Devices for covering ultrasound probes of ultrasound machines
First Claim
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1. A device for covering an ultrasound probe that generates and receives acoustical energy, the device comprising:
- a sheath that receives the ultrasound probe and is capable of forming a barrier between the ultrasound probe and a body surface toward which the acoustical energy is directed; and
an ultrasonic coupler attached to the sheath and capable of transferring the acoustical energy between the ultrasound probe and the body surface.
2 Assignments
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Abstract
Preferred embodiments of devices for covering an ultrasound probe can include a membrane, such as a sheath, having one or more ultrasonic couplers attached thereto for transferring ultrasonic energy between the ultrasound probe and a body surface of a patient.
113 Citations
57 Claims
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1. A device for covering an ultrasound probe that generates and receives acoustical energy, the device comprising:
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a sheath that receives the ultrasound probe and is capable of forming a barrier between the ultrasound probe and a body surface toward which the acoustical energy is directed; and an ultrasonic coupler attached to the sheath and capable of transferring the acoustical energy between the ultrasound probe and the body surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A device for transferring acoustical energy, comprising:
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a membrane; a first ultrasonic coupler in contact with a first side of the membrane; and a second ultrasonic coupler in contact with a second side of the membrane and aligned with the first ultrasonic coupler whereby the acoustical energy can be transferred between the first and second ultrasonic couplers by way of the membrane. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41)
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42. A method for acoustically coupling an ultrasound probe and a body surface, the method comprising:
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inserting the ultrasound probe into a sheath; urging a sensing face of the ultrasound probe against an ultrasonic coupler attached to a sheath; and directing the ultrasonic energy though the ultrasonic coupler. - View Dependent Claims (43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48)
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49. A method for preparing an ultrasound probe for use, comprising:
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covering a portion of the ultrasound probe with a sheath while the ultrasound probe is positioned on a device that holds the ultrasound probe; grasping the portion of the ultrasound probe covered by the sheath; lifting the probe from the device that holds the ultrasound probe; covering a remainder of the ultrasound probe with the sheath; and closing an open end of the sheath. - View Dependent Claims (50, 51, 52, 53)
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54. A device for covering an ultrasound probe, the device comprising:
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a sheath that receives the ultrasound probe; a layer of ultrasonic gel disposed on an interior surface of the sheath; and a cover positioned over the ultrasonic gel and sealed to the interior surface of the sheath. - View Dependent Claims (55, 56)
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57. A process for supplying ultrasound probes for use in ultrasound procedures, comprising:
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providing the ultrasound probes to a user, with each of the ultrasound probes being packaged in (i) a sheath that can form a sterile, fluid-impermeable barrier between the ultrasound probe and a body surface of a patient, and (ii) a sealed package that covers the sheath and the ultrasound probe and forms a barrier around the sheath and the ultrasound probe; receiving the ultrasound probes from the user after the ultrasound probes have been used in the ultrasound procedures; repackaging the ultrasound probes in new ones of the sheaths and the packages; and supplying the repackaged ultrasound probes to the user.
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Specification