Method and apparatus for coupling ultrasound between an integral ultrasonic transducer assembly and an object
US7530271B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 1, 2006 |
| Grant date | May 12, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 22, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2291/2698
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus are disclosed for coupling ultrasound between an ultrasonic transducer and an object. A scanning element is attached to an ultrasonic transducer to form an integral transducer assembly in which an ultrasound emitting surface of the ultrasonic transducer is positioned in a fluid cavity of an upper chamber. The ultrasonic transducer assembly may be moved relative to the object to be scanned in order to adjust the focus of the ultrasound. Adjusting a lower wall of the upper chamber in close proximity to the object to be scanned forms a thin film of coupling fluid between a planar region of the lower wall and the upper surface of the object.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.