Patent ID: 8084923
Filing Date: 2011-12-27
Classification: A61B,B06B,G10K,H01L,H04R,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An ultrasound imaging transducer comprising: an array of electro-acoustic elements; a backing block with a planar, non-recessed distal surface on which the array is mounted; for each electro-acoustic element, an area of electrically conductive material on a corresponding portion of a contact surface of the backing block and in electrical contact with the electro-acoustic element; a substantially rigid printed circuit board (PCB) secured to the backing block and extending in a longitudinal direction substantially perpendicular to the contact surface; for each electro-acoustic element, at least one electrically conductive trace on the circuit board and in electrical contact with the corresponding contact surface portion and thereby with the electro-acoustic element, a solder-free electrical signal path thereby being formed through the trace to the electro-acoustic element metallic members mounted on opposing side surfaces of the backing block, each extending in a longitudinal direction at least as far distally as a distal surface of the electro-acoustic elements and forming a common electrical ground contact and a thermal path to an external heat sink.