ring; and, iv. a maneuvering ring, frictionally engagable over and about the flexible collar; and, d. means for sealingly connecting the bag to the body of the ultrasound probe.