Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus comprising an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, a cable, one end of which is attached to the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, an ultrasonic probe attached to the other end of the cable, an arm unit including a plurality of arm members which rotate and slide with respect to one another, and a balancer unit. The balancer unit is attached to an end of the arm unit and substantially balances the weight of the ultrasonic probe. The balancer unit comprises a rotational mechanism using a constant force spring for generating a constant winding force smaller than the weight of the ultrasonic probe, irrespective of the length of the a handing unit of the cable, and a wire for providing the winding force.

Abstract: An ultrasonic scanning apparatus has a housing which includes the apparatus which has a cylindrical body extending along a central axis thereof and a window at a distal end of the cylindrical body. A transducer is disposed in the vicinity of the window to transmit an ultrasonic beam in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the housing, and a reflecting member is disposed to guide the ultrasonic beam to the outside through the window. A continuously rotating motor is disposed such that an output shaft thereof is parallel to the central axis of the housing. A swinging mechanism is coupled to the output shaft of the motor so as to swing the reflecting member within a predetermined angular range.