Atl Ultrasound, Inc.

Advanced Technology Laboratories, Inc.

James Michael Gilmore

John Douglas Fraser

An ultrasonic transducer array element operating in the k,mode is formed by two piezoelectric subelements joined to form a 2&mdash;2 composite by a conductive filler material. An energizing potential is applied to the conductive filler material, and a return potential is applied to the outer opposing faces of the subelements. Preferably the conductive filler material comprises a conductive epoxy. Arrays of such elements in one and two dimensions are formed with the conductive epoxy in alternating kerfs in a row being connected to the opposing polarities of an energizing potential.

Composite ultrasonic transducer array operating in the K31 mode

A backing block for an ultrasonic array transducer comprises a flex circuit embedded in a body of acoustic backing material, with conductive traces on the flex circuit terminating at the surface of the body at which an array transducer is mounted and extending out from the rear of the body for connection to electrical circuitry. The array transducer is formed of a composite material in which the pattern of the composite material is oriented at an oblique angle to the kerfs of the transducer.

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Bothell, WA, United States of America

James Michael Gilmore