Array transducer for 3D tilting probes
US7081093B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 5, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jul 25, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 5, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG10K11/355
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An ultrasonic apparatus is provided for producing three dimensional images using at least one moving curved array transducer for scanning a volume of a region of interest to be imaged. The apparatus includes an acoustic front shell having complex shape and an ultrasonic transducer adapted for swinging movement underneath the front shell and having a front surface of a shape conforming to the complex shape of the front shell. A motor provides the swinging movement of the ultrasonic array transducer underneath the front shell so as to scan a volume of the region of interest. The shell and a transducer carrier may be of an ovoid shape. The transducer may include lips at superior edges thereof which contain a coupling grease. Multiple transducers for different applications may be employed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.