Piezoelectric Patents (Class 367/155)
  • Patent number: 11143758
    Abstract: A marine electronic device is provided including a user interface comprising a display, a marine electronic device processor, and a memory. The memory includes computer program code configured to cause the marine electronic device to receive sonar return data from at least one transducer element configured to transmit sound waves into a body of water, receive the sonar return signals from the body of water, and convert the sonar return signals into sonar return data. The computer program code is further configured to cause the marine electronic device to generate one or more sonar images based on the sonar return data, identify one or more degraded performance characteristics associated with the sonar return data or the one or more sonar images, and cause an alert based on identification of the one or more degraded performance characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: NAVICO HOLDING AS
    Inventor: Matthew W. Laster
  • Patent number: 10898924
    Abstract: A large aperture CMUT transducer array is formed of a plurality of adjacently located tiles of CMUT cells. The adjacent edges of the tiles are formed by an anisotropic etch process, preferably a deep reactive ion etching process which is capable of cutting through the die and its substrate while maintaining vertical edges in close proximity to the CMUT cells at the edge of the tile. This enables the CMUT cells of continuous rows or columns to exhibit a constant pitch over multiple CMUT cell tiles. The tiles also contain interconnect electrodes along an edge for making electrical connections to the tiles with flex circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Wojtek Sudol, Peter Dirksen, Vincent Adrianus Henneken, Ronald Dekker, Marcus Cornelis Louwerse
  • Patent number: 10832646
    Abstract: A sound transducer, including a diaphragm and at least one piezoactuator, which is situated in an operative connection to the diaphragm, the oscillation direction of the piezoactuator being situated at least generally perpendicularly in relation to the oscillation direction of the diaphragm, at least one lever element being situated between the diaphragm and the piezoactuator, which connects the diaphragm to the piezoactuator and is designed to convert oscillations of the piezoactuator into oscillations of the diaphragm and vice versa, and a clamp connection being formed between the at least one lever element, and the piezoactuator. The clamp connection is formed between an end face of the piezoactuator situated in the oscillation direction of the piezoactuator and the at least one lever element, and the piezoactuator is situated under an axial pre-tension force extending in the oscillation direction of the piezoactuator by the at least one lever element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Matthias Karl
  • Patent number: 10744532
    Abstract: An underwater acoustic transducer that is capable of radiating acoustic energy at low frequencies. A transducer which is a resonant low frequency bender-type transducer driven at its end supports by a piezoelectric stack of material operating with inner and outer parts driven in opposite directions creating a bending motion of a radiating beam, plate or disc. The small piezoelectric motions at the beam supports are magnified by the leveraged motion of the bending beam(s) creating significant output at low frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Image Acoustics, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Butler, Alexander L. Butler
  • Patent number: 10736606
    Abstract: An acoustic window layer for an ultrasound array, which layer has an inner surface arranged to face the array and an outer surface arranged to face a patient, and comprising an outer layer comprising a thermoplastic polymer selected from a polyolefin family (TPO) and an elastomer selected from the polyolefin family (POE) blended therein, wherein the outer layer located at the outer surface of the acoustic window layer. In a preferred embodiment the blend comprises a copolymer of ethylene-octene and polymethylpentene. The thermoplastic polyolefin provides the blend with mechanical, chemical stability and low acoustic wave attenuation; whilst the polyolefin elastomer provides a possibility to tune the acoustic impedance of the blend and to further improve its acoustic wave propagation properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Pawel Michalski, Franciscus Johannes Gerardus Hakkens, Edward Theodorus Maria Berben, Kevin Grayson Wickline, Lucas Johannes Anna Maria Beckers, Peter Dirksen
  • Patent number: 10737295
    Abstract: The piezoelectric element includes a piezoelectric composite including a plurality of piezoelectrics and a reaction product, and an electrode pair. The plurality of piezoelectrics is disposed in alignment at an interval of 1 to 10 ?m. The aspect ratio of each of the piezoelectrics is 5 or higher. The reaction product is a reaction product of a crosslinkable epoxy resin composition containing an elastomer component, a crosslinkable epoxy resin, and a crosslinking agent. One or each of a number of epoxy groups per molecule of the crosslinkable epoxy resin and a crosslinking value of the crosslinking agent is 3 or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Konica Minolta, Inc.
    Inventor: Kiyokazu Morita
  • Patent number: 10436938
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed relating to control of seismic sources such as marine vibrators. According to some embodiments, iterative learning control (ILC) systems may be used to control such seismic sources. According to some embodiments, a control unit provides first input signals to the marine vibrator which include an excitation signal and a high-amplitude, low-frequency signal, the latter is operable to decrease friction effects in the marine vibrator. Furthermore local sensor(s) placed in, on, or near a seismic source and/or remote sensors placed in the far-field region to measure the acoustic output of the marine vibrator. The control unit is further configured to generate initial values for a transfer function of the marine vibrator based on the measured acoustic output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: PGS Geophysical AS
    Inventors: Bo Magnus Bernhardsson, Nils Gunnar Olof Kröling, Per Birger Gunnarsson
  • Patent number: 10310108
    Abstract: A spring member for marine vibrators. At least some illustrative embodiments are bow-shaped spring members including an outer surface, an inner surface; the outer and inner surfaces defining a thickness of the bow-shaped spring member. The bow-shaped spring member further includes first and second hinge members disposed on opposite ends of the bow-shaped spring member; a length defined between the first hinge member and the second hinge member; and a width defined along the first hinge member, the width in a range of from 50% to 150% of the length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: PGS Geophysical AS
    Inventor: Karl-Henrik Ryttersson
  • Patent number: 10001592
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a backlight unit including a flat substrate, a light emitting device mounted on the flat substrate, a light guide plate disposed on the flat substrate, and a reflector being inserted to be disposed in a through-hole and having a contacted reflection portion contacted to the light emitting device and a spaced reflection portion spaced from the light emitting device. The light guide plate may include an inner wall surface defining the through-hole which accommodates the light emitting device. The contacted reflection portion and the spaced reflection portion are configured to reflect light generated in the light emitting device to penetrate into the light guide plate through the inner wall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: LUMENS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seung-Hyun Oh, Kang-Min Han, Suk-Min Han, Seung-Hoon Lee, Sung-Sik Jo
  • Patent number: 9888857
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for automatically configuring a mobile device for collecting and inferring heart rate data of a user. The method may include capturing heart rate data for a user with a heart rate sensor that is coupled with a mobile device. The method may also include monitoring a activity state of the user from activity data captured by the mobile device, and detecting a constant activity state of the user. The method may also include inferring heart rate data for the user from the captured heart rate data during a period in which the user remains in the constant activity state. The method may also include providing the inferred heart rate data, as captured heart rate data, to a heart rate calculator during the period in which the user remains in the constant activity state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Ramin Samadani, Radu Pitigoi-Aron, Justin Patrick McGloin
  • Patent number: 9831413
    Abstract: An ultrasound probe of the present disclosure includes an ultrasound element unit 1, to which a flexible substrate 7 is connected, the flexible substrate 7 including lamination of a ground layer 7e and a signal layer 7a via an insulation layer 7c. The flexible substrate 7 includes a bending part and a flat part. The signal layer 7a includes a linear first signal line and a linear second signal line that are adjacent to each other. The ground layer 7e at the bending part includes a linear first ground line and a linear second ground line that are adjacent to each other. The first signal line and the first ground line are opposed to each other, and the second signal line and the second ground line are opposed to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Fukase, Kouji Ooura
  • Patent number: 9642547
    Abstract: A method of automatically determining which type of treatment is most appropriate for a cardiac arrest victim, the method comprising transforming one or more time domain electrocardiogram (ECG) signals into a frequency domain representation comprising a plurality of discrete frequency bands, combining the discrete frequency bands into a plurality of analysis bands, wherein there are fewer analysis bands than discrete frequency bands, determining the content of the analysis bands, and determining the type of treatment based on the content of the analysis bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: ZOLL Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Qing Tan, Gary A. Freeman, Frederick J. Geheb, James E. Brewer
  • Patent number: 9406863
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating electromechanical composite high-frequency oscillations includes, with a composite high-frequency oscillation system having at least one oscillation-generating element and at least one bracing element for applying pressure to the oscillation-generating element, wherein the bracing element is positioned outside of the material cross-section of at least one oscillation-generating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: DR. HIELSCHER GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Hielscher, Harald Hielscher, Holger Hielscher
  • Patent number: 9393597
    Abstract: A curved high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) transducer comprising a plurality of curved composite ceramic piezoelectric tiles having opposite convex and concave surfaces, each tile having electrodes on the surfaces electrically coupled to the composite ceramic piezoelectric material, and a plurality of acoustic transmission areas located on each tile and actuated through electrodes on the convex surface, the transmission areas and electrodes being acoustically separated from surrounding areas by cuts into the composite ceramic piezoelectric material, the plurality of tiles fitting together to form a substantially continuous curved composite piezoelectric surface which transmits HIFU acoustic energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Dennis Dean Clark
  • Patent number: 9383444
    Abstract: A sonar fish finding system includes at least one sonar device which attaches to a fishing line and floats on the water like a fishing bubble, float, or bobber. The at least one sonar device pairs with a wireless computing device over a Bluetooth connection to provide information to a fisherman about what is under the surface of the water proximal to the at least one sonar device. Processing may be performed incrementally on subsets of sonar data samples in order to allow for a complete result without requiring storage of the entire set of data samples at once. The at least one sonar device is configured to send the sonar data samples to a remote computing system either directly or indirectly through a wireless computing device. Based on the received sonar data samples, the remote computing system may send the wireless computing device information about both real-time fishing hotspots, and predicted fishing hotspots based on historical data and current conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Inventors: Alexander Lebedev, Tim Etchells, Nicholas Vallidis, Alan Widmer
  • Patent number: 9363605
    Abstract: A focused acoustic transducer suitable for use in a downhole environment is disclosed. At least some embodiments employ a disk of piezoelectric material with low planar coupling and low Poisson's ratio mounted on a backing material and sealed inside an enclosure. The piezoelectric material disk has a pattern of electrodes deposited on an otherwise smooth, ungrooved surface. Despite the lack of grooves, the material's low planar coupling and low Poisson's ratio enables the electrodes to operate in a phased relationship to provide and receive focused acoustic pulses. Moreover, the elimination of deep cuts offers a much lower cost of construction. The electrode material may be any conductive material, though silver and silver alloys are contemplated. The patterning of electrodes can occur during the deposition process (e.g., using a silk-screen or other printing technique) or afterwards (e.g., mechanically or chemically with an etch technique that uses a pre- or post-deposition photoresist layer).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: George David Goodman, Voldi E. Maki, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9348213
    Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer includes a first flexible substrate, a plurality of ultrasonic elements and a substrate deforming part. The ultrasonic elements are disposed on the first flexible substrate, and configured and arranged to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves. The substrate deforming part is configured and arranged to flex the first flexible substrate in a first direction and in a second direction that intersects with the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoaki Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9218799
    Abstract: A swath beam acoustic transducer (100) for projecting and/or receiving acoustic swath beams (108). The transducer comprises an array of active acoustic elements (104) that are arranged to collectively provide an elongate concave radiation surface (106) with an associated acoustic aperture (110). The array of active acoustic elements (104) is operable to project and/or receive acoustic swath beams (108) via the radiation surface (106).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: WASSP Limited
    Inventors: Eugene Stytsenko, Andrew Bruce Heald, Miles Owen Leonard-Taylor, Jeremie Georges Barrel
  • Patent number: 9207341
    Abstract: Sensors used in mapping strata beneath a marine body are described, such as used in a flexible towed array. A first sensor is a motion sensor including a conductive liquid in a chamber between a rigid tube and a piezoelectric motion film circumferentially wrapped about the tube. A second sensor is a traditional acoustic sensor or a novel acoustic sensor using a piezoelectric sensor mounted with a thin film separation layer of flexible microspheres on a rigid substrate. Additional non-acoustic sensors are optionally mounted on the rigid substrate for generation of output used to reduce noise observed by the acoustic sensors. Combinations of acoustic, non-acoustic, and motion sensors co-located in rigid streamer housing sections are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Solid Seismic, LLC
    Inventor: Richard E. Pearce
  • Patent number: 9200979
    Abstract: The present invention is directed an ultrasonic frequencies fault detecting apparatus. The present invention uses high frequency ultrasonic energy signals to analyze bearings and determine the presence of faults therein. The ultrasonic return signals are heterodyned (by amplitude demodulation) into the audio spectrum for purposes of audio detection. In addition, a FFT spectrum of the signal is displayed on a monitor for more accurate results. According to the present invention software is used to automatically analyze the FFT spectrum by comparing the current spectrum with stored spectrums of known bearing conditions as modified based on the rotary speed of the bearing and the number of balls. Once a defect in a bearing has been located in this manner using automated FFT analysis, an operator can then use a device, such as a calibrated lubricant dispenser, to effectuate maintenance and/or repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: U.E. SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark A. Goodman, William Bishop, Gary Mohr
  • Patent number: 9179219
    Abstract: An acoustic transducer for producing sonar waves features a piezoelectric structure with a radiating surface. A plurality of elements is attached to the radiating surface, and at least two of the plurality of elements have different acoustic properties. The acoustic transducer is designed for a wider beam angle for a thickness vibration mode while maintaining other desired vibration frequencies, maximum input power and low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Airmar Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Rolt
  • Patent number: 9094743
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to acoustic transducers. In certain aspects, the acoustic transducer includes a diaphragm and an actuator coupled to the diaphragm to cause movement of the diaphragm. The transducer includes a member that limits bending of the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Emo Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Bokaemper, Terrence Keith Jones
  • Patent number: 8853918
    Abstract: A composite ceramic transducer structure for use in the construction of an ultrasound probe includes a substrate and a plurality of piezoelectric transducer posts. The plurality of piezoelectric transducer posts are controllably formed on the substrate in a plurality of spatial positions located on an X-Y plane of the substrate. The plurality of piezoelectric posts includes a plurality of shapes defined in an X-Y-Z plane of the substrate, wherein the plurality of piezoelectric transducer posts are configured to facilitate minimizing shear waves within the ultrasound probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Matthew Harvey Krohn, Prabhjot Singh, Paul Aloysius Meyer, Wei Luo
  • Patent number: 8854923
    Abstract: A transducer assembly is provided for projecting acoustic signals into a medium. The assembly includes a support member having first and second layers of piezoelectric material mechanically linked to the support member. The first and second layers are joined to electrical drive circuitry such that one layer receives a driving voltage signal while the other layer receives the driving voltage with a stiffening voltage. The transducer assembly can use both the 3-1 and 3-3 drive modes. Multiple configurations are supported, and both bender bar and slotted cylinder configurations are shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Kurt G. Eyster
  • Publication number: 20140254325
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing articles utilizing acoustic energy. In one embodiment, the invention is an apparatus comprising a support; a conduit for applying a fluid to a surface of the article; and a transducer assembly comprising: a transmitting structure having a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface; a first acoustic transducer having a convex bottom surface bonded to the concave inner surface of the transmitting structure, wherein the first acoustic transducer is configured to create a first acoustically active area on the convex outer surface of the transmitting structure when the first acoustic transducer is energized; and a second acoustic transducer having a convex bottom surface bonded to the concave inner surface of the transmitting structure, wherein the second acoustic transducer is configured to create a second acoustically active area on the convex outer surface of the transmitting structure when the second acoustic transducer is energized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Akrion Systems LLC
    Inventors: John A. Korbler, Richard Novak
  • Patent number: 8797830
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: General Monitors, Inc.
    Inventors: Shankar B. Baliga, John G. Romero, Scott W. Reed, Cristian S. Filimon
  • Patent number: 8776364
    Abstract: A multilayer ceramic component includes a stack containing ceramic layers and electrode layers interspersed among the ceramic layers. The electrode layers contain copper and define first and second internal electrodes. First and second external contacts are on different sides of the stack. The first and second external contacts contain copper and are substantially perpendicular to the ceramic layers and electrode layers. The first internal electrode is connected to the first external contact and the second internal electrode is connected to the second external contact. The first and second internal electrodes overlap each other at a plane intersecting the stack. In areas adjacent to boundaries between the first and second external contacts and the ceramic layers, the first and second external contacts are not oxidized and material making-up the ceramic layers is not diminished. A bonding strength of the external contacts to the stack exceeds 50 N.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: EPCOS AG
    Inventors: Heinz Florian, Marion Ottlinger, Peter Sedlmaier
  • Patent number: 8684934
    Abstract: Embodiments of adaptively performing clutter filtering are disclosed. In one embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, an ultrasound system comprises: an ultrasound data acquisition unit configured to transmit and receive ultrasound signals to and from a target object to output a plurality of ultrasound data corresponding to each pixel of a color Doppler mode image; and a processing unit in communication with the ultrasound data acquisition unit and being configured to calculate a power difference value corresponding to each of the pixels based on the plurality of ultrasound data, determine whether the power difference value is equal to or larger than a first threshold value, and if the power difference value is equal to or larger than the first threshold value, then perform first clutter filtering upon the plurality of ultrasound data, or if the power difference value is less than the first threshold value, then perform second clutter filtering upon the plurality of ultrasound data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Medison Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tae Yun Kim
  • Patent number: 8659211
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical transducer is disclosed, which provides a very low frequency wide band response from a bender (or benders) using piezoelectric cantilevers or center mounted free edge disc, providing additive output between the resonant frequencies achieving this response at great depths under equivalent free flooded conditions with additionally improved response with silicone rubber to reduce the acoustic cancellation associated with the dipole mode of vibration of the bender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Image Acoustics, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Butler, Alexander L. Butler
  • Publication number: 20130301394
    Abstract: In some implementations, a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) apparatus includes one or more CMUTs or CMUT arrays, an acoustic window, a coupling medium, and a packaging substrate. The acoustic window may have various configurations, such as for reducing acoustic reflectance or increasing mechanical properties. In some examples, at least one of the CMUTs, the acoustic window or the coupling medium may include a focusing capability for focusing acoustic energy to or from the CMUT.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Kolo Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Li Chen, Yongli Huang
  • Publication number: 20130294202
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Arman HAJATI
  • Patent number: 8547799
    Abstract: An ultrasonic probe, an ultrasonic imaging apparatus and a fabricating method thereof are provided. The ultrasonic probe includes a rear block, a flexible printed circuit board having wiring patterns formed thereon, a piezoelectric wafer, a ground electrode plate, an acoustic matching layer, an acoustic lens, and a plurality of slots. Holes are formed in at least one of the rear block, the piezoelectric wafer and the acoustic matching layer and wiring patterns are formed in the form of a matrix array, and thus vibration property and focusing can be improved to obtain clear images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Humanscan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung Min Rhim, Ho Jung
  • Publication number: 20130167881
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing articles with acoustic energy and a method of constructing a transducer that utilizes a composite of piezoelectric pillars. In one embodiment, the invention is a method of constructing a device for generating acoustic energy comprising: providing a layer of supporting material; positioning a piezoelectric material atop the layer of adhesive material; cutting the piezoelectric material into a plurality of pillars so that spaces exist between adjacent pillars; and filling the spaces with a resilient material to form a composite assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: John A. Korbler, Richard Novak
  • Patent number: 8335131
    Abstract: An acoustic transducer array element includes a plurality of individual or transducer assemblies or “drivers” which are combined in a closely spaced geometry to form the array element. The respective transducer assemblies within each array element are acoustically coupled with each other. The invention utilizes such mutual coupling between the closely spaced transducers assemblies to provide improved acoustic performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Undersea Sensor Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy P. Rorick
  • Patent number: 8324787
    Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer assembly and probe for emitting and receiving acoustic radiation beams. The transducer assembly comprising a plurality of transducer elements, each one composed of an electroacoustic element, arranged side by side and spaced apart along a row having a first end. Starting from transducer element proximate to the first end, adjacent transducer elements are constructed and arranged create an electroacoustic pair. A first element of the electroacoustic pair is constructed and arranged to only transmit acoustic pulses and a second element of the electroacoustic pair is constructed and arranged to only receive acoustic pulses. Each electroacoustic pair share a common connection line which branches off into a transmit branch connected to the first element and a receive branch connected to the second element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Esaote, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Marino Cerofolini
  • Patent number: 8279712
    Abstract: A transducer, system and method of constructing the same that utilizes a composite of piezoelectric pillars. In one embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for generating acoustic energy comprising: a plurality of pillars constructed of a piezoelectric material, the pillars arranged in a spaced-apart manner so that spaces exist between adjacent pillars; the pillars having a width and a height extending between a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the height of the pillars is greater than the width of the pillars; and the spaces filled with a resilient material so as to form a composite assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventors: John A. Korbler, Richard Novak
  • Patent number: 8279713
    Abstract: An acoustic transmitter with preferably a plurality of piezoelectric plates configured to optimized acoustic pressure output within a desired frequency range while meeting physical restrictions of LWD and MWD logging systems. The transmitter is disposed in a recess in the perimeter of a logging tool housing to reduce acoustic pressure waves transmitted directly along the tool housing and to optimize acoustic energy transmission into the borehole environs. In order to increase acoustic pressure output at a desired logging frequency range, the plurality of piezoelectric plates are connected electrically in parallel and fired simultaneously. The polarity of the plates and the wiring arrangement are such that each plate expands or contracts in a common direction during simultaneous firing by an applied voltage. The desired output frequency is obtained by selectively polarizing and dimensioning the plates within the plate assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Precision Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Medhat W. Mickael, Dale A. Jones
  • Patent number: 8246545
    Abstract: A phased array ultrasound transducer is made from a plurality of independently excitable elements that are arranged in a row in the azimuthal direction, configured so that azimuthal aiming of an outgoing ultrasound beam is controlled by timing the excitation of the elements. The geometry of the elements is configured to focus the outgoing beam in the elevation direction so as to improve the images of target regions located at or about a particular radial distance. In some embodiments, this is accomplished by forming each element from a plurality of subelements that are stacked in the elevation direction, with the subelements of any given element all (a) wired together and (b) positioned at about the same distance from a substantially rod-shaped focal region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Imacor Inc.
    Inventors: Harold M. Hastings, Scott L. Roth
  • Patent number: 8229141
    Abstract: A transducer array assembly includes a support structure having a plurality of predetermined openings therein for accommodating transducer components. Flexible circuits are embedded in the support structure. Each flexible circuit has first ends being positioned in the support structure predetermined openings. Terminal blocks are joined to the second ends. Transducer elements are positioned in the support structure predetermined openings and placed in electrical communication with the flexible circuit first ends. A polymer material is provided surrounding the transducer elements, said support structure, and said flexible circuit first ends. There is also provided a method for manufacturing the transducer array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Kim C. Benjamin
  • Publication number: 20120163130
    Abstract: The invention herein pertains to a single-piece, multi-layer piezoelectric stack in a sonar transducer element utilized in acoustic arrays requiring many thousands of elements. A slurry formed by mixing ceramics, powders, and binders is filtered, dried and cast into a thin film on a moving substrate. When the film has dried, it is removed from the substrate and layered into piezoelectric stacks. Screening a pattern of conductive platinum ink onto a desired layer forms electrodes. Applied heat and pressure forms a unitary body with electrically accessible layers. Burning removes the binders and sintering produces a final density. Dicing the body exposes the desired electrode polarities. A strip of conductive material is applied to connect the electrodes of like polarity and the ceramic parts are polarized. The transducer elements may be arrayed to conform to the curved surfaces such as a ship's hull.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Todd C. Gloo, James D. Weigner, Raymond Porzio
  • Patent number: 8121317
    Abstract: Provided is a piezoelectric microphone. The piezoelectric microphone includes a plurality of cells each having a lower electrode, a piezoelectric layer, and an upper electrode. The cells can be arranged on a protection layer in various patterns. Since the piezoelectric microphone includes the plurality of cells, the voltage level of a piezoelectric signal of the piezoelectric microphone can be easily increased to a desired level by adjusting the number of the cells. Thus, the sensitivity of the piezoelectric microphone can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Mems Solution Inc.
    Inventor: Jaemyoung Jhung
  • Publication number: 20110305117
    Abstract: An acoustic radiator for underwater application is provided by opposing boundaries mutually spaced and centered on a common axis, a plurality of radial barriers located perpendicular to and connected between the top and bottom boundaries to define a plurality of adjacent radial waveguides, and a plurality of transducers disposed in each radial waveguide, and with one group of transducers being located radially outwardly from another group, the groups being defined in part by all members of the group being the same distance from the apex of the radial waveguide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: Curtis E. Graber
  • Patent number: 7955266
    Abstract: Ultrasonic contact transducer with multiple ultrasonic emitting elements and means of bringing these elements into contact. This transducer is applicable particularly to non-destructive testing and comprises means (8, 10) for bringing elements (2) into contact with an object (6) to be checked and means (26, 28, and 34 to 40) of determining the positions of elements relative to the object, using means bringing elements into contact, to determine delay laws to be applied to excitation pulses of the elements, to generate a focussed ultrasonic beam (F).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, Institut de Radioprotection et de Surete Nucleaire
    Inventors: Olivier Casula, Gérard Cattiaux
  • Publication number: 20110110197
    Abstract: An efficient, broadband, underwater acoustic transducer having nominally a quasi-omnidirectional radiation pattern is realized with a plurality of thin walled radially vibrating spherical piezoelectric transduction elements aligned axially. Each spherical transduction element is progressively smaller in diameter so as to enhance the combined frequency coverage and achieve the desirable radiation pattern. The transduction elements may be excited individually, or together electrically in series or in parallel combinations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: BTech Acoustics LLC, David A. Brown
    Inventor: David A. Brown
  • Patent number: 7898154
    Abstract: In an ultrasound probe including first and second acoustic matching layers between an acoustic lens and a piezoelectric oscillator, an electrode is arranged on a surface of a laminate element made of the first and second acoustic matching layers, the laminate element is interposed between the acoustic lens and the piezoelectric oscillator, and the piezoelectric oscillator and the electrode are electrically connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Takeuchi, Takashi Ogawa, Koichi Shibamoto
  • Publication number: 20100313659
    Abstract: There is provided a solid seismic streamer cable for use in seismic surveying in marine environments. The streamer is characterised by a buffer layer 2 which is provided with a cut-out 50 and a sensor element arranged in the cut-out 50. There is also provided an associated hydrophone for integration into the seismic streamer cable. The hydrophone is characteristic in a split-element sensor base 10, 11 being suited for efficient mounting into the cut-outs 50 of the seismic cable. There is also provided an associated accelerometer for integration into the seismic streamer cable. The accelerometer is characteristic by a split-element sensor base 30, 35 for being efficiently arranged into the cut-outs 50 of the seismic cable. A method of producing a seismic streamer cable according to the invention incorporating a hydrophone or accelerometer according to the invention is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: ARNE BERG, JON THOMAS KRINGLEBOTN
  • Patent number: 7800284
    Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer, particularly for underwater use, having a ceramic body (10) and a pair of electrodes, whose flat electrodes (11, 12) are arranged on mutually averted end faces (101, 102) of the ceramic body (10). At least one electrode (11) is structured in order to effectively suppress the side-lobes in the directional characteristic for all spatial directions such that the density of the ceramic body (10) decreases from the body center to the body edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: ATLAS ELEKTRONIK GmbH
    Inventor: Nils Theuerkauf
  • Patent number: 7791252
    Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging system wherein an exemplary system includes an array of transducer elements arranged along a first plane for transmitting first signals and receiving reflected signals for image processing. Circuit structures each have a major surface positioned in a co-planar orientation with respect to a major surface of another of the circuit structures to provide a sequence of the structures in a stack-like formation. Electrical connections are formed between adjacent circuit structures in the sequence. A connector region on each circuit structure includes a distal portion extending away from the major surface-with distal portions of connector regions of adjacent structures spaced apart from one another. A first wiring pattern extends from the major surface to the distal portion of the connector region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Charles Edward Baumgartner, Robert Stephen Lewandowski, Kevin Matthew Durocher, David Chartrand
  • Publication number: 20100202253
    Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor unit includes an ultrasonic transmission sensor array having a plurality of ultrasonic transmission sensors configured and arranged to transmit ultrasonic waves, and an ultrasonic reception sensor array having a plurality of ultrasonic reception sensors configured and arranged to receive the ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic reception sensor array re coupled to the ultrasonic transmission sensor array so that the ultrasonic transmission sensors and the ultrasonic reception sensors do not overlap in planar view. One of the ultrasonic transmission sensor array and the ultrasonic reception sensor array include a plurality of through-holes through which one of the ultrasonic transmission sensors and the ultrasonic reception sensors provided in the other of the ultrasonic transmission sensor array and the ultrasonic reception sensor array are exposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomoaki NAKAMURA
  • Patent number: 7755255
    Abstract: A technique that can make a heat radiation effect higher and makes even a transmission voltage of an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus higher and then makes a diagnostic depth deeper is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Koetsu Saito, Junichi Takeda