Medical probe with consistent action

Abstract

A probe for intermittent contacting a patient body with a predetermined speed and force. Initially, the probe is recessed inside the device which is brought in contact with the patient body, while keeping the probe from making a contact with the patient. On a command from an operator or control circuit, the probe is deployed moving toward the patient body surface with a substantially consistent force and rate of motion, thus making a contact in a consistent fashion.

1 . A medical device for contacting the patient body surface with a predetermined force, comprising: 
 a housing,    a guard supported by said housing and having an outer rim that comes in contact with the patient body surface,    a probe located near the guard and capable of motion toward the patient body surface,    an actuation mechanism for causing motion of said probe.    
   
   
       2 . A medical device of  claim 1  where said guard is capable of motion with respect to said housing.  
   
   
       3 . A medical device of  claim 1  further comprises a switch being actuated cooperatively with motion of the probe.  
   
   
       4 . A medical device of  claim 1  wherein said probe is capable of a motion from being in a first position of not contacting the patient body surface to the second position of contacting the patient body surface.  
   
   
       5 . A medical device of  claim 1  wherein said actuation mechanism comprises at least one spring.  
   
   
       6 . A method of deploying a medical probe to and engaging with the patient body surface consisting of steps: 
 positioning the probe in proximity of the guard,    locating the probe in a first position that prevents the probe from making contact with the patient body surface,    placing the guard on a patient body surface,    moving the probe from said first position to the second position that allows the probe of making a contact with the patient body surface.    
   
   
       7 . A method of deploying a medical probe of  claim 6  includes a further step of actuating a switch cooperatively with said moving of the probe.  
   
   
       8 . A method of deploying a medical probe of  claim 6  includes a further step of moving the probe to the first position after the probe was moved to the second position.  
   
   
       9 . A method of deploying a medical probe of  claim 6  where moving of the probe from said first position to the second position is caused by said placing the guard on a patient body surface.