Patent ID: 6186610
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
An imaging apparatus, comprising:(a) a transducer defining a chamber therein, said transducer capable of inducing a first pressure wave in the chamber, the first pressure wave having a reflected portion;(b) a waveform generator connected to said transducer for supplying a first voltage waveform to said transducer, so that said transducer induces the first pressure wave in the chamber;(c) a deflectable sensor coupled to the chamber for sensing the reflected portion and connected to said transducer for actuating said transducer and generating a second voltage waveform in response to the reflected portion sensed thereby;(d) a feedback circuit connected to said sensor for receiving the second voltage waveform generated by said sensor and for converting the second voltage waveform to a third voltage waveform, said feedback circuit connected to said transducer for supplying the third voltage waveform to said transducer, so that said transducer controllably actuates in response to the third voltage waveform supplied thereto for inducing a second pressure wave in the fluid body in response to deflection of said sensor, in order to suppress the reflected portion; and(e) a switch capable of switching between a first operating mode and a second operating mode, said switch connecting said waveform generator to said transducer while switched to the first operating mode and connecting said sensor and said feedback circuit to said transducer while switched to the second operating mode.