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 system and method for tracking the position and orientation of a movable medical imaging device using a first and second sensor disposed on the device. The second sensor is of a different type than the first sensor and measures a P/O parameter different from that of the first sensor. The system and method also include techniques for recalibrating sensors using measurements from other sensors and improving the measurements made by some sensors using measurements from other sensors. The system and method also include measuring the position of a medical implement relative to a movable medical imaging device by providing a first and second subsystem on the medical implement and a third and fourth subsystem on the movable medical imaging device. The first subsystem has a sensor of a first type and the second subsystem has a sensor of a second type different from the sensor of the first type.

Abstract: A needle guide having a semi-compliant shell design and locating means for attachment to an ultrasound transducer. The needle guide improves over the prior art in its reduced complexity, its low-profile formed fit to the transducer, a positive guide locking feature when the needle holding pin is in the closed position, and its ease of attachment over a sterile cover. The improved design is conducive to low-cost manufacturing methods which employ materials that can be autoclaved, gas-sterilized, or liquid disinfected.

Abstract: A low mass in the acoustic path flex circuit that has a thin metal layer in the acoustic path area and thicker electrical traces. The low mass flex circuit allows for mass termination of the signal and ground traces with the electrodes of the piezoelectric piezoelements. Regions that are to be diced are reduced in thickness to decrease the loading on the dicing blade during fabrication.

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: There is provided a broadband transducer array for use in an acoustic imaging system having a plurality of transducer elements disposed on a preformed support. The support has a non-planar top surface on which are disposed a plurality of elevationally curved transducer elements. Kerfs separate each transducer element from one another. The depth of the kerf with reference to the non-planar top surface of the support may be uniform or non-uniform.

Abstract: A method and device for ultrasonically imaging a body that includes a movable ultrasonic transducer capable of imaging a scanline wherein the scanline is fixed in orientation and spatial position relative to the movable transducer. The device contains a means for sensing transducer position information wherein the sensing means is in communication with an ultrasound console. A computing means computes the spatial position and the orientation of each scanline as the transducer is moved. The scanlines are then presented as a complete image. Alternatively, an electromagnetic transmitter and receiving sensor determine the spatial orientation and position of each scanline in free space. The method of generating a two dimensional ultrasonic image is also disclosed.