(19)

(11)

EP 1 809 178 A2

(12)

(88) Date of publication A3: 20.07.2006 (43) Date of publication: 25.07.2007 Bulletin 2007/30 (21) Application number: 05817518.3 (22) Date of filing: 24.10.2005

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  A61B 8/00(2006.01) (86) International application number: PCT/US2005/038477 (87) International publication number: WO 2006/047554 (04.05.2006 Gazette 2006/18)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR (30) Priority: 22.10.2004 US 621349 P (71) Applicant: Verathon Inc. Bothell, WA 98021 (US)	(72) Inventors: MCMORROW, Gerald, J. Kirkland, WA 98033 (US) SHANKLE, Steven Kirkland, WA 98023 (US) GARRISON, Russell, A. Redmond, WA 98052 (US) (74) Representative: Wallis, Helen Frances Mary et al Olswang 90 High Holborn London WC1V 6XX London WC1V 6XX (GB)