Piezoelectric Patents (Class 367/157)
  • Patent number: 12169259
    Abstract: A reflective sonar imaging system is provided. The system includes a reflective sonar imaging assembly. The reflective sonar imaging assembly includes a receiving aperture, a reflective surface defining a concave shape, and a receiver positioned between the reflective surface and the receiving aperture. The system also includes a display and processing circuitry. The reflective surface is configured to cause sonar returns to be reflected as reflected sonar returns toward the receiver. The sonar returns enter the reflective sonar imaging assembly through the receiving aperture, and the receiver is configured to receive the reflected sonar returns. The receiver is configured to generate sonar return data using the reflected sonar returns that are received, and the processing circuitry is configured to receive the sonar return data and generate one or more sonar images based on the sonar return data. The display is configured to present the sonar image(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2024
    Assignee: Navico, Inc.
    Inventors: Jayme J. Caspall, Bin Gao, Andrew Chambers, Dustyn P. Pendergraft, Oscar Villalvazo
  • Patent number: 11901617
    Abstract: Provided is a miniaturized ultra-low frequency antenna, including upper layer positive and negative electrodes, middle layer positive and negative electrodes and lower layer positive and negative electrodes, and a polyvinylidene fluoride column. The polyvinylidene fluoride column is respectively connected with the upper layer positive and negative electrodes, the middle layer positive and negative electrodes and the lower layer positive and negative electrodes. The polyvinylidene fluoride column is coated with stress electromagnetic conversion material layers. The upper layer positive and negative electrodes, the middle layer positive and negative electrodes and the lower layer positive and negative electrodes drive the polyvinylidene fluoride column to generate a deflection force through a voltage, and the stress electromagnetic conversion material layers are prompted to radiate electromagnetic waves and radiate under an action of the deflection force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: ANHUI UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yingsong Li, Zhixiang Huang
  • Patent number: 11717845
    Abstract: A smoking device for aerosol-generation may comprise a device housing, a surface acoustic wave-atomizer (SAW-atomizer), a supply element, and a control system. The device housing may include a storage portion for an aerosol-forming substrate. The SAW-atomizer may include an atomization region, a first transducer, and/or a second transducer. The first transducer is configured to generate first surface acoustic waves that propagate along a surface of the SAW-atomizer. The supply element is arranged to supply the aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion to the atomization region of the SAW-atomizer. The control system is configured to operate the SAW-atomizer to atomize the aerosol-forming substrate in the atomization region to generate an aerosol. A cartridge for such a smoking device and a method for generating an aerosol in a smoking system are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Jerome Christian Courbat, Oleg Mironov
  • Patent number: 10838107
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed relating to sensors configured to measure acceleration and pressure. In various embodiments, an apparatus includes a first hydrophone sensor having a first piezoelectric material and a first housing structure and a second hydrophone sensor having a second piezoelectric material and a second housing structure. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a first pair of wires configured to provide a first differential voltage and a second pair of wires configured to provide a second differential voltage. The first pair of wires may be coupled to the first hydrophone sensor and the second pair of wires may be coupled to the second hydrophone sensor. In various embodiments, the apparatus is configured to determine, based on the first and second differential voltages, a pressure and an acceleration experienced by the first and second hydrophone sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: PGS Geophysical AS
    Inventors: Stig Rune Lennart Tenghamn, Frederick James Barr
  • Patent number: 10835842
    Abstract: Provided are embodiments that include an ultrasonic transducer system including an ultrasonic transducer assembly adapted to be disposed in an interior region of an ultrasonic transducer housing, and including a first ultrasonic transducer head adapted to transmit a first set of ultrasonic signals (including a first transmission surface adapted to direct the first set of ultrasonic signals through the first transmission surface), a second ultrasonic transducer head adapted to transmit a second set of ultrasonic signals (including a second transmission surface adapted to direct the second set of ultrasonic signals through the second transmission surface), and a transducer biasing member disposed between the first ultrasonic transducer head and the second ultrasonic transducer head and adapted to bias the first and second ultrasonic transducers in opposite directions to bias the first and second transmission surfaces against opposite portions of an interior surface of the ultrasonic transducer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: COG Operating LLC
    Inventor: Brian Colt Petty
  • Patent number: 10789928
    Abstract: An omnidirectional antenna to equip a sonar, the antenna centered around a longitudinal axis and comprises an assembly of emission rings stacked along the longitudinal axis, each emission ring formed around the longitudinal axis. The emission rings are assembled in groups of ring, the antenna comprises at least two groups of rings and each group of rings comprises at least two rings, the inter-ring spacings between the rings of one and the same group and the inter-group spacings between two successive groups of rings chosen so as to optimize the emission bandwidth and the sound level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: THALES
    Inventors: Yves Lagier, Raphaël Lardat, Daniel Andreis
  • Patent number: 10497854
    Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator includes two substrates, piezoelectric elements that are arranged between the two substrates, and a cladding portion that covers at least a part of a surrounding area of the piezoelectric elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Yutaka Arakawa
  • Patent number: 9392375
    Abstract: The problem is to reduce variations of sound pressure in the sound pressure frequency characteristics. To solve the problem, an acoustic generator includes a film that is a supporting plate; a frame member that is provided on the outer circumference of the film; a piezoelectric element that is provided on the film within a frame of the frame member; and a resin layer that is provided on the film within the frame of the frame member, and the resin layer including an air bubble. By the air bubble, a decrease in the sound pressure is prevented, peaks and dips in the frequency characteristics of sound pressure are reduced, and high-quality sounds are generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Hirayama, Shuichi Fukuoka, Noriyuki Kushima, Hiroshi Ninomiya
  • Patent number: 9313570
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a waterproof speaker system for use in residential and commercial applications. The disclosed speaker system is particularly applicable to wet conditions with large temperature changes such as greenhouses, gardens, boats, and other outdoor installations or where traditional speakers are negatively affected by water, temperature changes, and humidity. The waterproof speaker system generally comprises a solid water impermeable cast rear and side casing, and internal front frame member housing the speaker drivers and in some cases a simple electronics or amplification circuit, and a water impermeable front face panel sealed to the front frame member and/or the rear casing to completely enclose the speaker driver from contact with moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Inventor: Paul N Hagman
  • Patent number: 9091780
    Abstract: Methods of making classifications. One method acquires groups of data, derives features of potential interest in a first data group, and analyzes features using a classification tree and a statistically based classification process to draw a classification conclusion on identity with an associated level of confidence. Features associated with a signal of potential interest may be derived with at least a second group of data. A statistical algorithm may perform linear discrimination analysis, or a quadratic discrimination analysis or a logistic regression classification analysis. A related method includes acquiring signal data with a sensor device comprising piezo-electric material and detecting a signal by performing detections on signal data from the sensor device. Determinations are provided when detections surpass defined thresholds of confidence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Quantum Technology Sciences, Inc. (QTSI)
    Inventors: Robert Terry Davis, Paul Armin Nyffenegger, Kyle Burton Johnston
  • Patent number: 9060734
    Abstract: There are provided a fixed focus transducer array and an ultrasonic wave transceiving apparatus using the same. The fixed focus transducer array includes: a plurality of transducers, transducing electrical signals into ultrasonic signals to thereby focus the ultrasonic signals on a single focal point and transducing reflected ultrasonic signals from the single focal point into electrical signals to thereby output the electrical signals, wherein the plurality of transducers are disposed to be symmetrical to each other based on one transducer and simultaneously focus the ultrasonic signals on the single focal point at speeds according to the respective natural frequencies thereof. Therefore, a circuit area is reduced, whereby miniaturization may be implemented and a processing speed may be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Seung Seoup Lee
  • Patent number: 9057800
    Abstract: A marine cable for seismic surveys is described with a plurality of ceramic pressure sensors arranged in groups of at least two pressure sensors with a group output being representative of the vertical pressure gradient at the group location, and an inclinometric system including one or more transducers for determining the orientation of the sensors of the group in order to determine their true vertical separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: WESTERNGECO L.L.C.
    Inventors: Everhard Johan Muyzert, James Edward Martin, Robert Montgomery Laws, Philip Andrew Felton Christie
  • Publication number: 20140219063
    Abstract: Embodiments reduce capacitive cross-talk between micromachined ultrasonic transducer (MUT) arrays through grounding of the substrate over which the arrays are fabricated. In embodiments, a metal-semiconductor contact is formed to a semiconductor device layer of a substrate and coupled to a ground plane common to a first electrode of the transducer elements to suppress capacitive coupling of signal lines connected to a second electrode of the transducer elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventors: Arman Hajati, Dimitre Latev, Deane Gardner, Stephen Law
  • 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: 8717849
    Abstract: A slotted cylinder acoustic transducer assembly is provided that has a cylindrical housing shell and an electromechanical driver disposed within the shell. The driver is formed with a plurality of single crystal piezoelectric elements joined to the inner surface of the housing shell and arranged to form an electromechanical stack. Each piezoelectric element has a pair of sidewalls, wherein each sidewall provides an electrode having a predetermined polarity. Each single piezoelectric element has a tapering width between the sidewalls. The transducer assembly includes a plurality of electrically conductive members. Each conductive member is disposed between each pair of adjacent piezoelectric elements such that each electrically conductive member electrically contacts the electrodes of adjacent piezoelectric elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Michael R. Zarnetske, Robert S. Janus
  • Patent number: 8647328
    Abstract: Devices and systems for transmitting information within a body are disclosed. An example system includes a signal generator configured for transmitting an acoustic interrogation signal, a sensor for sensing at least one parameter within the body and generating an electrical sensor signal, an acoustic transducer configured to convert a received acoustic interrogation signal into an electrical signal, and a switching element adapted to modulate a reflected acoustic wave from the acoustic transducer. The switching element is configured to controllably change the mechanical impedance of the acoustic transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Remon Medical Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yariv Porat, Yoseph Tsaliah, Eyal Doron
  • Publication number: 20140029386
    Abstract: An apparatus and method associated with amplifying piezoelectric sonic and ultrasonic outputs is presented which provides high power output from piezoelectric devices, especially at high ultrasonic frequencies, in open air, which mitigates or eliminates overheating of the piezoelectric devices when stimulated at or near their peak outputs for extended periods. In addition, the invention provides a means of amplifying a piezoelectric sonic and ultrasonic device if a desired output power exceeds a normal maximum capability of the piezoelectric device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: George Whitaker
  • 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: 20130294201
    Abstract: Wide bandwidth piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers (pMUTs), pMUT arrays and systems having wide bandwidth pMUT arrays are described herein. For example, a piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer (pMUT) includes a piezoelectric membrane disposed on a substrate. A reference electrode is coupled to the membrane. First and second drive/sense electrodes are coupled to the membrane to drive or sense a first and second mode of vibration in the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Arman Hajati
  • Publication number: 20130258814
    Abstract: An ultrasound system and a method of manufacturing an ultrasound system comprising a base comprising a bore; a prismatic segment, coupled to the base, that defines a set of surfaces surrounding the bore; a set of ultrasound transducer panels configured to emit ultrasound signals in a radial direction, each ultrasound transducer panel in the set of ultrasound transducer panels coupled to at least one surface of the set of surfaces, and an interconnect coupling a first ultrasound transducer panel in the set of ultrasound transducer panels to a second ultrasound transducer panel in the set of ultrasound transducer panels, wherein the interconnect facilitates coupling of the first ultrasound transducer panel and the second ultrasound transducer panel to the prismatic segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Sonetics Ultrasound, Inc.
    Inventors: Collin A. Rich, David F. Lemmerhirt
  • Publication number: 20130114378
    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: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Rolt
  • Patent number: 8385155
    Abstract: A digital underwater acoustic sensor system is disclosed. The system can include an acoustic sensor configured to detect an underwater acoustic signal and form an analog signal proportional to the underwater acoustic signal. The acoustic sensor can include an interior cavity. A digital communication module can be positioned within the interior cavity. The digital communication module comprises an amplifier configured to amplify the analog signal. An analog to digital converter is configured to convert the analog signal to a digital signal. A digital signal transmission module is configured to communicate the digital signal to a receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Exelis Inc.
    Inventors: Newell D. Stacey, Gordon Cook, Benjamin A. Hillery, Glenn Courtright, Robin Padden
  • 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: 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: 8277441
    Abstract: Devices and systems for transmitting information within a body are disclosed. An example system includes a signal generator configured for transmitting an acoustic interrogation signal, a sensor for sensing at least one parameter within the body and generating an electrical sensor signal, an acoustic transducer coupled to the sensor and configured to convert a received acoustic interrogation signal into an electrical signal, and a switching element adapted to modulate a reflected acoustic wave from the acoustic transducer based on the electrical sensor signal. The switching element is configured to controllably change the mechanical impedance of the acoustic transducer based a parameter of the electrical sensor signal, such as frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Remon Medical Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yariv Porat, Yoseph Tsaliah, Eyal Doron
  • Publication number: 20120236689
    Abstract: Methods and transducers for producing acoustical signals having a spiral wavefront with omnidirectional magnitude and a phase that varies with angle and transducers for producing broadband omnidirectional reference signals for underwater navigation and communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: BTECH ACOUSTICS LLC
    Inventors: David Alan Brown, Boris Aronov, Corey L. Bachand
  • Publication number: 20120213036
    Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer, in particular a transmitting transducer for sonar systems, is disclosed, comprising two end caps that are arranged at a fixed distance from each other, multiple bars which are braced between the two end caps and the ends of which are attached to the end caps next to each other in the peripheral direction, and an elastic shell that externally encloses the bars. In order to significantly reduce the weight of the transducer and simplify production, composite modules are attached to the bars so as to excite vibrations. Each composite module has electrode structures that include spaced-apart electrodes and are arranged on at least two film layers made of insulating material, and spaced-apart piezoceramic fibers which are arranged between the film layers and are contacted by the electrodes on opposite longitudinal sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Atlas Elektronik GmbH
    Inventor: Rainer Busch
  • Patent number: 8237545
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wireless transponder comprising: a receiver unit that receives an electromagnetic input signal; an input converter unit that converts into an acoustic wave the electromagnetic input signal received by the receiver unit; a delay unit provided in a direction in which an acoustic wave generated by the input converter unit propagates; an output converter unit that converts into an electromagnetic output signal the acoustic wave which has propagated inside the delay unit; and a transmitter unit that transmits wirelessly the electromagnetic output signal generated by the output converter unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masao Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20120163131
    Abstract: Devices and methods to generate a mono-directional ultrasonic wave are provided. An ultrasonic sensor configured to emit a substantially mono-directional ultrasonic wave includes a first piezoelectric element and a second piezoelectric element. The first piezoelectric element is configured to generate a first ultrasonic wave propagating in a first direction and a second ultrasonic wave propagating in a second direction which is different from the first direction. The second piezoelectric element is located and configured to absorb the second ultrasonic wave, and is configured to convert an energy of the absorbed second ultrasonic wave into an electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: SONDEX LIMITED
    Inventor: Scott KENNEDY
  • Publication number: 20120163120
    Abstract: Sensors used in mapping strata beneath a marine body and/or structures on a marine body floor are described, such as in a flexible buoyancy adjustable towed array. A first 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, which reduce noise associated with different sensor locations and/or localized turbulence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: Richard E. Pearce
  • Patent number: 8199609
    Abstract: A multimode acoustic source device for disposition in a borehole formed in a subterranean formation is aligned along an axial axis of the borehole and has a plurality of radiating plates circumferentially disposed about the axial axis. A drive mechanism is proposed to independently and reversibly move each radiating plate from a first position to a second position in a direction transverse to the axial axis. This enables the multimode source to generate each of several azimuthal modes for logging a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Abderrhamane Ounadjela, Marthe Souquiere, Henri-Pierre Valero, Sandip Bose
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8093869
    Abstract: A ferromagnetic material having non-zero magnetoelasticity, and/or nonzero magnetostriction is driven with vibratory mechanical energy at a frequency producing at least one resonant vibratory mode, by coupling a source of vibratory energy to the ferromagnetic structure. The ferromagnetic material threads at least one conductive wire or wire coil, and couples to at least one source of magnetic induction, and provides an electrical power output driven by the magnetic induction. The origin of vibratory energy and the site or sites of magnetic induction are situated at distinct locations, separated by a specific distance not less than ? the fundamental acoustic wavelength. Various combinations of acoustic wavelength, ferromagnetic material type, and source of vibration produce independent transfer coefficients between acoustic and electromagnetic energy which are either positive, zero, or negative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Chava Energy LLC
    Inventor: Graham A Gunderson
  • Publication number: 20110255375
    Abstract: The invention relates to an acoustic wave transducer that includes at least one electroacoustic motor (1, 21), a horn (4, 24) having an inner wall and an outer wall, a counterweight (5), and a hollow housing (8, 28) having an inner wall and an outer wall and at least one acoustic opening. The electroacoustic motor is connected to the horn (4, 24) as well as to the counterweight (5) along an axis (7), and said electroacoustic motor (1, 21) is capable of exciting the horn at about at least one resonance frequency f. The housing (8, 28) is connected to the counterweight (5) and surrounds the motor (1, 21) and the horn (4, 24), the outer wall of the horn being arranged opposite an acoustic opening of the housing, and the space between the inner wall of the housing and the inner wall of the horn defines a cavity that contains a fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: IXBLUE
    Inventors: Frederic Mosca, Pascal Girardi, Robert Girault, Yann Cottreau, Guillaume Matte, Samuel Thomas
  • Patent number: 8040249
    Abstract: One embodiment includes an apparatus that includes a piezoelectric transducer to generate an acoustic signal that is to modulate along a mandrel, wherein the piezoelectric transducer includes at least one piezoelectric element and at least one electrode that is without non-permanent joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Vimal V. Shah, Eugene J. Linyaev, Donald G. Kyle, Wallace R. Gardner, Jeffrey L. Moore
  • Patent number: 8027224
    Abstract: An efficient, broadband, underwater acoustic transducer having nominally a quasi-omnidirectional radiation pattern is realized with a plurality of thin walled radially vibrating hollow 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: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventors: David A. Brown, Boris Aronov, Corey L. Bachand
  • Patent number: 8009517
    Abstract: A wireless communication system includes a transmitting device and a receiving device, in which the transmitting device generates a signal including information and transmits the signal by electromagnetic waves and ultrasonic waves in the same frequency in parallel, and in which the receiving device extracts the signal from at least one of the electromagnetic waves and the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmitting device and acquires the information included in the extracted signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Michio Irie
  • Publication number: 20110075520
    Abstract: An acoustic energy source for imparting acoustic energy into the Earth's subsurface includes an electrically driven transducer coupled to a source of swept frequency alternating current. A tunable Helmholtz resonator is disposed proximate the transducer. In one example, the resonator has a tuning device configured to maintain a resonant frequency substantially equal to an instantaneous frequency of the alternating current. The tuning device includes an actuator coupled to a sleeve, wherein the sleeve is disposed over selected numbers of openings in a wall of a tube on the resonator. The transducer and the resonator are disposed in a wellbore drilled through rock formations. The wellbore has a plurality of layers of fluid therein, each layer thereof having a different density and/or viscosity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Jacques Y. Gulgné, Nicholas G. Pace, James A. Wright, Gary J. Dinn
  • 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: 20110026366
    Abstract: A hydrophone array includes an inflatable shaped housing enclosing an interior space and formable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, a framework of compliant material disposed within the interior of the inflatable housing, and a plurality of hydrophones attached to the compliant material at respective positions, wherein said hydrophones are arranged in a predetermined geometric array when the shaped housing is in the expanded configuration. Also provided herein is a system and method for deploying the hydrophone array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: David A. Kitchin, Charles W. Kerechanin, II, Juan I. Arvelo, JR., Ronald W. Mitnick
  • 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: 7800981
    Abstract: Portable seismograph (1) comprising a support and containment structure (2), a bottom portion (3) of which is made of a material having a seismic impedance value ranging between 2×105 and 4×106 kg/m2s, three sensors (4) placed orthogonally to one another, each comprising at least one electrodynamic or capacitive transducer and, attached to the bottom portion (3), a level (11) to position the support and containment structure horizontally, a control unit (5) connected to the sensors (4) for viewing, managing the acquisition mode, recording and processing the data, a power source (9), and means for coupling to the ground (12; 21) designed not perturb the seismic tremor detectable by the sensors (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventors: Francesco Mulargia, Silvia Castellaro, Dario Albarello, Marco Mucciarelli
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7777645
    Abstract: One embodiment includes an apparatus that includes a piezoelectric transducer to generate an acoustic signal that is to modulate along a mandrel, wherein the piezoelectric transducer includes at least one piezoelectric element and at least one electrode that is without non-permanent joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Vimal V. Shah, Eugene J. Linyaev, Donald G. Kyle, Wallace R. Gardner, Jeffrey L Moore
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100103775
    Abstract: A system for use with a boat to provide underwater sonar images includes a GPS receiver for providing GPS position data, a left side scan sonar transducer for transmitting left side scan sonar pulses and for receiving left side scan sonar return signals, and a right side scan sonar transducer for transmitting right side scan sonar pulses and for receiving right side scan sonar return signals. The system further includes signal processing circuitry for processing the left and right side scan sonar return signals to produce side scan image data and a digital processor for causing a display to display an underwater image based upon the side scan image data, wherein the digital processor associates GPS position and side scan image data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
    Inventors: David A. Betts, Robert W. Derrow, David J. Howells
  • Patent number: 7678055
    Abstract: A piezoelectric transducer for sending and receiving an ultrasonic wave and an FPC for applying current to the piezoelectric transducer is provided, the FPC is arranged oppositely to a side face of the piezoelectric transducer, and a soldering material for electrically connecting the piezoelectric transducer to the FPC is arranged in a corner portion formed by the piezoelectric transducer and the FPC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Masaaki Sudo, Susumu Hiki, Shinichi Sato, Taihei Sato
  • Patent number: 7666142
    Abstract: An ultrasonic Doppler diagnostic equipment comprising a spectrum measurement unit which measures a Doppler spectrum, a decision unit which determines processing conditions of an average process on the basis of power values of spectral components in the Doppler spectrum, an average process unit which performs the average process of the Doppler spectrum on the basis of the processing conditions determined by the decision unit, and a display unit which displays a Doppler spectral image on the basis of the Doppler spectrum subjected to the average process by the average process unit. According to the configuration, the ultrasonic Doppler diagnostic equipment can improve discontinuities in those spectral components of small power values which are susceptible to interference noise, in the Doppler spectral image, and it can generate image data of high resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Takanobu Uchibori
  • Patent number: 7638924
    Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer includes a piezoelectric resonator including a pair of electrodes sandwiching a piezoelectric body and provided with the backing layer in contact with one of the electrodes of the piezoelectric resonator and having the same acoustic characteristic impedance as the piezoelectric body. A method includes the step of driving the ultrasonic transducer so as to satisfy a condition: 2Th?Td?6Th where Th is a propagation time of an ultrasonic wave in the piezoelectric body sandwiched by the pair of electrodes, and Td is a pulse width of a drive pulse driving the piezoelectric resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaaki Asada, Seiichi Morita
  • Publication number: 20090303838
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor apparatus (30) operable to receive and process acoustic signals. The sensor apparatus comprises at least one acoustic transducer (32) operative to produce a change in an electronic output signal in response to receipt of an acoustic signal by the acoustic transducer. The sensor apparatus also comprises processing circuitry (34) configured to receive a first electronic output signal and a second electronic output signal produced by the at least one acoustic transducer. The processing circuitry is operative to shift a phase of the first electronic output signal and the second electronic output signal in relation to each other. The acoustic transducer and the processing circuitry of the sensor apparatus are juxtaposed such that they form a unitary body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: OCEANSCAN LIMITED
    Inventor: Victor Darievich Svet