US4084582A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ultrasonic imaging system
Assignee: New York Institute of Technology
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Filing: 1976-03-11
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Granted: 1978-04-18
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Expires: 1996-03-11
Abstract
Abstract The invention is utilized in an apparatus for imaging sections of a body by transmitting ultrasonic energy into the body and determining the characteristics of the ultrasonic energy reflected therefrom. Such an apparatus typically includes a timer for generating timing signals, an energizing/receiving device alternately operative in response to the timing signals, and a display/record device, synchronized by the timing signals, for displaying and/or receiving image-representative electronic signals from the energizing/receiving device. In accordance with the invention there is provided a portable scanning module, suitable for being hand held, which comprises fluid-tight enclosure having a scanning window formed of a flexible material. A transducer is provided for converting energy from the energizing/receiving device to periodic ultrasonic energy and for converting reflected ultrasonic energy to electrical signals, the transducer having a plurality of defined segments. A variable delay device is coupled between the segments of the transducer and the energizing/receiving device, the variable delay means being responsive to the timing signals to effect electronic focusing of signals coupled therethrough. A focusing lens is coupled to the transducer. A fluid, such as water, is contained in the enclosure in the volume between the focusing lens and the scanning window. A reflective scanner device is disposed in the fluid between the lens and the window, and driving means, synchronized with the timing signals, is provided for moving the scanner device in periodic fashion.
Inventors
- 👤 Anant K. Nigam
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 11:27
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S15/00; G01S15/88; G01S15/89; G01S15/8906; G01S15/8909; G01S15/8915; G01S15/8922; A; A61; A61B; A61B8/00; A61B8/08; A61B8/44; A61B8/4427; G01S15/8931; G10; G10K; G10K11/00; G10K11/18; G10K11/26; G10K11/30; G10K11/34; G10K11/341; G10K11/346
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 26
Claim 1
Independent Claim
157 words
A portable scanning module for use with an ultrasonic apparatus for imaging sections of a body by transmitting ultrasonic energy into the body and determining the characteristics of the ultrasonic energy reflected therefrom, said apparatus including timing means for generating timing signals; an energizer/receiver operative in response to the timing signals; and display/record means synchronized with said timing signals for displaying and/or recording image-representative signals from the energizer/receiver; said portable scanning module comprising: a fluid-tight enclosure having a scanning window; transducer means in said enclosure for converting energy from said energizer/receiver to periodic ultrasonic energy and for converting reflected ultrasonic energy to electrical signals; a fluid contained in said enclosure, said fluid serving as a transmission medium for ultrasound; reflective scanning means disposed in said fluid for reflecting ultrasonic energy as between said transducer means and said window; and driving means synchronized with said timing signals for moving said scanning means in periodic fashion in said fluid.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
157 words
A portable scanning module for use with an ultrasonic apparatus for imaging sections of a body by transmitting ultrasonic energy into the body and determining the characteristics of the ultrasonic energy reflected therefrom, said apparatus including timing means for generating timing signals; an energizer/receiver operative in response to the timing signals; and display/record means synchronized with said timing signals for displaying and/or recording image-representative signals from the energizer/receiver; said portable scanning module comprising: a fluid-tight enclosure having a scanning window; transducer means in said enclosure for converting energy from said energizer/receiver to periodic ultrasonic energy and for converting reflected ultrasonic energy to electrical signals; a fluid contained in said enclosure, said fluid serving as a transmission medium for ultrasound; reflective scanning means disposed in said fluid for reflecting ultrasonic energy as between said transducer means and said window; and driving means synchronized with said timing signals for moving said scanning means in periodic fashion in said fluid.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
56 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 1 wherein said transducer means is divided into a plurality of defined segments and further comprising variable delay means for coupling between the segments of the transducer means and said energizer/receiver, said variable delay means being responsive to said timing signals to effect electronic focusing of signals coupled therethrough.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
66 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 2 further comprising a focusing lens having a number of geometrical steps substantially overlaying the positions of at least some of said transducer means segments, whereby said geometrical steps introduce fixed propagation delays as a function of their step height and the index of refraction of the lens material with respect to the index of refraction of the fluid.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 3 wherein said lens is substantially flat on its side opposing said transducer means and has said geometrical steps in its general contour.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
39 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 4 wherein said reflective scanning means comprises a supportive surface; a thin sheet of ultrasonically-transmissive material mounted over said surfaces; and a gaseous region located between said supportive surface and said material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 5 wherein said supportive surface is sufficiently rough that said material contacts said surface only at a relatively very small percentage of its surface area.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 6 wherein said gaseous region contains air.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
39 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 1 wherein said reflective scanning means comprises a supportive surface; a thin sheet of ultrasonically-transmissive material mounted over said surface; and a gaseous region located between said supportive surface and said material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 8 wherein said supportive surface is sufficiently rough that said material contacts said surface only at a relatively very small percentage of its surface area.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 9 wherein said gaseous region contains air.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
40 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 1 further comprising a second transducer means disposed adjacent the previously recited transducer means and operative, in the same manner as the previously recited transducer means, to generate a wider aperture ultrasound beam.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
47 words
The scanning module as defined by claim 11 further comprising a second reflective scanning means disposed in said fluid for reflecting ultrasonic energy as between said second transducer means and said window, said second reflective scanning means also being moved in said fluid by said driving means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
148 words
An ultrasonic apparatus for imaging sections of a body by transmitting ultrasonic energy into the body and determining the characteristics of the ultrasonic energy reflected therefrom, comprising: timing means for generating timing signals; an energizer/receiver operative in response to the timing signals; display/record means synchronized with said timing signals for displaying and/or recording image-representative signals from the energizer/receiver; and a portable scanning module including a fluid-tight enclosure having a scanning window transducer means in said enclosure for converting energy from said energizer/receiver to periodic ultrasonic energy and for converting reflected ultrasonic energy to electrical signals; a fluid contained in said enclosure, said fluid serving as a transmission medium for ultrasound; reflective scanning means disposed in said fluid for reflecting ultrasonic energy as between said transducer means and said window; and driving means synchronized with said timing signals for moving said scanning means in periodic fashion in said fluid.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
148 words
An ultrasonic apparatus for imaging sections of a body by transmitting ultrasonic energy into the body and determining the characteristics of the ultrasonic energy reflected therefrom, comprising: timing means for generating timing signals; an energizer/receiver operative in response to the timing signals; display/record means synchronized with said timing signals for displaying and/or recording image-representative signals from the energizer/receiver; and a portable scanning module including a fluid-tight enclosure having a scanning window transducer means in said enclosure for converting energy from said energizer/receiver to periodic ultrasonic energy and for converting reflected ultrasonic energy to electrical signals; a fluid contained in said enclosure, said fluid serving as a transmission medium for ultrasound; reflective scanning means disposed in said fluid for reflecting ultrasonic energy as between said transducer means and said window; and driving means synchronized with said timing signals for moving said scanning means in periodic fashion in said fluid.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
53 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 13 wherein said transducer means is divided into a plurality of defined segments and further comprising variable delay means coupled between the segments of the transducer means and said energizer/receiver, said variable delay means being responsive to said timing signals to effect electronic focusing of signals coupled therethrough.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
64 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 14 further comprising a focusing lens having a number of geometrical steps substantially overlaying the positions of at least some of said transducer means segments, whereby said geometrical steps introduce fixed propagation delays as a function of their step height and the index of refraction of the lens material with respect to the index of refraction of the fluid.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 15 wherein said lens is substantially flat on its side opposing said transducer means and has said geometrical steps in its general contour.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 16 wherein said reflective scanning means comprises a supportive surface; a thin sheet of ultrasonically-transmissive material mounted over said surface; and a gaseous region located between said supportive surface and said material.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 17 wherein said supportive surface is sufficiently rough that said material contacts said surface only at a relatively very small percentage of its surface area.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
12 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 18 wherein said gaseous region contains air.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
37 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 13 wherein said reflective scanning means comprises a supportive surface; a thin sheet of ultrasonically-transmissive material mounted over said surface; and a gaseous region located between said supportive surface and said material.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 20 wherein said supportive surface is sufficiently rough that said material contacts said surface only at a relatively very small percentage of its surface area.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
12 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 21 wherein said gaseous region contains air.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 13 further comprising a second transducer means disposed adjacent the previously recited transducer means and operative, in the same manner as the previously recited transducer means, to generate a wider aperture ultrasound beam.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
45 words
Apparatus as defined by claim 23 further comprising a second reflective scanning means disposed in said fluid for reflecting ultrasonic energy as between said second transducer means and said window, said second reflective scanning means also being moved in said fluid by said driving means.
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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) | 1981-04-17 | 1981-10-17 | 1982-04-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-04-17 | 1985-10-17 | 1986-04-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-04-17 | 1989-10-17 | 1990-04-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |