Abstract: A memory alloy is used during manufacture of a transducer. The memory of the alloy may correct for deviations or bending during manufacture, such as a superelastic alloy returning an array to a flat state after being twisted during handling. The memory of the alloy may cause a desired change in array geometry during manufacture, such as a shape memory alloy twisting an array into a curved or helix due to applied heat. The array may be fixed in place by the memory alloy or bonding after positioning by the memory alloy, preventing further substantial alteration.

Abstract: A memory alloy is used during manufacture of a transducer. The memory of the alloy may correct for deviations or bending during manufacture, such as a superelastic alloy returning an array to a flat state after being twisted during handling. The memory of the alloy may cause a desired change in array geometry during manufacture, such as a shape memory alloy twisting an array into a curved or helix due to applied heat. The array may be fixed in place by the memory alloy or bonding after positioning by the memory alloy, preventing further substantial alteration.

Abstract: A memory alloy is used during manufacture of a transducer. The memory of the alloy may correct for deviations or bending during manufacture, such as a superelastic alloy returning an array to a flat state after being twisted during handling. The memory of the alloy may cause a desired change in array geometry during manufacture, such as a shape memory alloy twisting an array into a curved or helix due to applied heat. The array may be fixed in place by the memory alloy or bonding after positioning by the memory alloy, preventing further substantial alteration.

Abstract: An acoustic array is helical or twisted about or around an azimuth axis. For example, one end of the array has an emitting face at 0 degrees, but the other end has an emitting face at 20 degrees. The elements in between gradually transition between the different rotations. Different apertures of the twisted array may be used to scan different generally radial diverging planes for three-dimensional imaging. The different amount of relative rotation associated with each aperture cause angular elevation spacing of the planes. For use in a catheter, a single row of elements may be used to scan electrically a volume.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging tube is provided. A tube body has a longitudinal axis and a circumference. A first transducer array is disposed in the body along the longitudinal axis. A second transducer array is disposed in the body along the longitudinal axis. The first transducer array is substantially parallel with the second transducer array. The first transducer array and the second transducer array are at a first non-zero angle to each other about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Multiple twisted or rotated arrays are provided. For example, a memory alloy may allow manufacture of multiple rows of elements on a flat substrate. The memory of the alloy is activated to twist different rows in different ways, such as two adjacent substantially parallel but oppositely rotated arrays. By selecting different apertures along a given twist, different planes are scanned due to the difference in direction of the elements of the aperture. By selecting different apertures on differently rotated arrays, a larger volume may be scanned.

Abstract: Synthetic transmit aperture is provided for three-dimensional ultrasound imaging. A transducer may have separate transmit and receive elements. Broad beams are transmitted, allowing fewer transmit elements and/or more rapid scanning. A multidimensional receive array generates data in response to sequential transmissions, such as transmissions from different angles. The data is combined to increase resolution. A transducer array with offset transmit elements for forming a transmit line source may be used.

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.

Abstract: A transducer array is connected with a catheter housing. As the transducer array is rotated, the catheter housing also rotates. As a result, at least a portion of the catheter housing twists about a longitudinal axis. By applying rotation in a controlled way, such as with a motor, a plurality of two-dimensional images for three-dimensional reconstruction may be obtained. The rotation of the catheter housing may limit the total amount of rotation of the array, such as rotating the array through a 90 degree or less amount of rotation about the longitudinal axis. The housing of the catheter is formed with a soft section. The softer material allows for a greater amount or increased ease for twisting the catheter.

Abstract: A transducer array is connected with a catheter housing. As the transducer array is rotated, the catheter housing also rotates. As a result, at least a portion of the catheter housing twists about a longitudinal axis. By applying rotation in a controlled way, such as with a motor, a plurality of two-dimensional images for three-dimensional reconstruction may be obtained. The rotation of the catheter housing may limit the total amount of rotation of the array, such as rotating the array through a 90 degree or less amount of rotation about the longitudinal axis. The housing of the catheter is formed with a soft section. The softer material allows for a greater amount or increased ease for twisting the catheter.

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.

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.

Abstract: A foldable transducer array is unfolded or deployed for use, providing a larger radiating surface. While folded, the transducer array has a smaller width or volume for insertion into and withdrawal from the patient.

Abstract: Multiple twisted or rotated arrays are provided. For example, a memory alloy may allow manufacture of multiple rows of elements on a flat substrate. The memory of the alloy is activated to twist different rows in different ways, such as two adjacent substantially parallel but oppositely rotated arrays. By selecting different apertures along a given twist, different planes are scanned due to the difference in direction of the elements of the aperture. By selecting different apertures on differently rotated arrays, a larger volume may be scanned.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging tube is provided. A tube body has a longitudinal axis and a circumference. A first transducer array is disposed in the body along the longitudinal axis. A second transducer array is disposed in the body along the longitudinal axis. The first transducer array is substantially parallel with the second transducer array. The first transducer array and the second transducer array are at a first non-zero angle to each other about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A memory alloy is used during manufacture of a transducer. The memory of the alloy may correct for deviations or bending during manufacture, such as a superelastic alloy returning an array to a flat state after being twisted during handling. The memory of the alloy may cause a desired change in array geometry during manufacture, such as a shape memory alloy twisting an array into a curved or helix due to applied heat. The array may be fixed in place by the memory alloy or bonding after positioning by the memory alloy, preventing further substantial alteration.

Abstract: An acoustic array is helical or twisted about or around an azimuth axis. For example, one end of the array has an emitting face at 0 degrees, but the other end has an emitting face at 20 degrees. The elements in between gradually transition between the different rotations. Different apertures of the twisted array may be used to scan different generally radial diverging planes for three-dimensional imaging. The different amount of relative rotation associated with each aperture cause angular elevation spacing of the planes. For use in a catheter, a single row of elements may be used to scan electrically a volume.

Abstract: A method for improving the coupling of an acoustic window or lens to a RFI shield by modifying the surface of the shield to promote adhesion. The surface of the shield can be chemically modified with an epoxy and/or mechanically modified by creating an unsmooth top surface.

Abstract: A method and structure for improving the coupling of an acoustic window or lens to a RFI shield by modifying the surface of the shield to promote adhesion. The surface of the shield can be chemically modified with an epoxy and/or mechanically modified by creating an unsmooth top surface.

Abstract: An RF amplifier including first and second FETs which are interconnected to function as a single transistor with improved gate. An input signal is applied across the gate and source of the first FET, and an output signal is obtained across the drain and source of the second transistor. RF coupling of the FETs is provided by first and second serially connected transmission lines connected between the drain of the first FET and the gate of the second FET. A third transmission line connects the common terminal of the first and second transmission line to circuit ground. In a preferred embodiment, the amplifier comprises a monolithic circuit formed in gallium arsenide with the transmission lines comprising microstrip.