Abstract: A system for use in testing ultrasound systems that includes a tissue mimicking phantom and computer-readable instructions that are configured to automatically compare images of the phantom obtained by the ultrasound system to one or more reference images (e.g., indicating how the obtained images should appear) and provide output that assists personnel in assessing the operationality of the ultrasound system. Any appropriate digital recording device may be used to digitally store signals received from outputs of the ultrasound system for use by the image comparison module on a real-time basis or after full acquisition of the phantom images.

Abstract: Appliances, methods, and systems (e.g., utilities) for use in analyzing received pressure waves to obtain and deduce various types of meaningful information therefrom (e.g., testing operation of an acoustic device that generates beams of acoustic energy). A pressure sensor in the disclosed system makes use of a piezoelectric layer or film (e.g., polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)) that has been substantially uniformly poled prior to interconnection with electrodes that are configured to send electrical signals to a controller or the like for generation of a dynamic, image (e.g., 2D) representing the received pressure waves. Among other advantages, the disclosed system leverages excellent economy of scale, can be configured in different arrangements with reduced cost, and limits the need for adapters or reverse engineering (e.g., as it can operate independently of the design of a probe or system under test.

Abstract: A radome structure may include an inner tuning layer component and a laminate component overlying the inner tuning layer component. The inner tuning layer component may include a thermoset foam or a thermoplastic foam. The laminate component may include a first fiber reinforced dielectric layer, a second fiber reinforced dielectric layer overlying the first fiber reinforced dielectric layer, and a third fiber reinforced dielectric layer overlying the second fiber reinforced dielectric layer. The first fiber reinforced dielectric layer may include a first low dielectric constant material. The second fiber reinforced dielectric layer may include a first high dielectric constant material. The third fiber reinforced dielectric layer may include a second low dielectric constant material.

Abstract: Appliances, methods, and systems (e.g., utilities) for use in analyzing received pressure waves to obtain and deduce various types of meaningful information therefrom (e.g., testing operation of an acoustic device that generates beams of acoustic energy). A pressure sensor in the disclosed system makes use of a piezoelectric layer or film (e.g., polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)) that has been substantially uniformly poled prior to interconnection with electrodes that are configured to send electrical signals to a controller or the like for generation of a dynamic, image (e.g., 2D) representing the received pressure waves. Among other advantages, the disclosed system leverages excellent economy of scale, can be configured in different arrangements with reduced cost, and limits the need for adapters or reverse engineering (e.g., as it can operate independently of the design of a probe or system under test.

Abstract: Devices and methods for protecting and transporting medical probes including, but not limited to, ultrasound transducers and more specifically ultrasound transducers designed for transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). A transport apparatus may include a housing for protecting a control housing of a medical probe and an elongate member extending from the housing. The elongate member may be configured to engage the insertion tube of the probe and maintain an arch shape of the insertion tube during transport to prevent damage from over-flexing of the insertion tube.

Abstract: Devices and methods for protecting and transporting medical probes including, but not limited to, ultrasound transducers and more specifically ultrasound transducers designed for transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). A transport apparatus may include a housing for protecting a control housing of a medical probe and an elongate member extending from the housing. The elongate member may be configured to engage the insertion tube of the probe and maintain an arch shape of the insertion tube during transport to prevent damage from over-flexing of the insertion tube.

Abstract: A device for selectively establishing an electrical connection between an array of electrical contacts of a connector of an ultrasound system and an electrical apparatus (e.g., testing apparatus). The device includes a tray including a floor and a wall extending away from and surrounding the floor to define a receptacle of the tray, a shaft non-movably fixed to the floor within the receptacle and including a longitudinal axis that extends away from the floor, and an electrical connection assembly rotatably secured about the shaft within the receptacle to selectively establish an electrical connection between the electrical contact array of the connector and the electrical apparatus. The device is configured to accept ultrasound connectors of a wide variety of shapes, sizes, electrical contact array configurations, and the like.

Abstract: A device for selectively establishing an electrical connection between an array of electrical contacts of a connector of an ultrasound system and an electrical apparatus (e.g., testing apparatus). The device includes a tray including a floor and a wall extending away from and surrounding the floor to define a receptacle of the tray, a shaft non-movably fixed to the floor within the receptacle and including a longitudinal axis that extends away from the floor, and an electrical connection assembly rotatably secured about the shaft within the receptacle to selectively establish an electrical connection between the electrical contact array of the connector and the electrical apparatus. The device is configured to accept ultrasound connectors of a wide variety of shapes, sizes, electrical contact array configurations, and the like.