Abstract: The invention relates to a drive mechanism which can be used in a scanning device. The inventive mechanism comprises a device which converts a rotary motion produced by a motor member into a linear reciprocating motion. According to the invention, the aforementioned converter uses: a planetary rotating table (10) which is rotated by the output shaft (9) of the motor member (8), a planet pinion (15) which is pivot mounted to the table (10) and which meshes with a ring gear with a serrated bore (14) that is coaxial to the shaft (9) and solidly connected to the body of the motor member (8), and a drive member (19) which is borne by a support (18) that is solidly connected to the pinion (15). The mechanism can be used in the scanner of an ultrasound probe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanism for converting a linear motion into an arcuate motion, which can be used in a scanning device. The inventive mechanism comprises: a structure (35) which can move along a linear path and which can be connected to a drive device (34), a support part (39) which is mounted to the mobile structure (35) such that it can slide perpendicularly to the aforementioned linear path, at least one connecting rod (48, 49) which is articulated to (i) a fixed structure around a first axis of rotation located in a plane that is perpendicular to the linear path and (ii) the mobile structure (35) around a second axis that is parallel to the first. The arcuate movement of the support part (39) results from the sliding thereof under the action of the connecting rod (48, 49?) and the translational movement produced by the mobile structure (35?).

Abstract: The scanning system of the invention includes a structure driven in rotation around a first axis, a structuremounted rotating on the structure around an axis parallel to the first axis, a structure for supporting an echographic probe mounted rotating on the structure around a third axis parallel to the axis, a coupling element between the structure and the structure and a coupling element between the support structure and the structure. This system being able to move the probe along a variable band arciform trajectory.

Abstract: The scanning system of the invention includes a structure driven in rotation around a first axis, a structuremounted rotating on the structure around an axis parallel to the first axis, a structure for supporting an echographic probe mounted rotating on the structure around a third axis parallel to the axis, a coupling element between the structure and the structure and a coupling element between the support structure and the structure. This system being able to move the probe along a variable band arciform trajectory.