US4717851A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Adaptation layer for an ultrasound applicator
Assignee: Siemens AG
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Filing: 1986-09-11
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Granted: 1988-01-05
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Expires: 2006-09-11
Abstract
Abstract An adaptation layer for an ultrasound applicator which contains a mixture of synthetic resin and ceramic powder. Through the addition of ceramic powder, the acoustic impedance of the applicator can be easily adjusted. Impedance values selectable in the range of e.g., 6 to 12×10 6 kg/m 2 sec are possible.
Inventors
- 👤 Ernst Fenner
- 👤 Martina Vogt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 08:33
CPC Classifications
G; G10; G10K; G10K11/00; G10K11/02; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/42
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
96 words
In an ultrasound signal applicator, an adaptation layer is provided for the adaptation of the acoustic impedance of an ultrasound signal source to the acoustic impedance of a body to be scanned by use of said applicator, said acoustic impedance of said body being significantly lower than said acoustic impedance of said ultrasound signal source and said acoustic impedance of said adaptation layer being in the range between said acoustic impedance of said signal source and said body, wherein said improvement comprises: said adaptation layer comprising a mixture of a synthetic resin and a ceramic powder.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
96 words
In an ultrasound signal applicator, an adaptation layer is provided for the adaptation of the acoustic impedance of an ultrasound signal source to the acoustic impedance of a body to be scanned by use of said applicator, said acoustic impedance of said body being significantly lower than said acoustic impedance of said ultrasound signal source and said acoustic impedance of said adaptation layer being in the range between said acoustic impedance of said signal source and said body, wherein said improvement comprises: said adaptation layer comprising a mixture of a synthetic resin and a ceramic powder.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The applicator of claim 1, wherein: said ceramic powder comprises a piezo-ceramic powder.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The applicator of claim 2, wherein: said piezo-ceramic powder of said adaptation layer is a lead-zirconate-titanate powder.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The applicator of claim 1, wherein: said ceramic powder of said adaptation layer consists of grains smaller than 5 μm.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The applicator of claim 1, wherein: the thickness of said adaptation layer is between 70 and 1000 μm.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The applicator of claim 1, wherein: the acoustic impedance of said adaptation layer is in the range of from 6 to 12×10 6 kg/m 2 sec.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The applicator of claim 1, wherein: said ceramic powder of said adaptation layer comprises 50%-90% by weight of said mixture.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The applicator of claim 1, wherein: said adaptation layer is applied onto an ultrasonic applicator including a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The applicator of claim 3, wherein: said ceramic powder of said adaptation layer consists of grains smaller than 5 μm.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The applicator of claim 4, wherein: thickness of said adaptation layer is between 70 and 1000 μm.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
The applicator of claim 5, wherein: the acoustic impedance of said adaptation layer is in the range of from 6 to 12×10 6 kg/m 2 sec.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
The applicator of claim 6, wherein: said ceramic powder of said adaptation layer comprises 50%-90% by weight of said mixture.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
The adaptation layer of claim 7, wherein: said adaptation layer is applied onto an ultrasonic applicator including a plurality of ultrasonic transducer elements.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
67 words
An ultrasonic signal applicator, comprising: a piezo-ceramic ultrasonic signal source having a given acoustic impedance; and an adaptation layer coupled to said ultrasonic signal source for matching said given acoustic impedance of said ultrasonic signal source to a significantly lower acoustic impedance of a body to be scanned by use of said applicator, said adaptation layer comprising a mixture of a synthetic resin and a ceramic powder.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
67 words
An ultrasonic signal applicator, comprising: a piezo-ceramic ultrasonic signal source having a given acoustic impedance; and an adaptation layer coupled to said ultrasonic signal source for matching said given acoustic impedance of said ultrasonic signal source to a significantly lower acoustic impedance of a body to be scanned by use of said applicator, said adaptation layer comprising a mixture of a synthetic resin and a ceramic powder.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
The applicator of claim 14, wherein: said ceramic powder of said adaptation layer comprises a piezo-ceramic powder.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
The applicator of claim 15, wherein: said piezo-ceramic powder of said adaptation layer is a lead-zirconate-titanate powder.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
The applicator of claim 14, wherein: said ceramic powder of said adaptation layer consists of grains smaller than 5 μm.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
18 words
The applicator of claim 14, wherein: the thickness of said adaptation layer is between 70 and 1000 μm.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
26 words
The applicator of claim 14, wherein: the acoustic impedance of said adaptation layer is in the range of from 6 to 12×10 6 kg/m 2 sec.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
The applicator of claim 14, wherein: said ceramic powder of said adaptation layer comprises 50%-90% by weight of said mixture.
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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) | 1991-01-04 | 1991-07-06 | 1992-01-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-01-04 | 1995-07-06 | 1996-01-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-01-04 | 1999-07-06 | 2000-01-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |