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, 2012
Filed:
Jul. 31, 2008
Aarnoud Laurens Roest, Geldrop, NL;
Klaus Reimann, Eindhoven, NL;
Mareike Klee, Straelen, DE;
Jozef Thomas Martinus Van Beek, Rosmalen, NL;
John Douglas Fraser, Woodinville, WA (US);
Aarnoud Laurens Roest, Geldrop, NL;
Klaus Reimann, Eindhoven, NL;
Mareike Klee, Straelen, DE;
Jozef Thomas Martinus van Beek, Rosmalen, NL;
John Douglas Fraser, Woodinville, WA (US);
Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V., Eindhoven, NL;
Abstract
A capacitive ultrasound transducer includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode, the third electrode including a central region disposed in collapsibly spaced relation with the first electrode, and a peripheral region disposed outward of the central region and disposed in collapsibly spaced relation with the second electrode. The transducer further includes a layer of a high dielectric constant material disposed between the third electrode and the first electrode, and between the third electrode and the second electrode. The transducer may be operable in a collapsed mode wherein the peripheral region of the third electrode oscillates relative to the second electrode, and the central region of the third electrode is fully collapsed with respect to the first electrode such that the dielectric layer is sandwiched therebetween. Piezoelectric actuation, such as dand dmode piezoelectric actuation, may further be included. A medical imaging system includes an array of such capacitive ultrasound transducers disposed on a common substrate.