Abstract: A motor driver for an ultrasound system is provided. The ultrasound system includes a transmitter and receiver, both communicatively coupled to a transducer array of an ultrasound probe. The ultrasound system further includes a digital motor driver for controlling movement of the transducer array.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a magnet assembly to produce a static magnetic field and a set of high-Tc flux transformers to detect a flux change from an item when the item is subjected to the static magnetic field produced by the magnet assembly and to produce a current based on the flux change. Additionally, the apparatus comprises a set of magnetoresistive sensors to detect a field produced by a current produced in the set of high-Tc flux transformers and a scanning mechanism to produce cyclic relative motion between the apparatus and the item. Furthermore, the apparatus comprises a magnetic shield to shield the magnetoresistive sensors, where the shield is an open ended cylinder made from mu-metal, where mu-metal is a very high magnetic permeability iron-nickel alloy. The apparatus additionally comprises a water interface mechanism to fill a gap between the apparatus and the item with water.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an ultrasound imaging method comprises: providing a probe that includes one or more transducer elements for transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves; generating a sequence of spatially distinct transmit beams which differ in one or more of origin and angle; determining a transmit beam spacing substantially based upon a combination of actual and desired transmit beam characteristics, thereby achieving a faster echo acquisition rate compared to a transmit beam spacing based upon round-trip transmit-receive beam sampling requirements; storing coherent receive echo data, from two or more transmit beams of the spatially distinct transmit beams; combining coherent receive echo data from at least two or more transmit beams to achieve a substantially spatially invariant synthesized transmit focus at each echo location; and combining coherent receive echo data from each transmit firing to achieve dynamic receive focusing at each echo location.

Abstract: A measurement data processing device measures a size of a diagnostic region from a tomographic image as two-dimensional information. An ROI width determining device determines a size of a region of interest based on the size (lateral width and longitudinal width) of the diagnostic region. An oscillation angle determining device determines a range of an angle for oscillating ultrasonic transducers based on the size. An oscillation rate determining device determines a rate for oscillating the ultrasonic transducers based on information indicating the oscillation angle and image quality. In order to acquire a three-dimensional image of the diagnostic region, the probe oscillation control device controls the oscillation of the ultrasonic transducers based on the information. A three-dimensional image processing device extracts a three-dimensional image of in the determined region of interest from the acquired three-dimensional image. A display device displays the extracted three-dimensional image.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe is configured such that: a piezoelectric element group is housed within a sealed container so as to be rotated and oscillated left and right about a center line that equally divides a plate surface of the piezoelectric element group; and the sealed container is filled with a liquid that serves as an acoustic medium, and in the sealed container there are provided an inlet hole for the liquid as well as an exhaust hole, to the inlet hole there is connected a flexible tube that functions as a diaphragm, and on the flexible tube and the exhaust hole there are respectively provided sealing lids. As a result, there is provided an ultrasonic probe that prevents an occurrence of air bubbles in a liquid that serves as an ultrasonic wave medium, and that realizes excellent ultrasonic characteristics.

Abstract: Synthetic transmit aperture is provided for three-dimensional ultrasound imaging. A transducer may have separate transmit and receive elements. Broad beams are transmitted, allowing fewer transmit elements and/or more rapid scanning. A multidimensional receive array generates data in response to sequential transmissions, such as transmissions from different angles. The data is combined to increase resolution. A transducer array with offset transmit elements for forming a transmit line source may be used.

Abstract: Multi-directional ultrasound scanning is synchronized. A plurality of wobbler arrays are used sequentially. To limit artifacts caused by motion, the sequential operation is synchronized. While a first wobbler array is scanning, a second wobbler array is moving or active. Once the first wobbler array completes a scan or portion of the scan, the second wobbler array begins the scan without waiting for initiation of the wobbling. The position of the second array may alternatively or additionally be synchronized with the first array or the end of the scan of the first array. The data from the different scans may represent overlapping volumes, so may be combined to form an extended field of view.

Abstract: A device (10) used with high frequency ultrasound provides a replaceable barrier between the ultrasound transducer and the tissues being imaged. The device (10) provides an acoustic pathway of minimal effect on the ultrasound signals, and furthermore provides for a safety barrier between a mechanical scanner and the tissues being imaged. The configuration of the device (10) allows it to function as a standoff for the ultrasound transducer to place the focus of the ultrasound beam at the desired depth of tissue for imaging. In addition, the device (10) may be sterilized and replaced as needed, providing sterile tissue contact surfaces. The device (10) has additional features, which are especially advantageous for diagnosis and surgery of the eye.

Abstract: An ultrasonograph comprising a probe for measurement by bringing the probe into contact with a subject in a first state, first image creating means for creating a first image of the subject from the information sent from the probe, image display means for displaying the first image created by the first image creating means, means for setting at least one piece of reference information on the first image displayed by the image displaying means, second image creating means for creating a second image of the subject from the measurement information collected by bringing the probe into contact with the subject in a second state different from the first state, means for collecting information on the distortion of a desired region of interest in the second image on the basis of the variation, in the second image, of the reference information set on the first image by the setting means, and display control means for controlling the display of the distortion information collected by the distortion collecting means on

Abstract: A positioning device has a computer and an ultrasound device that is provided to expose biological tissue with high-intensity, focused ultrasound radiation, and an ultrasound transducer unit, a mechanical focusing unit and an electronic focusing unit for positioning and/or focusing of the high-intensity, focused ultrasound radiation of the ultrasound transducer unit. The computer is designed to adjust the focus position of the ultrasound transducer unit along at least one dimension by operating the mechanical focusing unit; and the computer is designed to regulate the focus position of the ultrasound transducer unit along the at least one dimension by operating the electronic focusing unit after the positioning by the mechanical focusing unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound imaging system in which the scan head either includes a beamformer circuit that performs far field subarray beamforming or includes a sparse array selecting circuit that actuates selected elements. When used with second stage beamforming system, three dimensional ultrasound images can be generated.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for improving the resolution and quality of an image formed by signals from an array of receivers. Multiple receivers introduce variations in arrival times that can be less than the period of an operating signal, and also less than the period associated with a sampling operation. Thus, multiple receivers allow sampling of fine features of reflected signals that would be considered beyond the resolution associated with the operating signal. Use of multiple receivers also provides an effective sampling rate that is greater than the sampling rate of an individual receiver. Similar advantages can be obtained using multiple transmitters. Such advantageous features can be used to obtain high resolution images of objects in a medium in applications such as ultrasound imaging. Sub-Nyquist sampling is discussed. Accounting for the effects of refraction on pathlengths as a signal passes between two regions of different sound speed allows improved calculation of focus distances.

Abstract: A method and device for ultrasound imaging including an array of transducers wherein the distance between adjacent transducers is greater than the minimum separation of adjacent scanlines required to produce an ultrasound image of a selected resolution. The transducer array is adapted to be mechanically moved so that the array may be swept to generate scanlines.

Abstract: A method for enhancing an ultrasound image is provided, wherein the ultrasound image is segmented into a feature region and a non-feature region, while sufficiently utilizing features contained in the ultrasound image, in particular including some inconspicuous features. The enhanced image according to present invention is not susceptive of the image segmentation and avoid dependence of the enhancement effect on the segmentation template, so as not to produce an evident artificial boundary between the feature region and the non-feature region but to highlight some special information in the image and to remove or mitigate invalid information. Thus the enhanced ultrasound image is particularly suitable for the visual system of the human beings.

Abstract: Displaying breast ultrasound information on an interactive user interface is described, the user interface being useful in adjunctive ultrasound mammography environments and/or ultrasound-only mammography environments. Bilateral comparison is facilitated by a pairwise display of thick-slice images corresponding to analogous slab-like subvolumes in the left and right breasts. Coronal thick-slice imaging and convenient navigation on and among coronal thick-slice images is described. In one preferred embodiment, a nipple marker is displayed the coronal thick-slice image representing a projection of a nipple location thereupon. A convenient breast icon is also displayed including a cursor position indicator variably disposed thereon in a manner that reflects a relative position between the cursor and the nipple marker. Preferably, the breast icon is configured to at least roughly resemble a clock face, the center of the clock face representing the nipple marker location.

Abstract: An adjunctive ultrasound mammography system and associated methods are described, comprising a scanning apparatus for facilitating standardized, repeatable breast ultrasound scans, and further comprising an adjunctive ultrasound display apparatus configured for fast, intuitive viewing of adjunctive ultrasound data concurrently with x-ray mammogram information. In one preferred embodiment, thick-slice ultrasound images are displayed near an x-ray mammogram such that a screening radiologist can quickly view the thick-slice images for assistance in interpreting the x-ray mammogram. Methods for concurrently acquiring and displaying vibrational resonance image (VDI) data are described. Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) algorithms that incorporate acoustically-based feature vectors are described, the feature vectors including lateral shadow metrics, vertical shadow metrics, posterior enhancement metrics, and VDI-based metrics.

Abstract: A single chip transducer apparatus that includes on-chip electronic circuitry which, when connected properly to a two-dimensional matrix of ultrasonic transducer elements, provides enough information to an external imaging system to form three-dimensional images of the subject of interest. In a preferred embodiment, the circuitry provides an amplifier for each transducer element, and then conditions the output of the amplifier in several ways. In one embodiment of the invention, the elements' analog voltages are stored in a sample and hold circuit, and time multiplexed into a high speed line driver that sends many elements data down the interconnect to the system's high speed Analog to Digital converters. In another embodiment, the gain of the amplifiers can be controlled in time to provide aperture translation and time based expansion for translating and focusing image slices in the elevation direction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method in which real-time ubiquitous imaging is feasible in local areas, such as inside a clinic, hospital room or doctor office. This is achieved by designing a wireless network having a central processing server with, for example, distributed broadband acquisition and video bus capability. Remote access is possible using store-and-forward image transfer over a wide area network. With these capabilities, a physician can use a handheld transducer (such as an ultrasound transducer) as a basic tool to facilitate diagnostic decisions similar to the way a stethoscope is used today.

Abstract: Harmonic motion is produced in a subject using vibro-acoustography. An ultrasonic imaging system repetitively interrogates the subject and the Doppler shift in the reflected echo signals is analyzed to measure the phase and amplitude of harmonic motion produced in the subject at different prescribed frequencies. Shear wave propagation through the subject is determined from this information and mechanical properties related to “stiffness” of the subject are determined. A Kalman filter is employed in the phase and amplitude measurement to extract the harmonic motion information from background noise.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer assembly (10) for diagnostic imaging is provided. The ultrasonic transducer includes an elongated housing (12) that is configured and dimensioned to accommodate applicable anatomical constraints. The assembly includes a sensor assembly (20) that includes a two-dimensional matrix array of transducer elements (22) and a translation mechanism (32) to physically translate the two-dimensional matrix array of transducer elements (22) through a field of view of approximately 140 degrees by 80 degrees. An articulation control mechanism (38) allows a clinician to move the tip (14) of the ultrasonic transducer (10) into a desired imaging position, e.g., for fetal imaging.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, there is an ultrasound processing system that communicates images over a single asynchronous serial channel according to a scheme that does not require an isochronous serial channel and that switches among ultrasound imaging modes robustly. For example, the system is configured to packetize ultrasound image data of at least one ultrasound imaging mode into a stream of data frames and to convey the stream of data frames via the asynchronous channel. Each data frame includes indication of the ultrasound imaging mode and includes ultrasound-imaging-mode-specific imaging parameters. Other embodiments exist.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ultrasound system for forming an ultrasound image by using a plurality of sub-frames, comprising: a plurality of transducers for transmitting and receiving ultrasound signals along a plurality of scan lines to obtain sub-frames; a determination unit for locating a common point where extensions of said scan lines with respect to the transducers intersect, determine a plurality of virtual common points based on the located common point and determine a plurality of transducer groups, steering angles and a plurality of scan-line groups; a controller responsive to a change of the sub-frames to select scan lines corresponding to the changed sub-frame and adjust steering angles of the selected scan lines based on the plurality of transducer groups, the steering angles and the plurality of scan-line groups; and a processor for synthesizing the plurality of sub-frames to form an ultrasound image.

Abstract: A method for enhancing an ultrasound image is provided, wherein the ultrasound image is segmented into a feature region and a non-feature region, while sufficiently utilizing features contained in the ultrasound image, in particular including some inconspicuous features. The enhanced image according to present invention is not susceptive of the image segmentation and avoid dependence of the enhancement effect on the segmentation template, so as not to produce an evident artificial boundary between the feature region and the non-feature region but to highlight some special information in the image and to remove or mitigate invalid information. Thus the enhanced ultrasound image is particularly suitable for the visual system of the human beings.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging probe for real time 3D ultrasound imaging from the tip of the probe that can be inserted into the body. The ultrasound beam is electronically scanned within a 2D azimuth plane with a linear array, and scanning in the elevation direction at right angle to the azimuth plane is obtained by mechanical movement of the array. The mechanical movement is either achieved by rotation of the array through a flexible wire, or through wobbling of the array, for example through hydraulic actuation. The probe can be made both flexible and stiff, where the flexible embodiment is particularly interesting for catheter imaging in the heart and vessels, and the stiff embodiment has applications in minimal invasive surgery and other procedures. The probe design allows for low cost manufacturing which allows factory sterilized probes to be disposed after use.

Abstract: A therapy head for use in HIFU procedures is described. The therapy head has an enclosure with a window, an energy applicator and a means of moving the energy applicator within the enclosure. The therapy head uses motors and actuators to move the energy applicator, usually an ultrasound transducer, inside the enclosure. A controller is provided either internally or externally that allows the therapy head to identify and distinguish locations where the therapy head should be to radiate energy into a patient. The controller uses the motors and actuators to move the energy applicator into the desired locations.

Abstract: Unipolar, bipolar or sinusoidal transmitters may leave the transmitter in any of various states at the end of one pulse. Undesired acoustic energy may be generated to change states prior to beginning another transmit sequence or pulse. For example, phase inversion for tissue harmonic imaging is performed where two sequential pulses are transmitted with different phases. The first waveform starts at a low state and ends at the low state of a unipolar transmitter. The next waveform starts at the high state. Transmit apodization or spectrum control techniques may require a pattern of waveform starting states different than a current state. Acoustic disruption due to a change of state of the transmitter between transmissions for imaging is minimized.

Abstract: Multiple scanning modes are provided. In a survey mode, imaging is provided without synthetic elevation aperture processing. For greater detailed imaging, imaging is responsive to synthetic elevation aperture processes with different elevation focusing and scanning.

Abstract: The same analytic data is combined in response to different relative phases. The resulting combinations are detected. The combination associated with the maximum magnitude is then selected for further processing. As a result, the complex data is processed across a variety of possible temporal discontinuities using candidate or possible phase shifts. The phase shift with the least cancellation and the associated combination is selected to minimize motion artifact cancellation.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is directed to an ultrasound transducer whose holding device moves along a guide track while transducer on the end of the holing device oscillates about a known position during ultrasound transmission and receiving. In this embodiment, most refractive eye components including zonules and their connection points can be imaged.

Abstract: High-resolution elastography employs a multiple-step process in which successively finer samplings of data and smaller areas of data are evaluated to provide increasingly accurate displacement measurements, wherein each displacement measurement guides the determination of corresponding regions of comparison used in the next displacement evaluation.

Abstract: A device for ultrasonic strain imaging computes displacement of tissue between a pre-deformation and post-deformation data set along columns to provide for independent calculations that may be parallelized for multiprocessor systems.

Abstract: Displaying breast ultrasound information on an interactive user interface is described, the user interface being useful in adjunctive ultrasound mammography environments and/or ultrasound-only mammography environments. Bilateral comparison is facilitated by a pairwise display of thick-slice images corresponding to analogous slab-like subvolumes in the left and right breasts. Coronal thick-slice imaging and convenient navigation on and among coronal thick-slice images is described. In one preferred embodiment, a nipple marker is displayed the coronal thick-slice image representing a projection of a nipple location thereupon. A convenient breast icon is also displayed including a cursor position indicator variably disposed thereon in a manner that reflects a relative position between the cursor and the nipple marker. Preferably, the breast icon is configured to at least roughly resemble a clock face, the center of the clock face representing the nipple marker location.

Abstract: An adjunctive ultrasound mammography system and associated methods are described comprising an adjunctive ultrasound display configured for quick, intuitive, interactive viewing of data derived from volumetric ultrasound scans, the data being displayed near a conventional x-ray mammogram display. Preferred embodiments for navigating among a thick-slice image array, a selected enlarged thick-slice image, and planar ultrasound views are described, including a preferred embodiment in which the planar ultrasound views are updated in real time as a cursor is moved across an active thick-slice image. In one preferred embodiment the thick-slice images are inverted prior to display, with non-breast areas of the image preferably segmented out and reset to dark. The inverted thick-slice images are of more familiar significance to radiologists having years of expertise in analyzing conventional x-ray mammograms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound probe device. A device 100 embodying the present invention comprises an array of transducers 102, at least one of which is movable relative to at least one of the other transducers 102. Preferably, the or each movable transducer may be movable relative to at least one of the other transducers along one axis of movement only. This axis of movement is preferably parallel with an initial direction of travel of emitted ultrasound waves relative to the device.

Abstract: An ultrasound image processing apparatus includes first and second connecting portions to which first and second ultrasound probes are removably connected, the probes including first and second ultrasound transducers driven by first and second different ultrasound scanning systems respectively. The ultrasound image processing apparatus also includes an ultrasound image signal processing circuit that performs signal processings for generating first and second ultrasound images corresponding to the first and second ultrasound scanning systems from ultrasound signals received by the first and second ultrasound transducers.

Abstract: Ultrasound mammography in which an automated transducer scans the patient's breast to generate many images of thin slices that are processed into few images of thick slices that can be displayed simultaneously for practical rapid assessment of the breast. The thin-slice images can be acquired by a technician so that a physician need only spend time in assessing the few displayed thick-slice images and, possibly, only a few of the thin-slice images that might match a suspected anomaly indicated in the thick-slice images. Computer-aided detection or diagnosis (CAD) can be performed on the images and resulting mark and/or other information can be displayed as well. Vibration images can be obtained as well and similarly processed and displayed to highlight abnormalities or for other reasons.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the position of an object within a body of a subject includes at least one acoustic wave generator, adapted to direct a first acoustic wave toward the body at a first frequency. An acoustic tag is adapted to be fixed to the object, the tag including a shell defining a cavity therein and a medium contained within the shell, such that responsive to incidence thereon of the first acoustic wave, the tag emits a second acoustic wave at a second frequency, different from the first frequency. One or more detectors are adapted to detect the second acoustic wave and to generate signals responsive thereto. A signal processor is coupled to process the signals so as to determine coordinates of the object in the body.

Abstract: Complex response of tissue is calculated as function of a convolution relationship associated with measured strain with applied stress. In the Fourier or frequency domain, the convolution is a simple algebraic computation, such as multiplication. The complex response provides elasticity and viscosity information, assisting diagnosis. Complex compliance may be directly calculated from the strain and stress. Complex fluidity may be directly calculated from strain rate and stress.

Abstract: Motion artifacts are reduced for three- or four-dimensional imaging with a mechanically rocked array by determining a position of a scan within a volume as a function of velocity. A represented position within a volume of a mechanically rocked scan is determined. Differences in velocity associated with different scan plane positions are used to alter or adjust a scan position. For example, the start position for a transmit operation or the spatial location represented by previously acquired data is altered as a function of a corresponding velocity in the mechanical movement of the array. Variation in velocity results in different relative scan positions or adjustments within the volume. The velocity variation is determined in an open loop, such as from previously measured or expected velocity of the array, or from feedback from actual measured position and associated velocity of the array.

Abstract: A method for performing enhanced ultrasound diagnostic breast imaging includes using first and second compression plates (62,64) configured for receiving and compressing a breast between the same. The breast extends from a chest wall (118) of a patient at a proximate end to a nipple at a distal end. Portions of the breast proximate the nipple and proximate lateral edges of the breast are in non-contact with the second compression plate during breast compression. An ultrasound transducer array (68) moves along a path to scan the breast, the ultrasound transducer array being disposed adjacent a side of the second plate (64) opposite the breast. Image data representative of the breast is acquired as the ultrasound transducer array (68) traverses the path.

Abstract: A method and system for ultrasound treatment utilizing a multi-directional transducer to facilitate treatment, such as therapy and/or imaging or other tissue parameter monitoring, in two or more directions. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a multi-directional transducer comprises a transduction element configured to provide for ultrasound energy, such as radiation, acoustical energy, heat energy, imaging, positional information and/or tissue parameter monitoring signals in two or more directions. The transduction element can comprise various materials for providing ultrasound energy or radiation, such as piezoelectric materials, with and without matching layers. In addition, the transduction element can be configured for substantially uniform, focused and/or defocused radiation patterns, as well as for single, multiple-element and/or multiple-element array configurations.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transmitting and receiving apparatus for performing the multibeam transmission capable of suppressing the increase in withstand voltage of the ultrasonic transducers and power consumption with increase of the number of transmission beams.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may provide an apparatus and a method of displaying a 3-dimensional ultrasound image formed based on 2-dimensional ultrasound images in an ultrasound diagnostic system. The method of displaying an ultrasound image in an ultrasound diagnostic system, comprises: a) forming a plurality of sequential 2-dimensional ultrasound images based on ultrasound echo signals reflected from a predetermined region of a target object; b) selecting a predetermined number of consecutive 2-dimensional ultrasound images from the 2-dimensional ultrasound images; c) superposing the selected 2-dimensional ultrasound images to form a 3-dimensional ultrasound image; d) setting at least one line on the 3-dimensional ultrasound image; e) cutting the 3-dimensional ultrasound image along the line to obtain a plurality of cutting planes; f) selecting one cutting plane from the cutting planes; and g) rendering the selected cutting plane and displaying the rendered cutting plane.

Abstract: A breast tomography scanner including a stationary chamber configured to hold fluid, a movable chamber within the stationary chamber configured to hold fluid, and breast scanning apparatus. Various configurations for housing the ultrasonic transducers are disclosed, along with filling and draining apparatus, leakage protections turbulence-reduction configurations and control systems.

Abstract: With the beam scanning probe system for surgery, a pointer indicating the observation point of a beam scanning probe is superimposed upon an image of a lesion to be operated on in the head which is obtained via a TV camera or a surgery microscope, and the superimposed image information is registered as such in an image recording device. With the beam scanning probe system for surgery, information of a cytological picture is also registered in the image recording device. With the beam scanning probe system for surgery, the image recording device registers the two image information in a paired fashion. Through this arrangement, the beam scanning probe system for surgery can smoothly locate, for a given cytological picture, a site of a tumor to be treated from which the picture was obtained, which will ease the operation.

Abstract: A portable 3D ultrasound device having an ultrasound transducer. The ultrasound transducer includes a transducer array with a plurality of transducer elements arranged in a plurality of dimensions, the transducer array including an emitter to emit ultrasound energy, a receiver to receive responses generated in accordance with the ultrasound energy, a plurality of sub-array beamformers, a signal processor to convert the generated responses into a 3D ultrasound image and a display unit to display the 3D ultrasound image.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for positioning a therapy device, such as an ultrasound transducer, using a tilt sensor carried by the transducer and a positioner coupled to the transducer. The positioner provides roll and pitch control as well as translating the transducer in lateral and longitudinal directions. A processor receives signals from the tilt sensor corresponding to the actual rotational orientation of the transducer and controls the positioner to adjust the orientation of the therapy device until a desired position is achieved.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide a medical diagnostic imaging system and method for efficient access of data. In one preferred embodiment, a medical diagnostic imaging system is provided comprising a software application, a text file, and a software component that binds to the software application at runtime. The text file and the software component store common data. If the medical diagnostic imaging system is being used in a first mode of operation (e.g., during the manufacturing process at the factory), data is read from the text file. If the medical diagnostic imaging system is being used in a second mode of operation (e.g., during normal workflow of the ultrasound system in the field), data is read from the software component. These preferred embodiments can be used to provide fast access to stored data during the manufacturing process without incurring performance penalties.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe capable of scanning an ultrasound beam in a region of 3D space, characterized by that an ultrasound transducer array is mounted to a 1st shaft that can rotate in bearings mounted in a fork that can be moved. The fork can be rotated around a 2nd shaft in a bearing, or moved through a sliding system, or a combination of the two. The shaft and the fork are connected to two separate electric motors for electric steering of the array direction within a region of 3D space. Position measurement systems are mounted to the shaft and the fork so that the beam direction can be steered with a feed-back control system.

Abstract: Ultrasound applicators able to both image a treatment site and administer ultrasound therapy include an array of transducer elements that can be focused. In several embodiments, an electronically phased array is used for controlling the focal point of an ultrasound beam. The ultrasound beam produced thereby can also be electronically steered. To reduce the quality factor or Q of the array when the array is used for imaging, an electronic switch is selectively closed, placing a resistance in parallel with each of the array elements. A flexible array is employed in several embodiments and is selectively bent or flexed to vary its radius of curvature and thus control the focal point and/or a direction of focus of the array. In another embodiment, each of the transducer elements comprising the array are individually mechanically pivotable to steer the ultrasonic beam produced by the transducer elements.