Acuson Corporation

Donald R Mullen

John W Sliwa, Jr

Vaughn R Marian

Jay Sterling Plugge

Michael G Curley

John D Marshall

Richard A Lyon

An ultrasound adapter assembly includes a rectangular zero-insertion-force receptacle, such as the ITT Cannon.RTM. DL-series Zero Insertion Force ('DL-ZIF') receptacle, and a high-density micro-coaxial ('HDMC') connector plug interconnected by micro-coaxial conductors. The adapter assembly includes a frame for supporting the two connectors and a locking mechanism for use in semi-permanently attaching the adapter assembly to an ultrasound imaging system receptacle. The adapter assembly permits old-style ultrasound transducer assemblies having the rectangular zero-insertion-force plug to be used with newer ultrasound imaging systems using the newer HDMC interfacing system. In an alternative embodiment, the two connectors are electrically interconnected using flex-circuit. The HDMC connector plug is formed using a multi-layer printed wiring board having a high density array of electrical contact pads on one surface arranged for compatible mating with the newer system HDMC interfacing receptacle. Solder pads are placed on the opposed surface for solder attachment of the micro-coaxial cables and the alternative flex-circuit. A second multi-layer printed wiring board includes pre-tinned feedthroughs for solder connection to the Cannon DL-ZIF connector. An opposed surface of the second printed wiring board includes solder pads for attachment of the micro-coaxial cables and the alternative flex-circuit. In another alternative embodiment, the flex-circuit is attached at both ends to separate connectors forming an interconnection assembly, and both the second printed wiring board and the HDMC plug printed wiring board include mating connectors for attachment of the interconnecting flex-circuit assembly.

Ultrasound adapter

An ultrasound transducer assembly having a housing, a transducer array mounted in the housing, and active cooling mechanism positioned adjacent to the transducer array for actively removing heat generated by the array by transport of heat energy from the affected site. The active cooling mechanism may comprise a heat exchanger including a closed loop circulating coolant system circulating coolant, or a single-pass flowed coolant, passing through the heat exchanger, a heat pipe, a thermoelectric cooler, an evaporative/condenser system, and/or a phase change material. One or more heat exchangers may be used having gas or liquid coolants flowing therethrough. The heat exchangers and coolant pumps may be located in various components of the transducer assembly, including the array housing, the connector assemblies or the ultrasound console.

Active thermal control of ultrasound transducers

A connector is provided for preventing damage to contacts between components of an electrical system which is particularly useful when electrical energy is stored in at least one of the components. The connector includes a mechanically operated latching member for activating and deactivating an electrical interface between the components. In one embodiment, a sensor determines when the connector is being disconnected from one of the components and provides a signal used by one of the components for disabling a power source providing the energy. In another embodiment, the sensor derived disconnect signal controls dissipating the stored energy away from the contacts between the components before the contacts are physically disengaged.

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Fremont, CA, United States of America

Donald R Mullen