Small scale, capacitive ultrasound transducer devices with improved directionality and methods for their use
US12156764B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 15, 2023 |
| Grant date | Dec 3, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 15, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB06B2201/76
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An ultrasound transducer may include: a plurality of capacitive ultrasound transducer elements; and a base having a largest dimension sized and shaped to be disposed with an external ear canal, wherein the plurality of capacitive ultrasound transducers is mounted on the base. Each capacitive ultrasound transducer element and the ultrasound transducer are specifically constructed to achieve select desired performance characteristics. The ultrasound transducer may have an angular beam spread through a gaseous medium of greater than 15 degrees and an attenuation loss through the gaseous medium of greater than 10 dB measured at a distance 12.5 mm to 25 mm along a primary transmission axis of the ultrasound transducer. The ultrasound transducer may be particularly useful for characterizing fluid behind an ear drum to diagnose otitis media.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.