Patents by Inventor Fred L. Hatcher

Fred L. Hatcher has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Real time ultrasound probe
    Patent number: 8945013
    Abstract: An external ultrasound probe assembly capable of scanning a three-dimensional volume is provided. The ultrasound probe assembly contains a plurality of ultrasonic transducers disposed along a longitudinal axis of the probe assembly. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers is disposed on a mechanism operable to reciprocally pivot the plurality of ultrasonic transducers enabling the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to scan the entire three-dimensional volume. A helically disposed electrical interconnection member may be disposed about a pivot axis of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers and may electrically interconnect the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to an ultrasound imaging system. The ultrasound probe assembly may be fluid filled and contain bubble position control and fluid expansion compensation features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Clyde G. Oakley, John J Squires, Joshua J Wardell, Fred L Hatcher, Richard W. Denny, Johannes Haftmann
  • Real Time Ultrasound Probe
    Publication number: 20110105907
    Abstract: An external ultrasound probe assembly capable of scanning a three-dimensional volume is provided. The ultrasound probe assembly contains a plurality of ultrasonic transducers disposed along a longitudinal axis of the probe assembly. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers is disposed on a mechanism operable to reciprocally pivot the plurality of ultrasonic transducers enabling the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to scan the entire three-dimensional volume. A helically disposed electrical interconnection member may be disposed about a pivot axis of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers and may electrically interconnect the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to an ultrasound imaging system. The ultrasound probe assembly may be fluid filled and contain bubble position control and fluid expansion compensation features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Clyde G. Oakley, John J. Squires, Joshua J. Wardell, Fred L. Hatcher, Richard W. Denny