Patent · US Expired

Aerogel backed ultrasound transducer

US6106474A · kind A · utility

26Cited by
8References
22Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 19, 1997
Grant dateAug 22, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 19, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB06B1/0674
  • WIPO fieldChemical engineering
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

An ultrasound transducer having an acoustic backing layer made of an aerogel material is disclosed. The ultrasound transducer comprises an acoustic element for transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves. An aerogel acoustic backing layer is bonded to the back side of the acoustic element. A matching layer may be attached to the front side of the acoustic element. The ultrasound transducer may be electrically connected using electrodes directly connected to the acoustic element. Alternatively, the aerogel acoustic backing may be coated with a metalized layer or doped so that it is electrically conductive. Then, the electrodes may be connected directly to the aerogel acoustic backing.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.