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. 10, 2002
Filed:
May. 03, 2000
Gregory Wing, Carnation, WA (US);
Steven Bunce, Sedro Wooly, WA (US);
Andrew T. Dunn, Redmond, WA (US);
Brian Epps, Seattle, WA (US);
Paul Stevens, Kirkland, WA (US);
SonoSite, Inc., Bothell, WA (US);
Abstract
A mobile ultrasound diagnostic instrument including a self-powered ultrasound console having electronics for driving a transducer array and processing reflected ultrasound waves, and a visual display for processed ultrasound waves. A docking stand is provided for the console and includes a sleeve for slidably receiving the console of the instrument, the sleeve being configured to expose the visual display and manual controls of the console. A vertical support positions the sleeve in a raised position above the base, which preferably includes wheels for moving the docking stand and diagnostic instrument during use. The sleeve preferably includes a signal connector for mating with a connector of the console and receiving video signals for auxiliary display. A power connector can be provided for mating with a power connector of the console for operating the console and for charging batteries in the console. The sleeve is attached to the vertical support by universal motion joint whereby the sleeve can be rotated and tilted during use, and the vertical support is extendible to vary height of the sleeve. Preferably the vertical support includes a coupler for joining the first portion of the vertical support attached to the sleeve and a second portion of the vertical support attached to the base, the first portion being removable from the second portion and attachable to a second vertical support such as an immobile stand for desk use.