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US 11,452,500 B2Granted
Integrated probe structure
AssigneeNovaSignal Corp.
InventorsRoman Flores, II, Matthew Hutter, Gerard Salinas, Michael Costa, Matthew Sylvester
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
According to various embodiments, there is provided a probe structure. The probe structure includes a probe configured to emit acoustic energy. The probe structure further includes a load cell underneath and aligned with the probe. The probe structure further includes a probe hub including a cavity for receiving the probe and the load cell.
Claims20
An ultrasound device for use on a subject, the device comprising:
- a probe that emits acoustic energy and that defines a hollow;
- a load cell underneath and aligned with the probe, the load cell comprising a protrusion, wherein the load cell determines a force reading indicating an amount of force exerted against the subject by the probe, and wherein the hollow of the probe receives the protrusion of the load cell for securing the load cell and the probe together;
- a probe hub, wherein the probe hub defines a cavity for receiving the probe and the load cell;
- and
- a gimbal structure connected to the probe hub, the gimbal structure configured to allow the probe hub to pan and tilt about a first plurality of axes.
2 more elements
A method of manufacturing an ultrasound device for use on a subject, the method comprising:
- providing a probe hub, wherein the probe hub defines a cavity;
- providing a probe that emits acoustic energy and that defines a hollow into the cavity;
- securing a load cell that comprises a protrusion to an underside of the probe, wherein the load cell determines a force reading indicating an amount of force exerted against the subject by the probe, wherein the hollow of the probe receives the protrusion of the load cell for securing the load cell and the probe together;
- inserting the probe secured to the load cell into the cavity of the probe hub;
- securing the load cell to the probe hub;
- and
- attaching a gimbal structure to the probe hub.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.