Abstract: A system for echo cancellation includes a dynamic speaker management (DSM) module, a current/voltage sensing amplifier, a sound pressure level (SPL) model module and an echo canceller. The example DSM module is receptive to a far-end signal and is operative to develop a modified far-end signal and a plurality of parameter outputs. The example current/voltage sensing amplifier is coupled to the modified far-end signal and develops an amplifier output, a voltage (V) parameter output, and a current (I) parameter output. The example sound pressure level (SPL) model module is coupled to the plurality of parameter outputs of the of the DSM module and is operative to develop a predicted SPL. The example echo canceller module is responsive to the predicted SPL and to a near-end signal and operative to develop an echo-canceled output signal.

Abstract: A transducer assembly is disclosed. The transducer assembly includes a first transducer element comprising a first row of ultrasonic transducers and a second transducer element comprising a second row of ultrasonic transducers. The first row of ultrasonic transducers can be arranged at a nonzero angle with respect to the second row of ultrasonic transducers. The first transducer element and the second transducer element can be detachably connected. A connector can be in electrical communication with the first transducer element and the second transducer element, where the connector is configured to be connected to an endoscope.

Abstract: A thermoacoustic device includes a PCB substrate, a speaker installed on the PCB substrate and including a sound wave generator, and an IC chip installed on the PCB substrate. The speaker and the IC chip are electrically connected by the PCB substrate. The IC chip input an audio signal to the speaker. The speaker heats surrounding medium intermittently according to the input signal so that the surrounding medium to produce a sound by expansion and contraction.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a variable optical attenuator includes a core configured to propagate optical data signals and a cladding surrounding at least part of the core and comprising a first cladding portion and a second cladding portion. An attenuating spacer between the first cladding portion and the second cladding portion is formed from a smart material. The smart material is configured to apply a force to at least one of the first cladding portion and the second cladding portion in response to an external stimulus. The smart material may be a piezoelectric material and the external stimulus may be an electrical current.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe including a backing layer provided with grooves in which a piezoelectric member is allowed to be installed and a manufacturing method thereof. The ultrasound probe includes the piezoelectric member, and the backing layer disposed on a rear-side surface of the piezoelectric member and provided, on a front-side surface thereof, with grooves in which the piezoelectric member is installed.

Abstract: A thermoacoustic chip includes a substrate, a sound wave generator, a first electrode, and a second electrode, and an integrated circuit chip. The substrate has a first surface. The sound wave generator is located on the first surface of the substrate. The first electrode and a second electrode are spaced from each other and electrically connected to the sound wave generator. The integrated circuit chip is located on the substrate and electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A color tunable substrate is disclosed. The color tunable substrate includes multiple layers. A color of the color tunable substrate can be tuned by altering or adjusting characteristics of the layers included in the color tunable substrate.

Abstract: A sensor electrode (SE) for a capacitive sensor device is designed such that the width of the sensor electrode decreases towards the center such that the capacity between the sensor electrode and an object (F) with constant distance between the sensor electrode and the object (F) substantially is equal in size for each position of the object (F) relative to the sensor electrode along a longitudinal axis of the sensor electrode. The sensor electrode may consist of a plurality of segments arranged in a strip with decreasing width towards the center of the electrode.

Abstract: in various implementations, a field-deployable system may include an array of two or more acoustic transducers arranged to propagate pressure waves through a hydrocarbon fluid medium. A method of stimulating a hydrocarbon fluid medium may include propagating pressure waves through the hydrocarbon fluid medium. The pressure waves may have an ultrasonic frequency and an amplitude sufficient to induce acoustic cavitation in the hydrocarbon fluid medium. A method of stimulating a solvent fluid medium may include propagating pressure waves through the solvent fluid medium, and inducing acoustic cavitation in the medium via the pressure waves. The acoustic cavitation may form a microjet that impinges a proximate solid surface to substantially remove hydrocarbon residue. An acoustic transducer may be configured to propagate pressure waves through a hydrocarbon fluid medium. The pressure waves may have an ultrasonic frequency and an amplitude sufficient to induce acoustic cavitation in the hydrocarbon fluid medium.

Abstract: Ultrasonic signals are used to transmit sounds from a modulated ultrasonic generator to other locations from which the sounds appear to emanate. In particular, an ultrasonic carrier is modulated with an audio signal and demodulated on passage through the atmosphere. The carrier frequencies are substantially higher than those of prior systems, e.g., at least 60 kHz, and the modulation products thus have frequencies which are well above the audible range of humans; as a result, these signals are likely harmless to individuals who are within the ultrasonic fields of the system. The signals may be steered to moving locations, and various measures are taken to minimize distortion and maximize efficiency.

Abstract: A device voltage shifter includes a first voltage reference node, a second voltage reference node, an output node and a clamp node. A first high-voltage switching transistor of the voltage shifter has a first conduction terminal coupled to the first voltage reference node and a second conduction terminal coupled to the clamp node. A second high-voltage switching transistor of the voltage shifter has a first conduction terminal coupled to the clamp node and a second conduction terminal coupled to the second voltage reference node. A third high-voltage switching transistor of the voltage shifter has a first conduction terminal coupled to the first voltage reference node, a control terminal coupled to the clamp node, and a second conduction terminal coupled to the output node. A voltage regulator of the voltage shifter is coupled between the output node and the clamp node.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer includes a substrate; and a plurality of capacitive ultrasonic cells arranged on the substrate in a predetermined direction. Thicknesses of cavities in the plurality of capacitive ultrasonic cells are determined based on locations of the plurality of capacitive ultrasonic cells in the predetermined direction.

Abstract: A clamp type ultrasonic processor comprises a transducer assembly and a functional gripper. The transducer assembly comprises a transducer (1) and an amplitude transforming shaft (2) attached thereto. At least one transducer assembly is connected to the functional gripper. The functional gripper comprises an irradiation front line shaft-approximal block (3) and an irradiation front line tube-supporting block (4), and a functional gripper chamber (8) is provided in the functional gripper for accommodating an ultrasonic irradiation receiver. The irradiation front line shaft-approximal block (3) and the irradiation front line tube-supporting block (4) are connected to grip tightly the ultrasonic irradiation receiver to be irradiated. Irradiation front line shaft-approximal block (3) and/or the irradiation front line tube-supporting block (4) are connected to the amplitude transforming shaft (2). An application of the clamp type ultrasonic processor and its application in metal production are also provided.

Abstract: A tow body and associated method have an acoustic projector that can be rotated about a vertical plane while the tow body is being towed through the water. In some embodiments, the tow body and method allow the tow body to be coupled to a tow cable while the tow cable is being towed through the water and under tension.

Abstract: An ultrasonic device includes a base in which a base layer of a vibrating film is formed in every opening that is disposed in an array; an interconnect layer, which is a conductor, formed on the base layer; an insulating film that is formed on the interconnect layer, and forms a laminated structure with respect to the base layer; a plurality of piezoelectric elements that are separated from the interconnect layer by the insulating film, the piezoelectric elements each including a first electrode and a second electrode that sandwich a piezoelectric film on the insulating film; and a through conductor that passes through the insulating film, and connects at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode to the conductor constituting the interconnect layer.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer for use in a fluid medium includes at least one housing having at least one inner space, at least one transducer core accommodated in the inner space, having at least one electroacoustic transducer element. The housing has at least one opening facing the fluid medium. The opening is covered at least partially by at least one sealing foil. An edge of the sealing foil is sealed by at least one sealing material.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor, including a diaphragm cup, a housing and a decoupling element, the diaphragm cup and housing having a lateral surface, the decoupling element being at least partially made from an elastic material and having a continuous recess bounded by an inner wall of the decoupling element, the diaphragm cup and/or the housing being at least partially situated in the recess.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe is provided that includes piezoelectric bodies, each of which is provided with electrodes on the front surface on the side from which ultrasound is emitted and a rear surface opposing the front surface. At least a part of the ultrasound probes is disposed in a curved manner. A flexible printed circuit board comprises a first part that is provided in parallel with the curved surface of the piezoelectric bodies in a circular direction on the rear surface side of the piezoelectric bodies, and a second part that extends from the first part near the end part of the arranged piezoelectric bodies and further extends to the electronic circuit, the electric circuit, or the interface. Furthermore, the flexible printed circuit board is provided with a wiring pattern that conducts between at least one electrode of the piezoelectric body and the electronic circuit, the electric circuit, or the interface.

Abstract: A monolithic ultrasonic horn where the horn, backing, and pre-stress structures are combined in a single monolithic piece is disclosed. Pre-stress is applied by external flexure structures. The provision of the external flexures has numerous advantages including the elimination of the need for a pre-stress bolt. The removal of the pre-stress bolt eliminates potential internal electric discharge points in the actuator. In addition, it reduces the chances of mechanical failure in the actuator stacks that result from the free surface in the hole of conventional ring stacks. In addition, the removal of the stress bolt and the corresponding reduction in the overall number of parts reduces the overall complexity of the resulting ultrasonic horn actuator and simplifies the ease of the design, fabrication and integration of the actuator of the present invention into other structures.

Abstract: A curved or bendable micro-electro-mechanical transducer (such as the cMUT) is disclosed. The transducer has a plurality of transducer elements built on a substrate. The substrate has a slot below every two neighboring device elements. Each slot is at least at least partially filled with a flexible material to allow bending of the substrate. A bending actuator may be included to facilitate the bending of the substrate. An exemplary bending actuator uses a nonuniformly shrinkable material to bend the substrate. A curved or bendable cMUT of the present invention can be configured to be an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) device.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a transducer suitable for generating an acoustic sound pressure wave being configured to: magnetically couple the apparatus to a further apparatus transducer for transferring data.

Abstract: The invention consists of a sonication and imbedding process for the uptake of water and/or other beneficial substances into a seed for the purposes of reducing the time needed for germination of a plant and the time needed for full maturity growth of the resultant plant. This invention teaches that ultrasound applied to the shell of a seed will develop micro-punctures which enable the faster absorption of water and other liquid nutrients into the seed structure. The sonic energy may be at frequencies between 15 kHz and 30 kHz for periods between about 1 and 20 minutes, and can utilize either a sinusoidal waveform or an alternating ultrasonic transmission consisting of a saw tooth wave form lasting 50 milliseconds, followed by a square wave form lasting 50 milliseconds, or such similar combination of ultrasonic transmissions. The treated seed tends to grow into a mature plant at a substantially accelerated rate.

Abstract: There is disclosed a transducer apparatus for acoustic communications through a substrate at a predetermined centre frequency, the apparatus comprising: —an active piezoelectric element for generating an acoustic signal; an intermediate layer, having a surface for accommodating the piezoelectric element, and having a first array of protrusions on a surface opposite the surface for accommodating the piezoelectric element; and a second array of protrusions at the substrate, wherein the active piezoelectric element is mounted onto the intermediate layer, and the intermediate layer is secured in position relative to the substrate such that the first array of protrusions faces the second array of protrusions such that the acoustic signal may propagate through the first and second arrays. There are further disclosed a method of mounting such an apparatus and a plate suitable for use in the transducer apparatus.

Abstract: Techniques to improve resolution in an ultrasound system are disclosed. An exemplary apparatus is a portable ultrasound probe having transducer elements and supporting electronics within the probe. The beam is shaped to split the resolution to sub-pixel accuracy. Super resolution sample technique based on interpolation can be used to further increase resolution. In one embodiment the ultrasound system supports ½ crystal physical resolution and ¼ crystal digital resolution.

Abstract: The ultrasonic transducer device in accordance with the present invention includes a body unit and a fixing member. The body unit includes a housing including a space which is in a front surface of the housing and is for receiving an ultrasonic transducer, and a clip part provided to a side surface of the housing. The fixing member includes a fixing plate including a fixing surface to be attached to a rear surface of an exterior panel of a vehicle, and a through hole to communicate to an opening in the exterior panel, and an interlocked part removably connected to the clip part so that the space faces the through hole. The clip part includes an interlocking part, and a spring part keeping the interlocking part in a position in which the interlocking part is physically connected to the interlocked part.

Abstract: In an oscillator (100), a plurality of piezoelectric vibrators (111 to 113) supported by vibrator support mechanisms (120) individually output highly directional sound waves. The plurality of piezoelectric vibrators (111 to 113) is formed by dividing a laminated body of an elastic member and a piezoelectric substance by the vibrator support mechanisms (120). Since it is not necessary to arrange the plurality of piezoelectric vibrators in a matrix, the entirety of a device can be small-sized. A sound deflection unit that deflects a sound wave which is output by at least one of the piezoelectric vibrators may be further included.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating ultra-high frequency sound waves with frequencies between (1 GHz-10 GHz) is proposed. The apparatus comprises a magnetic phonon-gain medium configured to generate high frequency non-equilibrium phonons by non-equilibrium magnons having the magnon velocity exceeding the sound velocity in the magnetic phonon-gain medium. The non-equilibrium magnons having the magnon velocity exceeding the sound velocity in the magnetic phonon-gain medium are generated by injected non-equilibrium electrons having spin opposite to the direction of magnetization of the magnetic phonon-gain medium. The apparatus further comprises a means for outputting the ultra-high frequency non-equilibrium phonons.

Abstract: A transducer assembly is disclosed. The transducer assembly includes a first transducer element comprising a first row of ultrasonic transducers and a second transducer element comprising a second row of ultrasonic transducers. The first row of ultrasonic transducers can be arranged at a nonzero angle with respect to the second row of ultrasonic transducers. The first transducer element and the second transducer element can be detachably connected. A connector can be in electrical communication with the first transducer element and the second transducer element, where the connector is configured to be connected to an endoscope.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a transducer for acoustic communications through a series arrangement of fluid and solid media, the transducer comprising: a signal processor configured to implement a communications scheme at and around a centre frequency of at least 1 MHz; a piezoelectric element for activation in accord with the communications scheme; an electrode electrically connected to the signal processor, and being attached to the piezoelectric element; and a substrate, having the piezoelectric element mounted thereon, wherein an aspect of the electrode at the piezoelectric element is approximately equal to the acoustic wavelength of an acoustic wave in the substrate at the centre frequency. There is further disclosed a remote monitoring device employing at least one of the transducers described, in concert with a further transducer. Still further, there is disclosed a method of communicating using the transducer described herein.

Abstract: The effective aperture of an ultrasound imaging probe can be increased by including more than one transducer array and using the transducer elements of all of the arrays to render an image can greatly improve the lateral resolution of the generated image. In order to render an image, the relative positions of all of the elements must be known precisely. Systems and methods for accurately calibrating and adjusting a multi-aperture ultrasound system are disclosed. The relative positions of the transducer elements can be computed and aligned prior to and during probe assembly.

Abstract: Method, source and seismic vibro-acoustic source element configured to generate acoustic waves under water. The seismic vibro-acoustic source element includes an enclosure having first and second openings; first and second pistons configured to close the first and second openings; an actuator system provided inside the enclosure and configured to actuate the first and second pistons to generate a wave having first frequency; and a pressure mechanism attached to the enclosure and configured to control a pressure of a fluid inside the enclosure such that a pressure of the fluid is substantially equal to an ambient pressure of the enclosure.

Abstract: A thermoacoustic device includes a substrate, at least two sound wave generators and at least two signal input devices. The substrate has at least two surfaces. Each of the at least two sound wave generators is located on each of the at least two surfaces. At least one of the at least two sound wave generator includes a carbon film. The carbon film includes at least one carbon nanotube layer and at least one graphene layer stacked with each other. The at least two signal input devices are configured to input signals to the at least two sound wave generator in a one by one manner.

Abstract: A bobbin includes a stratiform composite structure. The stratiform composite structure includes an amorphous carbon structure and a carbon nanotube film structure composited with the amorphous carbon structure. The amorphous carbon structure and the carbon nanotube film structure are combined by van der Waals attractive force and covalent bonds therebetween.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic transducer unit comprising a plurality of ultrasonic transducers, each of the ultrasonic transducers is provided with a recess formed in one face of an insulating substrate, and a substrate-side electrode is buried in a bottom of the recess, and a vibrating membrane is formed so as to cover the recess.

Abstract: An electromechanical transducer includes a substrate, a first electrode disposed on the substrate, and a vibration film including a membrane disposed on the first electrode with a space therebetween and a second electrode disposed on the membrane so as to oppose the first electrode. The first electrode has a surface roughness value of 6 nm RMS or less.

Abstract: An explosion-proof system for generating acoustic energy. An exemplary embodiment of the system includes a main housing defining an open housing space and an opening. A cover structure is configured for removable attachment to the main housing structure to cover the opening and provide an explosion-proof housing structure. The cover structure includes an integral head mass. An acoustic energy emitting assembly includes the head mass, and an excitation assembly disposed within the explosion-proof housing structure. An electronic circuit is disposed within the explosion-proof housing structure to generate a drive signal for driving the excitation assembly to cause the acoustic energy emitting assembly to resonate and generate acoustic energy. In one embodiment the acoustic energy is a beam of ultrasonic energy useful for testing ultrasonic gas detectors. A method is also described for testing ultrasonic gas leak detectors using an ultrasonic source.

Abstract: An actuation system for generating a physical effect, the system comprising at least one array of translating elements each constrained to travel alternately back and forth along a respective axis, toward first and second extreme positions respectively, in response to activation of first and second forces respectively; and a controller operative to use the first and second forces to selectably latch at least one subset of said translating elements into the first and second extreme positions respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transducer assembly (1) for an echoscope, comprising a first row of ultrasonic transducers (2) and a second row of ultrasonic transducers (3), said transducer assembly (1) combining the advantages of a linear transducer and of transducers with various rows of transducers which are arranged at an angle with respect to one another, due to the fact that the first row of ultrasonic transducers (2) forms part of a first transducer element (4), due to the fact that the second row of ultrasonic transducers (3) forms part of a second transducer element (5) and due to the fact that the first transducer element (4) and the second transducer element (5) are detachably connectable to one another in at least two positions to form a composite transducer element (6).

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer array according to an embodiment includes a substrate, a plurality of groove-like recesses arranged at a predetermined interval on one surface of the substrate, a cell region arranged between the recesses on the one surface side of the substrate, a flexible film configured to cover the substrate and the cell region and having fragility lower than fragility of the substrate, and a dividing groove having a width smaller than a width of the recess and reaching from the other surface of the substrate to the flexible film in the recess.

Abstract: Piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer (pMUT) arrays and techniques for frequency shaping in pMUT arrays are described, for example to achieve both high frequency and low frequency operation in a same device. The ability to operate at both high and low frequencies may be tuned during use of the device to adaptively adjust for optimal resolution at a particular penetration depth of interest. In embodiments, various sizes of piezoelectric membranes are fabricated for tuning resonance frequency across the membranes. The variously sized piezoelectric membranes are lumped together by two or more separate electrode rails, enabling independent addressing between the two or more subgroups of sized transducer elements. Signal processing of the drive and/or response signals generated and/or received from each of the two or more electrode rails may achieve a variety of operative modes for the device, such as a near field mode, a far field mode, and an ultra wide bandwidth mode.

Abstract: A conformable medical data acquisition pad and configurable imaging system. The conformable pad may comprise a carrier base having a plurality of transceivers in operative association with an interconnection network that communicates with a computer system. The data acquisition pad may be constructed with a flex circuit and at least one ultrasound data collection device to carry out a variety of medical procedures. Different types of signal transmitting and receiving elements can be selected to provide ultrasound systems, including scalable capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducers arranged in a variety of configurations in combination with controlling electronics which interface with a translator board and software for signal processing. The resulting ultrasound data, such as a three-dimensional model, can be transmitted via an industry standard high speed bus to standard interfaces on various ultrasound systems.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a method of fabricating an ultrasound transducer. A piezoelectric polymer is mixed into a solution containing a first chemical and a second chemical to form a viscous film. In some embodiments, the first chemical includes methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), and the second chemical includes dimethylacetamide (DMA). In other embodiments, the first chemical includes cyclohexanone, and the second chemical includes dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The film is coated onto a wafer and then flashed off during the coating. Thereafter, the film is baked. The second chemical is removed during the baking. Thereafter, the film is annealed. In some embodiments, the annealing is performed using an annealing temperature in a range from about 135 degrees Celsius to about 145 degrees Celsius and an annealing duration in a range from about 17 hours to about 19 hours. The film has a ? phase crystallinity greater than 50% after the annealing.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for using acoustics to communicate between a macro-scale transceiver and a micro-device or between multiple micro-devices. The micro-devices may passively scatter sound from a transceiver or actively generate sound. Acoustic waves can also provide power to a micro-device.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer includes a first electrode, a first insulation film covering the first electrode, a hollow part overlapping the first electrode on the first insulation film, a second insulation film covering the hollow part, a second electrode overlapping the hollow part on the second insulation film, and an interconnection joined to the second electrode. An edge of the first electrode is formed so as to moderate a step of the first electrode.

Abstract: An implantable medical device comprises a hermetically sealed housing having a housing wall with an interior surface, and an ultrasonic acoustic transducer, the transducer comprising one or more piezoelectric discs fixed to the interior surface of the housing wall, such that the housing wall acts as a diaphragm in response to induced movement by the one or more piezoelectric material discs.

Abstract: Methods and systems for passive wireless surface acoustic wave devices for orthogonal frequency coded devices to implement ON-OFF sensors reusing orthogonal frequency code and distinguishing between ON and OFF states using additional PN sequence and on/off switches producing multi-level coding as well as external stimuli for switching and identification of a closure system. An embodiment adds a level of diversity by adding a dibit to each surface acoustic wave devices, thus providing four different possible coding states. The PN on-off coding can be with the dibit for coding in a multi-tag system.

Abstract: A composite assembly for a motor vehicle having at least one electroacoustic transducer for outputting sound waves and at least one wall element of the motor vehicle, behind which the transducer is mounted in a concealed manner, wherein an intermediate element for influencing the sound emission behavior is arranged between the transducer and the wall element, the intermediate element having a contact surface facing the wall element for passing on the sound waves. At least one recess is formed within the contact surface, in which recess no contact is made between the intermediate element and the wall element. In this way, it is possible to influence the emission characteristics of the electroacoustic transducer in a very flexible and need-oriented manner.

Abstract: An elongate probe (204) including a probe head (214) with a transducer array (216), a shaft (210) and an articulating member (212). The articulating member is located between the probe head and the shaft. The articulating member is configured to articulate between a position in which the probe head extends along a longitudinal axis of the probe and at least one articulated position in which the probe head extends at a non-zero angle from the longitudinal axis of the probe. The probe further includes a stiffener (224) configured to controllably move from a retracted position to an extended position at which the stiffener inhibits articulation of the articulating member.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe is provided that may improves specific desensitization of the frequency observed in the frequency characteristics and/or directional characteristics. The ultrasound probe related to this embodiment comprises an ultrasound transducer 10 and a plurality of acoustic matching layers 20 arranged in layers in the direction of irradiation irradiated from the ultrasound transducer 10, wherein, the plurality of acoustic matching layers 20 form a film and each of the adjacent acoustic impedance of longitudinal waves is substantially the same and has a different Poisson's ratio.

Abstract: Provided is a converter that converts sound waves into electrical signals, comprising a piezoelectric section including a plurality of piezoelectric elements that each convert a sound wave detected by a detection surface into one of the electrical signals; and a multilayer substrate to which the piezoelectric section is fixed. The multilayer substrate includes a plurality of signal wires that correspond respectively to the piezoelectric elements and each transmit the electrical signal output by the corresponding piezoelectric element; and a shield portion that electromagnetically shields at least a portion of the signal wires. The piezoelectric section is fixed to the multilayer substrate such that a surface of the multilayer substrate on which the piezoelectric elements are fixed is inclined with respect to the detection surfaces of the piezoelectric elements.