Diagnostic medical ultrasound systems and transducers utilizing micro-mechanical components

US6645145B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. · US

Inventors

• William R. Dreschel · State College, US
• Terry Kling · Port Matilda, US
• John W. Sliwa · Los Altos Hills, US
• Stuart L. Carp · Menlo Park, US
• Sevig Ayter · Cupertino, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 24, 2001
• Grant date: Nov 11, 2003
• Expiry date: Sep 24, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H01H59/0009
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The use of any micro-mechanical component in an ultrasound system is disclosed. In particular, the use of micro-mechanical ultrasound transducers, micro-relays, micro-switches and inductors in the transducer probe head, in the transducer connector, coupled with the system transducer connector(s) or anywhere else in the system. In an ultrasound system, micro-mechanical components such as micro-mechanical ultrasound transducers, micro-fabricated switches, relays and inductors permit impressive size reduction, cost reduction, signal-integrity enhancement and improved operational flexibility.