| 摘要 |
An ultrasonic apparatus for evaluating internal tissue characteristics in livestock is described. The apparatus comprises a reservoir containing a conductive liquid, an ultrasonic transducer, and a handpiece which is liquidly coupled to the reservoir. As with any electronic apparatus, the apparatus of the present invention can be controlled by one or more computers. The handpiece may further comprise a dispenser for dispensing conductive liquid from the reservoir and onto the livestock. A liquid pump is liquidly connected to both the conductive liquid reservoir and the dispenser. The apparatus also preferably includes a switch unit that is liquidly coupled to the pump and the dispenser, and electrically coupled to the transducer and the computer. The switch unit includes at least a liquid switch for actuating the pump and a transducer switch for actuating the transducer. A method for measuring internal tissue characteristics using the apparatus also is described. The ultrasound transducer is positioned on an animal's hide so that the transducer is substantially focused on a rib-eye muscle. Conductive liquid, such as water, vegetable oil or mineral oil, is dispensed from the reservoir through the dispenser and onto the hide by actuating the pump. An ultrasound image is then obtained by actuating the transducer.
|
