Abstract: A grip layer formed circumferentially around a substantial portion of a length of an ultrasound probe housing and having a high coefficient of friction. The grip layer enables an administering sonographer to maintain control over the ultrasound probe during transthoracic and other ultrasound imaging procedures while applying minimal gripping force. Furthermore, the grip layer accommodates all ultrasound viewing windows regardless of the position of the patient, the location of the sonographer relative to the patient and whether the sonographer uses a right- or left-handed technique. The grip layer is joined to an inner housing so as to form a gas- and liquid-impermeable seal between the grip layer and inner housing, enabling the ultrasound probe to withstand repeated applications of autoclaving, liquid and chemical disinfecting and other sterilization procedures without compromising the electrical integrity of the probe casing.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer assembly includes an ultrasound transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasound energy and one or more interface elements for conducting transmitted ultrasound energy from the transducer to a patient's body and for conducting received ultrasound energy from the patient's body to the transducer. At least one ultrasound-transmissive interface element is fabricated of a polymeric material. The material preferably has a sound speed that approximately matches the speed of sound in human tissue. The material comprises at least one primary rigid component material and at least one secondary component material, and has a Shore D durometer hardness value of greater than about 60D, and a sound speed of between about 1,450 meters/second and about 1,700 meters/second. The ultrasound-transmissive element fabricated of a polymeric material can be a protective lens cover, an ultrasound lens or lens element, an ultrasound-transmissive window or a sound pipe.

Abstract: This invention is a toy audio recorder in the exterior shape of a telephone. The recorder is equipped with large pushbutton assemblies capable of housing illustrations. Depressing one of the pushbutton assemblies will playback the message stored in the storage location associated with that pushbutton assembly, or, if the record switch is depressed simultaneously, a new message will be recorded in that storage location. Messages may be recorded directly or via telephone by using a conventional telephone in concert with the toy telephone recorder.