Systems and devices for coupling ultrasound energy to a body
US10413757B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 23, 2015 |
| Grant date | Sep 17, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 28, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N2007/003
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and systems for coupling ultrasound to the body, including to the head, are disclosed. The system is optionally configured to transmit ultrasound energy for transcranial ultrasound neuromodulation. Couplant assemblies are described that incorporate a semi-solid component that interfaces directly to the user's body and face of the ultrasound transducer. These couplant assemblies can be shaped, molded, or otherwise machined and, in some embodiments, contain one or more liquid, gel, or other non-solid component in an enclosed reservoir of the couplant assembly. Beneficial embodiments of ultrasound coupling assemblies described herein include those that conform to the contour of the user's body (e.g. the user's head for transcranial applications) and can easily be removed without leaving a messy residue. By having solid materials physically contacting the body, no residue is left that requires cleanup.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.