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:
Sep. 22, 1998
Filed:
Aug. 22, 1997
Donald L Van Creveld, Menlo Park, CA (US);
Richard A Lyon, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Richard W Henderson, Fremont, CA (US);
Acuson Corporation, Mountain View, CA (US);
Abstract
A method of encapsulating an ultrasound transducer assembly probe is disclosed. The encapsulation forms a seamless casing around the entire transducer probe assembly resulting in sealed leak-proof probe conducive to sterilization by immersion in a disinfectant liquid. The encapsulation method of the present invention simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating several processing steps such as backpotting, welding, backfilling, and strain relief closing of the multiple component prior art construction. The method provides for device that is less expensive to produce, easily repaired and/or upgraded, more reliable, feels more comfortable to the user, and the patient and lends itself readily for mass production.