Abstract: A coupling shoe for attachment to a transducer module to couple ultrasound transmitted by the transducer module into a target object, the coupling shoe comprising a transducer engaging portion; a couplant chamber arranged to hold couplant; and a flexible membrane at least partially defining a probe surface for facing the target object through which couplant from the couplant chamber can seep for coupling ultrasound transmitted by the transducer module into the target object.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus for imaging an object, comprising an ultrasound transducer comprising a transmitter configured to transmit ultrasound signals in a first direction towards an object and a receiver configured to receive reflected ultrasound signals from an object; and a backing block for absorbing ultrasound signals, located adjacent the transducer along a second direction opposite to the first direction; the backing block comprising an inner surface facing the transducer, the inner surface comprising a non-planar feature configured to increase the absorption of ultrasound signals by the backing block.