Koninklijke Philips Corporation N.v.

Other

Hewlett-packard Company

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

Walter Patrick Kelly, Jr

Wojtek Sudol

Benjamin M Herrick

Francis E Gurrie

Brevard S Garrison

Rodney J Solomon

David P Dolan

Matthew A Keary

Alec Rooney

Kent E Lacina

Marienne Moro Sanders

A two-dimensional ultrasound phased array transducer includes an acoustic backing, a first circuit, which may be a flexible circuit disposed over the acoustic backing or a ground plane, an acoustically absorptive interface layer disposed over the flexible circuit, and a piezoelectric layer disposed over the interface layer. A matching layer may be disposed over the piezoelectric layer, and a second circuit, which may be a ground plane or a flexible circuit, may be disposed over the matching layer. The piezoelectric layer and the matching layer are diced by forming kerfs extending through these layers and at least partially into the interface layer. Extending the kerfs into the interface layer reduces cross-talk between elements, electrically isolates the elements, and facilitates manufacturing by reducing the precision required in controlling the depth of the cut. The acoustically absorptive interface layer may have acoustic properties similar to the backing material and may be formed of the same material as the backing material. Electrical interconnection between the piezoelectric elements and the first circuit is provided through the interface layer. The electrical connection may be formed by laser drilled vias in the interface layer, coated with gold or another suitable material.

Two-dimensional ultrasound phased array transducer

An overheating axle warning device comprising a heat sensor device with a neoprene seal which is substituted for a standard rubber filler wheel hub plug. The device can have various colors to identify certain temperature ranges of activation.

Overheating axle warning device

A biopsy needle guide in accordance with the invention is configured for attachment to an ultrasound transducer. The biopsy needle guide is arranged in two sections, an inner attachment block and an outer attachment block. The inner attachment block includes (i) a coupler which attaches the inner attachment block to the ultrasound transducer and (ii) a first engagement structure which extends from a surface thereof. The outer attachment block includes a biopsy needle guide through hole and a second engagement structure. The second engagement structure releasably mates with the first engagement structure even when the inner attachment block is covered by a sterile film sheath.

Biopsy needle guide for attachment to an ultrasound transducer

An ultrasound transducer connector for connecting a transducer to a terminal on an ultrasound unit, the ultrasound transducer connector including a shell; a LIF connector supported by the shell; and a cable electrically connected to the LIF connector that electrically connects the LIF connector to the transducer.

Ultrasound transducer connector assembly

An ultrasound transducer connector assembly including a low insertion force connector, a leaf spring latch and several alternative housing configurations.

An ultrasound transducer structure in accord with the invention includes: an ultrasound transducer operable to generate and receive ultrasonic energy, a communication cable, integrated circuits for processing signals received from said ultrasound transducer and flexible circuits for connecting the communication cable to the integrated circuit, and for further connecting the integrated circuits to the ultrasound transducer. A housing contains the ultrasound transducer, the integrated circuits and the flexible circuits. A heat transfer structure is positioned within the housing and is in contact with the integrated circuit. A heat conductor resides in contact with the heat transfer structure and conducts heat generated by the integrated circuits to a heat sink.

Growing community of inventors

Dracut, MA, United States of America

Walter Patrick Kelly, Jr