Patent AT-E401826-T1: [Translated] ULTRASONIC SCANNING DEVICE

An apparatus for measuring physical characteristics comprises means (20) to determine when an object (14) to be tested is correctly placed in the recess (12) of a main body (10). In a preferred embodiment the object is a foot and the device is useful in determining the presence of osteoporosis. Ultrasonic transmitter (34) is resiliently mounted in a first container (30) slidably received in the main body (10). The transmitter (34) is urged towards the object (14) but its movement is restricted. A piezoelectric ultrasonic receiver (48) spaced from the transmitter (34) also projects towards the body (14). The ultrasonic receiver (48) is resiliently mounted in a second hollow container (52) slidably received in the main body (10). The object (14) is subjected to a first frequency obtained by resonating the transmitter (34) in the thickness mode and a second lower frequency obtained by resonance in the radial mode.