The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 12, 1997
Filed:
Feb. 26, 1996
Jianjun Wang, Columbus, OH (US);
Annette G Bouska, Dublin, OH (US);
Lonnie R Drayer, Plant City, FL (US);
Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL (US);
Abstract
A method for conducting an ultrasound procedure on an object having a target surface. The method includes the step of providing an ultrasound probe having an acoustical wave emitting end portion. A pad for transmitting acoustical waves between the ultrasound probe and a target surface of an object also is provided. The pad includes a first layer having a first porous portion which defines first layer pores therethrough. The first layer pores have a first layer pore dimension. The pad further includes a second layer having a first porous portion which defines second layer pores therethrough. The second layer pores have a second layer pore dimension. The second layer is attached to the first layer so as to define a space therebetween. The first porous portion of the first layer overlies the first porous portion of the layer. An ultrasound couplant is disposed in the space defined between the first layer and the second layer. The ultrasound couplant has a molecule size which is less than or substantially equal to the first layer pore dimension, and which is less than or substantially equal to the second layer pore dimension. The method further includes the steps of placing the first porous portion of the second layer in contact with a target surface and placing the acoustical wave emitting end portion of the ultrasound probe in contact with the first porous portion of the first layer. The ultrasound probe is then activated.