US4006444A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Acoustic imaging apparatus
Assignee: Leland Stanford Junior University
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Filing: 1974-02-12
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Granted: 1977-02-01
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Expires: 1994-02-12
Abstract
Abstract Acoustic imaging apparatus wherein a beam of high frequency acoustic energy is directed to the object to be imaged to create variations in the transmitted acoustic energy which variations are then detected by a plurality of small particles suspended in the beam path for motion in response to radiation pressure produced by the incident acoustic energy, thus providing a visible image with high contrast sensitivity and excellent image resolution.
Inventors
- 👤 Calvin F. Quate
- 👤 James A. Cunningham
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 22:49
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N29/00; G01N29/04; G01N29/06; G01H; G01H9/00; G01H9/002
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
124 words
Acoustic imaging apparatus which comprises means for generating an acoustic wave beam along a predetermined path, means supporting an object to be imaged in said acoustic beam path, a plurality of visible particles suspended throughout a fluid medium for displacement in the beam path beyond the object in proportion to the intensity of radiation pressure resultant from the acoustic energy, said particles being suspended in a thin layer of liquid disposed between enclosing layers of material whose optical indices of refraction are less than that of the suspending liquid, to define an optical waveguide and means for directing light through said liquid layer between said enclosing material layers, whereby essentially only light reflected from said particles will form an optical image of said object.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
124 words
Acoustic imaging apparatus which comprises means for generating an acoustic wave beam along a predetermined path, means supporting an object to be imaged in said acoustic beam path, a plurality of visible particles suspended throughout a fluid medium for displacement in the beam path beyond the object in proportion to the intensity of radiation pressure resultant from the acoustic energy, said particles being suspended in a thin layer of liquid disposed between enclosing layers of material whose optical indices of refraction are less than that of the suspending liquid, to define an optical waveguide and means for directing light through said liquid layer between said enclosing material layers, whereby essentially only light reflected from said particles will form an optical image of said object.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-02-01 | 1980-08-02 | 1981-02-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-02-01 | 1984-08-02 | 1985-02-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-02-01 | 1988-08-02 | 1989-02-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |