公开(公告)号：US08389627B2

公开(公告)日：2013-03-05

申请号：US13006677

申请日：2011-01-14

Applicant: Slawomir Rubinsztajn ,  Lowell Scott Smith ,  Charles Edward Baumgartner

Inventor： Slawomir Rubinsztajn ,  Lowell Scott Smith ,  Charles Edward Baumgartner

IPC: C08L83/05

CPC classification number: G10K11/30 ,  C08G77/04 ,  C08L83/04

Abstract: The present invention provides novel filled silicone compositions comprising a nano-particulate metal oxide filler selected from nano-particulate monoclinic alpha-phase bismuth oxide, nano-particulate erbium oxide, and mixtures thereof. The new composite compositions exhibit a combination of outstanding performance characteristics in both the cured and uncured states. Thus, the uncured formulations are typically free flowing liquids which are self-leveling, which de-gas readily under vacuum, are readily colorable through the addition of pigments, and which cure at temperatures of about 60° C. The cured compositions possess outstanding acoustic characteristics which make them ideally suited for use in applications such as acoustic lenses for medical imaging and therapy. For example, the acoustic impedance of compositions provided by the present invention is closely matched to the acoustic impedance of human tissue. This may result in an enhancement of ultrasound transmission efficiency between the lens of an ultrasound probe comprising such a composition and the patient.

Abstract translation: 本发明提供新型填充的硅氧烷组合物，其包含选自纳米颗粒单斜晶α-氧化铋，纳米颗粒铒氧化物及其混合物的纳米颗粒金属氧化物填料。 新的复合组合物在固化状态和未固化状态下显示出突出的性能特征的组合。 因此，未固化的制剂通常是自流平液体，其是自流平的，其在真空下容易地脱气，通过添加颜料容易着色，并且在约60℃的温度下固化。固化的组合物具有优异的声学 使其非常适合用于诸如用于医学成像和治疗的声学透镜的应用中。 例如，由本发明提供的组合物的声阻抗与人体组织的声阻抗紧密匹配。 这可能导致包括这种组合物的超声波探头的透镜与患者之间的超声传输效率的增强。

公开(公告)号：US07902294B2

公开(公告)日：2011-03-08

申请号：US12057733

申请日：2008-03-28

Applicant: Slawomir Rubinsztajn ,  Lowell Scott Smith ,  Charles Edward Baumgartner

Inventor： Slawomir Rubinsztajn ,  Lowell Scott Smith ,  Charles Edward Baumgartner

IPC: C08L83/05

CPC classification number: G10K11/30 ,  C08G77/04 ,  C08L83/04

Abstract: The present invention provides novel filled silicone compositions comprising a nano-particulate metal oxide filler selected from nano-particulate monoclinic alpha-phase bismuth oxide, nano-particulate erbium oxide, and mixtures thereof. The new composite compositions exhibit a combination of outstanding performance characteristics in both the cured and uncured states. Thus, the uncured formulations are typically free flowing liquids which are self-leveling, which de-gas readily under vacuum, are readily colorable through the addition of pigments, and which cure at temperatures of about 60° C. The cured compositions possess outstanding acoustic characteristics which make them ideally suited for use in applications such as acoustic lenses for medical imaging and therapy. For example, the acoustic impedance of compositions provided by the present invention is closely matched to the acoustic impedance of human tissue. This may result in an enhancement of ultrasound transmission efficiency between the lens of an ultrasound probe comprising such a composition and the patient.

Abstract translation: 本发明提供新型填充的硅氧烷组合物，其包含选自纳米颗粒单斜晶α-氧化铋，纳米颗粒铒氧化物及其混合物的纳米颗粒金属氧化物填料。 新的复合组合物在固化状态和未固化状态下显示出突出的性能特征的组合。 因此，未固化的制剂通常是自流平液体，其是自流平的，其在真空下容易地脱气，通过添加颜料容易着色，并且在约60℃的温度下固化。固化的组合物具有优异的声学 使其非常适合用于诸如用于医学成像和治疗的声学透镜的应用中。 例如，由本发明提供的组合物的声阻抗与人体组织的声阻抗紧密匹配。 这可能导致包括这种组合物的超声波探头的透镜与患者之间的超声传输效率的增强。

公开(公告)号：US20100286518A1

公开(公告)日：2010-11-11

申请号：US12463783

申请日：2009-05-11

Applicant: Warren Lee ,  Dhiraj Arora ,  Cynthia Elizabeth Landberg Davis ,  Ying Fan ,  Chistopher Robert Hazard ,  Lowell Scott Smith ,  Kai Erik Thomenius

Inventor： Warren Lee ,  Dhiraj Arora ,  Cynthia Elizabeth Landberg Davis ,  Ying Fan ,  Chistopher Robert Hazard ,  Lowell Scott Smith ,  Kai Erik Thomenius

IPC: A61B8/00 ,  A61N7/00

CPC classification number: A61B8/08 ,  A61B8/0833 ,  A61B8/0841 ,  A61B8/0858 ,  A61B8/14 ,  A61B8/4245 ,  A61B8/4405 ,  A61B8/4411 ,  A61B8/4427 ,  A61B8/4455 ,  A61B8/4483 ,  A61B8/461 ,  A61B8/467 ,  A61B8/469 ,  A61B8/483 ,  A61B34/25 ,  A61N7/02 ,  A61N2007/0008 ,  A61N2007/0082

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging and therapy system is provided that includes an ultrasound probe and a diagnostic module to control the probe to obtain diagnostic ultrasound signals from a region of interest (ROI) of the patient. The ROI includes adipose tissue and the diagnostic module generates a diagnostic image of the ROI based on the ultrasound signals obtained. The system also includes a display to display the image of the ROI and a user interface to accept user inputs to designate a treatment space within the ROI that corresponds to the adipose tissue. The display displays the treatment space on the image. The system also includes a therapy module to control the probe to deliver, during a therapy session, a therapy to a treatment location based on a therapy parameter. The treatment location is within the treatment space defined by the user inputs.

Abstract translation: 提供超声成像和治疗系统，其包括超声探头和诊断模块，用于控制探针以从患者的兴趣区域（ROI）获得诊断超声信号。 ROI包括脂肪组织，诊断模块基于获得的超声信号产生ROI的诊断图像。 该系统还包括显示ROI的图像的显示器和用于接受用户输入的用户界面以指定对应于脂肪组织的ROI内的治疗空间。 显示屏将显示图像上的处理空间。 该系统还包括治疗模块，用于控制探针，以在治疗期间根据治疗参数将治疗递送到治疗位置。 治疗位置在由用户输入定义的治疗空间内。

公开(公告)号：US20090243436A1

公开(公告)日：2009-10-01

申请号：US12057733

申请日：2008-03-28

Applicant: Slawomir Rubinsztajn ,  Lowell Scott Smith ,  Charles Edward Baumgartner

Inventor： Slawomir Rubinsztajn ,  Lowell Scott Smith ,  Charles Edward Baumgartner

IPC: C08K3/22 ,  G10K11/30 ,  H01L41/08

CPC classification number: G10K11/30 ,  C08G77/04 ,  C08L83/04

Abstract: The present invention provides novel filled silicone compositions comprising a nano-particulate metal oxide filler selected from nano-particulate monoclinic alpha-phase bismuth oxide, nano-particulate erbium oxide, and mixtures thereof. The new composite compositions exhibit a combination of outstanding performance characteristics in both the cured and uncured states. Thus, the uncured formulations are typically free flowing liquids which are self-leveling, which de-gas readily under vacuum, are readily colorable through the addition of pigments, and which cure at temperatures of about 60° C. The cured compositions possess outstanding acoustic characteristics which make them ideally suited for use in applications such as acoustic lenses for medical imaging and therapy. For example, the acoustic impedance of compositions provided by the present invention is closely matched to the acoustic impedance of human tissue. This may result in an enhancement of ultrasound transmission efficiency between the lens of an ultrasound probe comprising such a composition and the patient.

Abstract translation: 本发明提供新型填充的硅氧烷组合物，其包含选自纳米颗粒单斜晶α-氧化铋，纳米颗粒铒氧化物及其混合物的纳米颗粒金属氧化物填料。 新的复合组合物在固化状态和未固化状态下显示出突出的性能特征的组合。 因此，未固化的制剂通常是自流平液体，其是自流平的，其在真空下容易地脱气，通过添加颜料容易着色，并且在约60℃的温度下固化。固化的组合物具有优异的声学 使其非常适合用于诸如用于医学成像和治疗的声学透镜的应用中。 例如，由本发明提供的组合物的声阻抗与人体组织的声阻抗紧密匹配。 这可能导致包括这种组合物的超声波探头的透镜与患者之间的超声传输效率的增强。

公开(公告)号：US07443765B2

公开(公告)日：2008-10-28

申请号：US11018238

申请日：2004-12-21

Applicant: Kai Erik Thomenius ,  Rayette Ann Fisher ,  Robert Gideon Wodnicki ,  Christopher Robert Hazard ,  Lowell Scott Smith ,  Bruno Hans Haider ,  Kenneth Wayne Rigby

Inventor： Kai Erik Thomenius ,  Rayette Ann Fisher ,  Robert Gideon Wodnicki ,  Christopher Robert Hazard ,  Lowell Scott Smith ,  Bruno Hans Haider ,  Kenneth Wayne Rigby

IPC: G10K11/00 ,  H04R17/00

CPC classification number: B06B1/0292 ,  A61B2562/028 ,  G01N29/0609 ,  G01N29/069 ,  G01N29/245 ,  G01N2291/0423 ,  G01N2291/106

Abstract: A reconfigurable linear array of sensors (e.g., optical, thermal, pressure, ultrasonic). The reconfigurability allows the size and spacing of the sensor elements to be a function of the distance from the beam center. This feature improves performance for imaging systems having a limited channel count. The improved performance, for applications in which multiple transmit focal zones are employed, arises from the ability to adjust the aperture for a particular depth.

Abstract translation: 传感器的可重构线性阵列（例如光学，热学，压力，超声波）。 可重新配置允许传感器元件的尺寸和间距是与梁中心距离的函数。 该功能提高了具有有限通道数的成像系统的性能。 对于使用多个透射聚焦区域的应用而言，改进的性能来自于为特定深度调整孔径的能力。

公开(公告)号：US07441321B2

公开(公告)日：2008-10-28

申请号：US10960871

申请日：2004-10-06

Applicant: Charles E. Baumgartner ,  David M. Mills ,  Robert S. Lewandowski ,  Lowell Scott Smith ,  Douglas G. Wildes

Inventor： Charles E. Baumgartner ,  David M. Mills ,  Robert S. Lewandowski ,  Lowell Scott Smith ,  Douglas G. Wildes

IPC: H04R31/00

CPC classification number: B06B1/0292 ,  B06B1/0685 ,  B06B1/0688 ,  G01H11/06 ,  Y10T29/49004 ,  Y10T29/49005 ,  Y10T29/4908

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer device comprising: an ultrasonic transducer array micromachined on a substrate; flexible electrical connections connected to the transducer array; and a body of acoustically attenuative material that supports the substrate and the flexible electrical connections. The acoustic backing material may contain additional features, such as tabs or notches, for use in positioning the transducer on fixtures during manufacturing or positioning the transducer within a housing during final assembly. Tabs or other features that are used only during manufacturing may be subsequently removed from the device. The MUT device itself may also be thinned so as to provide flexibility as desired. The backing material is preferably matched in acoustic impedance to the silicon wafer so as to prevent reflection at the interface of any acoustic energy propagating rearward, i.e., in the direction away from the device front surface. The backing material may also possess a high thermal conductivity to assist in removal of heat from the device.

Abstract translation: 一种超声波换能器装置，包括：微机械加工在基底上的超声换能器阵列; 连接到换能器阵列的柔性电连接; 以及支撑衬底和柔性电连接的声衰减材料体。 声学衬垫材料可以包含附加特征，例如突片或凹口，用于在最终组装期间制造或将换能器定位在壳体内时将换能器定位在固定装置上。 仅在制造期间使用的标签或其它特征可随后从装置中移除。 MUT设备本身也可以被减薄，以便根据需要提供灵活性。 背衬材料优选地与硅晶片的声阻抗匹配，以便防止在向后传播的任何声能的界面处的反射，即远离器件前表面的方向上的反射。 背衬材料还可以具有高热导率以帮助从装置移除热量。

公开(公告)号：US20080146924A1

公开(公告)日：2008-06-19

申请号：US11639891

申请日：2006-12-15

Applicant: Lowell Scott Smith ,  Robert Stephen Lewandowski ,  Bruno Hans Haider ,  Charles Edward Baumgartner ,  George Charles Sogoian ,  Christopher Stephen Yetter ,  Douglas Glenn Wildes ,  Stephen Royal Kaiser ,  Svein Bergstoel ,  Reinhold Bruestle ,  Tunc Icoz ,  Steinar Bjaerum ,  Chester Frank Saj

Inventor： Lowell Scott Smith ,  Robert Stephen Lewandowski ,  Bruno Hans Haider ,  Charles Edward Baumgartner ,  George Charles Sogoian ,  Christopher Stephen Yetter ,  Douglas Glenn Wildes ,  Stephen Royal Kaiser ,  Svein Bergstoel ,  Reinhold Bruestle ,  Tunc Icoz ,  Steinar Bjaerum ,  Chester Frank Saj

IPC: A61B8/00 ,  A61H1/00

CPC classification number: G01S7/52079 ,  G01S7/52017 ,  G10K11/004

Abstract: An ultrasound system is provided for imaging an object. The ultrasound system includes an ultrasound probe for acquiring ultrasound data and a cooling subsystem for actively removing heat from the ultrasound probe. The cooling subsystem includes a pump disposed within a reservoir containing a coolant and configured to circulate the coolant through the ultrasound probe via a conduit.

Abstract translation: 提供用于对物体成像的超声系统。 超声波系统包括用于获取超声数据的超声波探头和用于主动地从超声波探头去除热量的冷却子系统。 冷却子系统包括设置在容纳冷却剂的储存器内的泵，并且构造成通过导管使冷却剂循环通过超声波探头。

公开(公告)号：US07037746B1

公开(公告)日：2006-05-02

申请号：US11023252

申请日：2004-12-27

Applicant: Lowell Scott Smith ,  David Martin Mills ,  Jeffrey Bernard Fortin ,  Wei-Cheng Tian ,  John Robert Logan

Inventor： Lowell Scott Smith ,  David Martin Mills ,  Jeffrey Bernard Fortin ,  Wei-Cheng Tian ,  John Robert Logan

IPC: H01L21/00

CPC classification number: B06B1/0292

Abstract: A capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducer (cMUT) cell is presented. The cMUT cell includes a lower electrode. Furthermore, the cMUT cell includes a diaphragm disposed adjacent to the lower electrode such that a gap having a first gap width is formed between the diaphragm and the lower electrode, wherein the diaphragm comprises one of a first epitaxial layer or a first polysilicon layer. In addition, a stress reducing material is disposed in the first epitaxial layer.

公开(公告)号：US6087761A

公开(公告)日：2000-07-11

申请号：US157295

申请日：1998-09-18

Applicant: Peter William Lorraine ,  Lowell Scott Smith

Inventor： Peter William Lorraine ,  Lowell Scott Smith

IPC: B06B1/06 ,  G10K11/00 ,  H01L41/18

CPC classification number: G10K11/002 ,  B06B1/0622 ,  B06B1/0629 ,  Y10T29/42 ,  Y10T29/49005 ,  Y10T29/49007 ,  Y10T29/4908 ,  Y10T29/49155 ,  Y10T29/49165 ,  Y10T29/49792

Abstract: The present invention discloses an ultrasonic phased array transducer with an ultralow backfill and a method for making. The ultrasonic phased array includes a low density backfill material having an ultralow acoustic impedance. The backfill material is either an aerogel, a carbon aerogel, an xerogel, or a carbon xerogel. A piezoelectric ceramic material and two matching layers are bonded to the backfill material. In one embodiment, a plurality of interconnect vias are formed in the backfill material with conducting material deposited in the vias. A portion of the bonded matching layers, the piezoelectric ceramic material, and the backfill material have isolation cuts therethrough to form an array of electrically and acoustically isolated individual elements. In a second embodiment, the backfill material is bonded to an electronic layer at a face opposite to the piezoelectric ceramic material and the matching layers. Then isolation cuts are made through the matching layers, the piezoelectric ceramic material, and the backfill material, to form an array of electrically and acoustically isolated individual elements.

Abstract translation: 本发明公开了一种具有超低回填的超声波相控阵变换器及其制造方法。 超声相控阵列包括具有超低声阻抗的低密度回填材料。 回填材料是气凝胶，碳气凝胶，干凝胶或碳干凝胶。 将压电陶瓷材料和两个匹配层结合到回填材料上。 在一个实施例中，在回填材料中形成多个互连通孔，导电材料沉积在通孔中。 粘合匹配层，压电陶瓷材料和回填材料的一部分具有穿过其的隔离切口，以形成电隔离和声隔离的各个元件阵列。 在第二实施例中，回填材料在与压电陶瓷材料和匹配层相对的面处结合到电子层。 然后通过匹配层，压电陶瓷材料和回填材料进行隔离切割，以形成电隔离和声隔离的各个元件的阵列。

公开(公告)号：US5722137A

公开(公告)日：1998-03-03

申请号：US660825

申请日：1996-06-10

Applicant: Peter William Lorraine ,  Lowell Scott Smith

Inventor： Peter William Lorraine ,  Lowell Scott Smith

IPC: B06B1/06 ,  H05K3/10 ,  H05K3/36 ,  H04R17/00

CPC classification number: B06B1/0622 ,  H01R12/62 ,  H05K3/107 ,  H05K3/361 ,  Y10T29/42

Abstract: The present invention discloses a high density interconnect for an ultrasonic phased array and method for making. The high density interconnect includes a backfill material having grooves formed therein. Each of the grooves are separated a predetermined distance from each other and have a predetermined groove depth. A conducting material is deposited in each of the grooves. The grooved backfill is cut or formed into sections having different lengths. The sections are then reconsolidated into an unitary structure, wherein one end of the structure is electrically conductive in one direction. One surface of the high density interconnect is metallized for bonding with an ultrasonic phased array transducer while the other side is patterned with solder bumps for connection to integrated circuit boards or flexible circuit boards.

Abstract translation: 本发明公开了一种用于超声相控阵列的高密度互连及其制造方法。 高密度互连包括在其中形成有凹槽的回填材料。 每个槽彼此隔开预定的距离并且具有预定的凹槽深度。 导电材料沉积在每个凹槽中。 开槽的回填物被切割或形成具有不同长度的部分。 然后将这些部分重新整合为单一结构，其中该结构的一端在一个方向上是导电的。 高密度互连的一个表面被金属化用于与超声相控阵转换器接合，而另一侧用焊料凸块图案化以连接到集成电路板或柔性电路板。