Curved capacitive membrane ultrasound transducer array
US7732992B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 2, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jun 8, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 2, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB06B1/0292
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
CMUT elements are formed on a substrate. Electrical conductors are formed to interconnect between different portions of the substrate. The substrate is then separated into pieces while maintaining the electrical connections across the separation. Since the conductors are flexible, the separated substrate slabs may be positioned on a curved surface while maintaining the electrical interconnection between the slabs. Large curvatures may be provided, such as associated with forming a multidimensional transducer array for use in a catheter. The electrical interconnections between the different slabs and elements may allow for a walking aperture arrangement for three dimensional imaging.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.