Focused ultrasonic diffraction-grating transducer
US9675316B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 4, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jun 13, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 4, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B8/0891
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Ultrasound diffraction-grating transducers produce beams at an angle to their face, which makes them useful for Doppler measurement of scattering fluids such as blood. The present invention discloses a diffraction-grating transducer, with the capability to focus transmitting or receiving beams to a desired point in space. This focusing capability leads to greater sensitivity when the diffraction-grating transducer is used as a receiver, and greater concentration of ultrasound energy when used as a transmitter. The focusing is achieved by using curved elements instead of the straight ones in conventional diffraction-grating transducers, and by using non-uniform spacing among these elements rather than the uniform spacing of conventional diffraction-grating transducers. Methods of computing the proper curvature of the elements and their spacing for a desired focal point in space are provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.