Medical probe with consistent action
A probe for intermittent contacting a patient body with a predetermined speed and force. Initially, the probe is recessed inside the device which is brought in contact with the patient body, while keeping the probe from making a contact with the patient. On a command from an operator or control circuit, the probe is deployed moving toward the patient body surface with a substantially consistent force and rate of motion, thus making a contact in a consistent fashion.
1 . A medical device for contacting the patient body surface with a predetermined force, comprising:
a housing,
a guard supported by said housing and having an outer rim that comes in contact with the patient body surface,
a probe located near the guard and capable of motion toward the patient body surface,
an actuation mechanism for causing motion of said probe.
2 . A medical device of claim 1 where said guard is capable of motion with respect to said housing.
3 . A medical device of claim 1 further comprises a switch being actuated cooperatively with motion of the probe.
4 . A medical device of claim 1 wherein said probe is capable of a motion from being in a first position of not contacting the patient body surface to the second position of contacting the patient body surface.
5 . A medical device of claim 1 wherein said actuation mechanism comprises at least one spring.
6 . A method of deploying a medical probe to and engaging with the patient body surface consisting of steps:
positioning the probe in proximity of the guard,
locating the probe in a first position that prevents the probe from making contact with the patient body surface,
placing the guard on a patient body surface,
moving the probe from said first position to the second position that allows the probe of making a contact with the patient body surface.
7 . A method of deploying a medical probe of claim 6 includes a further step of actuating a switch cooperatively with said moving of the probe.
8 . A method of deploying a medical probe of claim 6 includes a further step of moving the probe to the first position after the probe was moved to the second position.
9 . A method of deploying a medical probe of claim 6 where moving of the probe from said first position to the second position is caused by said placing the guard on a patient body surface.