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US4026144A
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Apparatus for the generation of polychromatic ultrasonographs
Assignee: United States Department of the Army
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Filing: 1975-12-10
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Granted: 1977-05-31
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Expires: 1995-12-10
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for a color coded visualization of ultrasonic field patterns resenting differences in acoustical impedance within a solid or liquid body. Colored ultrasonic images are obtained in response to a multifrequency interrogation of a test specimen by a multifrequency energization of an ultrasonic transducer with indications of characteristic color being obtained at the loci of discontinuities or inhomogeneities in the specimen (solid and/or liquid) being examined. Colored images are provided by an electronic superposition of images on a color television monitor subsequent to the images being color encoded in accordance with at least two, but preferably the three primary colors of red, green and blue.
Inventors
- 👤 Otto R. Gericke
- 👤 Robert C. Grubinskas
- 👤 Roy A. McKeraghan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 14:54
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S7/00; G01S7/52; G01S7/52017; G01S7/52053; G01S7/52057; G01S7/52071; G01H; G01H9/00; G01H9/002; G01N; G01N29/00; G01N29/04; G01N29/06; G01N29/0609; G01N29/0618; G01N29/0627; G01N29/34; G01N29/348
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
177 words
In ultrasonic test apparatus wherein images are derived from the ultrasonic interrogation of a test specimen, the combination of: an ultrasonic transducer; a plurality of signal generators each providing an output signal of a selected different frequency; means sequentially coupling said plurality of signal generators to said ultrasonic transducer at a predetermined repetition rate whereby each of said output signals causes said transducer to produce an ultrasonic wave of the respective output frequency of said plurality of signal generators; means coupling said plural frequency ultrasonic waves to said test specimen; ultrasonic image converter means coupled to said test specimen and being responsive to said ultrasonic waves of different frequencies following the influence of said test specimen thereon to provide a separate ultrasonic image for each frequency of said plurality of signal generators; and a polychromatic imaging system operating in synchronism with said sequential coupling means coupled to said image converter and being responsive to the ultrasonic images provided thereby to generate a visual image of a separate color for each frequency of said plurality of signal generators.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
177 words
In ultrasonic test apparatus wherein images are derived from the ultrasonic interrogation of a test specimen, the combination of: an ultrasonic transducer; a plurality of signal generators each providing an output signal of a selected different frequency; means sequentially coupling said plurality of signal generators to said ultrasonic transducer at a predetermined repetition rate whereby each of said output signals causes said transducer to produce an ultrasonic wave of the respective output frequency of said plurality of signal generators; means coupling said plural frequency ultrasonic waves to said test specimen; ultrasonic image converter means coupled to said test specimen and being responsive to said ultrasonic waves of different frequencies following the influence of said test specimen thereon to provide a separate ultrasonic image for each frequency of said plurality of signal generators; and a polychromatic imaging system operating in synchronism with said sequential coupling means coupled to said image converter and being responsive to the ultrasonic images provided thereby to generate a visual image of a separate color for each frequency of said plurality of signal generators.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 1 wherein said ultrasonic image converter means includes a conversion liquid providing relief patterns of said specimen formed on the surface in response to the ultrasonic beam being directed through said test specimen from said transducer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 2 wherein said polychromatic imaging system superimposes each visual image to provide a polychromatic composite image.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 3 wherein said polychromatic imaging system comprises a color television system including a television camera optically coupled to said ultrasonic image converter means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 4 wherein said television camera provides a black and white video signal output therefrom.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
69 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 5 wherein said color television system comprises a field sequential system including means for adding a color burst signal to each horizontal line of the black and white video output signal from said camera and for selectively and sequentially phase modulating the field portion of the black and white video signal with a color subcarrier signal for each of said selected different frequencies.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
67 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 4 wherein said plurality of signal generators comprises at least three signal generators operating at the respective frequencies f 1 , f 2 and f 3 and wherein said color television system is adapted to provide respective visual images for the frequencies f 1 , f 2 and f 3 corresponding to the three primary colors of red, green and blue.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 7 wherein said means for sequentially coupling said plurality of signal generators to said ultrasonic transducers comprises electronic switch means and additionally including an oscillator operating at said predetermined repetition rate coupled to and operating said electronic switch means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
118 words
The system as defined by claim 8 wherein said color television system additionally includes a color subcarrier generator providing a color burst signal and a color subcarrier signal, wherein said camera provides a video signal output, and additionally including circuit means for adding a color burst signal to said video signal output, phase modulator means coupled to said video signal, and means for sequentially coupling said color subcarrier signal in predetermined phase relationships to said phase modulator means thereby providing three primary color video output signals for the frequencies f 1 , f 2 and f 3 and additionally including means responsive to said color video signals coupled to said phase modulator means for displaying superposed visual images.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 9 wherein said means responsive to said color video signals comprises a color television receiver.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus as defined by claim 10 and additionally including color television recording means coupled to said phase modulator means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-05-30 | 1980-11-29 | 1981-05-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-05-30 | 1984-11-29 | 1985-05-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-05-30 | 1988-11-29 | 1989-05-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |