Patents Examined by Francis Jarowski
  • Patent number: 5402793
    Abstract: A multiplane TEE probe is provided in which rotation of the ultrasonic transducer is motor controlled. The motor is controlled to rotate the transducer either clockwise or counterclockwise, and at either a high rotational speed or a low rotational speed. The motor is also automatically controlled to drive the transducer to a predetermined home position. The transducer tip of the probe is detachably connected to the gastroscope tube. An aluminum sheet is embedded in the acoustic lens in front of the transducer to dissipate heat which accumulates in the lens. The gastroscope tube includes an articulating section formed of a plurality of matching cylindrical links which form alternating pivot axes from one link to the next. The pivot range of each link with respect to an adjoining link is controlled by opposing limit stops orthogonally located with respect to the pivot points of the links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: George P. Gruner, John D. Fraser, Loc Nguyen, Sherry Powell, Timothy R. Savage