Patent · US Expired

Method for providing a backing member for an acoustic transducer array

US7103960B2 · kind B2 · utility

11Cited by
4References
17Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateOct 21, 2002
Grant dateSep 12, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 16, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T83/2079
  • WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A method is provided for making a backing layer for an ultrasonic matrix array transducer useful in medical imaging and the like. A conductive grid is provided which includes a plurality of micro-contacts each joined together by a common base so that spaces are provided between the free ends of the contacts. A mold for the grid is filled with an acoustically absorbent material such that the absorbent material fills the spaces between the contacts, so as to produce a block when cured. The common base is removed so as to separate the contacts from one another within the block. Further machining exposes the opposite ends of micro-contacts so that a like number of contact faces or pads are provided at opposed surfaces of the backing layer. Improved transducer constructions are also disclosed.

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