Multi-focus ultrasound system

0001The subject matter disclosed herein relates to ultrasonic probes that can be used for diagnostic and / or therapeutic purposes. More specifically, the present embodiment is directed to a system and method that facilitates adjusting the depth of focus of an ultrasonic probe between multiple positions while maintaining acoustic coupling.

0002The term ultrasound generally refers to periodic sound pressure with frequencies in the range above the upper limit of human hearing. Normal ultrasonic frequencies can include 1-20 MHz. Ultrasound is often used for imaging purposes. For example, ultrasound is used in ultrasonography, which emits high-frequency sound waves into the patient's body and detects echoes of the sound waves to image the internal features of the patient's body (eg, for example. It is a medical imaging technique that produces a blood flow image and an intrauterine image. However, ultrasound can also be used to perform the function. For example, ultrasound can be used to help remove a buildup of foreign material from the surface, or it can be used for therapeutic purposes (eg, stimulating damaged muscle).

0003Ultrasound has many uses, but typical examples can include medical imaging applications. In a typical ultrasound imaging application, sound waves are emitted from the probe into the patient's body and are reflected back to the probe when they hit the boundary. For example, some waves reflect back to the probe when they reach the boundary between fluid and tissue, while others reflect back to the probe when they reach the boundary between tissue and bone. There is also. The probe detects the reflected waves and relays them to a monitor, which uses the velocity of the ultrasonic waves and the time it takes to detect the reflected waves relative to the time of emission, from the probe to the reflecting surface. Calculate the distance of. The distance and intensity of the detected waves can then be displayed to provide an image of the observed tissue. Relatively dense tissues can be distinguished from less sparse tissues based on the difference in strength. This is because denser tissue can reflect more ultrasound than less sparse tissue.

<p num="0004"><patcit num="1"><text>U.S. Patent No. 7775982</text></patcit></p>

<p num="0005"> Many ultrasonic probes include an elevational lens that focuses ultrasonic energy at a specific fixed distance from the transducer. However, normal ultrasound images show a range of depths, and the depth at which the transducer is currently in focus may not be consistent with the desired image, so it may be desirable to adjust the depth at which the transducer is in focus. It is acknowledged that there is.</p>

<p num="0006"> In one embodiment, the multifocal probe comprises a motor configured to connect and connect to a lead thread and rotate the lead thread around the vertical axis of the lead thread, the lead thread comprising a length having a thread. .. The probe is a lead thread nut positioned around the lead thread so that the lead thread nut engages the thread and the lead thread nut and lead thread can move relative to each other through the thread. It also includes a lead thread nut, a transducer configured to move perpendicular to the lead thread, and an enclosure that surrounds the transducer, which holds the fluid and emits a wave target so that waves from the transducer enter the target. Includes a probe surface configured to engage with. In addition, the probe includes a catch feature that can engage the lead thread nut so that the lead thread nut is fixed perpendicular to the probe surface while the lead thread nut is engaged by the catch feature. In addition, the lead thread moves away from the probe surface when rotating in the lead thread nut in the first direction, and moves toward the probe surface when rotating in the second direction opposite to the first direction in the lead thread nut. It is designed to do.</p><p num="0007"> In one embodiment, the method is to use a motor to rotate the lead thread, which is at least partially positioned within the probe housing, including the probe surface, to rotate and the lead thread nut. , Moving along the thread of the lead thread based on the rotation of the lead thread, the lead thread nut moves vertically with respect to the probe surface, moves and engages the lead thread nut with the capture feature. The lead thread nut is in a fixed position with respect to the probe surface, engaging and continuing to rotate the lead thread, and the lead thread moves vertically to different positions with respect to the probe surface, thus Includes repositioning and continuing rotation of the transducer attached to the assembly that moves with the lead thread.</p><p num="0008"> In one embodiment, the multifocal probe is a driven link that is coupled to the housing at the first end via a hinged joint, the driven link being rotatable around the hinged joint, and a transducer. Transducer links coupled to driven links through grooves in the first end of the link and pins in the second end of the driven link, and transducers at the second end of the transducer link opposite the first end of the transducer link. It includes a transducer coupled to the link and a motor configured to rotate the driven link around the hinge coupling.</p><p num="0009"> The above and other features, aspects, and benefits of the present invention will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals are found in a plurality of similar references. Similar parts are shown throughout the drawing.</p>

0010<figref num="1">It is a projection drawing which shows the ultrasonic probe which emits an ultrasonic beam from a transducer at two different positions in the probe housing by one Embodiment.</figref><figref num="2">It is a side view which shows the adjustable probe system by one Embodiment in various different positions.</figref><figref num="3">FIG. 5 is a side view showing an adjustable probe system utilizing a nut capture feature according to one embodiment at various different positions.</figref><figref num="4">FIG. 5 is a side view showing an adjustable probe system at various different positions utilizing the double lead screw feature according to one embodiment.</figref><figref num="5">FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a step of moving the system of FIG. 4 from a shallow focus operating position to a deep focus operating position using a double lead screw according to one embodiment.</figref><figref num="6">FIG. 5 is a side view showing, according to one embodiment, an adjustable probe system in various different positions where the elevator subsystem is utilized to provide additional vertical movement.</figref><figref num="7">FIG. 5 illustrates an adjustable probe assembly according to one embodiment that can provide both 4D motion and refocusing capabilities using a crank-rocker grooved system.</figref><figref num="8">FIG. 5 illustrates an adjustable probe assembly according to one embodiment that can provide both 4D motion and refocusing capabilities using a crank-rocker grooved system.</figref>

0011Hereinafter, one or more specific embodiments of the present invention will be described. In order to briefly describe these embodiments, some features of the actual embodiments may not be described herein. In the development of all such actual embodiments, as with any engineering or design project, the developer's uniqueness, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints that may vary from embodiment to implementation. It should be understood that a number of embodiment-specific decisions must be made to achieve the goals of. Moreover, such development efforts, which can be complex and time consuming, are nonetheless the routine work of design, manufacture, and manufacture of those skilled in the art who benefit from the present disclosure. I want you to understand.

0012When introducing the elements of various embodiments of the invention, the articles "a", "an", "the", and "said (above)" may mean one or more of the elements. Intended. The terms "comprising", "including", and "having" are intended to mean that there may be additional elements other than those listed.

0013The technical effect of the present invention is to provide the functionality of multiple ultrasonic probes within a single unit by allowing the probes to be vertically adjusted to different positions while maintaining acoustic coupling. Including. Changing the vertical position of the probe facilitates the movement of the depth of focus of the probe across the target (eg, tissue), allowing the functionality of several different probes to be achieved. In contrast to traditional single probe solutions, the present embodiment can provide improved image quality or therapeutic efficacy for both surface and deep features by providing a multifocal probe. .. With respect to diagnostic (eg, imaging) and therapeutic (eg, muscle stimulation) functions, this embodiment can provide flexibility in a patient population with probes available. This is because the multifocal probe can be adjusted for different depths of focus for different patient types. In addition, such multifocal functionality can improve efficacy, tailored to the patient. treatment) can be facilitated. For example, by allowing an adjustable depth of focus, the present embodiment can facilitate an increase in success rate in imaging applications such as catheter guidance procedures.

0014The present embodiment generally relates to systems and methods for adjustable focus of ultrasonic probes at different depths within a target. More specifically, the present disclosure provides a system and method by which the position of the focal point of an ultrasonic transducer can be changed in depth by mechanically shifting the position of the transducer within the probe housing. In this embodiment, the transducer can have a fixed focus, which means that the focal point of the emitted ultrasonic waves is in a fixed position with respect to the transducer itself rather than the probe housing. Therefore, in this embodiment, the distance between the transducer and the contact surface of the probe housing (ie, the portion of the probe that provides acoustic coupling between the probe and the target) is automatically or by the user. Either can be modified to focus the transducer on a particular area. For example, the depth of focus within a patient's tissue can be modified by moving the transducer with respect to the contact surface to place the ultrasound focus within the diagnostic or therapeutic area of interest.

0015FIG. 1 shows a projection of an ultrasonic probe 100 that emits an ultrasonic beam 102 from a transducer 104 at two different positions within the probe housing 106 according to this embodiment. The ultrasonic probe 100 is positioned such that the surface 118 of the probe 100 is close to the tissue 108, which includes various items of interest 110, 112, and 114. At the first position 120 of the transducer 104 with respect to the probe housing 106, the transducer 104 is positioned away from the contact surface 116 between the surface 118 of the probe 100 and the tissue 108. However, the probe housing 106 is filled with fluid so that acoustic coupling is maintained in position 120 between the transducer 104 and the tissue. This is because the fluid fills the void created when the transducer 104 is moved from the second position 122 to the first position 120. This fluid allows the transmission of ultrasonic waves between the surface 118 and the transducer 104. At the second position 122, the transducer 104 is positioned near or close to the surface 118, which surface 118 is where the probe housing 106 contacts the tissue 108.

0016The first position 120 and the second position 122 each provide different focal points within the tissue 108. Therefore, positions 120 and 122 provide different optimal imaging ranges within tissue 108. For example, the optimum imaging range of the first position 120 is indicated by reference numeral 126, and the optimum imaging range of the second position 122 is indicated by reference numeral 130. Considering the different optimal imaging ranges, each position 120 and 122 can provide favorable imaging scenarios for different items of interest 110, 112, and 114. In fact, if the fixed focus of the transducer 104 does not match the region of interest, the resulting image quality can be poor. However, if the depth of focus is included within the region of interest, it can provide more and better information about that region. For example, first position 120 can provide a clearer and / or better defined image of item 110 than items 112 and 114. Similarly, the second position 122 can provide a clearer and / or better defined image of item 112 than items 110 and 114.

0017FIG. 2 shows side views of the adjustable probe system 200 at various different positions according to this embodiment. Specifically, the adjustable probe system 200 includes a positioning mechanism that is shown moving through positions 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216, and 218. Positions 202, 204, and 206 represent the positioning of system 200 during deep focus operation 230. Position 208 represents the transition 232 from deep motion to shallow motion. Positions 210, 212, and 214 represent the positioning of the system 200 during shallow focus operation 234. Positions 216 and 218 represent transition 236 back to deep motion. Since these positions relate to the function of the system 200 and its components, these positions will be described in more detail below.

0018Among other things, System 200 includes motor or drive mechanism 250, fluid shaft seal 252, lead thread 254, lead thread nut 256, coupler link 258, transducer 260 (eg, transducer array), probe surface 262, pivot joint 264, top stop 266. , And the bottom stop 268. For education purposes, the ultrasonic beam 270 emitted by the probe system 200 is also illustrated at various locations in the system 200. The system 200 also includes a main body (not shown). For example, the body can include features that include the motor 250 and / or cooperate with the fluid shaft seal 252 to contain fluid around the transducer 260. In the embodiment and other embodiments shown in FIG. 2, the fluid is contained within the inner portion of the probe handle so that the fluid can provide a bond between the transducer 260 and the probe surface 262. become. Although not explicitly shown in all cases, fluid can be retained in the lower portion of the probe using a bulkhead inside the probe. The shaft seal is used around the lead thread shaft. In addition, the motor carriage / array assembly frame member extending from the motor 250 to the pivot joint 264 also includes some form of seal via either a shaft seal (contact seal) or a flexible membrane seal (bag seal).

0019According to the present disclosure, a positioning mechanism containing various different mechanical features can be utilized to adjust the field of view and depth of focus of the ultrasonic energy provided by the ultrasonic beam 270 of the transducer 260. Vibrating the transducer 260 around the pivot joint 264 can improve the field of view or coverage of the transducer 260, as indicated by the movement between positions 202-206 and 210-214. For imaging applications, vibrating the transducer makes it possible to obtain a large 3D field of view without having to move the system 200 itself. If the transducer 260 vibrates fast enough (eg, above about 7 Hz), a real-time volumetric image (4D) can be acquired and rendered. For therapeutic applications, vibrating the transducer allows ultrasonic therapy to be applied to larger tissues without repositioning the entire system 200.

0020One way to achieve the vibrating motion of the transducer 260 within a compact probe handle is to use a slider-crank based drive system. Transducer 260 is equivalent to a driven link coupled to a slider. The slider or drive link is a lead thread nut 256. The lead screw nut 256 moves linearly, and the direction of this movement is based on the direction of rotation of the lead screw 254 driven by a motor 250 (eg, a servomotor or stepper). By driving the motor 250 in a particular direction only for a given time or to a given rotational position, the lead screw 254 is rotated in the same manner. The rotation of the female screw 254 advances the female screw nut 256 linearly along the female screw 254 unless the female screw nut 256 can rotate with respect to the motor 250. The lead thread nut 256 is prevented from rotating with respect to the motor 250 via a pin joint 280 having a coupler link 258 pinned to a transducer 260 pinned to the body (eg, motor frame / carriage housing). Note that the pin joint is indicated by reference numeral 280 and the pin joint 280 has parallel axes in the illustrated embodiment. The pin joint 280 is also parallel to the pivot joint 264. The pin joint 280 functions as a hinge so that the indicated features are hinged together. The linear motion of the lead screw nut 256 is transmitted to the transducer 260 via the coupler link 258, and the coupler link 258 is coupled to the transducer 260 at a position other than the axis of rotation of the transducer. Therefore, the linear motion of the lead screw nut 256 gives the transducer 260 a rotational motion around the axis of rotation of the transducer 260. Thus, the vibrational motion of the motor output also causes the rotational vibrational motion of the transducer 260, as represented, for example, by positions 202, 204, and 206.

0021System 200 provides both 4D motion and the ability to change focus, using only one actuator to accomplish both of these actions. In fact, according to this embodiment, the system 200 can utilize the slider-crank mechanism to create the 4D motion vibration of the transducer 260, as mentioned above. In addition, the system can achieve focus changes by repositioning the transducer 260 with respect to the probe surface 262 (eg, linearly moving the pivot joint 264 with respect to the probe surface 262). This can be achieved by driving the lead thread nut 256 to hit the bottom stop 268, which is the capture feature fixed with respect to the probe (eg, coupled to the housing via a pivot joint). .. With the lead screw nut 256 in contact with the lower end stop 268, the motor 250 continues to drive the lead screw 254 in the same direction of rotation. The motor carriage and frame members attached to the transducer 260 can slide with respect to the probe housing, as represented by, for example, the movement of the motor 250 shown between positions 206 and 208. The driving action of the lead screw 254 then moves the motor carriage (eg, motor 250) and transducer 260 away from the probe surface 262 and is shallow from deep focus action 230 (as represented by position 208). Transition to focus operation 234. During this transition, the transducer rotates to the end position. With the carriage in its new position with respect to probe surface 262, the motor 250 can drive the lead thread 254 to vibrate the transducer 260 and achieve 4D motion, as represented by positions 210-214. it can. To return to the starting position 202, the lead thread 254 over-drives the lead thread nut 256 so that it hits the top stop 266, and in a similar fashion, the motor carriage (eg, motor 25). At 0), move it closer to the probe surface 262 so that the transducer 260 returns to the deep focus operation 230. According to this embodiment, additional operation other than a single motor 250 (or stepper) may not be required to achieve this 4D motion and refocusing function. A curved or bent coupler link 258 can be used to maximize the accelerated drive range of motion (ie, the distance between the deep focus operating position 230 and the shallow focus operating position 234). Also note that it may be beneficial to utilize friction detents (or magnets) at the end positions to hold the motor-carriage / array assembly in place.

0022FIG. 3 is a side view of an adjustable probe system 300 at various different positions utilizing the nut capture feature 302 according to this embodiment. Specifically, the adjustable probe system 300, which includes features similar to those of the probe system 200, is shown moving through positions 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, and 320. Has been done. Positions 304, 306, and 308 represent the positioning of system 300 during deep focus operation 322. Positions 310, 312, and 314 represent the positioning of system 300 during mid-depth focus operation 324. Positions 316, 318, and 320 represent the positioning of system 300 during shallow focus operation 326. The transition between operating depths is facilitated by the nut capture mechanism 302. In some embodiments, the nut capture mechanism 302 comprises two separate actuators positioned at different positions 330 and 332. In other embodiments, the nut capture mechanism 302 can include a single actuator that cooperates to provide resistance at both positions 330 and 332. For example, the same actuation can engage different peg components with holes or receptacles in the lead thread nut 256, depending on the location of the lead thread nut 256.

0023System 300 provides both 4D motion and refocusing capabilities using only motor 250 and two actuators to accomplish both actions. The 4D motion vibration of the transducer can be achieved via the slider-crank mechanism described above with respect to FIG. The focus change is by driving the lead thread nut 256 to a specific position and engaging the nut catch feature 302, which captures the lead thread nut 256 and holds it in a fixed position with respect to the probe housing. Achieved. With the lead screw nut 256 trapped, the motor 250 continues to drive the lead screw 254 in the same direction of rotation. Therefore, the motor carriage and frame members attached to the transducer 260 slide with respect to the probe housing. The driven action of the lead screw 254 then moves the motor carriage and transducer 260 away from the probe surface 262, transitioning from deep focus action 322 to shallower focus action or medium depth focus action 324. During this transitional motion, the transducer rotates within its normal range of motion. At this point, the nut capture mechanism 302 releases the lead thread nut 256 to allow normal 4D operation. The nut capture mechanism 302 can also engage with the motor-carriage / array assembly to prevent any relative movement with respect to the probe housing. As shown in FIG. 3, with the nut capture system 302 in multiple positions, such as position 330 and position 332, the distance between the deep focus 322 and the shallow focus 326 is increased to increase the distance between the deep focus 322 and the shallow focus operating point. It is possible to have an intermediate operating point such as 324. The procedure described above for system 300 can be reversed to return to the deep focus operating position 322 so that the transducer is at the closest operating point with respect to probe surface 262. Again, it may be beneficial to utilize friction detents (or magnets) at the end and intermediate positions to hold the motor-carriage / array assembly in place. There is. Instead, it may be possible to utilize the same actuator that engages the nut in one state and engage the motor-carriage / array assembly in the other state. In such an embodiment, the actuator should be fixed with respect to the probe housing and probe surface 262.

0024FIG. 4 shows a side view of an adjustable probe system 400 at various different positions utilizing the double lead screw feature according to this embodiment. Specifically, an adjustable probe system 400 containing features similar to those of the probe system 200 is shown moving through positions 402, 404, 406, 408, 410, 412, 414, and 416. There is. Positions 402, 404, 406, 408, and 410 represent the positioning of system 400 during deep focus operation 420. Positions 412, 414, and 416 represent transition action 422.

0025In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the motor 250 has an additional lead thread, which can be referred to as the upper lead thread 430. The upper lead screw 430 is positioned on the back shaft or upper shaft 432 having leads smaller than the lead thread 254. The upper female screw 430 also has a female screw nut, and this female screw nut can be referred to as an upper female screw nut 434. During normal 4D movement, the upper lead screw nut 434 rotates freely with respect to the upper lead screw 430. Note that the upper lead thread nut 434 has some friction torque to avoid inertial drive of the lead thread 430. The motor carriage and frame members attached to the transducer 260 can slide with respect to the probe housing. The focus change is first achieved by driving the main slider-crank (lower) lead thread nut 254 to the position closest to the motor 250, which provides the rotational position of the end of the transducer 260. The nut engagement mechanism 436 then engages and secures the upper lead screw nut 434 to stop it from rotating. It also secures the lead thread nut 434 with respect to the probe housing and / or probe surface 262. When the motor 250 is driven in opposite directions, both the lead threads 430 and 254 rotate. Since the upper lead thread 430 rotates with the upper lead thread nut 434 fixed, the motor 250 effectively pulls the motor-carrying and transducer 260 away from the probe surface 262, deeply focusing the transducer 260. Move from the operating position 420 to the shallow focus operating position 416. At the same time, the lower lead thread 254 is also rotating, thus moving the lower lead thread nut 256 linearly toward a point of rotation, thus moving the transducer 260 from that position within position 412 to position 416. Rotate to that position inside. The final orientation and focus change height of Transducer 260 depends on the ratio of lead thread pitches. For example, 3. With an 18 mm lower lead and a 12.7 mm upper lead (4 lead thread ratio), the transducer 260 moves through a 30 degree motion for a 10 mm focus change. In some embodiments, more vertical motion can be achieved by moving through a larger range of degrees (eg, 60 degree motion).

0026FIG. 5 shows the steps of moving the system 400 of FIG. 4 from the shallow focus operating position 416 to the deep focus operating position 420 using the double lead screws 430 and 254. This process is similar to the process described above with respect to FIG. 4, but the motor 250 rotates in the opposite direction. Specifically, as indicated by position 452, the transducer 260 is positioned in its previous final position near the lowest relative position of the drive nut 434. The upper nut engagement mechanism 436 is then engaged to prevent the upper nut 434 from rotating, as indicated by position 454. As the motor 250 and the lead thread nut 256 move up with respect to the lead thread 254 (indicated by arrow 456), the transducer 260 tends to rotate counterclockwise, as represented by position 458. The final orientation of the transducer 260 and the final vertical position of the motor 250 and the transducer 260 must coincide with the first position of the previous modification sequence shown in FIG. 4, as indicated by position 460.

0027FIG. 6 shows a side view of the adjustable probe system 500 at various different positions where the elevator subsystem 502 is used to provide additional vertical movement. Specifically, FIG. 6 shows the probe system 500 at positions 504, 506, 508, 510, 512, 514, 516, and 518.

0028System 500 includes components similar to those of the previously described embodiment, designated using similar reference numerals. System 500 also includes various additional components. For example, system 500 includes an elevator subsystem 502, which includes a thrust bearing 524, a fluid seal 526 positioned within a fluid bulkhead 528, an elevator lead thread 530, and an elevator nut assembly 532. The elevator subsystem 502 functions to rotate the elevator lead thread 530 in the opposite direction compared to the main lead thread 254 based on the interaction between the spur gear 534, and the spur gear 534 has the elevator lead thread 530 and It is mechanically engaged with the master screw 254 and is coupled to each other. Motor 250 is a spline drive Coupled to the master screw 254 via drive) 536, the spline drive 536 includes a spline housing 538 and a spline 540. The spline drive 536 allows vertical movement of the lead screw 254 with respect to the body by facilitating the movement of the spline 540 in and out of the spline housing 538.

0029During operation, the elevator nut assembly 532 rotates in the opposite direction as compared to the lead thread nut 256. The elevator nut assembly 532 is normally free to rotate due to drag torque and therefore does not change its linear position with the rotation of the elevator lead thread 530. However, when the lead thread nut 256 is driven into the lower elevator nut 550 of the elevator nut assembly 532, the counter-rotating screws and nuts that move in different directions will cause the lead thread nut 256 and the lower elevator nut 550 to move against each other. Keep pressed. Therefore, the elevator nut assembly 532 cannot rotate freely and moves vertically based on the rotation of the elevator lead thread 530, as represented by position 510. The movement of the elevator nut assembly 532 is used to reposition the transducer assembly from deep focus operating point 570 to shallow focus operating point 572 and vice versa. During this transition, the transducer 260 rotates to the end position. As shown above, the spline 540 can be moved in and out of the spline housing 538 to accommodate such vertical position changes. In fact, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6, the motor 250 does not move because the spline drive 536 is used to connect the output shaft of the motor 250 to the master screw 254. Again, it may be desirable to utilize friction detents (or magnets) at the end and intermediate positions to hold the motor-carriage / array assembly in place. This method allows for greater focal position changes compared to the accelerated drive method alone.

0030To return the system to the deep focus position 570, the lead thread nut 256 is driven to hit the upper elevator nut 580 of the elevator nut assembly 532. The elevator assembly 532 can no longer rotate freely, as when the lower elevator nut 550 was pressed against the lead screw nut 256, and therefore moved vertically based on the rotation of the elevator lead thread 530. Elevator lead screw 530 is now rotating in different directions, as shown overall for position 518. As a result, the elevator nut assembly 532 begins to transition the transducer 260 from shallow focus operating point 572 to deep focus operating point 570.

0031FIG. 7 shows an adjustable probe assembly 600 according to this embodiment that can provide both 4D motion and refocusing capabilities using a crank-rocker grooved system. In this embodiment, the input link 602 is oscillated by a motor 604 so that it oscillates before and after bottom dead center 606 (eg, ± 45 °). This motion is transmitted from the input link 602 to the transducer link 608 via the pin 610 and groove 612. Therefore, the transducer link 608 oscillates around the lower axis 614, and the transducer 616 fixed to the transducer link 608 oscillates as well. The transducer link 608 is held separably in place on the lower axis 614 via the block 620, which is attached to a fixed part of the system (eg, a wall) and a spring that passes through an opening 624 in the block 620. It is held in place using a detent 622.

0032The focal position of Transducer 616 can be changed from deep focus action 650 to shallow focus action 652 by driving the input link 602 to speed up towards top dead center position 660, as shown in FIG. Assuming sufficient torque margin, the driving pin 610 reaches the upper end of the groove 612 of the transducer link 608 and continues to drive the transducer link 608. This separates the block 620 from the spring detent 622. As the driven link 602 continues towards top dead center 660, the block 620 is guided vertically along the vertical groove 664 towards the top axis 668, where the top axis 668 is the second spring detent. Has 670. The spring detent 670 cooperates with the block 620 to secure the axle point at the new height. Grooves 664 and detents 622 and 670 are secured with respect to the probe housing and probe surface 680. The driving link 602 can then oscillate around top dead center position 660 due to the normal 4D motion of transducer 616, which is in shallow focal position 652. In order to change the position back to the deep focus position 650, the driven link 602 is accelerated driven toward bottom dead center 606 in the opposite direction.

0033It should be noted that a fluid can be used to facilitate the transmission of waves from the transducer through the probe surface 680, as in the embodiments described above. In the illustrated embodiment, a sealing bag 682 is attached to the grooved link 608. The sealing bag 682 surrounds the transducer 616 in two positions shown by FIGS. 7 and 8 for proper fluid coupling of the transducer 616 to the probe surface 680. The sealing bag 682 can be secured to the probe surface 680 and the grooved link 608 to allow variable fluid standoff for acoustic coupling.

0034This document discloses the present invention, including the best aspects, using examples, and includes making and using any device or system and performing all embedded methods. Allows one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the present invention. The patentable scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that those skilled in the art will think of. Such other examples are those that have structural elements that do not differ from the literal representation of the claims, or that have equivalent structural elements that do not differ much from the literal representation of the claims. It is intended to be included in the claims.

0035100 ultrasonic probe 102 ultrasonic beam 104 Transducer 106 probe housing 108 Organization 110 Items of interest 112 Items of interest 114 Items of interest 116 Contact surface 118 Surface 120 1st position 122 2nd position 126 sign 130 sign 200 probe system 202 Start position 204 position 206 position 208 position 210 position 212 position 214 position 216 position 218 position 230 Deep focus operation 232 transition 234 Shallow focus operation 236 Transition 250 motor or drive mechanism 252 Fluid shaft seal 254 Lead screw 256 lead screw nut 258 coupler link 260 Transducer 262 probe surface 264 pivot joint 266 Top stop 268 Bottom stop 270 ultrasonic beam 280 Pin joint 300 Adjustable probe system 302 Nut capture feature 304 position 306 position 308 position 310 position 312 position 314 position 316 position 318 position 320 position 322 Deep focus operation 324 Medium depth focus operation 326 Shallow focus operation 330 position 332 position 400 Adjustable probe system 402 position 404 position 406 position 408 position 410 position 412 position 414 position 416 position 420 Deep focus operation 422 Transition behavior 430 Upper lead screw 432 Back shaft or upper shaft 434 Lead screw nut 436 Nut engagement mechanism 452 position 454 position 456 arrow 458 position 460 position 500 probe system 502 Elevator subsystem 504 position 506 position 508 position 510 position 512 position 514 position 516 position 518 position 524 Thrust bearing 526 fluid seal 528 Fluid Bulkhead 530 Elevator lead screw 532 Elevator nut assembly 534 Spur gear 536 spline drive 538 Spline housing 540 spline 550 lower elevator nut 570 Deep focus operating point 572 Shallow focus operating point 580 Upper elevator nut 600 Adjustable probe assembly 602 Input link 604 motor 606 bottom dead center 608 Transducer Link 610 pin 612 groove 614 Lower axis 616 Transducer 620 blocks 622 Spring detent 624 opening 650 Deep focus operation 652 Shallow focus operation 660 Top dead center position 664 Vertical groove 668 Upper axis point 670 Spring detent 680 Probe surface 682 Sealed bag