Abstract: Apparatuses, components, methods, and techniques for ultrasound imaging of patient anatomy are provided. An example system for ultrasound imaging of patient anatomy includes an ultrasound probe and a probe interface device. An example ultrasound probe includes a handle, an elongate member coupled to the handle and a two-dimensional array of ultrasound transducers coupled to the elongate member. The ultrasound transducers emit ultrasound when activated. An example probe interface device is communicatively coupled to the ultrasound probe. The example probe interface device is configured to activate at least one of the ultrasound transducers and to receive data corresponding to ultrasonic waves captured by a plurality of the ultrasound transducers.

Abstract: Apparatuses, components, methods, and techniques for ultrasound imaging of patient anatomy are provided. An example system for ultrasound imaging of patient anatomy includes an ultrasound probe and a probe interface device. An example ultrasound probe includes a handle, an elongate member coupled to the handle and a two-dimensional array of ultrasound transducers coupled to the elongate member. The ultrasound transducers emit ultrasound when activated. An example probe interface device is communicatively coupled to the ultrasound probe. The example probe interface device is configured to activate at least one of the ultrasound transducers and to receive data corresponding to ultrasonic waves captured by a plurality of the ultrasound transducers.

Abstract: Dental formations, including teeth, gums and supporting bone structure within the oral cavity, can be mapped by ultrasonic scanning technique, thus allowing examination and diagnosis of conditions within the intraosseous environment, including hard and soft tissue. The mapping technique can provide highly resolved details of formations, such as teeth and bridges, and their resident defect, including caries and cracks. The mapped data allow for a more precise and accurate diagnosis for the dental patient, and it provides the dentist with a detailed archive for diagnosis.

Abstract: A method for setting up a transparent confinement media nozzle for flowing the confinement media during laser shock peening of a work piece includes the following steps: Step A) flowing a confinement media and setting a flow rate of the confinement media through a confinement media flow nozzle; Step B) positioning the nozzle to flow the confinement media through the nozzle and onto the correlation surface; and Step C) measuring a confinement media layer thickness on the correlation surface using an ultrasonic transducer attached to a side of the test piece opposite that of the correlation surface. The ultrasonic transducer is attached to a side of the test piece opposite that of the correlation surface. One embodiment of the invention employs the work piece as the test piece and the correlation surface is a first laser shock peening surface on a first side of the work piece.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection element and method are provided for improved ultrasonic inspection of curved entry surface parts. The transducer element may be spherically focused, or have a flat surface. The transducer/mirror element combination is used to inspect through a concave or convex surface. A mirror element shapes the sound beam relative to the shape of the curved surface of the part being inspected. Curvature of the mirror is adjusted with a screw, rod, voltage modulator, or other suitable adjustment mechanism. An alternative mechanism includes multiple “quick disconnect” interchangeable curved mirror elements.

Abstract: An ultrasonic inspection element and method of fabrication are provided for ultrasonic inspection of curved surface parts. Various points on a transducer are located. These points include the location where a ray starts, to the desired focal point in the material being inspected. The path of the ray is through a water medium and a water-metal boundary. These points are fitted onto a cylindrical surface. The ray is back propagated until it is focused at the desired focal point.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for mapping the structure and topography of dental formations such as peridontium and teeth, both intact and prepared, for diagnosis and dental prosthetics and bridgework by using an ultrasonic scanning technique. This method can provide highly resolved details of orally situated dental formations thus enabling diagnosis and the preparation of precision moldings and fabrications that will provide greater comfort and longer wear to the dental patient.