78 results about "Acoustic coupler" patented technology

Disclosed herein are methods, devices, compositions, and systems for providing an interface between medical instrumentation and a patient. In various embodiments, the interface provides a sterile barrier, acoustic coupler, and thermal insulator between the patient and a medical instrument. In some embodiments, an acoustic coupler interface is used between an ultrasound instrument and a patient. In some embodiments, the acoustic coupler comprises a thermoplastic elastomer (“TPE”) and in particular oil-enhanced or gelatinous TPEs that can be used in diagnostic and therapeutic (HIFU) ultrasound procedures.

A method of treating a perforator vein comprises applying ultrasound to the perforator vein and occluding the perforator vein with the ultrasound. An apparatus for treating blood vessels comprises an ultrasound emitter, wherein the ultrasound emitter is configured to emit ultrasound at multiple therapeutic ultrasound frequencies during a treatment cycle. The apparatus further comprises an acoustic coupler in sonic communication with the emitter, wherein the acoustic coupler has an acoustic coupling surface configured to contact a patient and facilitate delivery of ultrasound to the patient and wherein the acoustic coupler provides a conduction path for ultrasound from the emitter to the acoustic coupling surface. The apparatus further comprises an acoustic coupler containing a displaceable acoustic coupling material. The apparatus further comprises an acoustic coupler configured to vary the length of the conduction path in accordance with variation in the thickness of the acoustic coupling material disposed between the emitter and the acoustic coupling surface.

An acoustic coupler adapted for use with an intracanal receiver module can be deeply inserted into the ear canal of the user while making minimal contact with the walls of the ear canal. The minimal contact feature of the invention allows the acoustic coupler to seal the ear canal acoustically and anchor a hearing device at an optimal depth within the ear canal, while maximizing the user's comfort. The acoustic coupler is manufactured from a soft, pliable elastomer that allows it to conform readily to the shape of the ear canal. The acoustic coupler incorporates structural supports that allow the coupler to maintain an acoustical seal and withstand the inward pressure of the ear canal wall while making minimal contact with the ear canal. The invention incorporates a cerumen-protecting feature that prevents damage to a hearing device from infiltration of earwax into the sound port of the receiver. A vent pathway for control of occlusion effects is also provided. A user-friendly, attachment mechanism incorporating a snap-on, twist-off feature allows the acoustic coupler to concentrically surround the receiver module within the ear canal in a space-efficient manner.

Embodiments of the acoustic galvanic isolator comprise a carrier signal source, a modulator connected to receive an information signal and the carrier signal, a demodulator, and an electrically-isolating acoustic coupler connected between the modulator and the demodulator. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrically-isolating acoustic coupler comprises film bulk acoustic resonators (FBARs). An electrically-isolating acoustic coupler is physically small and is inexpensive to fabricate yet is capable of passing information signals having data rates in excess of 100 Mbit / s and has a substantial breakdown voltage between its inputs and its outputs.

Embodiments of the acoustic galvanic isolator comprise a carrier signal source, a modulator connected to receive an information signal and the carrier signal, a demodulator, and an electrically-isolating acoustic coupler connected between the modulator and the demodulator. The acoustic coupler comprises no more than one decoupled stacked bulk acoustic resonator (IDSBAR). An electrically-isolating acoustic coupler based on a single IDSBAR is physically small and is inexpensive to fabricate yet is capable of passing information signals having data rates in excess of 100 Mbit / s and has a substantial breakdown voltage between its inputs and its outputs.

Embodiments of the acoustic galvanic isolator comprise a carrier signal source, a modulator connected to receive an information signal and the carrier signal, a demodulator, and, connected between the modulator and the demodulator, an electrically-isolating acoustic coupler comprising an electrically-isolating film acoustically-coupled transformer (FACT).

Embodiments of the acoustic galvanic isolator comprise a carrier signal source, a modulator connected to receive an information signal and the carrier signal, a demodulator, and an electrically-isolating acoustic coupler connected between the modulator and the demodulator. The acoustic coupler comprises no more than one decoupled stacked bulk acoustic resonator (IDSBAR). An electrically-isolating acoustic coupler based on a single IDSBAR is physically small and is inexpensive to fabricate yet is capable of passing information signals having data rates in excess of 100 Mbit / s and has a substantial breakdown voltage between its inputs and its outputs.

A single port multi-resonator acoustic resonator device (200, 300, 400, 490) possesses an input impedance that exhibits precisely designed electrical resonances. The device contains at least three parts: a transducer / resonator (201, 301, 401. 491) used both to interface to an external electrical circuit and to transform electrical energy into mechanical (i.e. acoustic) vibrations (and vice versa), and also function as a resonator; a mechanical (i.e. acoustic) resonator (203, 303, 460, 480) and an acoustic coupler (202, 302, 404, 494) that controls the acoustic interaction between the transducer / resonator and the mechanical resonator.

A wireless air tube headset that includes a wireless transceiver operating in a radio frequency band, which wireless receives audio signals. The headset includes an acoustic chamber with an acoustic port through to the exterior thereof, and an acoustic transducer that is electrically coupled to the transceiver, and that operates to generate acoustic signals. The acoustic transducer is aligned with the acoustic chamber to emit the acoustic signals through the acoustic port. There is an acoustic isolator disposed to attenuate extraneous acoustic signals emitted from the acoustic transducer and also to attenuate ambient noise entry into the acoustic chamber. An acoustic conduit is formed from an electrically non-conductive material, and has a first opening engaged with the acoustic port and a second opening engaged with an acoustic coupler, which has a first earpiece engagement means. An earpiece is engaged to the first earpiece engagement means, and thereby forms an electrically non-conductive acoustic path from the acoustic transducer to the earpiece. The acoustic path has a length to enable displacement of the transceiver and the acoustic transducer from the earpiece at a distance sufficient to yield at least a six decibel radio signal propagation power loss at the radio frequency band.

A device, system, and methods of use for wireless transmission of a detected parameter obtained from inside a wellbore is disclosed. The wireless device comprises an acoustic wireless transceiver and a selectively expandable acoustic coupler operatively in communication with the acoustic wireless transceiver, the acoustic coupler adapted to physically couple the acoustic wireless transceiver with an interior of a tubular and acoustically transmit and / or receive data. The wireless monitoring device is deployed through a tubular to a predetermined position within the tubular, a predetermined portion physically coupled to the tubular once the monitoring device reaches the predetermined position, and data transmission acoustically coupled between the monitoring device and a remote receiver through the tubular. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of meaning of the claims.

Embodiments of the acoustic galvanic isolator comprise a carrier signal source, a modulator connected to receive an information signal and the carrier signal, a demodulator, and, connected between the modulator and the demodulator, an electrically-isolating acoustic coupler comprising an electrically-isolating film acoustically-coupled transformer (FACT).

A circuit breaker detects a loose electrical connection condition of a power circuit. The circuit breaker includes first and second lugs, first and second acoustic couplers acoustically coupled to the power circuit, separable contacts electrically connected in series between the first and second lugs, and an operating mechanism adapted to open and close the contacts. An acoustic generator is coupled to the second acoustic coupler and generates a first acoustic signal to the power circuit from the second acoustic coupler. An acoustic sensor is coupled to the first acoustic coupler and has a second acoustic signal which is operatively associated with the loose electrical connection condition. The acoustic sensor outputs a sensed acoustic signal. A circuit cooperates with the acoustic generator to generate the first acoustic signal, input the sensed acoustic signal, and detect the loose electrical connection condition therefrom.

A circuit breaker detects a loose electrical connection condition of a power circuit. The circuit breaker includes first and second lugs, first and second acoustic couplers acoustically coupled to the power circuit, separable contacts electrically connected in series between the first and second lugs, and an operating mechanism adapted to open and close the contacts. An acoustic generator is coupled to the second acoustic coupler and generates a first acoustic signal to the power circuit from the second acoustic coupler. An acoustic sensor is coupled to the first acoustic coupler and has a second acoustic signal which is operatively associated with the loose electrical connection condition. The acoustic sensor outputs a sensed acoustic signal. A circuit cooperates with the acoustic generator to generate the first acoustic signal, input the sensed acoustic signal, and detect the loose electrical connection condition therefrom.

In one aspect of the present invention, a method of manufacturing an acoustically coupled device includes the steps of providing a substrate; forming a sacrificial layer in or on a selected portion of the substrate; forming a first resonator on the sacrificial layer such that the first resonator has an edge portion extending onto the substrate; trimming the first resonator to a targeted frequency value within a desired tolerance; forming an acoustic decoupler on the first resonator; forming a second resonator on the acoustic decoupler; removing the sacrificial layer to form an air cavity beneath the bottom surface of the first resonator; and trimming the second resonator to achieve a desired device performance.

A handheld ultrasound device and corresponding methods used for rejuvenating the vulvovaginal area of the user. In general, the handheld ultrasound devices include a device body coupled to an acoustic coupler and a handle. The device body further includes internal components including an ultrasound transducer, an energy delivery element, and circuitry for controlling the ultrasound output. The methods of using the handheld ultrasound device include engaging the tissue in and around the vulvovaginal area with the energy delivery element, applying ultrasound energy to the vulvovaginal tissue from the energy delivery element and through the acoustic coupler, and affecting a measurable parameter associated with vulvovaginal rejuvenation.

Embodiments of the acoustic galvanic isolator comprise a carrier signal source, a modulator connected to receive an information signal and the carrier signal, a demodulator, and an electrically-isolating acoustic coupler connected between the modulator and the demodulator. The electrically-isolating acoustic coupler comprises series-connected decoupled stacked bulk acoustic resonators (DSBARs).

A single port multi-resonator acoustic resonator device (200, 300, 400, 490) possesses an input impedance that exhibits precisely designed electrical resonances. The device contains at least three parts: a transducer / resonator (201, 301, 401. 491) used both to interface to an external electrical circuit and to transform electrical energy into mechanical (i.e. acoustic) vibrations (and vice versa), and also function as a resonator; a mechanical (i.e. acoustic) resonator (203, 303, 460, 480) and an acoustic coupler (202, 302, 404, 494) that controls the acoustic interaction between the transducer / resonator and the mechanical resonator.

The present invention relates to a transducer unit for an ultrasonic breast imaging system, in which an acoustic coupler is employed which comprises a frame in which a transducer is mounted. The frame is open at one end, and a surface of the transducer is exposed at the open end. The frame and exposed transducer surface are put under compression against the surface of a compression plate with a gasket, or similar, providing a fluid-tight seal therebetween. A thin layer of acoustic couplant is provided between the transducer surface and the compression plate. The frame defines a chamber around the nonexposed surface of the transducer, the chamber housing an acoustic couplant.

A cleaning tool facilitating removal of particles from a surface is provided which includes an acoustic wave generator and one or more light-emitting diodes. The acoustic wave generator, which is configured to direct acoustic waves towards the surface to be cleaned, may include an acoustic transducer that facilitates generating the acoustic waves, and an acoustic coupler substrate through which the acoustic waves propagate. The light-emitting diode(s), which is configured to direct light towards the surface to be cleaned, is coupled to the acoustic coupler substrate of the acoustic wave generator. The acoustic wave generator and the light-emitting diode(s) are spaced from the surface to be cleaned, and are configured to selectively concurrently direct overlapping, at least partially, acoustic waves and light energy towards the surface to facilitate removal of particles by breaking bonds between the particles and the surface.

The present invention relates to a transducer unit for an ultrasonic breast imaging system, in which an acoustic coupler is employed which comprises a frame in which a transducer is mounted. The frame is open at one end, and a surface of the transducer is exposed at the open end. The frame and exposed transducer surface are put under compression against the surface of a compression plate with a gasket, or similar, providing a fluid-tight seal therebetween. A thin layer of acoustic couplant is provided between the transducer surface and the compression plate. The frame defines a chamber around the nonexposed surface of the transducer, the chamber housing an acoustic couplant.

An apparatus examines the internal structure of an object disposed substantially in a medium such as air, which essentially totally reflects acoustic signals in the 1-200 MHz frequency range. The apparatus has an acoustic transducer that emits and receives acoustic signals in the 1-200 MHz frequency range and an acoustic coupler that acoustically couples the acoustic transducer to the object. The acoustic coupler is adapted to essentially retain a body of fluid such as water between a section of the surface of the object and the acoustic transducer. The fluid carries acoustic signals in the 1-200 MHz frequency range between the acoustic transducer and the object.

Systems and methods are provided facilitating a steaming fluid flow utilizing acoustic waves. A system includes an acoustic wave generator and an acoustic coupler associated with the acoustic wave generator and coupling acoustic waves generated by the acoustic wave generator into a fluid. The acoustic coupler includes one or more acoustic coupling lenses, which direct the acoustic waves into the fluid and facilitate, at least in part, a streaming fluid flow in a common direction. In an enhanced embodiment, the common flow direction is at an angle to a direction acoustic waves are generated, and the acoustic coupling lens(es), in directing the acoustic waves into the fluid, redirects the acoustic waves from the direction of acoustic wave generation. The acoustic wave generator generates the acoustic waves in the megahertz or gigahertz range, for example, with a frequency of 20 MHz or higher.

A method and system for enhancing communications, such as those involving a two-way radio, are disclosed. More particularly, an acoustic coupler can comprise an output port configured to attach to an earpiece and a plurality of input ports in acoustic communication with the output port. Each of the input ports can facilitate communication from a different audio device to the user. For example, one input port can receive voice communications from a two-way radio, another input port can receive voice communications from a cellular telephone, and another input port can receive music from a music player. In this manner, a user can listen to multiple audio devices without reconfiguring an earpiece that is used for such listening.

Embodiments of the acoustic galvanic isolator comprise a carrier signal source, a modulator connected to receive an information signal and the carrier signal, a demodulator, and an electrically-isolating acoustic coupler connected between the modulator and the demodulator. The acoustic coupler comprises no more than one decoupled stacked bulk acoustic resonator (DSBAR). An electrically-isolating acoustic coupler based on a single DSBAR is physically small and is inexpensive to fabricate yet is capable of passing information signals having data rates in excess of 100 Mbit / s and has a substantial breakdown voltage between its inputs and its outputs.

Examples of the present invention include unreleased coupled multi-cavity resonators and transmission filters. In some examples, the resonators include resonant cavities coupled by acoustic couplers (ABGCs) and acoustic reflectors (ABRs). These acoustic components enable improved confinement of acoustic modes within the resonator to increase the quality factor (Q) and lower the motional resistance (Rx). A coupled resonator with 5 cavities coupled by 4 ABGCs can achieve a Q of 1095 while a single-cavity resonator of the same device size has a Q of 760. In some examples, the devices can be configured to work as electronic transmission filters in at least two types of filter configurations. In the transmission line filter configuration, the device can include a filter structure in an arrangement (LH)N H (LH)N, defined as a Fabry-Perot Resonator (FPR). In the multi-pole filter configuration, the device can include a filter structure in an arrangement similar to the multi-cavity resonator design.

The invention relates to an integration scanning head for optics, ultrasonic and opto-acoustic multi-mode microscopic imaging; a two-dimension motor scanning platform driving a pinboard to move, the pinboard, a transfer tube, a screwed tube, and an integrated detector are fixedly connected in sequence; a single-mode fiber arranged on the top of a fiber coupling collimator, the fiber coupling collimator arranged on the top of the screwed tube, and the integrated detector arranged on the bottom of the screwed tube are coaxially arranged in sequence in an axial direction of the transfer tube; an opto-acoustic coupler arranged on the bottom of the scanning head surrounds a portion, exposed outside the bottom of the scanning head, of the integrated detector; the integrated detector is connected with a signal amplifier; a portion of an internal focusing optics camera arranged on the bottom of a housing is exposed outside the housing; a control button controlling the scanning head the move and collect data is arranged on the housing. The integration scanning head can obtain multi-parameter physics information and multi-scale composition images of a detected portion, and belongs to the microscopic imaging and nondestructive test technical field.

An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus is provided which includes an ultrasound probe performing ultrasound transmission and reception in different directions and a diagnostic apparatus body combining images different in the direction of transmission and reception to produce an ultrasound image. At least one of ultrasound images to be combined is changed depending on the set region of interest (ROI) to an image of the depth corresponding to the ROI. When an acoustic coupler is attached, the depth of at least one of ultrasound images to be combined is increased. The ultrasound diagnostic apparatus is capable of improving the image quality of the ROI and obtaining efficient high-definition ultrasound images reaching a predetermined depth when the acoustic coupler is attached.

The present disclosure relates to a method and system for determining the sensitivity of a first microphone, the method comprising providing an acoustic coupler having at least one internal cavity configured such that a sound field can be generated within the cavity, the cavity being further in acoustic communication with a reference microphone configured to measure the reference sound pressure at a given position in said cavity, the cavity being further provided with an inlet opening configured to establish acoustic communication between the sound inlet of said first microphone, the sensitivity of which is to be determined.

A surgical cassette have a rigid fluid channel formed into a rigid plastic component or housing. The housing serves as a substrate for an elastomeric acoustic coupling that can be formed on the housing outside of the fluid channel by an over molding process. Such a construction method eliminates the need for adhesives to attach the elastomeric acoustic coupling to the housing and ensures the removal of any air from between the elastomeric acoustic coupling and the housing.