IP Library Granted Patent US 7,481,115
Granted Patent B2
US 7,481,115 · App. 10/551,260 · Granted Jan 27, 2009

Ultrasonic probe

View Patent ↗
Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,481,115
App. No.
10/551,260
Granted
Jan 27, 2009
Kind
B2
Abstract

An ultrasonic probe according to the present invention includes: an ultrasonic element unit for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave while carrying out ultrasonic scanning; a storage portion for storing the ultrasonic element unit; and an acoustic medium liquid charged in the storage portion. The ultrasonic element unit is supported by an elastic supporting member, and the storage portion is sealed by the supporting member in a liquid-tight state.

Claims (9)

1. An ultrasonic probe, comprising:

an ultrasonic element unit for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave while carrying out ultrasonic scanning;

a storage portion for storing the ultrasonic element unit;

an acoustic medium liquid charged in the storage portion; and

pressurizing means for presurrizing the acoustic medium liquid so as to form a positive pressure in the storage portion,

wherein the ultrasonic element unit includes a rotating mechanism portion stored in the storage portion, the rotating mechanism portion being a spontaneous rotation type motor whose rotation is induced magnetically and being supported by an elastic supporting member, and

the storage portion is sealed by the supporting member in a liquid-tight state.

2. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 1 , wherein the pressurizing means is a syringe pump including a cylinder connected with the storage portion so as to allow the acoustic medium liquid to flow between the cylinder and the storage portion, and a piston arranged in the cylinder.

3. The ultrasonic probe according to claim 2 , wherein the cylinder is sealed by the piston in a liquid-tight state.

Assignments (4)
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded May 28, 2014
From: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
To: PANASONIC CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 033034/0282 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Mar 17, 2014
From: PANASONIC CORPORATION
To: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
Reel/Frame 032457/0456 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Nov 21, 2008
From: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
To: PANASONIC CORPORATION
Reel/Frame 021897/0588 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 13, 2006
From: HASEGAWA, SHIGEYOSHI; FUJII, KIYOSHI; SAKAGAITO, YUKUO
To: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
Reel/Frame 018238/0688 →