Abstract: The device comprises n spaced transducers associated with a generator through phase-shift means. These means are formed by members (66) for supplying, on different channels and from the same pulse of the generator, pulses with different time delays. Amplifiers are each associated with a transducer and are controlled from the pulse appearing on the appropriate channel selected by storage means. A receiver (62) associated with the transducers (12) comprises a single delay line with multiple taps closed upstream across a matched impedance and forming phase-shift means at reception.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging device comprises transducers distributed along a line and operable at a frequency f. A generator delivers electrical pulses to time delay means which provide, in response to each electrical pulse, a plurality of low level pulses delayed by increased time delays in a number lower than the number of transducers. The distribution of the time delays between the transducers is stored in memory means and corresponds to focusing at a point located at a predetermined distance from the line. A plurality of amplifiers are each associated with an individual one of the transducers and deliver an energizing pulse to the associated transducer in response to a particular one of the low level pulses appearing on an associated channel of a bus line which is selected by the memory.

Abstract: Reconstruction of two-dimensional distribution of attenuation coefficients or sound velocities in a cross-sectional plane of an object is achieved by carrying out a plurality of measurements of absorption or of flight time with ultrasound bursts directed by elementary transmitting probes along several different incidences in the sectional plane. Switching between successive measurements is carried out by electronic scanning, without movement of the individual probes. Focusing of the burst energy transmitted by a group of probes is achieved by applying a same electrical signal to the probes with appropriate delays. The secured signals are stored and, after completion of the scanning, they are combined for computation of the distribution.

Abstract: N elementary transducers are distributed regularly along a line of scanning. An ultrasonic frequency generator generates a high frequency signal which is applied to a first set of switches with a phase angle .phi. and to a second set of switches with a phase angle .phi. + .pi.. First and second registers are provided for temporarily energizing selected ones of said first and second set of switches such that the high frequency signal is applied to a set of n transducers with a phase angle of either .phi. or .phi. + .pi.. Third and fourth registers stored a phase distribution signal which is serially clocked into and through the first and second registers such that the high frequency signal is applied to n transducers with a phase distribution determined by said stored distribution signal at each of a plurality of successive times, each time to a set of n transducers which is shifted by one transducer of the array of transducers such that scanning occurs throughout the array.

Abstract: A device in which focussed ultrasonic beams are used by way of binary distribution of the phase of the signals occurring in a mosaic of transducers. The material of which the transducers are made can be polarized, which enables the prefocussing of the ultrasonic beam to be transmitted or received, and also enables point-wise scanning and scanning by double focussing according to the X-direction and the Y-direction.