US5560362A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Active thermal control of ultrasound transducers
Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA Inc
•
Filing: 1994-06-13
•
Granted: 1996-10-01
•
Expires: 2014-06-13
Abstract
Abstract An ultrasound transducer assembly having a housing, a transducer array mounted in the housing, and active cooling mechanism positioned adjacent to the transducer array for actively removing heat generated by the array by transport of heat energy from the affected site. The active cooling mechanism may comprise a heat exchanger including a closed loop circulating coolant system circulating coolant, or a single-pass flowed coolant, passing through the heat exchanger, a heat pipe, a thermoelectric cooler, an evaporative/condenser system, and/or a phase change material. One or more heat exchangers may be used having gas or liquid coolants flowing therethrough. The heat exchangers and coolant pumps may be located in various components of the transducer assembly, including the array housing, the connector assemblies or the ultrasound console.
Inventors
- 👤 John W. Sliwa, Jr.
- 👤 Michael G. Curley
- 👤 Donald R. Mullen
- 👤 Jay S. Plugge
- 👤 Richard A. Lyon
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 15:12
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B8/00; A61B8/54; A61B8/546; F; F28; F28D; F28D15/00; F28D15/02; F28D15/0241; G; G10; G10K; G10K11/00; G10K11/004
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 121
Claim 1
Independent Claim
57 words
An ultrasound transducer assembly, comprising: a housing; a transducer mounted in the housing, the transducer operable to transmit ultrasonic energy along a path; and active cooling means positioned outside of the path and in thermal communication with the transducer for actively removing heat generated by the transducer by active thermal transport of heat energy from the transducer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
57 words
An ultrasound transducer assembly, comprising: a housing; a transducer mounted in the housing, the transducer operable to transmit ultrasonic energy along a path; and active cooling means positioned outside of the path and in thermal communication with the transducer for actively removing heat generated by the transducer by active thermal transport of heat energy from the transducer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The transducer assembly of claim 1 wherein the active cooling means is a heat exchanger including a flowed coolant passing through at least a portion of the heat exchanger.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The transducer assembly of claim 2 wherein the coolant is a liquid.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The transducer assembly of claim 3 wherein the coolant is primarily composed of water.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The transducer assembly of claim 3 wherein the coolant contains a phase change constituent.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
The transducer assembly of claim 2 wherein the coolant is a gas.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The transducer assembly of claim 2 wherein the coolant is primarily air.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
51 words
The transducer assembly of claim 2 wherein the assembly is designed to be mated with control electronics positioned in a console, and wherein the assembly further includes a cable and cable connector, the cable and cable connector including at least an electrical coupling connected to the transducer and the control electronics.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The transducer assembly of claim 8 wherein the coolant is circulated through the heat exchanger by a pump located in the housing.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
34 words
The transducer assembly of claim 8 wherein the cable further includes a coolant conduit, and the coolant is circulated through the cable and the heat exchanger by a pump located in the cable connector.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
64 words
The transducer assembly of claim 8 wherein the cable further includes a coolant conduit, the cable connector includes a coolant conduit, the console includes a mating connector for coupling with the cable connector, the mating connector including at least an electrical coupling, and coolant is circulated through the cable, console connector, mating connector and heat exchanger by a pump located in the mating connector.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
66 words
The transducer assembly of claim 8 wherein the cable further includes a coolant conduit, the cable connector includes a coolant conduit, the console includes a mating connector for coupling with the cable connector, the mating connector including at least an electrical coupling and a coolant conduit, and the coolant is circulated through the cable, cable connector and mating connector by a pump located in the console.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
The transducer assembly of claim 8 further including a multi-pass, closed loop coolant path coupled to the heat exchanger.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
The transducer assembly of claim 13 further including a second heat exchanger coupled to the closed loop coolant path.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
39 words
The transducer assembly of claim 14 wherein the cable includes a portion of the closed loop coolant path, the second heat exchanger is positioned in the cable connector, and coolant is circulated between the heat exchangers through the cable.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
39 words
The transducer assembly of claim 14 wherein the cable includes a portion of the closed loop coolant path, the second heat exchanger is positioned in the mating connector, and coolant is circulated between the heat exchangers through the cable.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
45 words
The transducer assembly of claim 14 wherein the cable includes a portion of the closed loop coolant path, the second heat exchanger is positioned in the console, and coolant is circulated between the heat exchangers through the cable, the cable connector and the mating connector.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
The transducer assembly of claim 2 wherein the flowed coolant is included in a single pass coolant path coupled to the heat exchanger.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
19 words
The transducer assembly of claim 2 further including a multi-pass, closed loop coolant path coupled to the heat exchanger.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
23 words
The transducer assembly of claim 2 wherein the active cooling means is a closed loop, multi-pass coolant system coupled to a heat exchanger.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
21 words
The transducer assembly of claim 2 wherein the active cooling means is a single pass system coupled to a heat exchanger.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
15 words
The transducer assembly of claim 1 wherein the active cooling means comprises a heat pipe.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
84 words
The transducer assembly of claim 22 wherein the transducer assembly is controlled by control electronics positioned in a console, wherein the assembly further includes a cable and cable connector for electronically coupling the transducer with the control electronics, and wherein a first portion of the heat pipe is thermally coupled to the transducer, to accept heat from the transducer, and a second portion of the heat pipe is positioned in the cable such that heat generated by the transducer is carried into the cable.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
14 words
The transducer assembly of claim 23 wherein the heat pipe includes a control bellow.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
15 words
The transducer assembly of claim 23 wherein the heat pipe includes a working fluid reservoir.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
14 words
The transducer assembly of claim 23 wherein the cable and heat pipe are flexible.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
27 words
The transducer assembly of claim 1 wherein the active cooling means comprises an evaporator assembly and a condenser, wherein the evaporator is thermally coupled to the transducer.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
28 words
The transducer assembly of claim 27 wherein the condenser and the evaporator are coupled by at least one coolant conduit for transport of evaporated or condensed coolant liquid.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
15 words
The transducer assembly of claim 1 wherein the active cooling means is a thermo-electric cooler.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
22 words
The transducer assembly of claim 29 wherein the thermoelectric cooler is positioned within the housing and is thermally coupled to the transducer.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
28 words
The transducer assembly of claim 29 wherein the thermoelectric cooler has a thermal capacity range sufficient to cool the transducer below ambient temperature when the transducer is operating.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
16 words
The transducer assembly of claim 1 wherein the active cooling means utilizes a phase change material.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
43 words
The transducer assembly of claim 32 wherein the phase change material has a finite capacity to absorb heat, said finite capacity being limited by the phase change taking place in all available phase-change material at a substantially constant temperature during said heat flow.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
19 words
The transducer assembly of claim 33 wherein the phase change material is provided in at least one deformable container.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
22 words
The transducer assembly of claim 33 further including a container defined by a pressurizing member in contact with the phase change material.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
16 words
The transducer assembly of claim 33 wherein the phase change material is provided within the housing.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
27 words
The transducer assembly of claim 33 wherein the phase change material has a first operational phase comprising a liquid and a second operational phase comprising a solid.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
23 words
The transducer array of claim 32 wherein the flowed coolant consists of, at least in part, a phase change material in a liquid.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
15 words
The transducer assembly of claim 32 wherein the phase change material is a paraffin wax.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
12 words
The transducer assembly of claim 39 wherein the paraffin wax is eicosane.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
17 words
The transducer assembly of claim 1 wherein the transducer includes a layer of diamond or diamond-like carbon.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
22 words
The transducer assembly of claim 41 wherein the diamond or diamond-like carbon is applied to one or more surfaces of the transducer.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
25 words
The transducer assembly of claim 41 wherein the diamond or diamond-like carbon comprises a preformed substrate which is bonded to a portion of the transducer.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
23 words
The transducer assembly of claim 1 further including a passive cooling assembly in thermal contact with the transducer and the active cooling means.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
19 words
The transducer assembly of claim 44 wherein the passive cooling means includes a layer of diamond or diamond-like carbon.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
24 words
The transducer assembly of claim 44 wherein the transducer further includes a diamond or diamond-like carbon layer in contact with the passive thermal member.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
36 words
The transducer assembly of claim 46 further including transducer electronics mounted in the housing and a phase change material provided in a deformable bag mounted between the transducer electronics and at least one passive thermal member.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
54 words
The transducer assembly of claim 1 further including a liquid heat-transfer fluid contained within a closed deformable container, the closed deformable container being located within the housing and outside of the path such that the fluid is allowed to make thermal contact, through the deformable container, with smooth or irregular surfaces in the housing.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
13 words
The transducer assembly of claim 48 wherein the fluid is a fluorinated liquid.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
42 words
The transducer assembly of claim 48 wherein transducer electronics are provided as components on a printed circuit board situated in the housing, and wherein the closed deformable container is positioned between the components and a passive thermal heat sink in the housing.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
69 words
A transducer assembly, comprising: a housing; a transducer mounted within the housing, the transducer operable to transmit ultrasonic energy along a path; a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the transducer, said coupling consisting of a passive thermally conductive assembly; and a flowing coolant fluid thermally coupled to the heat exchanger wherein the heat exchanger and the flowing coolant fluid are positioned outside of the path of the ultrasonic energy.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
69 words
A transducer assembly, comprising: a housing; a transducer mounted within the housing, the transducer operable to transmit ultrasonic energy along a path; a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the transducer, said coupling consisting of a passive thermally conductive assembly; and a flowing coolant fluid thermally coupled to the heat exchanger wherein the heat exchanger and the flowing coolant fluid are positioned outside of the path of the ultrasonic energy.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
24 words
The transducer assembly of claim 51 wherein the flowing coolant is provided in a closed loop, recirculating coolant system coupled to the heat exchanger.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
18 words
The transducer assembly of claim 51 wherein the flowing coolant is provided in a single pass coolant path.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
13 words
The transducer assembly of claim 51 wherein the circulating coolant is a gas.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
13 words
The transducer assembly of claim 51 wherein the circulating coolant is a liquid.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
39 words
The transducer assembly of claim 51 wherein the housing includes a plurality of input and output apertures, and wherein the coolant is directed into and out of the housing through the apertures by a pump mounted in the housing.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
49 words
The transducer assembly of claim 51 wherein the housing includes a plurality of input and output apertures, the transducer is arranged to be coupled to a control console, and the coolant is directed into and out of the housing through the apertures by a pump mounted in the console.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
80 words
A transducer system, adapted for use with a control console having a console connector, comprising: a housing; a transducer mounted within the housing; a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the transducer; a circulating coolant fluid thermally coupled to the heat exchanger; a cable coupled to the housing; a cable connector coupled to the cable, the cable connector including an electrical connector and being adapted to couple with a console connector; and a second heat exchanger, coupled to the circulating coolant.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
80 words
A transducer system, adapted for use with a control console having a console connector, comprising: a housing; a transducer mounted within the housing; a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the transducer; a circulating coolant fluid thermally coupled to the heat exchanger; a cable coupled to the housing; a cable connector coupled to the cable, the cable connector including an electrical connector and being adapted to couple with a console connector; and a second heat exchanger, coupled to the circulating coolant.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
25 words
The transducer system of claim 58 wherein the coolant path is a closed loop coolant path, and wherein the cable further includes a coolant conduit.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
40 words
The transducer system of claim 59 wherein each of the cable connector and the console connector includes an electrical interconnect and a coolant conduit interconnect for coupling with the respective coolant or electrical interconnect on the cable or console connector.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
17 words
The transducer system of claim 58 wherein the second heat exchanger is positioned in the cable connector.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
17 words
The transducer system of claim 58 wherein the second heat exchanger is positioned in the console connector.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
16 words
The transducer system of claim 58 wherein the second heat exchanger is positioned in the console.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
99 words
A transducer assembly, adapted for use with an ultrasound control console to produce ultrasound images, comprising: a housing; a transducer mounted in the housing; a transducer cable having a first portion coupled to the transducer and the housing and a second portion coupled to the console via a mating pair of connectors; a thermal conductor coupled to the transducer and extending toward the transducer cable; and a heat pipe having a first portion thermally coupled to the thermal conductor and a second portion extending into the transducer cable thereby passing heat into the cable from the transducer during imaging.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
99 words
A transducer assembly, adapted for use with an ultrasound control console to produce ultrasound images, comprising: a housing; a transducer mounted in the housing; a transducer cable having a first portion coupled to the transducer and the housing and a second portion coupled to the console via a mating pair of connectors; a thermal conductor coupled to the transducer and extending toward the transducer cable; and a heat pipe having a first portion thermally coupled to the thermal conductor and a second portion extending into the transducer cable thereby passing heat into the cable from the transducer during imaging.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
63 words
A transducer assembly, adapted for use with a control assembly, comprising: a housing; a transducer mounted in the housing; a connector conduit having a first portion coupled to the transducer and the housing and a second portion coupled to the control assembly; and a phase change material mounted in the housing in a pressure controlled container positioned in thermal communication with the transducer.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
63 words
A transducer assembly, adapted for use with a control assembly, comprising: a housing; a transducer mounted in the housing; a connector conduit having a first portion coupled to the transducer and the housing and a second portion coupled to the control assembly; and a phase change material mounted in the housing in a pressure controlled container positioned in thermal communication with the transducer.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
56 words
A transducer assembly, adapted for use with a control assembly, comprising: a housing; a transducer mounted in the housing; a connector conduit having a first portion coupled to the transducer and the housing and a second portion coupled to the control assembly; and a thermoelectric cooler mounted in the housing in thermal contact with the transducer.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
56 words
A transducer assembly, adapted for use with a control assembly, comprising: a housing; a transducer mounted in the housing; a connector conduit having a first portion coupled to the transducer and the housing and a second portion coupled to the control assembly; and a thermoelectric cooler mounted in the housing in thermal contact with the transducer.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
94 words
A transducer assembly, adapted for use with a control assembly, comprising: a housing; a transducer mounted in the housing wherein the transducer is operable to transmit ultrasonic energy along a path; a connector having a first portion coupled to the transducer and the housing and a second portion coupled to the control assembly; a passive thermal conductor mounted in the housing; and a liquid heat-transport fluid provided in a deformable bag contained within the housing and in thermal contact with the passive thermal conductor, wherein the deformable bag is positioned outside of the path.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
94 words
A transducer assembly, adapted for use with a control assembly, comprising: a housing; a transducer mounted in the housing wherein the transducer is operable to transmit ultrasonic energy along a path; a connector having a first portion coupled to the transducer and the housing and a second portion coupled to the control assembly; a passive thermal conductor mounted in the housing; and a liquid heat-transport fluid provided in a deformable bag contained within the housing and in thermal contact with the passive thermal conductor, wherein the deformable bag is positioned outside of the path.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
33 words
A medical device, comprising: a housing; a transducer array, comprising a plurality of elements arranged in a plane; and a diamond-like carbon based material provided adjacent to the elements in thermal contact therewith.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
33 words
A medical device, comprising: a housing; a transducer array, comprising a plurality of elements arranged in a plane; and a diamond-like carbon based material provided adjacent to the elements in thermal contact therewith.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
40 words
The medical device of claim 68 further comprising an acoustic matching layer, wherein the diamond-like carbon material is provided as a thin film over the elements and wherein the film is located between the elements and the acoustic matching layer.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
44 words
The medical device of claim 68 further comprising an acoustic backing material provided in the housing on a first side of the elements, wherein the diamond-like carbon material is provided as a thin film layer located between the elements and the acoustic backing material.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
31 words
The medical device of claim 68 wherein the diamond-like carbon material is provided as a thin film layer over an acoustic matching layer provided on a side of the element plane.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
27 words
The medical device of claim 68 further including at least one passive thermal conductor, wherein the diamond-like carbon is in thermal contact with the passive thermal conductor.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
27 words
The medical device of claim 68 further including an active thermal conductor assembly, wherein the active thermal conductor assembly is in thermal contact with the diamond-like carbon.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
108 words
A surgical method, comprising: (a) providing a medical probe comprising a means for sensing array temperature, a transducer array having a field of view, and means for controlling the array temperature based on the output of said sensing means, wherein the controlling means is located outside of the field of view; (b) acoustically imaging human tissue within the field of view by initiating a sonic pulse and detecting the reflection of said pulse; (c) identifying, by evaluating said image, an affected area of human tissue; and (d) heating the affected area of tissue by energizing the transducer array said controlling means maintaining the array below a predetermined temperature.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
108 words
A surgical method, comprising: (a) providing a medical probe comprising a means for sensing array temperature, a transducer array having a field of view, and means for controlling the array temperature based on the output of said sensing means, wherein the controlling means is located outside of the field of view; (b) acoustically imaging human tissue within the field of view by initiating a sonic pulse and detecting the reflection of said pulse; (c) identifying, by evaluating said image, an affected area of human tissue; and (d) heating the affected area of tissue by energizing the transducer array said controlling means maintaining the array below a predetermined temperature.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 74 wherein the controlling means further comprises a storage device and wherein the method comprises the additional step, after said step (c), of: storing data representing a location of the affected area in the storage device.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 74 further comprising: identifying a plurality of affected areas; and heating each affected area.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as claimed in claim 74, further comprising the step of maintaining the array temperature at a predetermined level via the controlling means.
Claim 87
Independent Claim
77 words
A method of cleaning an ultrasound probe having an ultrasound transducer mounted within a probe housing, comprising the steps of: providing an active cooling device that is located within the probe housing, the device being thermally coupled to the ultrasound transducer; applying an external source of heat to the probe housing; and actively cooling the ultrasound transducer during the application of the external source of heat by removing heat from the ultrasound transducer with the cooling device.
Claim 88
Independent Claim
77 words
A method of cleaning an ultrasound probe having an ultrasound transducer mounted within a probe housing, comprising the steps of: providing an active cooling device that is located within the probe housing, the device being thermally coupled to the ultrasound transducer; applying an external source of heat to the probe housing; and actively cooling the ultrasound transducer during the application of the external source of heat by removing heat from the ultrasound transducer with the cooling device.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method as claimed in claim 78, further comprising the steps of: providing a thermal controller that is coupled to the active cooling device; monitoring a temperature of the probe with the thermal controller; and actuating the active cooling device when the temperature reaches a predetermined setpoint.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as claimed in claim 79, further comprising the step of deactuating the active cooling device when the temperature reaches a second predetermined setpoint.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method as claimed in claim 79, wherein the active cooling device has an adjustable heat removal capacity.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as claimed in claim 81, further comprising the step of adjusting the heat removal capacity of the active cooling device in accordance with the temperature.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method as claimed in claim 78, wherein the active cooling device comprises a heat exchanger and a flowing coolant that is thermally coupled to the heat exchanger.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as claimed in claim 83, wherein the flowing coolant passes through a multi-pass, closed loop coolant path coupled to the heat exchanger.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as claimed in claim 78, wherein the active cooling device comprises an evaporative cooler.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as claimed in claim 78, wherein the active cooling device comprises a thermoelectric cooler.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as claimed in claim 78, wherein the step of applying an external source of heat to the probe housing comprises a hot disinfection procedure.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as claimed in claim 78, wherein the step of applying an external source of heat to the probe housing comprises a sterilization procedure.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
71 words
In an ultrasound system having a probe that houses an ultrasound transducer for transmitting ultrasonic energy along a path, apparatus for protecting the probe during cleaning and cooling the probe during use, the apparatus comprising: an active cooling device positioned outside of the path of the ultrasonic energy; and a thermal conduit coupling the active cooling device to the ultrasound transducer, wherein the thermal conduit is positioned outside of the path.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
71 words
In an ultrasound system having a probe that houses an ultrasound transducer for transmitting ultrasonic energy along a path, apparatus for protecting the probe during cleaning and cooling the probe during use, the apparatus comprising: an active cooling device positioned outside of the path of the ultrasonic energy; and a thermal conduit coupling the active cooling device to the ultrasound transducer, wherein the thermal conduit is positioned outside of the path.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
30 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 89, further comprising a temperature sensor disposed within the probe, and a thermal controller coupled to the temperature sensor and the active cooling device.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 89, wherein the probe is attached to an ultrasound system console by a connector.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 91, wherein the active cooling device is disposed within the ultrasound system console.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
54 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 92, wherein the thermal conduit comprises a first conduit portion disposed within the ultrasound system console, a second conduit portion disposed within the probe, and a third conduit portion disposed within the connector, wherein the third conduit portion mates the first conduit portion to the second conduit portion.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
28 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 89, wherein the active cooling device comprises a heat exchanger and a flowing coolant that is thermally coupled to the heat exchanger.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 94, wherein the flowing coolant passes through a multi-pass, closed loop coolant path coupled to the heat exchanger.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 89, wherein the active cooling device comprises an evaporative cooler.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
58 words
An ultrasound transducer assembly for use with a remote system console, comprising: a transducer housing; an ultrasound transducer mounted within the housing, the transducer operable to transmit a signal along a path; and an evaporator thermally coupled to the transducer for active heat transfer from the transducer; a condenser; and a conduit coupling the evaporator to the condenser.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
58 words
An ultrasound transducer assembly for use with a remote system console, comprising: a transducer housing; an ultrasound transducer mounted within the housing, the transducer operable to transmit a signal along a path; and an evaporator thermally coupled to the transducer for active heat transfer from the transducer; a condenser; and a conduit coupling the evaporator to the condenser.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
25 words
A transducer assembly as claimed in claim 97, further comprising a liquid disposed within the evaporator, wherein the liquid changes phase at a predetermined temperature.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
31 words
A transducer assembly as claimed in claim 98, wherein the conduit comprises a vapor conduit connecting the evaporator to the condenser, and a liquid conduit connecting the condenser to the evaporator.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
27 words
A transducer assembly as claimed in claim 99, wherein the evaporator, the condenser, the vapor conduit and the fluid conduit comprise a multi-pass, closed loop cooling system.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
19 words
A transducer assembly as claimed in claim 97, further comprising an active cooling device thermally coupled to the condenser.
Claim 114
Independent Claim
58 words
A method of controlling a temperature of an ultrasound probe having a transducer, comprising the steps of: providing a device that is thermally coupled to the transducer; providing a thermal controller that is coupled to the device; monitoring a temperature of the probe with the thermal controller; and actuating the device when the temperature reaches a predetermined level.
Claim 115
Independent Claim
58 words
A method of controlling a temperature of an ultrasound probe having a transducer, comprising the steps of: providing a device that is thermally coupled to the transducer; providing a thermal controller that is coupled to the device; monitoring a temperature of the probe with the thermal controller; and actuating the device when the temperature reaches a predetermined level.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as claimed in claim 102, further comprising the step of maintaining the probe at a predetermined setpoint by deactuating the device when the temperature falls below a second predetermined level.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method as claimed in claim 102, wherein the device comprises a single pass, open loop cooling system.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
71 words
An ultrasound transducer assembly, comprising: a transducer housing; an ultrasound transducer mounted within the housing, the transducer being operable to transmit a signal along a path; and an active cooling device thermally coupled to the ultrasound transducer and positioned in proximity to said transducer within the transducer housing outside of the signal path, wherein the cooling device comprises a single pass, open loop system said cooling device including a flowing coolant.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
71 words
An ultrasound transducer assembly, comprising: a transducer housing; an ultrasound transducer mounted within the housing, the transducer being operable to transmit a signal along a path; and an active cooling device thermally coupled to the ultrasound transducer and positioned in proximity to said transducer within the transducer housing outside of the signal path, wherein the cooling device comprises a single pass, open loop system said cooling device including a flowing coolant.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
48 words
A transducer assembly as claimed in claim 105, wherein the coolant device comprises: a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the ultrasound transducer; an intake port; an exhaust port; and a device for drawing a coolant from the intake port, through the heat exchanger, and out the exhaust port.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
14 words
A transducer assembly as claimed in claim 106, wherein the coolant is a gas.
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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) | 1999-10-01 | 2000-04-01 | 2000-10-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-10-01 | 2004-04-01 | 2004-10-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-10-01 | 2008-04-01 | 2008-10-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |