Mobile ultrasound diagnostic instrument and docking stand

Abstract

Disclosed is 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.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A docking stand for a portable ultrasound diagnostic instrument comprising: 
 a) a sleeve for slidably receiving a console of the instrument, the sleeve configured to expose a visual display and manual controls on the console,    b) a vertical support for positioning the sleeve in a raised position, and    c) a base for the vertical support.    
     
     
         2 . The docking stand as defined by  claim 1  wherein said sleeve includes a signal connector for mating with a connector of the console and receiving video signals for auxiliary display.  
     
     
         3 . The docking stand as defined by  claim 2  wherein the sleeve includes a power connector for mating with a power connector of the console for operating the console and for charging batteries in the console.  
     
     
         4 . The docking stand as defined by  claim 1  wherein said sleeve includes a power connector for mating with a power connector of the console for operating the console and for charging batteries in the console.  
     
     
         5 . The docking stand as defined by  claim 1  wherein the sleeve is attached to the vertical support by a motion joint whereby the sleeve can be rotated and/or tilted during use.  
     
     
         6 . The docking stand as defined by  claim 5  wherein the vertical support is extendible to vary the height of the sleeve.  
     
     
         7 . The docking stand as defined by  claim 5  wherein the vertical support includes a coupler for joining a 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.  
     
     
         8 . The docking stand as defined by  claim 7  wherein the base for the vertical support includes wheels for moving the docking stand.  
     
     
         9 . The docking stand as defined by  claim 8  wherein the second vertical support includes an immobile base.  
     
     
         10 . The docking stand as defined by  claim 5  and further including an arm attached to the vertical support and configured to receive a plurality of ultrasound transducer scanners and cables for use in interconnecting the scanners and the console.  
     
     
         11 . The docking stand as defined by  claim 10  and further including a shelf attached to the vertical support for supporting a device such as a recorder or a communication unit.  
     
     
         12 . The docking stand as defined by  claim 1  wherein the console comprises a personal computer.  
     
     
         13 . The docking stand as defined by  claim 1  and further including a display mounted to the stand.  
     
     
         14 . A mobile ultrasound diagnostic instrument comprising: 
 a) an ultrasound console including electronics for driving a transducer array and processing reflected ultrasound waves, and a visual display for processed ultrasound waves, and    b) a docking stand including 
 1) a sleeve for slidably receiving the console of the instrument, the sleeve configured to expose the visual display and manual control on the console,  
 2) a vertical support for positioning the sleeve in a raised position, and  
 3) a base for the vertical support.  
   
     
     
         15 . The mobile ultrasound diagnostic instrument as defined by  claim 14  wherein the console comprises a personal computer.  
     
     
         16 . The mobile ultrasound diagnostic instrument as defined by  claim 14  wherein the connector provides for input and output of signals such as serial data and Ethernet/USB or reception of video signals for auxiliary display.  
     
     
         17 . The mobile ultrasound diagnostic instrument as defined by  claim 14  wherein said sleeve includes a power connector for mating with a power connector of the console for operating the console and for charging batteries in the console.  
     
     
         18 . The mobile ultrasound diagnostic instrument as defined by  claim 14  wherein said sleeve includes a power connector for mating with a power connector of the console for operating the console and for charging batteries in the console.  
     
     
         19 . The mobile ultrasound diagnostic instrument as defined by  claim 14  wherein said sleeve is attached to the vertical support by a motion joint whereby the sleeve can be rotated and/or tilted during use.  
     
     
         20 . The mobile ultrasound diagnostic instrument as defined by  claim 19  wherein the vertical supported is extendible to vary the height of the sleeve.  
     
     
         21 . The mobile ultrasound diagnostic instrument as defined by  claim 19  wherein the vertical support includes a coupler for joining a 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.  
     
     
         22 . The mobile ultrasound diagnostic instrument as defined by  claim 21  wherein the base for the vertical support includes wheels for moving the docking stand.  
     
     
         23 . The mobile ultrasound diagnostic instrument as defined by  claim 22  wherein the second vertical support includes an immobile base.  
     
     
         24 . The mobile ultrasound diagnostic instrument as defined by  claim 19  and further including an arm attached to the vertical support and configured to receive a plurality of ultrasound transducer scanners and cables for use in interconnecting scanners and console.  
     
     
         25 . The mobile ultrasound diagnostic instrument as defined by  claim 24  and further including a shelf attached to the vertical support for supporting a device such as a recorder or communication unit.  
     
     
         26 . The mobile diagnostic instrument as defined by  claim 14  and further including a transducer scanhead and a cable connecting the scanhead to the console.  
     
     
         27 . The mobile diagnostic instrument as defined by  claim 14  and further including a display mounted to the stand.  
     
     
         28 . The mobile diagnostic instrument as defined by  claim 14  wherein the stand further includes controls for the transducer array.