The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 11, 2004
Filed:
Jul. 10, 2000
Veijo T. Suorsa, Sunnyvale, CA (US);
David A. White, San Jose, CA (US);
SciMed Life Systems, Inc., Maple Grove, MN (US);
Abstract
The present invention provides catheter systems and imaging assemblies using off-aperture electrical connections for ultrasound transducers. In one embodiment, a catheter includes a transducer connection apparatus ( ) comprising a washer ( ) having a hole ( ) therethrough. A transducer element ( ) is at least partially disposed within the washer hole. A matching layer ( ) is operably attached to the washer and to the transducer element. The washer, transducer element and matching layer provide an electrical connection between the transducer element and the washer. Signals can be sent to and received from the transducer by establishing an electrical connection with the washer.