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Endoscopic smart probe and method

  • US 8,636,649 B1
  • Filed: 03/11/2009
  • Issued: 01/28/2014
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/01/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An electronic probe for use within a human being for diagnosis of internal disorders of one or more organs of said human being, said probe comprising:

  • a substantially elongated cylindrical housing, said housing being formed of a material that is substantially resistant to dissolution by gastric fluids of said being;

    at least one transducer disposed substantially proximate a first end of said housing and configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves;

    logic in operative communication with said transducer and configured to facilitate generation of at least one ultrasonic image;

    a lens disposed substantially proximate a second end of said housing and configured to receive light energy via at least one substantially translucent covering;

    at least one substantially translucent covering disposed proximate said lens at only one end of said housing;

    a semiconductor-based imaging device adapted to receive light energy via said lens, said semiconductor-based imaging device comprising anti-blooming apparatus and having a video rate in excess of 7 MHz;

    at least one illuminating light-emitting diode (LED) disposed within said housing and configured to transmit light energy external to said probe via at least said substantially translucent covering;

    an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) in operative communication with said imaging device, said ASIC comprising and integrated therein;

    (i) a ball grid array (BGA) interface;

    (ii) a digital processor;

    (iii) a flash data memory; and

    (iv) a sample-and-hold circuit;

    at least one circuit board received within said housing and having a plurality of electronic components disposed thereon, including said ASIC, said at least one circuit board being disposed transverse to a longitudinal axis of said probe, said at least one circuit board comprising a multilayer board having a plurality of circuit traces, vias, and contact pads disposed therein to facilitate electrical interconnection; and

    a battery power supply configured to provide electrical power to components of said probe;

    wherein said probe housing and said at least one substantially translucent covering are sealed so as to substantially frustrate the ingress of gastric fluids into said housing; and

    wherein said probe housing has a diameter less than 12 mm.

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