Cyber Switching, Inc.

Acuson Corporation

Gregory A Reynolds

Charles Howard Reynolds

Ron L Silorio

John D Marshall

Dermot P McCartan

A current protection apparatus () and current protection method () that may include programmable current protection characteristics has been disclosed. A current protection apparatus () may include a power distribution unit () with power distribution outlets (PDO-to PDO-), each having a corresponding circuit breaker unit (CBto CB). Each circuit breaker unit (CBto CB) may operate in response to a processing unit () that can sample current values flowing between a respective power distribution outlet (PDO-to PDO-) and a load device (LDto LD). Processing unitmay operate under control of software stored on a memory () to control a switching circuit (). Current protection characteristics for each circuit breaker unit may be independently programmed and/or altered by a user, for example by way of a computer (). In this way, each power distribution outlet (PDO-to PDO-) may have current rating characteristics independently provided for a particular load device (LDto LD).

Current protection apparatus and method

An ultrasound probe for diagnostic medical ultrasound imaging, including an ultrasound transducer and a circuit having a plurality of states to limit the use of the ultrasound probe. Ultrasound probe use can be limited based on a unique identification number (e.g., selected by means of electrically programmable fuses) assigned to each ultrasound probe. Alternatively, the ultrasound system software monitors and updates the number of times that the ultrasound probe has been used. Another aspect of the invention is directed to an ultrasound system, including an ultrasound probe with multiple states, a circuit to program and to receive state data from the ultrasound probe and interpret the state data, and a cable to communicate state data between the ultrasound probe and the processor. Another aspect of the invention is directed to a method for using a limited use ultrasound probe, including the steps of determining the state of a circuit in the limited use ultrasound probe and determining if the ultrasound probe can be used.

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Saratoga, CA, United States of America

Gregory A Reynolds