Dvx, LLC

Thomas A Chilipka

David Vilkomerson

John W Bogan

Matching layers improve the performance of ultrasonic transducers. Such layers have traditionally required significant effort and expense to be added to ultrasonic transducers. The present invention discloses a method of producing ultrasonic transducers with a matching layer, specifically for ultrasonic transducers utilizing piezopolymer transducer materials. Rather than the conventional method of forming the piezopolymer on a substrate and then attaching a matching layer through which the transducer emits its ultrasound energy, we teach depositing the piezopolymer on a substrate that also serves as a matching layer through which the ultrasound is emitted. We also teach depositing an additional shield layer for reducing electromagnetic interference. Methods of how to select materials and modify their ultrasonic characteristics are also discussed.

Process of manufacturing a piezopolymer transducer with matching layer

Matching layers improve the performance of ultrasonic transducers. Such layers have traditionally required significant effort and expense to be added to ultrasonic transducers. The present invention discloses a method of producing ultrasonic transducers with a matching layer, specifically for ultrasonic transducers utilizing piezopolymer transducer materials. Rather than the conventional method of forming the piezopolymer on a substrate and then attaching a matching layer through which the transducer emits its ultrasound energy, we teach depositing the piezopolymer on a substrate that also serves as a matching layer through which the ultrasound is emitted. Methods of how to select materials and modify their ultrasonic characteristics are also discussed.

Piezopolymer transducer with matching layer

Transducers to measure fluid flow using Doppler ultrasound that are suitable for integrating into or connecting to intravascular devices are disclosed. These transducers meet the requirement for long, thin, flexible transducers, and consist of one or more diffraction-grating transducers, with or without non-diffraction-grating transducers. An exemplary configuration of the transducers utilizes the diffraction caused by narrow transducers to produce beam overlap for Doppler detection of moving blood, and stripline transmission lines are used to bring energy to and receive energy from the transducers and may carry the disclosed transducer configurations as well as carry signals into and out of the blood vessels.

Transducer apparatus and method for intravascular blood flow measurement

A system for monitoring blood flow confined by at least one vessel wall, the system including: at least one implantable diffraction-grating transducer being embedded within or adjacent to a vessel wall, the diffraction-grating transducer being suitable for emitting ultrasound into or receiving Doppler shifted ultrasound from the blood flow; and, a source for pulse-exciting the implantable diffraction grating; wherein, the Doppler shift is indicative of the blood flow.

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E. Windsor, NJ, United States of America

Thomas A Chilipka