Patent · US Expired

Acoustic imaging systems adaptable for use with low drive voltages

US6685647B2 · kind B2 · utility

5Cited by
8References
23Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 28, 2001
Grant dateFeb 3, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 28, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61B8/483
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Acoustic imaging systems are provided. A representative acoustic imaging system includes a transducer that incorporates a backing and an acoustic element extending from the backing. The acoustic element includes a piezoelectric element and a de-matching layer. The de-matching layer is arranged between the backing and the piezoelectric element and exhibits an acoustic impedance greater than that of the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element exhibits a thickness that is less than one-half of a wavelength to be generated by the piezoelectric element. Methods also are provided.

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