Methods for verifying the integrity of probes for ultrasound imaging systems

• US 7,891,230 B2
• Filed: 02/08/2007
• Issued: 02/22/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 02/08/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA Incorporated (Siemens AG)
• Original Assignee: Penrith Corporation (Siemens AG)
• Inventors: Randall, Kevin S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Williams; Hezron
• Assistant Examiner(s): Bellamy; Tamiko D
• Application Number:
  US11/672,596
• Publication Number:
  US 20080194962A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,475 Days
• Field of Search: 736/06, 736/07, 736/18, 600/443, 600446-448, 600/459
• US Class Current: 73/1.82
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/00 Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves imaging of objects using sonar G01S15/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4411 Device being modular
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4455 Features of the external shape of the probe, e.g. ergonomic aspects
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4472 Wireless probes
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/10 for containers, e.g. radiators
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/146 for containers, e.g. radiators
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/226 for containers, e.g. radiators
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/3272 for verifying the internal pressure of closed containers
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 3/40 by using electric means, e.g. by observing electric discharges
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/003 Transmission of data between radar, sonar or lidar systems and remote stations
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/52017 particularly adapted to short-range imaging G01S7/53 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/52079 Constructional features constructional features of transducers B06B; mounting transducers G10K11/00; constructional features of ultrasonic medical diagnostic devices A61B8/44
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/5208 with integration of processing functions inside probe or scanhead
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/52082 involving a modular construction, e.g. a computer with short range imaging equipment modular ultrasonic medical diagnostic devices A61B8/4411

Abstract

Methods are provided for verifying that water and other fluids cannot reach the internal components probes for ultrasound imaging systems.

Claims

1. A wireless probe for an ultrasound imaging system, comprising:

a housing having a first electrical contact mounted thereto, the housing and the first electrical contact being watertight;

a transducer array positioned within the housing, the transducer array emitting acoustical energy and receiving return reflections of the acoustical energy;

a circuit substrate positioned within the housing;

an electrically conductive path from the circuit substrate to an inner surface of the housing, the electrically conductive path configured to provide a current conduction path indicative of a leak into the housing; and

a wireless transmitter mounted on the circuit substrate and communicatively coupled to the transducer array for transmitting information relating to the return reflections.

2. The probe of claim 1, wherein the electrically-conductive path comprises an electrically-conductive shield.

3. The probe of claim 1, wherein the electrically-conductive path comprises an electrically-conductive coating applied to the inner surface of the housing.

4. The probe of claim 1, wherein the electrically-conductive path covers at least a portion of the circuit substrate.

5. The probe of claim 4, wherein the electrically-conductive path covers a substantial entirety of the circuit substrate.

6. The probe of claim 3, wherein the coating covers at least a portion of an interior surface of the housing.

7. The probe of claim 1, wherein the electrically-conductive path comprises an electrical contact with a reference node on the circuit substrate.