Ultrasonic transducer system with fluid applicator

摘要

An ultrasonic transducer system for scanning a body including an ultrasonic transducer mounted in a transducer shoe and means for applying acoustic coupling fluid to the transducer/body interface as the shoe moves along the interface. The means for applying the coupling fluid includes a fluid reservoir and a fluid dispensing channel in the transducer shoe, a position transducer for producing a signal proportional to the movement of the dispensing means along the transducer/body interface, a microprocessor responsive to the signal, and a stepping motor driven pump controlled by the microprocessor to pump fluid from the fluid reservoir to the dispensing channel in an amount determined by the movement of the dispensing means along the ultrasonic transducer/body interface.