Patent ID: 6137209
Filing Date: 2000-10-24
Classification: A61B,B06B,G10K

Abstract:
A method for improving the output of an ultrasonic transducer, the transducer being of the type employing at least two piezoelectric elements wherein the piezoelectric elements are stacked serially and an alternating voltage is applied to the opposing surfaces of the elements for that purpose of causing them to change their dimensions in response thereto, and the transducer further being of the type with the piezoelectric elements encased in a fluidum-tight casing and still further the transducer through its casing is provided with at least one inlet conduit for supplying a gas and at least one outlet conduit for discharging the gas,the method comprising the steps of:providing a gas conducting means between at least one pair of adjacent piezoelectric elements for cooling the piezoelectric elements, said gas conducting means provided with at least one channel providing a gas flow path through the gas conducting means, and said conducting means being so arranged that the inlet conduit is in flow communication with the inlet of said channel and the outlet of said channel is in flow communications with the outlet conduit;selecting and providing a cooling gas;forcing said cooling gas into the inlet conduit, thereby urging it to flow through said gas conducting means for cooling of the adjacent piezoelectric elements whereby the temperature of said cooling gas is raised, and discharging said cooling gas of elevated temperature through the outlet conduit.