C. R. Bard, Inc.

Benjamin A Cohen

Shayne Messerly

Dylan K Robles

Jay Allen Muse

Jeremy B Cox

Jeanette E Southard

Kevin W Stinger

An ultrasound imaging device including the ability to determine when a component, such as a removable probe cap, is attached to a portion of an ultrasound probe. Such a cap is employed in one embodiment to act as a spacer component to provide a standoff for the probe head. Detection of probe cap attachment to the ultrasound probe enables the resultant ultrasound image to be adjusted automatically by the ultrasound imaging system. In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging system comprises an ultrasound probe, a cap or other component that is attachable to the probe, and a component attachment detection system for detecting attachment of the component to the probe. Once the cap is detected, an aspect of an ultrasound image produced by the imaging system is modified, such as cropping the image to remove undesired portions of the cap, such as the spacer component.

Apparatus and methods for detection of a removable cap on an ultrasound probe

A low power ultrasound system for use in sonography applications, including vascular imaging, is disclosed. The low power ultrasound system includes a base unit having an image processor and a display. An ultrasound probe is operably connected to the base unit. The probe includes a head portion including an array of crystal transducers. A plurality of pulser/receiver modules that cause the transducers to emit ultrasonic transmit pulses are also included in the probe. The pulser/receiver modules are further configured to receive analog signals relating to ultrasonic echo receive pulses detected by the transducers. The probe includes a singular low noise amplifier that amplifies the analog signals, and an analog-to-digital converter that converts the analog signals to a digital signal. A wireless interface is included for enabling the digital signal to be wirelessly transmitted from the probe to the image processor of the base unit.

Low power ultrasound system

A low power ultrasound system for use in sonography applications, including vascular imaging, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the low power ultrasound system comprises a base unit that includes an image processor and a display. An ultrasound probe is operably connected to the base unit. The probe includes a head portion including an array of crystal transducers. A plurality of pulser/receiver modules that cause the transducers to emit ultrasonic transmit pulses are also included in the probe. The pulser/receiver modules are further configured to receive analog signals relating to ultrasonic echo receive pulses detected by the transducers. The probe includes a singular low noise amplifier that amplifies the analog signals, and an analog-to-digital converter that converts the analog signals to a digital signal. A wireless interface is included for enabling the digital signal to be wirelessly transmitted from the probe to the image processor of the base unit.

Growing community of inventors

Tempe, AZ, United States of America

Benjamin A Cohen