Abstract: An ultrasound apparatus permitting dynamic variation of the position of the reception focus of a prescribable number of ultrasound transducer elements has a reception channel including a time-delay circuit for the received ultrasound echo signal following every ultrasound transducer element. For switching between different, prescribed time-delay values (T.sub.1, T.sub.2, . . . T.sub.n), the time-delay circuit is connected to a control device. A part of the time-delay circuit is redundantly designed, so that first and a second sub-circuits for forming the time-delayed ultrasound echo signal are present. A dissolve circuit is provided which causes the second sub-circuit to be faded in the reception channel when the first sub-circuit, in a blanked condition, is switched to a different time-delay value (T.sub.1, T.sub.2, . . . T.sub.n), and vice versa, by a control device. Significant time is thus saved when switching between the different focus positions of the ultrasound apparatus.

Abstract: An ultrasonic applicator for biopsy which includes a carrying body formed from two extended partial bodies (4, 6). Each partial body has a guide groove (8, 10) introduced in one side. On the surface (12, 14) of each partial body (4, 6), a group (16, 20) of ultrasonic transducer elements is arranged. The two partial bodies can be positioned with respect to one another in such a manner that in a closed position the guide grooves (8, 10) form the guide channel (38) that serves to receive a biopsy needle (37). This lengthwise division of the applicator is advantageous because the row of transducer elements (16, 20) has no gap in the area of the guide channel (38) and when the applicator has both partial bodies in the open position it can be removed, leaving the biopsy needle in place. The partial bodies (4, 6) can be connected with one another in such a way that they can either swivel or be easily removed from one another.