Varian Associates, Inc.

Diasonics Cardio/imaging, Inc.

William L Beaver

Weston A Anderson

Lloyd Douglas Clark

Louis T Zitelli

Improvements are disclosed in an ultrasonic display and recording system of the type utilized in diagnostic medicine with particular applicability in cardiovascular diagnosis. The system includes a multi-element transducer for generating and receiving ultrasonic energy which is propagated into and reflected back from the cardiovascular region of the patient being examined, and also includes means for generating a two-dimensional real time display and/or image of the zone of examination. TM recording means are associated with the system and may be actuated to effect a TM recording corresponding to a preselected region of the real time image being observed. An ECG output signal is also displayed in real time with the two-dimensional image, and photographs of the displays may be produced at selected points in the ECG cycle in accordance with a setting made by the system operator. The system includes provision for generating video recordings; and means for imposing various identification and time data upon the displays.

Sector scanner display and recording system for ultrasonic diagnosis

An electrical-to-acoustic wave transducer contains an array of piezoelectric elements connected to wave-delay circuits to generate a directed acoustic beam and to receive a similarly directed, reflected beam. The distance of a reflecting object is sensed by the time delay of the reflected wave. The apparatus is adapted to sense reflections from both the Fresnel region and the far-field of the array. During the time when reflections from nearby objects in the Fresnel region are received, the effective aperture of the array is reduced by disconnecting elements near its extremities or reducing their gain, producing a narrower beam for improved angular resolution.

Ultrasonic imaging system

A signal processor for an ultrasonic imaging system permits the selection of scan angles and focusing distances. The system includes an ultrasonic receiver comprising an array of electromechanical transducers, with the individual transducers being coupled to phase selection circuitry whereby non-continuous delay values can be introduced between adjacent transducers. Proper selection of the delay values between adjacent transducers can accomplish preferential ultrasonic reception or transmission in particular directions. An optimized switching arrangement minimizes the number of electronic components required to provide the desired delay values.

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Los Altos Hills, CA, United States of America

William L Beaver