Importance

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Abstract

An ultrasound probe of the type having, successively from its head to tail end, an ultrasound scanner head assembly accommodating an ultrasound transducer element rotatably within an end cap, an elongated flexible cord having a flexible transmission shaft of tightly wound metal wire coils within an outer sheathing tube, and a tail end connector. The ultrasound probe is characterized by a joint construction for the ultrasound scanner head, including: a metallic joint member axially extended from the end cap of the ultrasound scanner head assembly on the proximal side thereof and joining the ultrasound scanner head with an outer sheathing tube of the flexible cord by fitting engagement therewith; a cylindrical rotating member located internally of the joint member and the outer sheathing tube, and connecting a fore end portion of the flexible transmission shaft with a rotary support member of the ultrasound transducer element at a position axially on the proximal side of a rear end of the joint member; and an insulating sleeve member fitted on the cylindrical rotating member and keeping the cylindrical rotating member out of contact with the metallic joint member for electrical insulation purposes.

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First Claim