Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic probe which compulsorily recovers and discards heat generated at a probe handle wherein the probe handle has a simple structure that resembles a natural air cooling structure and a compulsorily cooling unit is easily exchanged when the unit is broken down or the like.SOLUTION: The ultrasonic probe includes a group of heat spreaders 23 and a heat sink 24 for transmitting heat generated at a group of electronic circuits 22 within the probe handle 2 to the surface of an enclosure. A detachable heat absorbing section 4 is installed at a position that abuts the heat sink 24. Heat absorbed by the heat absorbing section 4 is diffused at a heat diffusing section 5 connected via a cooling cable 7.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a transducer device (10), comprising: an acoustic membrane (14); a piezoelectric element (12) mounted to the acoustic membrane; two oppositely arranged elastic damping elements (16a, 16b) between which a peripheral portion (22) of the acoustic membrane is sandwichably supported; and a clamp (28) having two surfaces (30a, 30b) between which the two elastic damping elements are clamped so that the two elastic damping elements are pressed together, whereby the peripheral portion of the acoustic membrane is secured between the two elastic damping elements. The present invention also relates to a method of assembling such a transducer device.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a transducer capable of dynamic elevation focusing without sacrificing sensitivity or frame rate, and also without requiring a large increase in the numbers of cables and channels compared to a 1D transducer. SOLUTION: An array (200) includes a central row (206) and at least first and second outer rows (208, 210) positioned along opposite sides of the central row (206). First set of lines (218) electrically connects elements (104) within a first portion (212) of the central row (206) to one of the wires (252). First portion (212) comprises elements (104) of less than a total number within the central row (206). Second set of lines (250) electrically connects a portion of the elements (104) within first and second outer rows (208, 210) that are in the same column and electrically connects elements (104) within a second portion (214) of the central row (206) to elements (104) that are in the same column. Each line within the second set of lines (250) is connected to one of the wires (252). COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a composite piezoelectric material capable of reducing the peak temperature of a vibrator array used for transmitting or receiving ultrasonic waves in ultrasonic imaging, and an ultrasonic probe or the like using it. SOLUTION: The composite piezoelectric material comprises a plurality of piezoelectric bodies arranged along a plane or a curved surface, and an anisotropic heat conductive body arranged between the plurality of piezoelectric bodies and/or on the outer peripheral part of the plurality of piezoelectric bodies and provided with a high heat conductive rate in at least one direction. Also, the ultrasonic probe comprises the vibrator array including the composite piezoelectric material, an acoustic matching layer and/or an acoustic lens arranged on the first surface of the vibrator array, and a backing material arranged on a second surface opposing the first surface of the vibrator array. COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT