Patent ID: 9237880
Filing Date: 2016-01-19
CPC Classification: A61B,B06B,G10K

Claim Text:
1. An ultrasonic transducer array assembly comprising: an array of transducer elements configured to transmit ultrasound ultrasonic waves in a forward desired direction and a rearward undesired ultrasonic emission direction; a composite backing block, located rearward of the array of transducer elements, the composite backing block comprising a backing block material comprising graphite having crystals that are aligned so as to conduct heat away from the array of transducer elements in a Z-axis direction that is normal to a rear surface of the array and spanning a depth of the composite backing block; and a composite structure comprising acoustic dampening members located in the composite backing block, wherein the acoustic damping members are located in the composite backing block such that all or substantially all ultrasonic emissions in the rearward direction intersect at least a portion of the acoustic dampening members, and wherein the acoustic damping members comprise a plurality of cylinders filled with acoustic dampening material, oriented at a non-parallel angle in relation to the Z-axis direction, and spanning the depth of the composite backing block.