Floating probe for ultrasonic transducers

• US 6,689,087 B2
• Filed: 03/28/2002
• Issued: 02/10/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 03/28/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Gyrus ACMI, Inc. (Olympus Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Cybersonics, Inc
• Inventors: Pal, Dharmendra, Peterson, Thomas
• Primary Examiner(s): Jaworski, Francis J.
• Application Number:
  US10/113,141
• Publication Number:
  US 20020165470A1
• Time in Patent Office: 684 Days
• Field of Search: 604/22, 600/459, 606/1, 606/168, 606/169, 606/27, 601/2, 310/323.12, 310/0-8-, 451/165, 408/17, 433/86, 433/119
• US Class Current: 604/22
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/320068 using mechanical vibrations, e.g. ultrasonic A61B17/22012 takes precedence; dental tooth drilling devices operated by vibration A61C3/03; removing intra-ocular material using mechanical vibrations A61F9/00745
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/1651 for cooling
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/32007 with suction or vacuum means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2217/005 with suction drainage system
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2217/007 with irrigation system
• CPC Class Codes: B23B 2226/18 Ceramic
• CPC Class Codes: B23B 2250/12 Cooling and lubrication
• CPC Class Codes: B23B 2260/1285 Vibration sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B23B 2270/483 Measurement of force
• CPC Class Codes: B23B 37/00 Boring by making use of ultrasonic energy essentially using abrasive material B24B, e.g. B24B1/04

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel device with an ultrasonic based drill and corer. The invention uses ultrasonic and subsonic vibrations, which is produced by a frequency compensation coupler or free mass, to produce the hammering action with relatively low axial-force required. The invention can also be fitted with irrigation and aspiration capabilities. The invention is furnished with a body sensor-feedback apparatus, which provide feedback to the operator as to the optimal frequency and power use of the generator. The assembly presented also has a coolant jacket to keep the drill or coring apparatus at optimum temperature prolonging the life of the instrument and the quality of the sample. The invention can be used in numerous applications one of such notable application is on the field of orthopedics.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic drill comprising:

a resonator probe, said probe having a proximal end and a distal end;

a capturing member on said resonator probe;

an ultrasonic generator, said generator having a plurality of piezoelectric ceramic elements adapted to receive the proximal end of said resonator probe;

a barrier member adapted to receive said probe;

a horn integral to said generator;

a frequency compensation coupler slidably engaged to said resonator probe, said frequency compensation coupler located between said capturing member and said horn;

an internal cooling jacket, and

a catheter.