Abstract: A wireless ultrasound probe has a probe case enclosing a transducer array, an acquisition circuit, a transceiver and a battery. The probe also includes a loudspeaker which produces audible sounds as a function of the range between the wireless probe and a host system. When the probe is within a near field range of the host system, the loudspeaker is silent. But if the probe is moved to an intermediate or a far field range from the host system, the loudspeaker sounds an alert. This audible alert can be used to locate the probe by transmitting a paging signal which, upon reception by the probe, causes the probe to sound its alert. If the probe is moved to an unauthorized location where it is within range of a transmitter or receiver, the reception of a signal by the probe, the transmitter, or receiver will sound an alert signaling the unauthorized presence of the wireless probe.

Abstract: A third matching layer (140) affording wide bandwidth for an ultrasound matrix probe is made of polyethylene, and may extend downwardly to surround the array (S360) and attach to the housing to seal the array (S370).

Abstract: A wireless ultrasound probe has a probe case enclosing a transducer array, an acquisition circuit, a transceiver and a battery. The probe also includes a loudspeaker which produces audible sounds as a function of the range between the wireless probe and a host system. When the probe is within a near field range of the host system, the loudspeaker is silent. But if the probe is moved to an intermediate or a far field range from the host system, the loudspeaker sounds an alert. This audible alert can be used to locate the probe by transmitting a paging signal which, upon reception by the probe, causes the probe to sound its alert. If the probe is moved to an unauthorized location where it is within range of a transmitter or receiver, the reception of a signal by the probe, the transmitter, or receiver will sound an alert signaling the unauthorized presence of the wireless probe.

Abstract: A wireless ultrasound probe has a probe case enclosing a transducer array stack, a microbeamformer coupled to the transducer array, an acquisition module, an ultra wideband transceiver, a power circuit, and a rechargeable battery with a total weight of 300 grams or less. Preferably the total weight of these components does not exceed 150 grams, and most preferably the total weight of these components does not exceed 130 grams. The transceiver wirelessly transmits echo information signals to an ultrasound system host where the signals may undergo additional ultrasound signal processing such as further beamforming, image processing and display. The battery is preferably a rechargeable battery and the antenna for the transceiver is located at the end of the probe opposite the transducer stack.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer comprises a piezoelectric element (175), a first and second matching layers (120,130), and a third matching layer (140) comprising low-density polyethylene (LPDE). The third matching layer (140) affording wide bandwidth for an ultrasound matrix probe may extend downwardly to surround the array (S360) and attach to the housing to seal the array (S370).

Abstract: A wireless ultrasound probe has a probe case enclosing a transducer array, an acquisition circuit, a transceiver, a power circuit, and a rechargeable battery. The wireless probe also has a cable connector accessible from the exterior of the probe, for connection of a cable providing battery charging potential and/or imaging signal conductors for wire communication with a host system. An example is given of a magnetically attachable cable which requires no openings or indentations that could trap gel and other contaminants. Preferably the remote end of the cable uses a standardized connector, enabling the wireless probe to be recharged from standard devices like computers.

Abstract: A wireless ultrasound probe has a probe case enclosing a transducer array, an acquisition circuit, a transceiver and a battery. The probe also includes a loudspeaker which produces audible sounds during use of the probe. The loudspeaker, which may be a piezoelectric loudspeaker, issues an alert when battery power is low or signal strength of the wireless transmission is poor or nonexistent. The loudspeaker can provide user feedback to the actuation of a button or control on the probe. The loudspeaker can provide haptic feedback during use of the probe, and can be used to produce audio Doppler tones or heart sounds during probe use.

Abstract: A flip-chip electrical coupling between first and second electrical components (250, 260). The coupling includes a bump (210) and a pad (220). The bump (210) is electrically coupled to the first electrical component (250). The pad (220) is electrically coupled to the second electrical component (260). The pad (220) is electrically coupled to and dimensioned smaller than a corresponding coupling surface (214) of the bump (210). The pad (220) and bump (210) may be electrically coupled together using an ultrasonic stub bump bonding process, conductive epoxy, etc.

Abstract: Ultrasonic transducers having a reduced size in comparison with prior art ultrasonic transducers and including a thermally-conductive body, a flexible circuit bent at least partially around the body, an acoustic assembly arranged on the flexible circuit and electronic components for controlling the acoustic assembly to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. Signal transmission lines, such as coax wires, are coupled to the flexible circuit such that the electronic components, the acoustic assembly and the signal transmission lines are connected in a circuit defined in part by the flexible circuit. By bending the flexible circuit with the acoustic assembly, and optionally the electronic components, arranged thereon about the body, they are positioned in a vertical configuration which allows for a compact transducer which has a small, even miniature size in comparison to prior art ultrasonic transducers.