Abstract: An ultrasonic probe includes a probe head having a piezoelectric element which includes a plurality of piezoelectric layers which are laminated in the thickness direction thereof with the polarity directions of the adjacent piezoelectric layers set opposite to each other and each of which has opposite end surfaces, electrodes formed on the opposite end surfaces of the piezoelectric layers in the laminated direction, a plurality of external electrodes formed on the opposite end surfaces of the piezoelectric layers on the laminated direction, internal electrodes formed in the lamination interface of the piezoelectric layers, an acoustic matching layer having a plurality of layers and formed on one surface of the plurality of laminated piezoelectric layers, an acoustic lens disposed on the matching layer with the convex surface thereof set towards the outside, and a backing material disposed on the other surface of the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes an ultrasonic transducer for outputting an ultrasonic beam and converting the echo of the ultrasonic beam into an echo signal, a transmitter section for supplying a drive signal to the ultrasonic transducer, a receiver section for receiving the echo signal output from the ultrasonic transducer and converting the echo signal into an image signal, and a coaxial cable for coupling the ultrasonic transducer to the transmitter and receiver sections. The ultrasonic transducer is constituted by a two-layer ultrasonic transducer having an impedance smaller than an impedance of the coaxial cable.

Abstract: An ultrasonic coupling agent of low viscosity which comprises at least one aqueous solution selected from an aqueous ethyl alcohol solution and an aqueous glycerin solution, and 75 to 0.1% by weight based on the total weight of the agent of silicone-based oil which is substantially soluble in the aqueous solution. The ethyl alcohol solution is preferably included in the ultrasonic coupling agent in an amount sufficient to invest the agent with a disinfection effect.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat shrinking a heat-shrinkable plastic film wrapping a package includes a conveyor for conveying the package, a steam chamber arranged to cover the package on the conveyor at least from above, and a steam jetting pipe provided inside the steam chamber at an upper portion thereof for filling the steam chamber with steam. The package is conveyed to the location of the steam chamber by the conveyor and is introduced into the steam chamber where the plastic film wrapping the package is shrunk by heat given off by the steam.

Abstract: There is disclosed a polymeric piezoelectric ultrasonic probe using a polymeric piezoelectric member which comprises a polymeric piezoelectric member; a common electrode formed on one surface of the polymeric piezoelectric member; and electrodes for driving provided as opposed to the common electrode with the polymeric piezoelectric member being interposed therebetween, the electrodes for driving being formed on a polymeric thin film.The polymeric piezoelectric ultrasonic probe of the present invention has advantages that not only breaking or short circuit of electrodes shaped in rectangular strips can be prevented, but also it becomes possible to connect lead wires with good reliability. Besides, not only cumbersomeness is registration of electrodes shaped in rectangular strips during lamination of polymeric piezoelectric members can be cancelled, but also acoustic-electrical coupling or cross-talk can be reduced.

Abstract: A paper size obtained by the steps of treating with an acid a hydrocarbon distillate boiling within the range of 20.degree.-80.degree. C. and containing at least one C.sub.5 acyclic conjugated diolefin in an amount of 10 to 35 wt. % of the distillate, the distillate being derived from a fraction obtained as a by-product at the time of cracking petroleum, reacting said hydrocarbon distillate with an .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid in a specified weight ratio and then saponifying the thus obtained acid-modified hydrocarbon distillate with an alkali thereby to obtain the paper size.