Abstract: A method is provided for producing a matrix array ultrasonic transducer having an integrated interconnection assembly. A piezoelectric member, formed by a plurality of individual elemental transducers arranged in M×N matrix configuration, is provided and an interconnect interface device is joined to the rear face of the piezoelectric member. A plurality of printed circuits are then attached to the interconnect device so as to enable the resultant transducer array to be electrically connected to an external cable. The interconnect device is formed by an insulator member having dimensions in accordance with those of the piezoelectric member. A drilling operation is performed on the insulator member to form a corresponding array of through holes. The insulator member is then metallized and a resin used to provide filling of the through holes. Grooves are formed in at least one face of the insulator for receiving the printed circuits.

Abstract: An ultrasonic endoscopic probe tip device which provides signals to an imaging system for transesophageal diagnosis includes a removable housing adapted to be attached to the distal end of an endoscope. A rotatable, ball-bearing-mounted phased array transducer within the housing is rotatable around its acoustic propagation axis through multiple turns. The transducer is driven by an immersed micro-motorized drive. A torque limiting gearbox couples the drive to the transducer. A position encoder provides the imaging system with transducer position information over a 360° range. An automatic transducer position locking/unlocking system is used to lock the transducer in a selected rotational position.

Abstract: A catheter-based ultrasonic transducer array is provided which includes a piezoelectric member sandwiched between matching layers and a backing member. A flexible stiffening element or elements is embedded in the backing member. The element is opaque to radio frequencies and integrated along the azimuthal axis of the array so as to enable a user to view the element in an image of the array derived from the array output and thus determine the angular position of the array. A flexible interconnection assembly provides an electrical connection between the electrodes of the piezoelectric member and external cabling. Different methods are provided for adding a surrounding protective cover to the array.

Abstract: An ultrasonic endoscopic probe tip device which provides signals to an imaging system for transesophageal diagnosis includes a removable housing adapted to be attached to the distal end of an endoscope. A rotatable, ball-bearing-mounted phased array transducer within the housing is rotatable around its acoustic propagation axis through multiple turns. The transducer is driven by an immersed micro-motorized drive. A torque limiting gearbox couples the drive to the transducer. A position encoder provides the imaging system with transducer position information over a 360° range. An automatic transducer position locking/unlocking system is used to lock the transducer in a selected rotational position.

Abstract: Multilayer piezoelectric fabrication methods are used to produce nD (e.g., 1.5D and 2D) ultrasonic transducer arrays. One embodiment concerns a 1.5 linear transducer in which impedance compensation is provided between the elemental transducers forming the array by varying the number of layers in each row of transducers. In another embodiment, a 2D transducer array is provided wherein elemental transducers are produced by dicing a conventional multilayer actuator to form equal sized elements which are embedded in a polymer matrix.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe is provided for use in medical diagnostic applications. The probe includes one or more ultrasonic transducers disposed in an external housing and a plurality of cables disposed in a common sheath. A pointing device, such as a trackball, rocking-key device or the like, is mounted on the probe housing for controlling a plurality of functions of a remote imaging system associated with the probe.

Abstract: Multilayer piezoelectric fabrication methods are used to produce nD (e.g., 1.5D and 2D) ultrasonic transducer arrays. One embodiment concerns a 1.5 linear transducer in which impedance compensation is provided between the elemental transducers forming the array by varying the number of layers in each row of transducers. In another embodiment, a 2D transducer array is provided wherein elemental transducers are produced by dicing a conventional multilayer actuator to form equal sized elements which are embedded in a polymer matrix.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe is provided for use in medical diagnostic applications. The probe includes one or more ultrasonic transducers disposed in an external housing and a plurality of cables disposed in a common sheath. A pointing device, such as a trackball, rocking-key device or the like, is mounted on the probe housing for controlling a plurality of functions of a remote imaging system associated with the probe.

Abstract: A fastener for removably mounting a housing to a shelf includes a base having an upper surface and a lower surface adapted for connection to a bottom panel of the housing at an edge portion of the housing. The base includes a front edge and a portion extending from the front edge which is turned under the base and is disposed spaced apart from the base and adjacent to a lower surface of the base to form a spring clip. The clip engages an edge portion of the shelf between the lower surface of the base and the portion extending from the base front edge.