Abstract: The disposable intra-luminal ultrasonic instrument comprises: a catheter having an elongate axis and a hollow distal end portion; an acoustical mirror face; structure for mounting the acoustical mirror face for rotation in the distal end portion of the catheter with the acoustical mirror face arranged at an angle to the elongate axis of the catheter; a transducer; structure for mounting the transducer in the distal end portion of the catheter in a position to propagate acoustic waves toward the acoustical mirror face; a micromotor having a length no greater than approximately 6 millimeters and a diameter no greater than approximately 2.

Abstract: The disposable intra-luminal ultrasonic instrument for the examination and/or treatment of blood vessels and similar lumina has a small transverse cross-section. The instrument includes a catheter comprising a body and a tip having a distal end and a distal portion adapted to be introduced into a lumen and a proximal portion. The catheter has a diameter no greater than 3 millimeters, a rotatable member in the tip, a micro motor in the tip and coupled to the rotatable member for rotating the rotatable member at a selected rpm, the motor having flat stator coils mounted on a flexible circuit board, and means for generating and supplying sound waves to the rotatable member.

Abstract: The disposable intra-luminal ultrasonic instrument for the examination and/or treatment of blood vessels and similar lumina has a small transverse cross-section. The instrument includes a catheter comprising a body and a tip having a distal end and a distal portion adapted to be introduced into a lumen and a proximal portion. The catheter has a diameter no greater than 3 millimeters, a rotatable member in the tip, a small motor in the tip and coupled to the rotatable member for rotating the rotatable member at a selected rpm, and means for generating and supplying sound waves to, the rotatable member at a frequency no greater than 60 megahertz.

Abstract: An echoscope for examination of objects with the aid of an ultrasound beam, comprising at least one electro-acoustic element for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic pulses during a transmission-reception period divided into n consecutive time intervals. The ultrasonic pulses are sent to the objects to be examined and are reflected therefrom. The echo signals supplied by the receiving element are amplified by an amplifier with time-dependent gain control. The gain control is brought about by a control voltage generator which supplies a control voltage to said amplifier for determining its signal gain as a function of time. Adjusting means for the control voltage generator are provided to make it possible to change the magnitude of the control voltage in the time intervals as a function of time. The apparatus also comprises a device for visually displaying the echo signals received during each transmission-reception period.

Abstract: An echoscope for examination of objects with the aid of ultrasonic pulses, comprising at least one electroacoustic element for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic pulses during a transmission-reception period divided into n consecutive time intervals. The ultrasonic pulses are sent to the objects to be examined and are reflected therefrom. The echo signals supplied by the receiving element are amplified by an amplifier with time-dependent gain control. The gain control is brought about by a control voltage generator which supplies a control voltage to said amplifier for determining its signal gain as a function of time. Adjusting means for the control voltage generator are provided to make it possible to change the magnitude of the control voltage in the time intervals as a function of time. The apparatus also comprises a device for visually displaying the echo signals received during each transmission-reception period.