Abstract: The two-way communication system comprises a non-invasive and non-implanted system which allows for clear two-way communications. This system is generally comprised of a mouthpiece component, relay component, infrastructure communication device, an optional earpiece component, and an optional system control which may interface with the relay component.

Abstract: The body-worn wireless two-way communication system comprises a non-invasive and non-implanted system which allows for clear wireless two-way communications. This system is generally comprised of a mouthpiece component, relay component, infrastructure communication device, an optional earpiece component, and an optional system control which may interface with the relay component.

Abstract: The two-way communication system comprises a non-invasive and non-implanted system which allows for clear two-way communications. This system is generally comprised of a mouthpiece component, relay component, infrastructure communication device, an optional earpiece component, and an optional system control which may interface with the relay component.

Abstract: The two-way communication system comprises a non-invasive and non-implanted system which allows for clear two-way communications. This system is generally comprised of a mouthpiece component, relay component, infrastructure communication device, an optional earpiece component, and an optional system control which may interface with the relay component.

Abstract: The two-way communication system comprises a non-invasive and non-implanted system which allows for clear two-way communications. This system is generally comprised of a mouthpiece component, relay component, infrastructure communication device, an optional earpiece component, and an optional system control which may interface with the relay component.

Abstract: Implantable piezoelectric polymer film microphone apparatus and methods are described for use as an integral component of a hearing augmentation device system. The piezoelectric polymer film can be polyvinylidene fluoride (“PVDF”). Generally, a piezoelectric polymer film serves as the sensor that is well matched to tissue and which directly converts to an electrical signal by the piezoelectric effect vibration signals which are received through the tissue in which the piezoelectric polymer film microphone is implanted.

Abstract: Intra-oral tissue conduction microphone apparatus and methods are described for internal, but non-surgically installed microphones located in the oral cavity. An intra-oral tissue conduction microphone may be attached, adhered or integrated with a removable dental appliance which is positioned against the inside surfaces of the cheek, palate or gingiva. The sensor serves as a component in a non-observable hearing, body sound monitoring or communications device that can operate in environments incompatible with most existing devices. Generally, a piezoelectric film serves as the sensor that is well matched to tissue and which directly converts to an electrical signal by the piezoelectric effect signals which are received through the oral mucosa, gingiva or palate.

Abstract: Synthetic transmit aperture is provided for three-dimensional ultrasound imaging. A transducer may have separate transmit and receive elements. Broad beams are transmitted, allowing fewer transmit elements and/or more rapid scanning. A multidimensional receive array generates data in response to sequential transmissions, such as transmissions from different angles. The data is combined to increase resolution. A transducer array with offset transmit elements for forming a transmit line source may be used.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic ultrasound transducer system has at least a first and a second set of transducer layers of an element. Each set has one or more transducer layers with independent electrical access. A transmit event through a first set of transducer layers with broadband electrical signals generates acoustic signals containing at least two different frequency bands, and a receive event through a second and different set of transducer layers receives multiple tissue harmonic signals to generate a wide bandwidth response. Fundamental signals can be reduced with a pulse inversion technique through a second transmit event of inverted pulses, a second receive event and superposition of signals from the two receive events.

Abstract: In k31 mode, a vibration is along an axis or orthogonal to the poling or electric field orientation. The direction of vibration is toward a face of an ultrasound transducer array. For each element of the array, electrodes are formed perpendicular to the face of the array, such as along the sides of the elements. Piezoelectric material is poled along a dimension parallel with the face of the transducer and perpendicular to the direction of acoustic energy propagation. Using elements designed for k31 resonant mode operation may provide for a better electrical impedance match, such as where small elements sizes are provided for a multi-dimensional transducer arrays. For additional impedance matching, the elements may be made from multiple layers of piezoelectric ceramic. Since the elements operate from a k31 mode, the layers are stacked along the poling direction or perpendicular to a face of the transducer array for transmitting or receiving acoustical energy.

Abstract: An ultrasound apparatus comprising an ultrasound transducer having a geometric focus; an acoustic lens assembly acoustically coupled to the ultrasound transducer; wherein the acoustic lens assembly includes a focal layer that serves to increase relative acoustic pressure in a treatment region proximal to the transducer's geometric focus.

Abstract: A transducer system and method for harmonic imaging is provided. At least one transducer element is provided. The transducer element comprises two or more stacked piezoelectric layers. Information from each of the layers is independently processed during one of a transmit event, a receive event, and both transmit and receive events. Information from the transducer element is provided to a filter. The filter isolates harmonic information for imaging. By providing a multi-layer transducer element with independent processing for each layer, a wide bandwidth transducer for harmonic imaging is provided. The null associated with most transducers at the second harmonic of a fundamental frequency is removed or lessened.