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:
Feb. 22, 2000
Filed:
Jun. 09, 1998
Richard B Mazess, Madison, WI (US);
Scott A Wiener, Mount Horeb, WI (US);
Richard F Morris, Stoughton, WI (US);
Lunar Corporation, Madison, WI (US);
Abstract
An ultrasonometer having opposed ultrasonic transducers with bladders containing a coupling fluid, controls the geometry of the bladder so as to provide immobilization of the patient as well as coupling of the ultrasound to the patient member. The coupling fluid may be hermetically enclosed in sealed chambers slideable toward the patient member or may be fixed in position and use a collar distending the membrane outward by compressing other portions of the membrane inward. A rolling diaphragm-type pump allows inflation of the membranes in an alternative embodiment without exposure of the acoustic coupling liquid to outside contamination. Temperature sensors and heaters communicating with the acoustic coupling fluid to reduce error caused by changes in the fluid's temperature.