Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide a medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging system with a patient support surface. In one preferred embodiment, a medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging system is provided that is integrated with a base coupled with a patient support surface. In another preferred embodiment, a medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging system is carried by a medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging system cart that is detachably coupled with a base coupled with a patient support surface. In yet another preferred embodiment, a first medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging system assembly is provided that is integrated with a base coupled with a patient support surface. A medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging system cart is also provided that carries a second medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging system assembly and is detachably and electrically coupled with the base.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide a medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging system with an ambient room light. The medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging system comprises a transducer probe, a beamformer, a processor, and a display device. In one preferred embodiment, an ambient room light is integrated with the display device of the ultrasound system. In another preferred embodiment, the ambient room light is carried by or integrated with an ultrasound imaging system cart that carries some or all of the components of the ultrasound system. Other preferred embodiments are provided, and each of these preferred embodiments can be used alone or in combination with one another.

Abstract: A medical ultrasonic transducer includes a transducer body that releasably carries a handle. The handle forms a gripping surface for the user, and multiple handles are provided, all fitting on the same transducer body but sized differently to accommodate differently-sized hands. Individual handles can be removed and replaced in a clinical setting to modify the size and/or shape of the gripping surface as appropriate for an individual user.

Abstract: A safety device for preventing uncontrolled burning in barometric-type liquid fuel burners of the type where a removable fuel tank (60) feeds a fuel chamber (40), which supplies the fuel to a wick (54), via a sump opening in the upper surface of the chamber (40). A fusible link (28), which is affixed to a tank guide (12) via a support (30), is connected to an arm (74). The arm (74) is in turn connected to a lever (78) in a hinged fashion. The lever (78) is attached to a support (82) in a hinged fashion. A face (80) is present on the lever (78) at the end of the lever (78) distal to the end connected to arm (74). The face (80) is proximate to an automatic wick extinguishing unit (42). Should the temperature of fusible link (28) exceed a predetermined level, it will open irreversibly, allowing arm (74) to move downward, which in turn causes lever (78) to rotate about support (82), forcing face (80) upward, which actuates the automatic wick extinguishing unit (42).

Abstract: A safety device for preventing uncontrolled burning in wick-fed liquid fuel burners of the type where a removable tank (60) feeds a fuel chamber (40), which supplies the fuel to a wick (54), via a sump opening in the upper surface of the chamber (40). A plate (32) in the removable tank (60) contains a seat (90) and a needle (76), which, in conjunction with a compartment (80), a float (88), a lever (82), and an orifice (34), restrict fuel egress from the tank. A fill tube (44) traverses the plate. An opening (104) in the plate, along with a face (102) attached to an arm (96), allows air egress from a chamber (30) in the tank during fueling of the tank, but prevents fuel egress from the chamber when the tank is inserted in the burner. Fuel flow through the plate (32) is regulated by the movement of a float (88) attached to a lever (82), which is operatively connected to a needle (76) and a seat (90). Fuel flows through a seat (90) into a compartment (80), and begins to egress through an orifice (34).

Abstract: A diagnostic medical imaging ultrasound system comprises a flat panel display device to provide ultrasound images to an operator. The flat panel display device produces an image with sufficient contrast ratio, response time, and angular fidelity to display high-quality ultrasound images. The display device is secured to an ultrasound system cart and can be positioned away from the cart. The display device can also be secured to a structure that is physically independent from an ultrasound image generator and can be ergonomically positioned with respect to a patient and operator for superior ergonomics.

Abstract: A needle guide having a semi-compliant shell design and locating means for attachment to an ultrasound transducer. The needle guide improves over the prior art in its reduced complexity, its low-profile formed fit to the transducer, a positive guide locking feature when the needle holding pin is in the closed position, and its ease of attachment over a sterile cover. The improved design is conducive to low-cost manufacturing methods which employ materials that can be autoclaved, gas-sterilized, or liquid disinfected.

Abstract: A safety device for preventing uncontrolled burning in wick-fed liquid fuel burners of the type where a removable tank (60) feeds a fuel chamber (40), which supplies the fuel to a wick (54) via a sump opening in the upper surface of the chamber (40). A plate (32) in the removable tank (60) contains an orifice (34), which restricts fuel egress from the tank. A fill tube (44) traverses the plate. An inner equalization tube (24), a chamber (30), and an outer equalization tube (28) are connected to the fill tube (44).

Abstract: A hand-held transducer probe is overlapped with elastomeric material for improving the friction and softness of the grip of the probe. The elastomeric material comprises a biocompatible material having a tear strength in excess of 110 pounds per inch and a hardness level less than approximately shore A 80. Also disclosed is a method of producing a hand-held transducer probe having an improved grip comprising the steps of assembling an acoustic array and cable assembly; attaching a handle portion over aid acoustic array and cable assembly; and attaching an elastomeric material over at least a portion of said handle portion.

Abstract: A method of encapsulating an ultrasound transducer assembly probe is disclosed. The encapsulation forms a seamless casing around the entire transducer probe assembly resulting in sealed leak-proof probe conducive to sterilization by immersion in a disinfectant liquid. The encapsulation method of the present invention simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating several processing steps such as backpotting, welding, backfilling, and strain relief closing of the multiple component prior art construction. The method provides for device that is less expensive to produce, easily repaired and/or upgraded, more reliable, feels more comfortable to the user, and the patient and lends itself readily for mass production.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly incorporating multiple lighting modalities is disclosed herein. In one lighting mode, discrete indicator lights are embedded in the actuator keys to signify the state of an associated function. In a second mode, a plurality of legends, each sufficiently proximate to an associated function actuator key, are illuminated. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, function indicator lights in the actuator keys provide real-time user feedback such that scrolling through numerous display screen menus to determine availability of a desired function may be eliminated. Further, the backlit actuator legends enhances usability of system in low light clinical environments during ultrasound exams making the function actuator keys easy to locate. In addition, the backlit legends increases the contrast in high ambient light environments for improved readability.

Abstract: A safety device for preventing uncontrolled burning in wick-fed liquid fuel burners of the type where a removable tank (60) feeds a fuel chamber (40), which supplies the fuel to a wick (54) via a sump opening in the upper surface of chamber (40). A gasket (76) contains vapors present in the sump area when the tank (60) is seated in the sump opening. When the tank (60) is removed from the sump opening, a plate (84) moves upward due to the action of a spring (82) and contains vapors in the sump area.

Abstract: A safety device for preventing uncontrolled burning in wick-fed liquid fuel burners of the type where a removable tank (10) feeds a sump (56), which in turn feeds a fuel chamber (24), which supplies the fuel to a wick burner. The chamber contains a float (54) that, in response to the presence of excess fuel in the chamber, rises and moves a member which obturates an opening (46) from the sump to the chamber, thereby causing the opening into the fuel chamber to be closed.