WO2023220075A1

WO2023220075A1 - Ultrasound cable release mechanism

Info

Publication number: WO2023220075A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/021567
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jason Fischman; Timothy A. Hyde
Original assignee: Bfly Operations, Inc.
Priority date: 2022-05-09
Filing date: 2023-05-09
Publication date: 2023-11-16

Abstract

A cable connection for an ultrasonic imaging device having a bi-stable removal force. The cable may include a latch that selectively engages a surface on the ultrasonic imaging device. When the latch is engaged, the cable may be retained in the ultrasonic imaging device with high force and when the latch is disengaged, the cable may be removed with low force.

Description

ULTRASOUND CABLE RELEASE MECHANISM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/339,926, filed on May 9, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. This application further claims the benefit of priority under 35 U S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/420,481, filed on October 28, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to ultrasonic imaging devices, and more specifically to cable release mechanisms for electrical cables couplable to ultrasonic imaging devices.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Ultrasound probes typically are connected to a host by a cable, such as an analog cable. The ultrasound probe is controlled by the host to emit and receive ultrasound signals. The received ultrasound signals are processed to generate an ultrasound image.

SUMMARY

[0004] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a handheld ultrasonic imaging probe comprises: a body, a receptacle configured to at least partially receive a plug end of a communication cable for interfacing the handheld ultrasonic imaging probe with a portable personal computing device, the body including a ledge configured to engage with a latch disposed on the plug end; and a button disposed on the body and configured to engage with the latch, wherein, upon actuation of the button, the latch disengages from the ledge. [0005] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a handheld ultrasonic imaging probe comprises: a body; a receptacle disposed at a proximal end of the ultrasonic imaging device, wherein the receptacle is configured to at least partially receive a plug end of a communication cable for interfacing the handheld ultrasonic imaging probe with a portable personal computing device; a first opening disposed in the body adjacent the receptacle, a pass-through opening disposed between the receptacle and first opening; and a button seal arrangement cooperating between a button and the first opening and configured to form, together with a plug seal arrangement cooperating with the plug end when the plug end is connected to the receptacle, a sealed zone between the receptacle and first opening.

[0006] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an ultrasonic system comprises a body of a handheld ultrasonic imaging probe, the body having a receptacle; a communication cable for interfacing the handheld ultrasonic imaging probe with a portable personal computing device, the communication cable having a plug at a distal end, the plug at least partially disposed in the receptacle; and a shaft disposed at least partially around the plug and rotatably coupled to the plug, wherein the shaft includes a distal end portion configured to be received within the receptacle, wherein the shaft is rotatable between an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein in the locked position, latches on the distal end portion engage notches in the receptacle to secure the plug in the receptacle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] The following brief description of the drawings is meant to assist the understanding of one skilled in the art and is not meant to unduly limit any present or future claims relating to the present disclosure. Various aspects and embodiments are described with reference to the following figures. It should be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Items appearing in multiple figures are indicated by the same reference number in all the figures in which they appear.

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates an ultrasonic imaging device and a processing unit connected by a cable, according to various embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 2A is a side view of an ultrasonic imaging device with a cable attached, according to various embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the ultrasonic imaging device of FIG. 2A, without the cable attached.

[0011] FIG. 3A is a cross sectional view of an ultrasonic imaging device and cable, according to various embodiments, with the cable detached from the ultrasonic imaging device.

[0012] FIG. 3B is a cross sectional view of the ultrasonic imaging device and cable of FIG. 3A, with the cable attached to the ultrasonic imaging device.

[0013] FIG. 3C is an enlarged view of section 3C in FIG. 3B. [0014] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view the ultrasonic imaging device and cable of FIG. 3A with the cable attached.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the ultrasonic imaging device and cable of FIG. 3A.

[0016] FIG. 6A is a cross sectional view of an ultrasonic imaging device and cable, according to various embodiments, with the cable detached from the ultrasonic imaging device.

[0017] FIG. 6B is a cross sectional view of an ultrasonic imaging device and cable, according to various embodiments, with the cable being in the process of being engaged with the ultrasonic imaging device.

[0018] FIG. 6C is a cross sectional view of an ultrasonic imaging device and cable, according to various embodiments, with the cable engaged with the ultrasonic imaging device.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an ultrasonic imaging device and cable, according to various embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 8A is a cross sectional view of the ultrasonic imaging device and cable of FIG. 7, with the cable being disengaged from the ultrasonic imaging device.

[0021] FIG. 8B is a cross sectional view of the ultrasonic imaging device and cable of FIG. 7 with the cable partially inserted into the ultrasonic imaging device.

[0022] FIG. 8C is a cross sectional view of the ultrasonic imaging device and cable of FIG. 7 with the cable fully inserted into the ultrasonic imaging device.

[0023] FIG. 9A is a cross sectional view of a button in a rear cap of an ultrasonic imaging device, according to an embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the button of FIG. 9A.

[0025] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an ultrasonic imaging device and cable, according to another embodiment, with the cable detached from the ultrasonic imaging device.

[0026] FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the ultrasonic imaging device and cable of FIG. 10A, with the cable attached to the ultrasonic imaging device in an unlocked position.

[0027] FIG. 11 A is a perspective view of the ultrasonic imaging device and cable of FIG. 10B, with a rear cap shown in transparent view to illustrate the components and connections inside the rear cap. [0028] FIG. 1 IB is a perspective view of the ultrasonic imaging device and cable of FIG. 11 A, with the cable attached to the ultrasonic imaging device in a locked position.

[0029] FIG. 11C is an enlarged view of section 11C in FIG. 1 IB.

[0030] FIG. 12 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic imaging device and cable of FIG. 11 A, with the cable attached to the ultrasonic imaging device in a locked position.

[0031] FIG. 13 A is a cross-sectional schematic of the ultrasonic imaging device and cable of FIG. 11 A, with the cable attached in an unlocked position.

[0032] FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional schematic of the ultrasonic imaging device and cable of FIG. 11 A, with the cable attached in a locked position.

[0033] FIG. 14A is a top perspective view of an ultrasonic imaging device and a cable, according to various embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 14B a top perspective view of the ultrasonic imaging device and cable of FIG. 14A, with a rear cap shown in transparent view to illustrate the components and connections inside the rear cap.

[0035] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the ultrasonic imaging device and cable of FIG. 14A.

[0036] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an ultrasonic imaging device and cable, according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The following detailed description is meant to help the understanding of one skilled in the art, and is not meant in any way to unduly limit present or future claims related to the present disclosure.

[0038] Ultrasonic imaging devices project ultrasonic signals. For medical applications, such ultrasonic signals are projected into a patient’s body. The ultrasonic imaging devices can be used to detect the reverberations or reflections of those signals, digitize such, and through various data processing and manipulation techniques, create images and data depicting certain features of the patient’s body.

[0039] One type of ultrasonic imaging device is a portable ultrasonic imaging device which is operatively coupled to a portable processing device by an electrical cable which provides for transfer of data and/or power. The ultrasonic imaging device may take the form of a handheld probe for use in point of care ultrasound (POCUS) applications. The processing device may be a smartphone, tablet computer, or laptop computer. Aspects of such ultrasonic imaging devices are described in U.S. Patent No. 10,856,840 (the ‘840 patent) titled “UNIVERSAL ULTRASOUND DEVICE AND RELATED APPARATUS AND METHODS,” filed on Jan. 25, 2017 (and assigned to the assignee of the instant application), which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Some such ultrasonic imaging devices may include ultrasonic transducers and circuitry monolithically integrated onto a single semiconductor die or chip stack to form a monolithic ultrasound device, examples of which are described in the ‘840 patent. The circuitry integrated onto the single die or the chip stack may include some or all of the circuitry used to control operation of and process signals generated by the ultrasonic transducers. When the chip or chip stack does not include all the circuitry used to control the operation of and/or process signals generated by the ultrasonic transducers, additional circuitry for controlling the operation of and/or processing signals generated by the ultrasonic transducers may be on separate chips or circuit boards. Some portable ultrasonic imaging devices use an ultrasound-on-chip device, which is a microscale chip or chip stack having integrated ultrasonic transducers and circuitry. The chip may be a semiconductor chip, such as a silicon chip. The ultrasonic transducers may be microscale ultrasonic transducers arranged in an array. The integrated circuitry may include analog and/or digital circuitry for controlling operation of the ultrasonic transducers and/or processing signals produced by the ultrasonic transducers. In some embodiments, the integrated circuitry includes analog to digital signal converters and beamformers. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure the ultrasonic transducers and the aforementioned associated circuity are integrated into a single silicon chip.

[0040] Handheld ultrasonic imaging devices may operate both wirelessly and with a wired connection. For example, the handheld ultrasonic imaging device may be connectable to a processing unit such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop computer. In wired configurations, the connection between the cable and the ultrasonic imaging device is designed to be robust to prevent the cable from inadvertently being detached from the ultrasonic imaging device, for instance during an ultrasound scan when such cable detachment would be particularly problematic. Typical cable connections involve a tight friction fit or screws to prevent inadvertent cable detachment, but which make it difficult to remove the cable from the device even when such removal is desired.

[0041] The inventors have recognized that some ultrasonic imaging devices may be operated in both wired and wireless modes, and that in any event some types of wired ultrasonic imaging devices may be shared among multiple users who may wish to connect the ultrasonic device to different processing devices. Therefore, it may be desirable or even necessary for the cable to undergo many connection and disconnection cycles. For instance, the cable connecting an ultrasonic imaging device to a processing device may undergo several insertion and removal cycles per day and therefore hundreds of such cycles during its lifetime. Accordingly, the inventors have recognized that it is desirable to have a cable that may be easily insertable and/or removeable to be able to use the ultrasonic imaging device in various modes and/or with various processing units for different users.

[0042] In view of the above, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide cable connection configurations that retain the cable in an ultrasonic imaging device with high force when intended to be retained, and which can be released from the ultrasonic imaging device with minimal force when intended to be released. As such, the cables may stay connected when the ultrasonic imaging device is in use, but may be easily disconnected when required, decreasing stress on the cable and improving user experience.

[0043] In some embodiments, an ultrasonic imaging device includes a button on a body of the device that, when pressed, causes the cable to disengage from the ultrasonic imaging device with minimal force. For example, the cable may include one or more latches that engage a surface of the ultrasonic imaging device, retaining the cable in the ultrasonic imaging device with high force. However, pressing the button on the device may disengage the one or more latches from the ultrasonic imaging device, allowing the cable to be easily removed. As such, the cable may only be removed when the button is pressed.

[0044] Ultrasonic imaging devices may encounter liquid (e.g., blood, gel) while in use that may clog or otherwise damage the ultrasonic imaging device. The cable connection configurations described herein may prevent entry of liquids into the ultrasonic imaging device, and may be waterproof in at least some embodiments. In some embodiments, the cable and/or ultrasonic imaging device may include one or more seals to prevent external material from entering the ultrasonic imaging device when the cable is installed. For example, seals may be included to form waterproof barriers around the cable and/or the button which releases the cable. As such, the cable connections may provide a waterproof, bistable removal force.

[0045] The aspects and embodiments described above, as well as additional aspects and embodiments, are described further below. These aspects and/or embodiments may be used individually, all together, or in any combination of two or more, as the disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0046] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an ultrasonic imaging device 100 and a processing device 102, in accordance with certain embodiments described herein. A cable 104 extends between the ultrasonic imaging device 100 and the processing device 102. The ultrasonic imaging device 100 may be a handheld ultrasound probe. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic imaging device 100 may include a semiconductor substrate having ultrasonic transducers and circuitry integrated thereon. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic imaging device 100 may include an ultrasound-on-chip device. The processing device 102 may be, for example, a mobile phone, tablet, desktop, or laptop. The processing device 102 and the ultrasonic imaging device 100 may be in operative communication with each other by transmitting data over the cable 104. For example, the cable 104 may be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable, a Lightning cable, or other type of digital communication cable used for consumer electronics. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic imaging device 100 may include built-in wireless communication and may be configured to transmit ultrasound data collected by the ultrasonic imaging device 100 wirelessly to the processing device 102 and/or to wirelessly receive control data from the processing device 102.

[0047] FIGs. 2A-2B illustrate an embodiment of an ultrasonic imaging device 100. FIG. 2A is a side view of the ultrasonic imaging device 100 with the cable 104 attached. The ultrasonic imaging device 100 includes a body 101 having a rear cap 108. The cable 104 may be attached to a receptacle 120, visible in FIG. 2B, in the rear cap 108 of the body 101. The cable 104 may include a cover 106 that protects the cable from external material and forces. FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the ultrasonic imaging device 100 without the cable 104 attached. In some embodiments, the ultrasonic imaging device 100 may have an overall length ranging from 100mm-300mm (e.g., 175 mm) and a weight ranging from 200 grams- 500 grams (e.g., 312 g). In some embodiments, the ultrasonic imaging device 100 may have a length about 140 mm and a weight of about 265 g.

[0048] As shown in Figs 2A-2B, in some embodiments, the ultrasonic imaging device 100 may include a button 110 on the body 101 that assists in detaching the cable 104 from the ultrasonic imaging device 100, as described in more detail below. Various types of cables with different types of cable attachment mechanisms may be interchangeably attached to the ultrasonic imaging device 100. The cables and attachment mechanisms described below provide robust connections between the ultrasonic imaging device 100 and cable 104 with minimal risk of unwanted detachment, while also allowing a user to easily detach and/or reattach the cable 104 when desired.

[0049] FIGs. 3A-5 show an embodiment of a cable connection between an ultrasonic imaging device and a cable. FIGs. 3A-3C and 5 are side views. FIG. 4 is a bottom view. The cable 104 may be a communication cable, and may connect to a processing device such as processing device 102 of FIGs. 1A and IB. In some embodiments, the cable 104 may include a plug 112 at its distal end. The cable 104 may include the cover 106 that surrounds the interface between the plug 112 and the remaining length of the cable 104, protecting the interface from external materials (e.g., blood, gel, dirt, dust). The cover 106 may also extend around the plug 112, forming a seal between the plug 112 and the ultrasonic imaging device 100 when the plug 112 is inserted in receptacle 120 as shown in FIG. 3B. In some embodiments, the plug 112 may include a cap 114. Contacts 118 may extend from the plug and through the cap 114. When the plug 112 is inserted into receptacle 120 in the rear cap 108 of the body of the ultrasonic imaging device, the contacts 118 may connect with the ultrasonic imaging device 100 to form an electrical connection between the ultrasonic imaging device 100 and an external processing device 102 through cable 104. The contacts 118 are USB contacts in some embodiments. The contacts 118 are Lightning port contacts in some embodiments.

[0050] In some embodiments, the cap 114 includes a flexure arm 113 with a latch 116 configured to engage with a ledge. The ledge, in one or more embodiments, is provided by a pass-through 122 connected to the receptacle 120 to retain the plug in the receptacle. The flexure arm 113 may be positioned on a side surface of the cap 114, forming a u-shape with the plug, and the flexure arm 113 may not extend past a distal tip of the cap 114, as shown. However, in alternative embodiments the flexure arm 113 may extend past the distal tip of the cap 114.

[0051] FIGs. 3A-3C illustrate different stages of insertion of the plug 112 into receptacle 120 of the rear cap 108. In FIG. 3A, the plug 112 and cable 104 are completely disengaged from the receptacle 120 of the ultrasonic imaging device 100. The flexure arm 113 is in a nondeformed state in which the latch 116 extends radially outward past an outer surface of the flexure arm 113. When the plug 112 enters receptacle 120, a slanted surface of latch 116 contacts a chamfered edge 130 positioned at the entrance of receptacle 120, causing the latch 116 to push inwards and the flexure arm 113 to deform inwards toward the cap 114. Once the plug 112 is fully inserted, as shown in FIG. 3B, the latch 116 is positioned above pass-through 122, causing the latch 116 to enter the pass-through 122 as the flexure arm 113 moves back to its nondeformed state. A surface of the latch 116 engages an inner surface of pass-through 122, securing the plug in the receptacle 120. The flexure arm 113 engaged in the pass-through 122 forms a robust connection between the ultrasonic imaging device 100 and the cable 104, minimizing or eliminating undesired detachment of the cable 104 from the ultrasonic imaging device 100.

[0052] To remove the plug 112 from the receptacle 120, a user may activate button 110 on the ultrasonic imaging device. The button 110 may be disposed on the body of the ultrasonic imaging device 100 in an opening 123 adjacent to receptable 120. Pass-through 122 may be disposed between and connect the receptable 120 and opening 123. In some embodiments, the button 110 may include a deformable plate 125 with a sidewall 126 — labeled in FIG. 3C — that extends from a first side of the plate 125 around the perimeter of the plate. The deformable plate 125 may include a projection 124 — labeled in FIG. 3C — that extends from the first surface and is configured to extend into pass-through 122.

[0053] A user may activate button 110 by pressing the button inwards, causing deformable plate 125 to press inwards and the projection 124 to extend into the pass-through 122. As the projection enters pass-through 122, the projection 124 pushes the latch 116 out of pass-through 122. Once the latch 116 is disengaged from pass-through 122, the plug 112 may be removed from receptacle 120 with low force, for instance with the user pulling slightly on the cable 104. Accordingly, a user may detach the cable to use the device wirelessly, or to attach a different cable to the device, for example, to use with a different processing unit than processing unit 102.

[0054] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the ultrasonic imaging device 100 with the cable 104 attached. As shown in FIG. 4, the button 110 may be positioned in the rear cap 108 of the body of the ultrasonic imaging device to allow a user to disengage the cable 104 from the ultrasonic imaging device. The button 110 may include a protective cover 111 that prevents liquid and other external material from entering the ultrasonic imaging device from around the button 110.

[0055] To protect the ultrasonic imaging device from external material, the cable 104 and/or ultrasonic imaging device 100 may include one or more seals. As shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the button 110 may form a seal in the opening 123. For example, sidewalls 126 of deformable plate 125 may extend partially or completely around the perimeter of the deformable plate 125. Ends of sidewalls 126 may press against a surface 127 of the opening 123, forming a button seal arrangement cooperating between the button 110 and the opening 123. In some embodiments, sidewalls 126 may surround the perimeter of opening 123 in the rear cap 108 housing the button 110.

[0056] In some embodiments, a seal is formed when the plug 112 is connected to the receptable 120. For example, plug 112 may include a seal (e.g., O-ring) positioned adjacent the cap 114 to form a seal between the plug 112 and the receptacle 120 when the plug 112 is attached to the receptacle 120. This plug seal arrangement and the button seal arrangement described above together may form a sealed zone represented by the enclosed box 5 in FIG. 5. The sealed zone 5 protects the release mechanism — projections 124 that translates in pass- through 122 — as well as the electrical connection formed by contacts 118 in the device. As such, when the cable 104 is connected to the ultrasonic imaging device 100, the ultrasonic imaging device 100 may be protected from external materials that could potentially inhibit its electrical and/or mechanical mechanisms.

[0057] FIGs. 6A-6C show an embodiment of a cable connection between an ultrasonic imaging device and a cable. FIGs. 6A-6C are side views. The cable 104 may be a communication cable, and may connect to a processing device such as processing device 102 of FIGs. 1A and IB. In some embodiments, the cable 104 may include a plug 112 at its distal end. The cable 104 may include the cover 106 that surrounds the interface between the plug 112 and the remaining length of the cable 104, protecting the interface from external materials (e.g., blood, gel, dirt, dust). The cover 106 may also extend around the plug 112, forming a seal between the plug 112 and the ultrasonic imaging device 100 when the plug 112 is inserted in receptacle 120 as shown in FIG. 6B. In some embodiments, the plug 112 may include a cap 114. Contacts 118 may extend from the plug and through the cap 114. When the plug 112 is inserted into receptacle 120 in the rear cap 108 of the body of the ultrasonic imaging device, the contacts 118 may connect with the ultrasonic imaging device 100 to form an electrical connection between the ultrasonic imaging device 100 and an external processing device 102 through cable 104. The contacts 118 are USB contacts in some embodiments. The contacts 118 are Lightning port contacts in some embodiments. [0058] A latch disposed on the plug 112 may engage with a ledge on the ultrasonic imaging device 100 to releasably couple the plug 112 with the ultrasonic imaging device 100. In some embodiments, the cap 114 includes an arm 113 with a hook 134, the hook or latch configured to engage a lock 128 providing the ledge to retain the plug in the receptacle. The arm 113 may be positioned on a side surface of the cap 114, forming a u-shape with the plug, and the arm 113 may not extend past a distal tip of the cap 114, as shown. However, in alternative embodiments the arm 113 may extend past the distal tip of the cap 114.

[0059] FIGs. 6A-6C illustrate different stages of insertion of the plug 112 into receptacle 120 of the rear cap 108. In FIG. 6A, the plug 112 and cable 104 are completely disengaged from the receptacle 120 of the ultrasonic imaging device 100. The hook 134 of the arm 116 extends radially inward past an inner surface of the arm 113. When the plug 112 enters receptacle 120, in an insertion direction, a slanted surface of the hook 134 contacts a lock 128 positioned within the receptacle 120, causing an inward displacement of the lock 128, as shown in FIG. 6B. Once the plug 112 is fully inserted, as shown in FIG. 6C, the lock 128 returns to its original position, and the hook 134 is engaged with the lock 128, with a non-slanted surface of the latch 116 in contact with the lock 128, blocking movement of the plug 112 in a removal direction. A spring (132) may cause the return of the lock 128 to its original position. Accordingly, the plug 112 is secured in the receptacle 120. The arm 113 engaged with the lock 128 forms a robust connection between the ultrasonic imaging device 100 and the cable 104, minimizing or eliminating undesired detachment of the cable 104 from the ultrasonic imaging device 100.

[0060] To remove the plug 112 from the receptacle 120, a user may activate button 110 on the ultrasonic imaging device. The button 110 may be disposed on the body of the ultrasonic imaging device 100 as previously described in reference to FIGs. 3A-3C. In one or more embodiments, the button (110) rigidly interfaces with the lock 128, e.g., using a screw. [0061] A user may activate button 110 by pressing the button inwards, causing the lock 1128 to translate inward. The inward-translated lock clears the hook 134, thus allowing removal of the plug 112 from the receptacle 120 with low force, for instance with the user pulling slightly on the cable 104. Accordingly, a user may detach the cable to use the device wirelessly, or to attach a different cable to the device, for example, to use with a different processing unit than processing unit 102.

[0062] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a cable connection between an ultrasonic imaging device and a cable using a plunger release mechanism. A plug 212 at an end of cable 204 has been inserted into a receptacle 220 of a rear cap 208 of an ultrasonic imaging device 200, a portion of which is shown. The plug 212 includes contacts 218 (FIG. 8A) that connect with the ultrasonic imaging device 200 to form a connection between the ultrasonic imaging device 200 and an external processing device (e.g., processing device 102) through cable 204. As shown in FIG. 8A, in some embodiments, the plug 212 includes a flexure arm 213 with a latch 216 configured to latch onto a pass-through 222 connected to the receptacle 220 to retain the plug 212 in the receptacle 220. In some embodiments, the flexure arm 213 may be positioned on a side surface of the plug 212, forming a u-shape with the plug, and the flexure 213 arm may not extend past a distal tip of the plug 212.

[0063] FIGs. 8A-8C illustrate different stages of insertion of the plug 212 into receptacle 220 of the rear cap 208. As the plug 212 enters receptacle 220, a distal portion of the plug that has a complementary shape as receptacle 220 enters the receptacle. The distal portion may include an O-ring 228 positioned within a groove of the distal portion to form a seal between the plug 212 and receptacle 220. The seal may prevent external material from entering the ultrasonic imaging device 200 through receptacle 220. As the plug 212 is inserted into the receptacle 220, a slanted surface of latch 216 contacts surface 230 of the rear cap 208 and causes the flexure arm 213 to deform inwards toward the plug. When the plug 212 is fully inserted, the latch 216 is positioned over a pass-through 222, causing the latch 216 to enter the pass-through 222 as the flexure arm 213 moves back to its nondeformed state. A surface of the latch 216 engages an inner surface of pass-through 222, securing the plug 212 in the receptacle 220.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 8C, when the latch 216 enters pass-through 222, the latch presses against a projection 224 of button 210 positioned in an opening 223 of rear cap 208. This motion pushes the button 210 out of opening 223 such that the button 210 extends radially outward from the outer surface of rear cap 208. To remove the plug 212 from the receptacle 220, a user may press button 210 inward, causing projection 224 to push the latch 216 out of pass-through 222. Once the latch 216 is disengaged from pass-through 222, the plug 212 may easily be removed from receptacle 220, for example by the user pulling on the cord 204.

[0065] FIGs. 9A-9B show an embodiment of the button 210. The button 210 may include one-way snaps 232 to retain the button 210 in opening 223 of the rear cap 208. Once the button 210 is inserted into the opening 223 of the rear cap 208, the one-way snaps 232 engage a surface of the rear cap 208 to prevent the button from falling out of the opening. In some embodiments, the button 210 may include one or more seals as shown in FIG. 9B (e.g., O-rings) positioned in grooves to prevent external material from entering around the button. For example, O-ring 226 may form a seal between projection 224 and pass-through 222 and O-ring 227 may form a seal between the button 210 and opening 223. The seals on the button 210 and the seal on the plug may form a sealed zone to prevent external material from entering the receptacle 220 and causing damage to the connection between the ultrasonic imaging device and cable.

[0066] FIGs. 10A-10B illustrate another embodiment of a cable connection between an ultrasonic imaging device and a cable using a twist and lock mechanism. FIG. 10A shows a plug 312 at an end of a cable 304 prior to the plug being inserted into a receptacle 320 in a rear cap 308 of an ultrasonic imaging device. FIG. 10B shows the plug 312 fully inserted into receptacle 320 in an unlocked configuration. The plug 312 includes contacts 318 that connect with the ultrasonic imaging device to form a connection between the ultrasonic imaging device and an external processing device (e.g., processing device 102) through cable 304. In some embodiments, the plug 312 includes a shaft 314 rotatably coupled to the plug 312. The shaft 314 may have a generally oval cross-sectional shape that complements the sizes and shapes of portion 313 surrounding receptacle 320 and cover 306. Cover 306 may surround the interface between the plug 312 and cable 304 to protect the interface from external material and forces.

[0067] In some embodiments, the shaft 314 may include a distal portion 315 that rotates with the shaft 314. The distal portion 315 may have a round cross-sectional shape and may include one or more latches 316 that extend radially from the distal portion 315. As shown in FIGs. 10A-10B, when the shaft 314 is in an unlocked configuration, the shaft is rotated such that the shaft is offset from the distal end of cover 306 and latches 316 are positioned on a diagonal relative to the square receptacle 320. In the unlocked configuration, the plug 312 and shaft 314 may enter the receptacle 320.

[0068] FIGs. 11 A- 11C illustrate different stages of a method of moving the shaft 314 from the unlocked configuration (FIG. 11A) to the locked configuration (FIG. 1 IB). The rear cap 308 is shown in a transparent view in FIGs. 11A-11C to illustrate the components and connections within the rear cap. When the shaft 314 is in the unlocked configuration, the latches 316 are positioned within the comer spaces of receptacle 320. When shaft 314 is rotated, in this embodiment, in a clockwise direction, the distal portion 315 rotates the latches 316 into notches 322 in the receptacle 320 (see FIG. 10A) to secure the shaft 314 and plug 312 in the receptacle 320. When the latches 316 are engaged with notches 322, the shaft 314 is aligned with the distal portion of the cover 306, as shown in FIGs. 1 IB-11C, indicating the plug and cable are in a locked configuration and the plug may not be detached from the ultrasonic imaging device. As shown in FIGs. 1 IB-11C, when the shaft is in the locked position, the portion 313, shaft 314, and cover 306 are aligned to form a continuous surface. In some embodiments, the shaft 314 may act as a seal between the portion 313 and cover 306 to prevent any external material from entering receptacle 320. The shaft 314 may include a proximal portion with a maximum diameter larger than a maximum diameter of the receptacle 320.

[0069] FIG. 12 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the cable connection between cable 304 and receptacle 320 when the shaft 314 is in a locked configuration. As shown in FIG. 12, the latches 316 have been rotated to the locked configuration such that the latches 316 engage notches 322 of walls 309 of rear cap 308.

[0070] FIGs. 13A-13B are cross-sectional schematics of the distal portion 315 in receptacle 320 taken along line 12 of FIG. 12, illustrating the movement of latches 316 from the unlocked configuration (FIG. 13A) to the locked configuration (FIG. 13B). As shown in FIG. 13 A, the latches 316 are positioned on a diagonal and thus fit within the corner spaces of receptacle 320 when the plug 312 and distal portion 315 is inserted into the receptacle 320. Once the plug is fully inserted, the distal portion 315 may be rotated to rotate the latches 316 into notches (see notches 322 in FIG. 10A) to secure the plug in the receptacle 320. In some embodiments, the latches 316 may be shaped to have a flat surface on one end that extends in a radial direction from the distal portion 315 such that when the shaft rotates, the flat surfaces may contact complementary surfaces of the notches 322, creating a hard stop for the shaft 314 when rotated to the locked configuration.

[0071] When the latches 316 engage the notches 322, a robust connection between the cable 304 and the receptacle 320 of the ultrasonic imaging device is formed. The cable 304 may not be detached from the ultrasonic imaging device until the shaft 312 is rotated from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration, disengaging the latches 316 from notches 322, and allowing the plug 312 to be removed from receptacle 320.

[0072] FIGs. 14A-14B and 15 show another embodiment of a cable connection between an ultrasonic imaging device and a cable using a flexure arm and a pinch to release mechanism to disconnect the cable. A plug 412 at an end of cable 404 has been inserted into a receptacle 420 of a rear cap 408 of an ultrasonic imaging device 400. The plug 412 includes contacts 418 (visible in FIG. 15) that connect with the ultrasonic imaging device 400 to form a connection between the ultrasonic imaging device 400 and an external processing device (e.g., processing device 102) through cable 404. In some embodiments, the plug 412 includes at least one flexure arm with a latch configured to latch onto a surface in the receptacle 420 to retain the plug in the receptacle. [0073] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 15, a flexure arm 413 includes a latch 416 at its distal end. Receptacle 420 includes a ledge 422 that extends into the receptacle. The ledge 422 includes a sloped surface configured to contact a sloped surface of the latch 422 and cause the flexure arm to deform inwards as the plug 412 is inserted into the receptacle 420. Once the latch 416 passes the ledge 422, the flexure arm snaps back to its non-deformed position and a rear surface of the latch 416 engages a surface of the ledge 422 to retain the plug 412 in the receptacle 420. As such, the flexure arm 413 and latch 416 secure the plug 412 in the receptacle and help prevent an accidental detachment of the plug 412 and cable 404 from the ultrasonic imaging device 400. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGs. 14B and 15, the plug 412 may include an O-ring or other sealing mechanism around its distal end, thus providing a seal between the plug 412 and receptacle 420. To remove the plug 412 from the ultrasonic imaging device 400, a user may pinch opposing walls of the plug 412 at the locations indicated by the inwardly pointing arrows in FIG. 15 to cause the flexure arm 416 to move inwards and disengage the latch 416 from ledge 422.

[0074] In some embodiments, a shell 406 may cover the plug 412 and cable 404 at the plug/cable interface to protect the interface from external materials and forces. As shown in FIGs. 14A-14B and 15, the shell 406 may include ribs 410 on opposing walls to identify to a user where to pinch the plug to deform the flexure arm inwards, as indicated by the inwardly pointing arrows in FIG. 15. The ribs 410 may also provide friction for the user to easily grip and pinch the plug. Once the latch 416 is disengaged from the ledge 422, a user may easily remove the plug 412 from the receptacle 420.

[0075] FIG. 16 shows another embodiment of a cable connection between an ultrasonic imaging device and a cable using a rotating arm. As illustrated in FIG. 16, a plug 512 at an end of cable 504 has been inserted into a receptacle 520 of a rear cap 508 of a body of an ultrasonic imaging device. The plug 512 includes contacts 518 that connect with the ultrasonic imaging device to form a connection between the ultrasonic imaging device and an external processing device (e.g., processing device 102) through cable 504. A latch positioned on a rotating arm secures the plug 512 in the receptacle 520.

[0076] The ultrasonic imaging device may include a button 510 in an opening 523 on the rear cap 508 of the body adjacent the receptacle 520. The opening 523 may be connected to the receptable 520 via a pass-through 522. The button 510 may include a rotating arm 540 having a first end portion 546 that at least partially extends through the opening 523. In some embodiments, the rotating arm 540 may pivot on a pin 542. A spring 544 may bias the arm 540 about pin 542 in a first direction such that a latch 548 on a second end portion 524 of the arm 540 extends through the pass-through 522 into receptacle 520. The spring may also bias the first end portion 546 of the arm 540 through opening 523 such that the first end portion 546 may protrude through the body surface of the ultrasonic imaging device.

[0077] In some embodiments, the plug 512 may have a chamfered end corner 530 configured to contact a slanted surface of the latch 548 when the plug 512 is inserted into receptacle 520. As the plug 512 is advanced into receptacle 520, chamfered surface 530 may press against the slanted surface, pushing the latch 548 into pass-through 522 out of receptacle 520 to allow the plug 512 to be inserted. Pushing the latch 548 may rotate the arm 540 in a second direction and load the spring 544. Once the plug 512 is fully inserted and notch 516 is positioned above the pass-through 522, the loaded spring 544 snaps the arm 540 in the first direction such that the latch 548 moves into the notch 516 and secures the plug 512 in the receptacle 520. The latch 548 may include a ledge that contacts a ridge in notch 516 to prevent the plug 512 from being removed from receptacle 520. As such, the spring- loaded arm 540 retains a robust connection to prevent undesired disconnection of the cable. [0078] To release the plug 512, a user may activate button 510 on the rear cap 508. Pressing button 510 pushes the second end portion 546 of arm 540 upwards, causing the arm 540 to rotate in the second direction and remove the latch 548 from the notch 516. Once the latch 548 is removed from notch 516, the plug 512 may be removed from receptacle 520 with minimal force, for example by the user pulling on cord 504. As such, the spring-loaded arm 540 maintains a robust connection between the cable 504 and the ultrasonic imaging device until a user pushes button 510, which allows for easy removal of the cable 504.

[0079] In some embodiments, the plug 512 may include an O-ring 528 or other sealing mechanism to prevent any undesirable materials from entering the ultrasonic imaging device through receptacle 520 when the plug is attached to the receptacle. In addition, button 510 may include a cover 511 that seals opening 523 and prevents undesirable materials from entering around arm 540. As such, the electrical connections may not be damaged by liquid (e.g., blood, gel) or other external materials breaching the receptacle 520. The plug seal arrangement and the button seal arrangement together may form a sealed zone to protect the ultrasonic imaging device from external materials that could potentially inhibit the electrical and/or mechanical mechanisms in the device. In some embodiments, the plug and cable may include a shell 506 to protect the plug and cable interface from external elements and forces. [0080] Having thus described several aspects and embodiments of the technology of this disclosure, it is to be appreciated that various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the technology described in the disclosure.

[0081] Also, as described, some aspects may be embodied as one or more methods. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.

[0082] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0083] The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

[0084] The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, z.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, z.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Elements other than those specifically identified by the “and/or” clause may optionally be present, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

[0085] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

[0086] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of’ and “consisting essentially of’ shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

[0087] Use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements.

[0088] As used herein, reference to a numerical value being between two endpoints should be understood to encompass the situation in which the numerical value can assume either of the endpoints. For example, stating that a characteristic has a value between A and B, or between approximately A and B, should be understood to mean that the indicated range is inclusive of the endpoints A and B unless otherwise noted.

Claims

1. A handheld ultrasonic imaging probe comprising: a body, a receptacle configured to at least partially receive a plug end of a communication cable for interfacing the handheld ultrasonic imaging probe with a portable personal computing device, the body including a ledge configured to engage with a latch disposed on the plug end; and a button disposed on the body and configured to engage with the latch, wherein, upon actuation of the button, the latch disengages from the ledge.

2. The handheld ultrasonic imaging probe of claim 1, further comprising one or more seals disposed around the button and engaging with the body.

3. The handheld ultrasonic imaging probe of claim 1, in combination with the communication cable, the plug end portion of the communication cable comprising one or more seals disposed therearound, the one or more seals configured to create a seal between the receptacle and the communication cable when the plug end is attached to the ultrasonic imaging device.

4. The handheld ultrasonic imaging probe of claim 1, further comprising a cover disposed over the button.

5. The handheld ultrasonic imaging probe of claim 1, in combination with the communication cable, wherein the plug end includes a flexure arm and the latch is disposed on a distal end of the flexure arm.

6. The handheld ultrasonic imaging probe of claim 1, wherein the button comprises a pivoting arm configured to bias a first end of the pivoting arm into the receptacle in a locked position, and wherein the ledge in the receptacle comprises a surface on the first end of the pivoting arm.

7. The handheld ultrasonic imaging probe of claim 1, wherein the button includes at least one one-way snap configured to engage with the body to hold the button to the body.

8. The handheld ultrasonic imaging probe of claim 1, wherein the button comprises a deformable plate including a projection configured to engage with the latch upon actuation of the button.

9. The handheld ultrasonic imaging probe of claim 8, wherein the deformable plate includes perimeter sidewalls that form a seal between the button and the body.

10. A handheld ultrasonic imaging probe comprising: a body; a receptacle disposed at a proximal end of the ultrasonic imaging device, wherein the receptacle is configured to at least partially receive a plug end of a communication cable for interfacing the handheld ultrasonic imaging probe with a portable personal computing device; a first opening disposed in the body adjacent the receptacle, a pass-through opening disposed between the receptacle and first opening; and a button seal arrangement cooperating between a button and the first opening and configured to form, together with a plug seal arrangement cooperating with the plug end when the plug end is connected to the receptacle, a sealed zone between the receptacle and first opening.

11. The handheld ultrasonic imaging probe of claim 10, in combination with the communication cable, wherein the plug seal arrangement comprises at least one O-ring disposed around the plug end.

12. The handheld ultrasonic imaging probe of claim 10, wherein the button is disposed within the first opening, and wherein the button seal arrangement comprises at least one O- ring disposed around the button.

13. The handheld ultrasonic imaging probe of claim 12, further comprising a cover disposed over the button.

14. The handheld ultrasonic imaging probe of claim 10, wherein the body includes a rear cap and the receptacle is formed in the rear cap.

15. An ultrasonic system comprising: a body of a handheld ultrasonic imaging probe, the body having a receptacle; a communication cable for interfacing the handheld ultrasonic imaging probe with a portable personal computing device, the communication cable having a plug at a distal end, the plug at least partially disposed in the receptacle; and a shaft disposed at least partially around the plug and rotatably coupled to the plug, wherein the shaft includes a distal end portion configured to be received within the receptacle, wherein the shaft is rotatable between an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein in the locked position, latches on the distal end portion engage notches in the receptacle to secure the plug in the receptacle.

16. The ultrasonic system of claim 15, wherein the receptacle has a square-shaped crosssection.

17. The ultrasonic system of claim 15, wherein the distal end portion of the shaft has a round cross-sectional shape.

18. The ultrasonic system of claim 15, wherein the shaft includes a proximal portion with a maximum diameter larger than a maximum diameter of the receptacle.

19. The ultrasonic system of claim 18, wherein the proximal portion of the shaft has an oval cross-sectional shape.

20. The ultrasonic imaging system of claim 15, wherein the plug comprises universal serial bus (USB) contacts.