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:
Jun. 19, 2007
Filed:
Sep. 22, 1999
Randall L. Schlesinger, San Mateo, CA (US);
Mathew Rahimi, Santa Clara, CA (US);
Randall L. Schlesinger, San Mateo, CA (US);
Mathew Rahimi, Santa Clara, CA (US);
Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc., Malvern, PA (US);
Abstract
Medical diagnostic ultrasound catheters are provided with improved materials for dielectric withstand strength. In one aspect, the catheter includes a braid of non-conductive material. The non-conductive braid reduces the capacitive: coupling effects and allows smaller catheters or a greater number of conductors. The non-conductive braid provides both compressive and tensile strength to transmit the torque applied to the catheter. The non-conductive braid also allows fusing of components while decreasing the risk of defective manufacture. In another aspect, a dielectric film, such as a polyester film, is positioned between the transducer and any lens or window. The dielectric film allows thinner window lenses to be used, allowing smaller catheters or larger transducers. The dielectric film may also increase the sensitivity of the transducer to acoustic energy. The dielectric film prevents the lens or window material from filling kerfs in the transducer, which may eliminate the need for filling the kerfs of the transducer.