Other

William C Gross

James N Kniest

Dean D Campbell

A diaphragm tensioning arrangement for a Sell-type ultrasonic transducer assembly is disclosed. The transducer includes a fixed backplate having a substantially planar electrically conductive front surface and a diaphragm having a front surface and back surface, the back surface of the diaphragm overlying the substantially planar surface of the backplate. The diaphragm includes an insulating layer adapted to contact the backplate and a conducting layer electrically isolated therefrom. The diaphragm tensioning arrangement includes means for applying a load to the front surface of the diaphragm in order to maintain diaphragm tension. A groove disposed in the backplate extension or base has at least one groove opening into its front surface. A tension element engages the front surface of the diaphragm pressing a portion thereof into the groove in order to maintain diaphragm tension. If creep occurs within the diaphragm, the tension element which is substantially constantly loaded, presses the diaphragm further into the groove thereby compensating for diaphragm creep. The tension element may be loaded by a variety of means with a preferred embodiment incorporating a wave spring placed directly above the tension element.

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Bellevue, WA, United States of America

William C Gross