Universal ultrasound holder and rotation device
Provided herein are devices and methods for mounting variously configured medical imaging probes for imaging applications. In one aspect, a holding device allows for interfacing/holding most conventional ultrasound probes such that the probes may be attached to a positioning device using a common interface. As ultrasound probes come in various sizes and lengths, the device may adjust to different lengths, widths and shapes of different probes. Hence, the device may work in a substantially universal manner while securely holding probes with little wobble or other problems.
1. An apparatus for interfacing with an ultrasound probe, comprising:
a clamp body for receiving a portion of an ultrasound probe, the clamp body including:
a first body member;
a second body member movably attached to the first body member, wherein the first and second body members are concave members and adapted to move between an open position and a closed position wherein concave surfaces of the first and second body members at least partially define a bore for receiving an ultrasound probe;
at least one bias force member disposed on a surface of one of the first and second body members; and
a mounting element associated with a surface of the clamp body, wherein the mounting element allows selective attachment of the clamp body to a positioning device.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the bias force member applies a force to an ultrasound probe disposed within the clamp when the first and second body members are in the closed position.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , further comprising:
at least two bias force members, wherein the first and second bias force members are mounted to a common one of the first and second body members.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the bias force member comprises a spring loaded bias force member, wherein the spring loaded bias force member moves at least partially radially relative to a center axis of the clamp body.
5. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein a contact surface of the bias force member is at least partially rounded.
6. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein a contact surface of the bias force member further comprises a compressible element.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
a latch for maintaining the first and second members in the closed position.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the latch comprises a male pin disposed on one of the first and second body members and a female recess on the other of the first and second body members.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the first and second body members are adapted to move axially in relation to a central axis of the clamp body to engage and disengage the male pin with the female aperture.
10. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the male pin further comprises:
a spring loaded retention ball adapted to mate with an indention associated with the female recess.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first and second body members are pivotally connected using at least a first hinge pin.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
a disk adapted to be rotatively mounted to a positioning device, wherein the clamp body is mounted to the disk.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the clamp body is mounted such that a central axis of the clamp body is offset from a rotational axis of the disk.
14. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein an outer periphery of the disk includes a plurality of notches.
15. The apparatus of claim 14 , further comprising a pawl for engaging the notches.
16. An apparatus for interfacing with an ultrasound probe, comprising:
a clamp body for receiving a portion of an ultrasound probe, the clamp body including:
a first body member;
a second body member movably attached to the first body member, wherein the first and second body members are adapted to move between an open position and a closed position;
at least one bias force member disposed on a surface of one of the first and second body members;
a latch for maintaining the first and second members in the closed position; and
a mounting element associated with a surface of the clamp body, wherein the mounting element allows selective attachment of the clamp body to a positioning device.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the first and second body members are concave members, wherein concave surfaces of the first and second body members at least partially define a bore for receiving an ultrasound probe.