Patent ID: 8246545
Filing Date: 2012-08-21
Classification: A61B,B06B,G01S

Abstract:
1. A phased array ultrasound transducer comprising: a plurality of independently excitable elements that are arranged in a row in the azimuthal direction, configured so that azimuthal aiming of an outgoing ultrasound beam is controlled by timing the excitation of the elements, wherein the height of the elements in the elevation direction is at least as large as the width of the row of elements in the azimuthal direction, wherein each of the elements comprises at least three subelements that are stacked in the elevation direction, with all the subelements of any given element having signal lines that are hard-wired together in parallel, and wherein all the subelements of any given element are positioned at about the same distance from a substantially rod-shaped real focal region located in front of the transducer.