Integrated ultrasonic scanning apparatus

Abstract

An integrated closed ultrasonic scanner having a sealed housing provided with an acoustically conductive liquid disposed therein. Means are provided within the housing to receive acoustical waves and convert the same to electrical signals. Non-contacting commutation means may be provided. These signals may be electrical signals which are converted to convenient data display format, such as a video output, may be in the form of a direct visual output as by light emitting diode arrays or other suitable means. The integrated scanner is adapted to be relatively lightweight such that a user may readily operate the instrument while holding it within one hand. In one embodiment an endless belt is provided within the housing and adapted for orbital movement therewithin. Piezoelectric transducers are secured to the exterior of the endless belt and drive means disposed within the housing are provided for establishing the desired orbital movement. Non-contacting commutation means energize the transducers and transfer reflected transducer signals toward the exterior of the sealed housing. A flexible fresnel deflecting lens is disposed between the endless belt and a mechanically compliant wall of the sealed housing. Means for reciprocating the fresnel lens in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of the orbiting transducers is provided. This results in a rapid mechanically reliable B-scan type of reading. The endless belt may be mounted upon a pair of rotatable pulleys which may serve as the armatures of electric motors disposed within the sealed housing. Internal signal handling means disposed within the housing may communicate with external signal processing means through electrical cable means. In another embodiment the sealed housing which contains an acoustically conductive liquid is provided with an endless belt mounted for orbital movement in a first direction and translational movement in a second direction. At least one transducer and one light emitting diode are secured to the exterior of the belt. Drive means disposed within the sealed housing drive the endless belt in the orbital first direction and translational second direction. Magnetic commutation means commutate acoustical signals received by the transducer, and additional commutation means energize the light emitting diode. Electrical cable means are operatively associated with the drive means and in communication with the exterior of the sealed housing. In another embodiment of the invention a sealed housing may have a subdivided interior or have two chambers within which an acoustically conductive liquid is disposed. A rotatable drum is disposed within the first chamber. At least two rows of transducers are disposed on the circumference of the drum generally aligned with the central axis thereof with the rows spaced circumferentially from each other. At least two rows of light emitting diodes are disposed on the circumference of the drum generally aligned with the central axis of the drum. Electric drive means are provided for rotating the drum. An array of sound pipes having a generally curved surface adjacent the drum and a generally flat surface at the other end or receiving end thereof is provided. A wall of the sealed housing is preferably flexible so as to permit more intimate contact between a test specimen and the sound pipe array either directly or through an acoustical coupling medium. Acoustical waves impinging upon the flat surface of the sound pipe array will be transmitted to the drum transducers through the curved surfaces. Another embodiment of the invention involves an integrated closed ultrasonic scanner having a sealed housing which may be provided with an internal division or two chambers and containing an acoustically conductive liquid. A rotatable drum is disposed within the sealed housing and the front wall of the drum is oriented generally transversely to the longitudinal axis of the drum and rotatable therewith. A linear array of receiving transducers is secured to the front wal. A rear wall of the drum is oriented generally transversely to the longitudinal axis of the drum and rotatable wtherewith. A linear array of light emitting diodes is secured to the rear wall. Electric drive means are provided for rotating the drum. Internal electronic means are disposed within the sealed housing and coordinate the energizing of the light emitting diodes responsive to acoustical signals received by the receiving transducers. External electronic means are disposed exteriorly of the housing and energize the electric drive means and cooperate with the internal electronic means.