Abstract: An apparatus for energy extraction from fluid flow including an assembly including a plenum. The assembly further includes an aperture extending from an exterior surface to the plenum to allow flow therethrough. The apparatus further includes a channel including an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the plenum. The apparatus yet further includes an energy extraction device. The assembly is configured to create a pressure differential between the plenum and the inlet of the channel. The pressure differential causes fluid flow from the inlet of the channel to the plenum. The energy extraction device is configured to extract energy from the fluid flow. The apparatus additionally includes a control system configured to modify the pressure differential to control the fluid flow between the inlet of the channel and the plenum based on a characteristic of an exterior environment.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer assembly is disclosed having a housing, a transducer array mounted in the housing and an electronics assembly mounted in the housing, the electronics assembly including one or more sub-assemblies having heat generating components disposed thereon. The electronics sub-assemblies further include thermal conducting features which conduct heat generated by the heat generating components out of the electronics assembly where it can be further removed by other thermal management techniques. These other thermal management techniques may include techniques utilized to cool the transducer array.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for cooling an ultrasound transducer using a refrigeration system located within the imaging system. A closed loop of recirculating coolant located in the transducer assembly transports waste heat from the remotely located heat producing acoustic components or active electronics components to a thermally conductive shoe, located within the transducer connector. Thermally conductive materials in each connector, the ultrasound system connector and the transducer assembly connector, are positioned in contact to thermally conduct heat from the transducer assembly to a refrigeration system, located in the imaging system, free of fluid transfer.

Abstract: A position of an imaging plane relative to a catheter or other probe is aligned with tissue of interest. Ultrasound tissue images may be registered to the catheter position with minimal rotational ambiguity. The spatial position of an ablation catheter or other device with respect to the imaging plane is more accurately determined, allowing a physician to identify specific anatomy in the relative location of a catheter or catheters. Another alternative or additional approach to determining the position of an imaging plane is to determine the relative position of two or more catheters. A catheter associated with imaging is then moved or bent in a direction having a known spatial relationship with the imaging plane. The position of the catheter is relative to each is then determined again to determine the angle or position of the imaging plane.

Abstract: Electrical connection is provided in a transducer stack through a backing block. A flexible circuit is sandwiched between pieces of acoustic attenuating material. For example, 2 to 200 or more flexible circuits are stacked in alternating layers with pieces of acoustically attenuating material. The alternating layers are then connected together to form a backing block with Z-axis electrical connection. The top surface of the connected backing block includes a plurality of exposed electrical traces from the flex circuit. Since flex circuits are used, the electrical traces are precisely aligned along one dimension. Since pre-formed acoustic attenuating material pieces are used, precise alignment is provided along a second or orthogonal dimension. The substrate holding the electrical traces in the flexible circuits provides more stability and allows for easier connection to circuit boards as compared to individual strips of metal.

Abstract: Detecting damage risk or preventing damage in handheld electronics devices uses an integrated motion sensor. To detect damage risk, a shock sensor is positioned in a handheld electronics device, such as on or within a housing of the electronics device. Through a display, communication or other mechanism, shock information is provided to assess a type or amount of damage to a product. For preventing damage in a handheld electronics device, a drop is detected within the handheld electronics device. In response to the detected drop, a component within the handheld electronics device is positioned. For example, the component is moved from a position of risk during a shock to a position of lesser risk during a shock. The handheld electronics device is free of mechanical connection to other devices, such as a cell phone, a personal digital assistant, a CD player, a tape player, a radio or other device of handheld size that is carryable or worn by a person.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer assembly is disclosed having a housing, a transducer array mounted in the housing and an electronics assembly mounted in the housing, the electronics assembly including one or more sub-assemblies having heat generating components disposed thereon. The electronics sub-assemblies further include thermal conducting features which conduct heat generated by the heat generating components out of the electronics assembly where it can be further removed by other thermal management techniques. These other thermal management techniques may include techniques utilized to cool the transducer array.

Abstract: The present invention is an ultrasound imaging system comprising a transducer assembly having a scan-head, a non-volatile means for storing data related to transducer usage, user comments, technical support, maintenace of the transducer assembly, operational imaging system software for at least one imaging system, transducer assembly identification, and settings of an ultrasound imaging apparatus coupled with the transducer assembly. The transducer assembly and ultrasound imaging apparatus may commuicate with each other.

Abstract: The present invention is an ultrasound imaging system comprising a transducer assembly having a scan-head, a non-volatile means for storing data related to transducer usage, user comments, technical support, maintenace of the transducer assembly, operational imaging system software for at least one imaging system, transducer assembly identification, and settings of an ultrasound imaging apparatus coupled with the transducer assembly. The transducer assembly and ultrasound imaging apparatus may commuicate with each other.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer includes an elongated catheter that carries a phased linear array of ultrasonic transducer elements at a distal end. This array is aligned with the azimuthal axis of the array oriented substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the catheter near the distal end. Two sets of steering lines are carried by the catheter and coupled to the catheter near the distal end. The first set of steering lines is effective to steer the distal end in a first plane, and the second set of steering lines is effective to steer the distal end in a second plane, transverse to the first plane.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for an ultrasonic transducer assembly includes a housing having a longitudinal axis that extends generally parallel to the proximal end of a catheter. An annular steering ring is mounted to the housing for rotation about the longitudinal axis, and a steering hub is mounted for rotation in the housing and coupled to the steering ring such that rotation of the steering ring with respect to the housing causes rotation of the steering hub. A steering line is secured adjacent the steering hub and extends to the distal end of the catheter such that rotation of the steering hub alters the effective length of the steering line to steer the distal end. The steering line is preferably formed of a stranded polymer such as a gel spun polyethylene.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer includes an elongated catheter that carries a phased linear array of ultrasonic transducer elements at a distal end. This array is aligned with the azimuthal axis of the array oriented substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the catheter near the distal end. Two sets of steering lines are carried by the catheter and coupled to the catheter near the distal end. The first set of steering lines is effective to steer the distal end in a first plane, and the second set of steering lines is effective to steer the distal end in a second plane, transverse to the first plane.