Method of manufacturing an ultrasound transducer
US7877854B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 2007 |
| Grant date | Feb 1, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 29, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49194
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A focused ultrasound transducer includes a first ultrasonic emitter and at least one metallic ultrasonic lens acoustically coupled thereto. The emitter generates ultrasonic energy that propagates along a beam path projecting therefrom. The at least one metallic ultrasonic lens is positioned at least partially in the beam path so that it can direct (e.g., focus, defocus, and/or collimate) in at least one direction (or along at least one plane) at least some of the ultrasonic energy propagating from the emitter. The metallic lens may be formed by extrusion, by molding (e.g., diecast molding or thermoforming), or by sintering (e.g., powder metallurgy). The metallic lens also advantageously functions as a heat sink, improving thermal performance of the ultrasound transducer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.