Abstract: An ultrasound bell for attachment to an acoustic stethoscope includes threads that mate with threads located on the turret of the acoustic stethoscope. The ultrasound bell includes an ultrasound transmitter for emitting ultrasound acoustic waves or signals and an ultrasound detector for receiving reflected ultrasound acoustic waves and converting the reflected ultrasound acoustic waves into electric signals. Electronic circuitry within the ultrasound bell converts the electric signals created by the ultrasound detector into sound waves emitted by a speaker. The speaker is acoustically coupled to the turret of the acoustic stethoscope such that an airtight acoustic wave pathway is formed between the ultrasound bell and the turret of the stethoscope.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 8, 1996
Date of Patent:
September 28, 1999
Assignee:
Nicolet Vascular, Inc.
Inventors:
Daniel Drill Bouricius, Dennis Ray Newman