CN108024784A - For detecting sensor, transducer gasket and the sensor array of infrasonic sound acoustic signal - Google Patents

Abstract

Provide sensor, transducer gasket and the sensor array for detecting the infrasonic sound acoustic signal in organism.Sensor, transducer gasket and/or array can be used for detecting, determine and/or diagnosing narrow, the inaccessible or aneurysmal rank in artery, or other similar diagnosis.Sensor may include the unique circuit for the piezoelectric board or element versions being clipped between two conductive O-rings.

Description

For detecting sensor, transducer gasket and the sensor array of infrasonic sound acoustic signal

Cross reference to related applications

This application claims the rights and interests for the U.S. non-provisional application the 14/803rd, 389 submitted on July 20th, 2015, its Related content is incorporated herein by reference.

The research or development of federation's patronage

N/A

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to the infrasound sensor for being maintained at multiple sensors in setting structure, transducer gasket And sensor array.For example, sensor, pad and/or array can be used for its to blood flow and in low-down hertz level He carries out non-intrusion type sensing and record by coherent signal.The information sensed can be used for narrow, the inaccessible or artery of detection artery The rank of knurl (if any) and the diagnosis of other relevant organisms.

Background technology

The infrasonic sound acoustic signal that organism produces can be used for some situations or disease of detect and diagnose organism.It is specific and Say, the blood flow in organism causes infrasonic sound acoustic signal (for example, vibration by arterial wall or wall of vein), which can Narrow, inaccessible or aneurysm in the organism artery and/or vein of energy degree.

U.S. Patent number 7,621,875 describes a kind of infrasonic sound acoustic signal using sensing to detect the side of arterial disease Method.As described therein, the infrasound signals sensed are analyzed by computer or other similar devices to generate frequency and related life The complex frequency grid of phase.The peak value for providing and being attributed to internal boundary perturbation disturbs acoustical signal (with early stage arterial disease one Rise and occur) prediction model of relevant complex frequency.Additionally provide and be attributed to the linear perturbation acoustical signal of internal boundary perturbation The prediction model of (occurring with together with late arterial disease) relevant complex frequency.It is then determined that the peak with the presence or absence of prediction model Value and/or line disturb acoustical signal to detect whether subject suffers from arterial disease.

The known transducers harmony that U.S. Patent number 5,853,005 discloses for sensing the acoustical signal in organism serves as a contrast Pad.U.S. Patent number 5,853, the equipment shown in 005 are difficult to be utilized, and can produce signal noise and/or spike, this It is probably destructive in appropriate analysis.

Rapidly and easily equipment is set in case of emergency may be used to sense any acoustical signal of appropriate position on object Can be vital.Under nonemergency, ease for use is also important because it make medical technician (or Possible patient) management it can perform the operation and use equipment in the case where doctor is not required.

The present invention provides a kind of improved sensor, transducer gasket and sensor for being used to sense infrasonic sound acoustic signal Array.

The content of the invention

The system includes sensor, transducer gasket and sensor array (keeping multiple sensors), for passive detection The infrasonic sound acoustic signal that organism produces.In one embodiment, these components are explained from sensor array with having Touch panel PC (that is, the main computation unit) combinations of the application of voice signal (sound signature), and analyze sound spy Frequency spectrum seek peace to determine or define seriousness that is endarterial narrow or narrowing, occlusion, 100% closure or aneurysm.At one In embodiment, sensor array is designed to detect the occlusion in arteria carotis.

Sensor array is super-sensitive sound capture device, it can be received<It is passive in the frequency range of 1-20hz The sound wave of the body interior of flowing.Sensor array is adjustably constructed to explain the anatomical discrepancies between individual, with filtering External noise simultaneously amplifies the voice signal passively launched from body.According to an embodiment, sensor array and in PC or master The software that is run on computing unit or application cooperation, while from the heart immediately below the right side of neck and left carotid artery and breastbone Three readings are taken at the same time, calibrate voice signal, filtering, then digitalized data is analyzed.Shielded cable transfers signals to Main computation unit.Sensor array is adjustably designed to be adapted to any adult, and is held and tested by patient.Test When in progress, blood circulation is not influenced.Most of all, the system is designed to a non-radiative (non- Emitting), the Passive Test of Noninvasive, and be configured such that anyone all can be not required certification in the case of into Row test.

Using some algorithms, such as U.S. Patent number 7, those algorithms disclosed in 621,875, or other similar calculations Method, can be identified heart contraction event, calibration signal, be analyzed and believed using low frequency (frequency spectrum) method using this component in systems Number, and assess narrow, inaccessible in each arteria carotis or aneurysmal scope.System first passes around a series of calibration steps, with biography Sensor array is used cooperatively, it is ensured that signal is properly received, and the signal from two arteria carotis and heart is associated, and identifies Indices of Systolic Time, the cycle of most fast fluid flowing.Once signal is recorded, system prepare processing digital signal data with into Line frequency spectrum analysis.Using signal characteristic, statistical analysis is carried out for multiple parameters, with to each intracarotid stenosis, Occlusion or aneurysm are classified.A report can be presented in output, and this report represents indicator to fixed with heart contraction event The blocking ranges of carotid endarterectomy experiment cooperative groups (Nascet) classification of justice.

According to an embodiment, sensor array includes three sensors, and two of which is located near arteria carotis, another It is a to be located under breastbone.The array is included with three branched structures for being used to keep sensor.Liang Ge branches above or arm spirit The 3rd branch or pedestal are connected to livingly, to allow adjustment sensor various sizes of each sensor to be appropriately positioned in On the arteria carotis of body.In this respect, Liang Ge branches above inwardly bias, and can be bent outwardly/flexing to appropriate position. In order to adapt to the object of different height, extra modification can be carried out to allow to adjust lower sensor relative to upper sensor (for example, flexible or other extensible parts or arrangement are set in lower leg and/or top Liang Ge branches).

Sensor in array is designed for easy to replace.Each sensor includes one between two conductive O-rings A dish type circuit.Each sensor further includes pouch-type gel bag or pad, or solid gel bag or pad.Pad is used to contact body Body.Pad is all disposable after each, and sensor needs replacing after about 50-100 times use.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a kind of sensor for being used to for infrasonic sound acoustic signal to be transferred to sensor Pad.Transducer gasket includes the bottom wall with the flat circular surface for being used to contact with piezoelectric element.Pad further includes connection To the contact portion of bottom wall.Contact portion, which has from bottom wall, extends up to the preceding circumferential side wall to contact surface.

In addition, contact portion includes the first outside sunk area, depression or recess are formed in contact portion.Outwards depression Region can the forward direction of contact portion contact surface on.In such configuration, edge is formed in around recess, and is typically The Part I of the pad contacted during use with body.

Pad is formed by the soft material with low durometer.The pad be configured to allow for pad in material with such as Flowed into during the surface contact of body in the first outside sunk area.By making material be flowed in the region, from initial contact Pressure will not make material be pressed against the bottom wall for being connected to sensor.

In one embodiment, pad is formed liquid filling baggy fabric.Pad includes form bottom wall first and connects Second of first is connected to, forms the outer wall of contact portion.Liquid is located at the inside of the sack formed by two panels.Sheet material can be with It is vinyl film or other similar materials, liquid internal can be liquid silicon.

Transducer gasket may also include the marginal portion around bottom wall, which extends radially outward by connecing The side wall of contact portion point.Transducer gasket can only be formed as an outside concave region, or can include in contact portion Two or the 3rd outside concave region.In fact, it can have multiple recesses in contact portion.In addition, such region can shape Into in the contact surface of pad and/or side wall.

In a single embodiment, pad completely by partially solidified gel or liquid (such as Silica hydrogel) shape Into.The bottom wall of pad or surface are preferably viscosity, can adhere on sensor element.In a preferable embodiment party In formula, gel or the liquid generation of solidification provide the homogeneous material of impedance matching.

According to further embodiment, there is provided a kind of disposable sensing for being used to for acoustical signal to be transferred to sensor from body Device pads.Pad includes the disk of low durometer material, it has the upper contact part point for being used to contact body.Upper contact part subpackage Include circumferential side wall and rounded upper surface.Upper contact part point further includes the depression of no material.Pad further comprises bottom, the bottom Portion has the flat circular surface for feeler element for being connected to upper contact part point.Depression can be contact portion The first outside concave region in forward surface.

Disk can be formed by the two panels vinyl film filled with silicon liquid.Alternately, disk can be by partially solidified silicon Gel-forming.Edge can radially circumference extends from the side wall of contact portion.

According to another implementation of the invention, there is provided a kind of sensor box for being used to sense acoustical signal.Sensor Box includes the housing with internal chamber and circular open.The piezoelectricity member of disc format with the first side and the second opposite side Part is contained in the internal chamber of housing and is aligned with circular open.Piezoelectric element include have ceramic material (contact plate Side) metallic plate.

First o-ring is positioned on the first side of piezoelectric element and is in contact with it, and the second O-ring is positioned at piezoelectricity member On second side of part and it is in contact with it, so that piezoelectric element is maintained between O-ring.One or two O-ring can be led Electricity and including conductive material.One example of conductive material is metallization rubber.First conductive contact element can be embedded in or Housing is otherwise connected to, and is electronically coupled to first o-ring, is used for transmission the signal produced by piezoelectric element.The Two contact elements can be used for the second O-ring.

Housing may include the first upper shell part for being connected to second lower house part.Each part also can be by one or more A component is formed.Preferably, housing parts have the circular top view construction centered on circular open.

Sensor box can further comprise acoustic coupling pad, which has the flat table of the first side of contact piezoelectric element Face, and including extending through the body contacting portion of the circular open in housing.Pad is preferable as described herein；So And other kinds of sound pad (the simple cylindrical disc for such as lacking the suitable material of above-mentioned some architectural features) can be with sensing Device box works together.

The amplifier circuit for being electrically coupled to piezoelectric element may be housed in the internal chamber of housing.Amplifier circuit can be such as Onboard.Other similar circuits can be also similarly positioned in chamber.

Housing further includes the rotary connector from the extension of the bottom of housing.Rotary connector makes box be connectable to support knot Structure, all arrays as disclosed herein, and box is pivoted around connector.Box can also be used in other kinds of connection Realize, to allow box to pivot or rotate around connector.In addition to rotary connector, ball-and-socket connector, flexible pipe connector, card The installation of mouth formula, the installation of twistlock formula or other similar devices can also.

It is another according to the present invention that embodiment there is provided a kind of biography for being used to sense the infrasonic sound acoustic signal in organism Sensor box.Sensor box includes the sensor housing with internal chamber and opening.Piezoelectric element is installed in internal chamber.Pressure Electric device includes the metallic plate with the first side and the second opposite side.First side of plate has at least one of the first side of coating The piezo-electric type material divided.Piezoelectric element is oriented to cross over opening, is substantially divided into internal chamber and is configured to receive acoustical coupling The exocoel part and inner cavity chamber part of pad.Amplifier circuit is installed in the inner cavity chamber part of housing and is electrically coupled to piezoelectricity Element.Housing is included around the metal surface of inner cavity chamber part so that the metal surface of housing and the metallic plate of piezoelectric element exist Faraday cup is formed around amplifier circuit.

Housing may include the first housing parts and be connected to the second housing parts of the first housing parts.In this configuration, Inner cavity chamber part is preferably formed in the second housing parts.Other aspects of described other embodiment can be also used in this In embodiment.

Sensor box can further comprise that low durometer pads, it has the bottom wall against the first side positioning of piezoelectric element With the contact portion for being connected to bottom wall, it is extended by the outward opening in housing.The contact portion of pad includes outwards depression Region.

Further embodiment according to the present invention, there is provided one kind is used to multiple sonic transducers being positioned at organism Sensor array.Sensor array includes the sensor support structure with base portion, and base portion includes being used for first sensor It is connected to the first connecting element of base portion.First arm extends from base portion and including for second sensor to be connected to the first arm The second connecting element.Second arm also extends from base portion and including connecting for 3rd sensor to be connected to the 3rd of the second arm Connect element.Sensor box described herein can be used as being connected to the sensor of array.

Supporting structure is configured to the appropriate position being positioned at first, second, and third sensor on organism.For Easy to be properly positioned, the first arm and the second arm be flexibly connected to base portion.In addition, the first arm and the second arm can be adjustable , so as to can be moved between sensor.In this regard, one or two arm can for example can be stretched by telescopic feature Contracting.Similarly, base portion can be configured as including telescopic tongue (it keeps sensor).

Sensor array can further comprise the handle being formed in supporting structure, allow the user to catch sensor array Arrange and hold it in appropriate position.In one embodiment, base portion also is used as handle.

First, second, and third connecting element can be configured as coordinating with the screw connector on sensor box housing. Other connection modes can also be used.

Supporting structure is configured as making cable or other electrical connections can be by by the signal transmission that sensor produces to calculating Equipment is for analyzing and/or show.Thus, base portion can be hollow, or otherwise may include to be used to put Put cable or the path of other conducting elements, for by by be connected to the first connecting element sensor produce signal transmission to Computing device.Similarly, the first arm and the second arm can be hollow or otherwise include be used for place cable or other The path of conducting element, for by by the signal transmission that the sensor for being connected to the second connecting element produces to computing device.

Sensor array can be formed by duroplasts.Other suitable materials can also be used.

In other embodiments, array may include more or fewer sensor connections.Similarly, array may include more More or less arms, this depends on the quantity of required sensor.Arm can be positioned so that uses sensor in required position In structure.In addition, if needing, each arm may include more than one sensor.Sensor can be installed into slideably and/or It is rotatably attached to arm.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kind of component for being used to convert acoustic signals into electric signal.The component Including one thin disc-shaped piezoelectric element.The element includes the circle gold with the first side and the second opposite side and the first radius Belong to piece.Sheet metal can be stainless steel or other similar or suitable materials.Piezo-electric type material is connected or coated on the first side. The component further includes first conductive the second side of O-ring and contiguous metal piece of the piezo-electric type material on the first side of contiguous metal piece Second conductive O-ring.First and second O-rings can be formed by metallization rubber.

Piezo-electric type material can be ceramic material.Ceramic material is configurable to positioned at the central of the first side of sheet metal Circular pattern.In addition, ceramic material may be configured to limit multiple different (i.e. discrete or discontiguous) portions without material Point.Ceramic material can be configured at least two parts, or can have three, four or 12 parts.Can be used has not With the other configurations of the part of quantity.Preferably, the quantity is selected to maintain the balance of piezoelectric element.Centrally located ceramic material Material includes extending radially outwardly to contact two or more segments of first o-ring.Segment can be used to define no material Part.These segments can extend adjacent to the outer shroud of the outer peripheral ceramic material of disk from the ceramic material positioned at center.

The component can be electronically coupled to amplifier circuit by the first and second O-rings.In one embodiment, first O-ring is used as the electric positive wire of component, and the second O-ring is used as the anode or ground lead of component.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a kind of disposable sensor for being used to for acoustical signal to be transferred to sensor from body Pad includes：The disk of low durometer material, with upper contact part point, the upper contact part point has to be used to contact the disk The forward surface of body, wherein, the upper contact part point includes circumferential side wall and circular upper surface；And bottom, the bottom With the flat circular surface for feeler element with upper contact part point connection, circumferential recess, and in the week To the circumferential edge outside groove；Wherein, the forward surface is adapted for contact with body, and the bottom is suitable for being positioned at being used for On the piezoelectric element for sensing acoustical signal；Wherein, the bottom of the disposable sensor pad is applied to the forward direction in power 5% is deformed less than when on surface.

Further embodiment is related to a kind of sensor box for being used to sense acoustical signal, including：Housing, has at one end Have internal chamber and circular open, and there is ball-and-socket connector in the opposite end of the housing, the ball-and-socket connector by with It is set to the supporting structure being attached to for adjustably moving the sensor box in a plurality of directions；The piezoelectricity member of disc format Part, has the first side and a second opposite side, first side and the second side be included in the internal chamber of the housing and Align with the circular open；Disposable sonic transducer pad, has first of the first side contacts with the piezoelectric element Flat surface portions on side and the body contacting portion for extending through the circular open in the housing on the second side, and And a part for the body contacting portion extends from the outward opening of the housing；First o-ring, is positioned at the piezoelectricity member On first side of part and it is in contact with it；Second O-ring, is positioned on the second side of the piezoelectric element and is in contact with it；And Wherein, second O-ring includes circumferential recess, and the groove is positioned such that the edge of the piezoelectric element positioned at described In groove.

A kind of sensor box for being used to sense acoustical signal, including：Housing, is opened with internal chamber and circle at one end Mouthful, and there is connector in the opposite end of the housing, the connector is configured to attach to in a plurality of directions Adjustably move the supporting structure of the sensor box；The piezoelectric element of disc format, has the first side and the second opposite side, First side and the second side are included in the internal chamber of the housing and align with the circular open；Disposable sound passes Sensor pads, and has with the flat surface portions on the first side of the first side contacts of the piezoelectric element and on the second side The body contacting portion for extending through the circular open in the housing, and a part for the body contacting portion is from institute State the outward opening extension of housing；First o-ring, is positioned on the first side of the piezoelectric element and is in contact with it；2nd O shapes Ring, is positioned on the second side of the piezoelectric element and is in contact with it；And wherein, second O-ring includes circumferential recess, The groove is positioned such that the edge of the piezoelectric element is located in the groove.

The further aspect of the present invention is disclosed in the description of the invention including attached drawing.

Brief description of the drawings

In order to understand the present invention, described now with reference to attached drawing and annex by way of example, wherein：

Fig. 1 is the top perspective of transducer gasket according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 is the cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the transducer gasket of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is the cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the transducer gasket of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is the cross-sectional view of the transducer gasket of the prior art.

Fig. 5 is the side view of sensor or sensor box according to the present invention.

Fig. 6 is the perspective view of the contact portion of the sensor box of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is the sectional view of the sensor box of Fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is the amplifier section of the cross-sectional view of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is the exploded view of the embodiment of sensor or sensor box according to the present invention.

Figure 10 is decomposition diagram of the O-ring to piezoelectric element component.

Figure 11 is the O-ring of Figure 10 and the perspective view of piezoelectric element assembling.

Figure 12 is the transversal of the O-ring of the modified example with piezoelectric element of further embodiment according to the present invention Face figure.

Figure 13 is the plan view from above of an embodiment of piezoelectric element according to the present invention.

Figure 14 is the plan view from above of the another embodiment of piezoelectric element according to the present invention.

Figure 15 is the plan view from above of the another embodiment of piezoelectric element according to the present invention.

Figure 16 is the plan view from above of the another embodiment of piezoelectric element according to the present invention.

Figure 17 is the plan view from above of the another embodiment of piezoelectric element according to the present invention.

Figure 18 is the perspective view for the sensor array that the apparatus according to the invention has three sensors.

Figure 19 is the perspective view of the sensor array of Figure 18 in use.

Figure 20 is the exploded view of sensor array and three sensors according to embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 21 is the plan view from above of mould for being used to be formed transducer gasket of embodiment and transversal according to the present invention Face figure.

Figure 22 is the perspective view for the sensor array for being positioned for the replacement of patient.

Figure 23 is the perspective view for being positioned for another sensor array substituted of patient.

Figure 24 is the front perspective view for being positioned for another sensor array substituted of patient.

Figure 25 is the side perspective view of the array of Figure 24.

Figure 26 is the front perspective view for being positioned for another sensor array substituted of patient.

Figure 27 is the side perspective view of the array of Figure 26.

Figure 28 is the front perspective view for being positioned for another sensor array substituted of patient.

Figure 29 is the side perspective view of the array of Figure 28.

Figure 30 A to Figure 30 X describe six different transducer gaskets, are shown as (A-F) from top to bottom, lateral incision facial contour (G-L), side profile (M-R) and top perspective (S-X).

Figure 31 A to Figure 31 T describe five different transducer gaskets, are shown as (A-E) from top to bottom, lateral incision facial contour (F-J), side profile (K-O) and top perspective (P-T).

Figure 32 A to Figure 32 BB describe seven different transducer gaskets, are shown as (A-G) from top to bottom, lateral incision facial contour (H-N), side profile (O-U) and top perspective (V-BB).

Figure 33 A to Figure 33 BB describe seven different transducer gaskets, are shown as (A-G) from top to bottom, lateral incision facial contour (H-N), side profile (O-U) and top perspective (V-BB).

Figure 34 A to Figure 34 X describe six different transducer gaskets, are shown as (A-F) from top to bottom, lateral incision facial contour (G-L), side profile (M-R) and top perspective (S-X).

Figure 35 A to Figure 35 T describe five different transducer gaskets, are shown as (A-E) from top to bottom, lateral incision facial contour (F-J), side profile (K-O) and top perspective (P-T).

Figure 36 A to Figure 36 T describe five different transducer gaskets, are shown as (A-E) from top to bottom, lateral incision facial contour (F-J), side profile (K-O) and top perspective (P-T).

Figure 37 A to Figure 37 T describe five different transducer gaskets, are shown as (A-E) from top to bottom, lateral incision facial contour (F-J), side profile (K-O) and top perspective (P-T).

Embodiment

Although the present invention there can be many various forms of embodiments, it is shown in the drawings and will be retouched in detail herein State the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it should be understood that the disclosure will be considered as the illustration of the principle of the present invention, be not intended to by The extensive aspect of the present invention is limited to illustrated embodiment.

The present invention provides a kind of sensor in the form of sensor box, for detecting what is produced by organism or generated Infrasonic sound acoustic signal, the signal such as caused by the blood flow by one or more veins or artery.Present invention additionally comprises With improved the gel bag or pad that sensor is used together.Pad is as the acoustical coupling mechanism between sensor and organism. These pads are made of the material for being designed as matching body impedance, so that acoustical signal can be efficiently transferred to sensor.In addition, The present invention includes the sensor array containing one or more sensors.The array is used to someone (and in some feelings It is patient under condition) sensor is easy to quickly placed and held in the appropriate location of organism produced by detect organism Signal.The array is preferably designed to can adjust to adapt to different size of organism.

Sensor of the invention, pad and array can be used in detection organism that various medical conditions can be analyzed to determine Signal.As described above, United States Patent (USP) 7,621,875 discloses, a kind of to be used for the detect and diagnose in some arteries possible narrow The irregular purposes of the wall of narrow, inaccessible, aneurysm or other shapes.

Fig. 1 shows the transducer gasket 10 according to the present invention with circular shape.Transducer gasket 10 is set The body in desired position contact organism is counted into, and the acoustical signal from body is transferred to the piezoelectric board of sensor (being more thoroughly discussed below).Pad 10 is designed to the impedance of matching body to realize that the effective of signal is transmitted (although can be pre- Sensor, pad and array disclosed in phase can be with the organisms of many types (and may abiotic object) dividually or group Close ground to use, the use of these components describes the signal produced mainly for detection body).This impedance matching reduces The reflection of any sound wave, and contribute to the signal transmission maximized to sensor.

Referring also to the cross section of Fig. 2, an embodiment of transducer gasket 10 is the flexibility filled with gel or liquid The form of soft bag.This bag is by the form bottom wall first circular, flat ethene sheet or layer 12 and forms the of body contacting portion Ethene sheet or layer 14 outside two is formed.Fluid or gel 16 based on silicon are contained between two layers 12,14.Pad 10 includes side Edge 18, the edge 18 are formed by a part for the first flat bed 12, and the position that flat bed 12 is contacted from outer layer 14 extends radially outwards.Side Edge 18 is extended circumferentially over upon around pad 10.

Outer layer 14 include from flat bed 14 extend up to edge 22 side wall 20 (direction term, such as " upward " this paper In be used to help describe the feature of component as shown in drawings, and be to be not intended to limit the present invention --- many components will be with Multiple directions use).The top of outer layer 14 includes apparent (outwardly) recessed depression or recess 24.

Outer plate 14 starts initially as flat piece of material, and the flat piece of material vacuum forming is in the outside with desired pad 10 (it is used for the plan view from above and sectional view of multiple moulds 134 for forming pad 10 referring to Figure 21) in the mould 134 of shape.Then Silica hydrogel or liquid 16 are added, and flat bed 12 is positioned on outer layer 14 and gel/liquid 16.Then it is 12 vacuum of flat bed is close Seal on outer layer 14.The process causes outer layer 14 to be somewhat melted in the flat bed 14 that they are in contact with each other.

In use, pad 10 flat bed 12 be oriented to against sensor piezoelectric board or element outer surface (again, It is discussed more fully below).The part of outer layer 14 is used to contact body to sense acoustical signal.

Existing pouch-type transducer gasket (Figure 30 from U.S. Patent number 5,853,005) is shown with cross section in Fig. 4 Go out.The reference numeral provided in Fig. 4 is those specified in U.S. Patent number 5,853,005, and with for describing this hair Bright reference numeral is unrelated.As indicated, the pad (being denoted as 186) of the prior art includes cheese, outwardly appearance Face --- it is used for the part for contacting body.After such contact, itself is come when the outer surface of this existing pad is run into During the impedance of body, domed shape compression, forces the fluid in bag or gel to return to the flat base surface on the bottom of pad. This causes flat surfaces deformation (being bent outwardly) and is pressed into sensor again.The deformation of flat surfaces causes sensor to produce the not phase The sound spike (acoustic spike) of prestige or noise.

Pad with the prior art is on the contrary, the pad 10 of the present invention includes recessed depression or recess 24.Connect when with body When touching, gel or liquid, which are evenly dispersed into, makes the flat bed 12 under common use keep flat and indeformable recess region In.

Although the depression or recess 24 positioned at center is shown in the drawings, pad 10, which can have, produces same benefits Alternative configuration.For example, pad 10 may include extra recess, or can have multiple less recesses rather than big center Recess.In addition, recess or depression may be formed at different positions, such as in the side wall 20 of outer layer 14.

The second embodiment of pad 10 is illustrated in cross-section in figure 3.The pad includes flat basal surface 26 and upper Contact surface 28.Edge 30 can extend near flat basal surface 26 around outer contacting surface.

Second pad embodiment have it is roughly the same with the pouch-type transducer gasket of the fluid filling shown in Fig. 2 (or Substantially it is similar) outer shape.However, in this embodiment, pad 10 completely by partially solidified gel or liquid (such as Silicon) formed.The gel or liquid of this solidification provide the material of the substantially or entirely homogeneous for impedance matching.Therefore, The transducer gasket 10 of Fig. 3 is the structure of single type.Nevertheless, the mode of operation of pad is similar with pouch-type embodiment. That is the material in pad is mobile when being contacted with body or filling is recessed or recess region, rather than make bottom flat table Face (that is, sensor contacts surface) deforms.

Preferably, transducer gasket 10 has " viscosity " basal surface, it is allowed to which it adheres to the piezoelectricity of sensor in use Element.Because tacky surfaces allow pad viscous on a sensor, edge 30 is needed not be provided in this embodiment.

The pad of Fig. 3 can be formed by single partially solidified material.Alternately, can be used more than one partially solidified Material come formed pad.Material can be combined or be formed as layer or other similar arrangements.

In the two embodiments, pad is designed to very soft, has low durometer (such as the model in 1-2 hardness In enclosing).Although soft silicon and vinyl material are suitable for forming pad (as described above), other similar softs can also be used Material.

Transducer gasket 10 preferably acts as Fig. 5 to a part for the sensor shown in Fig. 8 or sensor box 32.Such as figure Shown in 5, sensor box 32 includes housing, which has the first upper casing part 34 and be connected to the first housing parts 34 (again, the term with reference to some figures using such as "up" and "down", is not meant to sensor second lower housing part 36 Box is restricted to any specific orientation).Housing parts 34,36 can be one-piece construction or may include multiple components or part.

Rotary connector 38 is connected to a part for the second housing parts 34 or one as the second housing parts 34 Divide and be integrally formed.Rotary connector 38 is used to sensor box 32 is connected to sensor array and allows sensor box using In be pivoted to appropriate position.Housing parts 34,36 can be formed by injection-moulded plastic.

Referring also to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the flat surfaces of transducer gasket 10 are placed with to be contacted with piezoelectric element 40.Sensor The contact surface or part of pad 10 extend from the outside and above of the first housing parts 34, and may be positioned such that and connect with body Touch.Pad 10 is used as acoustical coupling mechanism, and the acoustical signal sensed in vivo is transferred to piezoelectric element 40.

Piezoelectric element 40 be the first face of plate or above have ceramic coating circular metal plate form, but also may be used Use other piezo-electric type materials.Piezoelectric element 40 is supported on first o-ring or 42 and second O-ring of upper O ring or lower part O Between shape ring 44.O-ring 42,44 is formed by metallization rubber, and for conducting by piezoelectric element 40 in response to from body Infrasonic sound acoustic signal and the electric signal generated.O-ring 42,44 replaces the direct contact line being typically soldered on the part of plate.

Compared to using vibration possessed by direct contact wire and bending, by O-ring 42,44 around piezoelectric element 40 and Arrangement allows piezoelectric element 40 more freely to vibrate and bend in response to the acoustical signal sensed.In this respect, O-ring 42, 44 be not rigidly to keep piezoelectric element 40.First o-ring is designed to the pressure on only adjacent or contacting metal plate the first side Electric material.Therefore, the radius of O-ring should according in view of (in mind) coating material radius and pattern select.Piezoelectricity member Discussed in more detail in terms of other of part 40 and O-ring 42,44 below in reference to Figure 12 to Figure 17.

The rounded face 46 with central opening 48 is presented in first housing parts 34.As described above, the upper contact of pad 10 Part passes through the central opening 48 in the first housing parts 34 to stretch out from sensor box 32.First housing parts 34 are further Including the circumferential part segment (circumferential segment) being directed inwardly toward extended from face 46 towards piezoelectric element 40 50.The edge 18 that the size for the segment 50 being directed inwardly toward may be set to extend across pad 10 is fixed to sensor will pad 10 Box 32.Again, if pad 10 has sticky bottom wall, may not be needed to include edge 18, so as to which pad 10 is maintained at biography Appropriate location on sensor box 32.

First housing parts 34 further include periphery wall 52, which can be clamped, screw or with other Mode is attached to the second housing parts 36.The combination of housing parts 34,36, which is formed, to be used to keep piezoelectric element 40 and pad 10 Chamber.Chamber also includes the amplifier board with amplifier circuit, for amplify the signal that is produced by piezoelectric element 40 and by its Computer (or other similar devices) is transferred to for analyzing and/or showing.In order to shield amplifier board from noise and its Its spurious signal, housing parts 34,36 are provided with metal surface, which works as is combined with the metallic plate of piezoelectric element 40 When, amplifier board and any other be located at around the indoor circuit of chamber and form faraday cup.

With reference to figure 8, the first housing parts 34 include being positioned to the first conductive contact element contacted with first o-ring 42 54.The second conductive contact element 56 contacted with the second O-ring is similarly included in second housing parts 44.Conducting element 54,56 Signal is passed into amplifier board, the signal of amplification is preferably passed to computer by amplifier board via shielded cable again.The One conductive contact element 54 and the second conductive contact element 56 can be fixed on suitable in respective housings part in the form of becket Work as position.One or two conductive contact element can keep contacting with the appropriate of corresponding O-ring by spring pressurization.

Fig. 9 discloses the exploded view of an embodiment of sensor box 32.Since top, the sensor of Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 Box 32 includes pad 10, followed by the outside 58 of upper casing part 34 and the inside 60 of upper casing part 34.In inside 60 Lower section be the first conductive contact element 54, followed by upper O ring 42, piezoelectric element 40 and lower O ring 44.Two screws 62 align with the hole in the PCB components 64 of the lower section of lower O ring 44.The inside 66 of lower housing part 36 is followed by with The outside 68 of portion's housing parts 36, wherein screw or connector 38 are in minimum point.

Figure 10 discloses the exploded view of an embodiment of O-ring 42,44 and piezoelectric element 40, and Figure 11, which is shown, to be in These components of assembled state.O-ring and piezoelectric element form the component of freely keeping piezoelectric element, are sensed for best transmission To acoustical signal (using O-ring the component formed can also be used for other piezo-electric type equipment, and be not necessarily limited to sensor and Herein with respect to the purposes of preferred embodiment description).In the assembly, upper O ring 42 is positive conducting element, lower part O Shape ring 44 is negative conducting element or ground connection conducting element.

Further embodiment according to the present invention, one or two in O-ring can be modified to include more effectively Ground keeps the structure of piezoelectric element 40.As shown in the cross section of Figure 12, the second O-ring 44 is provided with circumferential channel or groove 70. The radius of O-ring is set so that the edge of piezoelectric element 40 is located in passage 70.

Another key for the acoustical signal that best transmission senses is balance O-ring --- piezoelectric element component.Work as conducting wire When being soldered to piezoelectric element (in the case of without using O-ring), element is not necessarily balance, this may slacken sound letter Number.

The balance of piezoelectric element 40 is further enhanced by the pattern of used ceramics or other piezo-electric type materials.Such as Figure 13 Shown in Figure 17, piezoelectric element 40 is provided with centrally located ceramic coating region 72, and the ceramic coating region is by two or more Multiple difference (i.e. individually) parts 74 without ceramic material surround.Each partly by the spoke or section of the material on either side Section 76 limits, and the spoke or segment 76 are from the edge or side of the metallic plate that piezoelectric element 40 is extended radially into positioned at the region at center Edge.

As shown in figure 13, the narrow ring 78 of ceramic material can be set in edge.Ring 78 is connected to ceramics by segment 76 The central area 72 of coating.The ring 80 of metallic plate extends radially outwardly from ceramic material ring 78.O-ring 42 is dimensioned to connect Nearly ceramic material ring 78 is without contacting metal plate.

Figure 13 shows 12 parts 74 without ceramic material.Figure 14 is shown with three without ceramic material The pattern of part 74.In the embodiment of Figure 14, radially extend what is used in embodiment of the segment 76 than Figure 16 or Figure 17 Segment is thick.

Figure 15 is shown with three alternative patterns without the part 74 of material.In this pattern, radially extend Segment 76 has the appearance of bending and expansion.

The piezoelectric element with ceramic pattern is shown respectively in Figure 16 and Figure 17, it has two parts without material respectively With four parts 74 without material.Although showing some patterns into Figure 17 in Figure 13, other potential patterns can be used.

Sensor or sensor box 32 are preferably used together with transducer gasket 10 with array, the array by one or Multiple sensor boxes 32 are maintained at the appropriate location for being designed that and sensor box 32 being rapidly and easily placed on to body Structure in.Array structure is based on analysis type, the quantity of required sensor and the sensing on body being carrying out The approximate location of signal and design.

Figure 18 and Figure 19 discloses the sensor array 90 for keeping three sensor boxes 32.Array 90 includes being connected to The base portion 92 of the substantial cylindrical of first sensor box 32.It is connected to the first arm 94 of second sensor box 32 and is connected to the 3rd Second arm 96 of sensor box 32 is upwardly extended from one end of base portion 92.

As shown in figure 19, sensor array is designed to first sensor box 32 being positioned above the heart of patient, and And second and 3rd sensor box 32 are positioned near the arteria carotis of patient's neck.Sensing from these positions can be analyzed Infrasonic sound acoustic signal to detect potential occlusion.The process for carrying out this analysis is disclosed in U.S. Patent number 7,621,875 Example.

For the ease of correct placement, the first arm 94 and the second arm 96 are designed to outside with base portion 92 relative to each other Or inwardly reverse and bend.In addition, sensor box 32 is preferably connected to battle array via in the screw connector 38 being discussed herein Row 90.This allows box 32 to be rotated around connector and move and be positioned in appropriate sensing the feedback of position.

The base portion 92 of array 90 can be dimensioned or be configured to serve as in other ways the handle of array 90.It is alternative Ground, single handle arrangement may be connected to array 90.Handle allow one (patient or such as medical technician other people Member) it can easily catch array and be held in position in all three sensors with a hand.By sensor box It is connected on body without bandage.

92 and/or first arm 94 of base portion and/or the second arm 96 can be configured to may extend away (such as such as by with flexible Component) so that people can adjust the size of array 90.Pass through described extended characteristics and/or other adjustable characteristics, array 90 can be used for changing big body sizes and shape.

Array 90 can be made of plastics or other similar materials.Component (that is, base portion 92,94 and of the first arm of array 90 Second arm 96) be it is hollow, be allowed for the path of one or more conducting wire or shielded cable be connected to sensor box 32 with Sensing signal from box 32 is transferred to computer or other equipment, is analyzed and/or is shown.

As shown in figure 19, disclosed array 90 has specific dimensions and is configured to three sensors being positioned at body On suitably to sense arteria carotis.However, the structure of array can be modified for sensing other arteries or vein, or organism Other physiology in terms of.This structure can use more or fewer sensors as needed.

Figure 20 provides three sensor arrays 100 of the embodiment with the sensor box 102 that can easily replace Exploded view.Array 100 includes base portion 104, and base portion 104 has the first arm 106 and the second arm extended from the top of base portion 104 108.As indicated, the feature of array 100 includes the first body side frame structure 110 and plastic (overmold) 112.Second body side frame knot Structure is divided into two parts, the second side base portion 114 and plastic base portion 116, and the plastic part of the second lateral arm portion 118 and the second side 120.Scalable tongue 122 is maintained in the base portion 104 between the first body side frame structure and the second body side frame structure.It is circular Knob 124 is located at the joint of the first arm 106 and the second arm 108 and base portion 104.The torsion of knob 124 cause arm 106,108 to Outside or curve inwardly, and arm is maintained at flexion position.

Connecting element 126 is positioned in the far-end and base portion 104 of the first arm 106 and the second arm 108.Connector It is configured as accommodating the screw connector 128 on sensor box 102.Other connecting elements can be used.Moreover, connecting element can (screw is placed on array and contained structure is placed on box) can be overturned.

The screw 128 of sensor box 102 is formed as can curved multiple segments 129 relative to each other.This allows to rotate Ball 128 is engaged in the connecting element 126 at 102 bottom of box.This enables people to easily remove and replace when needed New sensor box.It is expected that a new sensor box will be needed after every 50100 uses.New lining is used after each use Pad.

As shown in figure 20, array 100 has substantially hollow structure.This causes shielded cable to be connectable to sensor box And advance to the central cable 130 for the bottom for being inserted into base portion 104.

Figure 22 shows the another embodiment of the array structure 150 for positioning three sensor boxes 152.Array 150 include handle or base portion 154 with the first arm 156 extended from handle 154.Second arm 158 passes through rotatable connection Device 160 is connected to the first arm 156 near handle 154.

First sensor box 152 is connected to the first arm 156 by connector 162.Similarly, second sensor box 152 is logical Cross connector 164 and be connected to the second arm.Connector 162,164 is mounted to corresponding arm 156,158 (as indicated by the arrows) And it is configured as to slide up and down along arm and arm can be surrounded and rotate, box 152 is positioned in position.

The junction that 3rd sensor box 152 is connected to the first arm 156 in the second arm is connected to the second arm 158.Cable 166 One end of handle 154 is inserted into, for by the signal transmission sensed to computer/or display device.

Figure 23 shows another array for keeping three sensor boxes 152 (sense the signal from femoral artery) Structure 168.Array 168 includes handle 170 and the single armed 172 upwardly extended from handle 170.First sensor box 152 passes through company Connect device 173 (connector for being similar to Figure 22) and be connected to the distal end of arm 172 (from handle 170).Twin connectors 174 are leaned on for connection Two sensor boxes 152 of nearly handle 170.Although handle is shown in the lower section of dual sensor connector 174, patient or medical treatment Technical staff can catch the center section of arm 172 to keep sensor in place during the test.

Figure 24 and Figure 25 discloses the another embodiment of array structure 180, and array structure 180 has 182 He of base portion From outwardly extending first arm, 184 and second arm 186 in the end of base portion 182.Base portion 182 is included in can in the top of base portion 182 The tongue 188 of slip.Tongue 188 allows base portion 182 to extend to adapt to various sizes of patient.

Figure 26 and Figure 27 discloses another array structure 190, it is outside with base portion 192 and from the end of base portion 192 The first arm 194 and the second arm 196 of extension.Base portion 192 further includes the tongue 198 for the base portion 192 that slidably mates.However, with The embodiment of Figure 24 and Figure 25 is different, and tongue 198 utilizes sliding equipment, and wherein tongue 198 is not fully contained in base portion 192 It is interior.

As shown in figure 26, the cut out portion 200 of the joint setting substantially curve of base portion 192 is connected in arm 194,196. This can provide extra flexibility, so as to allow more easily regulating arm.

Figure 28 and Figure 29 discloses another embodiment of array structure 202, which has base segments 204 and from outwardly extending first arm, 206 and second arm 208 in the end of base segments 204.Base segments 204 are included in base portion Slidable tongue 210 in 204 top.It is worth noting that, arm 206,208 has than the other embodiment shown in figure The curvature of bigger.

Each arm 206,208 includes hook segment 212 or from the outwardly extending other similar connector of arm.Hook segment 212 It is arranged for being connected to the necklace attachment 214 made of soft thermoplastic elastomer or other similar or suitable materials.Necklace is attached Part includes multiple pearls 216 spaced apart (for example, about 0.8 inch of interval), as indicated, the pearl can be used for array adjustable section Ground is held in place.Instead of pearl 216, other configurations (for example, ring) can be used to adjust necklace.

Figure 30 A to Figure 30 X show six different embodiments of transducer gasket, be shown as top profile, lateral incision profile, Side profile and top perspective.Each in six designs is shown along each in four different views of a line. The orientation of all figures in one row is all identical.Figure 30 A, Figure 30 G, Figure 30 M and Figure 30 S are shown with semi-circular recesses Transducer gasket, wherein concave flanks 402 are open to rear side 403, and the convex side 401 of groove is on top side 404.Serving as a contrast Multiple extension tubercles 301 are described on the top side 404 of pad.Therefore, the rear portion of pad will be contacted with piezoelectric transducer, and be pushed up Side by exposed to air for contact such as patient another surface.Top view in Figure 30 A to Figure 30 F describes each reality Apply some features of mode.Wherein, secondary series Figure 30 G to Figure 30 L describe lateral incision profile, raised or recessed features to describe Size and length and the groove around circumference.Side profile in next column 30S-30X is shown compared with circumferential recess The relative altitude of various features, and perspective view 30S to Figure 30 X describes embodiment and shows the convex of transducer gasket Play the additional detail of part and recessed portion.

Figure 30 B, Figure 30 H, Figure 30 N and Figure 30 T describe further transducer gasket embodiment, it includes center and prolongs Stretch ring 304 and slightly prominent two further extended loops 303 and 302 on the top side 404 of transducer gasket.It is similar Ground, Figure 30 C, Figure 30 I, Figure 30 O and Figure 30 U describe the transducer gasket with opening and single extended loop 305, before instead of State the extended loop 304 and 303 in embodiment.

Figure 30 D, Figure 30 J, Figure 30 P and Figure 30 V describe further transducer gasket embodiment, it is included in somewhat recessed There are the single protruding features 306 of filling, as shown in 30J in the middle body 307 entered.In contrast, Figure 30 E, Figure 30 K, figure 30Q and Figure 30 W describe single protruding features 306 and the middle body 308 protruded slightly above, as shown in Figure 30 K.Then, scheme 30F, Figure 30 L, Figure 30 R and Figure 30 X describe single protruding features 306 and flat middle body 309, as shown in Figure 30 L.

Figure 31 A to Fig. 3 T show 5 embodiment party of description top plan view, lateral incision profile, side profile and perspective view Formula (since 31A-31B often go in one).The orientation of all figures in one row is all identical.Figure 31 A, Figure 30 F, figure 31K and Figure 31 P describe the transducer gasket embodiment with center projections cone feature 310.Similarly, Figure 31 B, figure 31G, Figure 31 L and Figure 31 Q describe the embodiment of the transducer gasket with single raised sphere member 311, wherein spherical Component 311 extends to the inward flange for the recessed portion for just surrounding groove 401.On the contrary, Figure 31 C, Figure 31 H, Figure 31 M and Figure 31 R Similar sphere member 313 is described, but is had between the edge of sphere member 313 and the inward flange of the concave portions of groove 401 There is larger void space 312.

Figure 31 D, Figure 31 I, Figure 31 N and Figure 31 S describe the embodiment with three cheese features 314, each cheese Feature 314 occupies circular sensor and pads about 120 degree.In contrast, Figure 31 E, Figure 31 J, Figure 31 O and 31T are described has The embodiment of four cheese features 315, wherein about 90 degree rather than about 120 degree of each cake.

Figure 32 A to Figure 32 BB describe seven embodiments of transducer gasket, wherein, single embodiment party is described along row Each in four views of formula.All figures orientation in one row is all identical.With the embodiment in Figure 30 and Figure 31 Compare, the embodiment in Figure 32 does not include semi-circular recesses around transducer gasket.Figure 32 A, Figure 32 H, Figure 32 O and figure 32V describes four 90 degree of cheese features 316.Figure 32 B, Figure 32 I, Figure 32 P and Figure 32 W describe multiple raised nodules 317.Figure 32C, Figure 32 J, Figure 32 Q and Figure 32 X describe three concentric rings 320,319 and 318.Figure 32 D, Figure 32 K, Figure 32 R and Figure 32 Y are retouched Single ring 321 and empty space are stated, instead of the ring 320 and 319 from prior embodiments.

Figure 32 E, Figure 32 L, Figure 32 S and Figure 32 Z are described has the single of filling in the middle body 323 being slightly concave Protruding features 322, as shown in Figure 30 L.In contrast, Figure 32 F, Figure 32 M, Figure 32 T and Figure 32 AA describe single protruding features 322 and slightly convex middle body 324, as shown in Figure 30 M.Then, Figure 32 G, Figure 32 N, Figure 32 U and Figure 32 BB describe list A protruding features 322 and flat middle body 325, as shown in Figure 32 N.

Figure 33 A to Figure 33 BB also describe seven embodiments and along each in seven embodiments of a line Four views.The orientation of all figures in one row is all identical.Figure 33 A, Figure 33 H, Figure 33 O and Figure 33 V describe single Ring 321, and it is internally provided with pellet shapes component 326 in single ring 321.Figure 33 B, Figure 33 I, Figure 33 P and Figure 33 W describe tool There is the transducer gasket in angled face 327.Figure 33 C, Figure 33 J, Figure 33 Q and Figure 33 X are described with top surface 328 and to bottom surfaces 330 curved transducer gaskets, wherein being provided with flex point 329 along flexure plane.Figure 33 D, Figure 33 K, Figure 33 R and Figure 33 Y, and figure 33B is the same, has an angled face, but the surface of angled component 331 is spherical, rather than similar characteristics 327 are Flat.

Figure 33 E, Figure 33 L, Figure 33 S and Figure 33 Z describe a raised edge 332 and from edge center outside Extend and include the embodiment on central the top of the horn top 333.Figure 33 F, Figure 33 M, Figure 33 T and Figure 33 AA are described from edge center Ground extends outwardly into 1: 334 raised brim.Figure 33 G, Figure 33 N, Figure 33 U and Figure 33 BB are described with three cheese components 335 transducer gasket, each occupies about 120 degree of circle, wherein, cheese component 335 it is raised and each component it Between there is space.

Figure 34 A to Figure 34 X describe six transducer gasket embodiments and along in six embodiments of a line Four views of each.When observing side profile, the orientation of all figures in a row is all identical, and feature 406 Top and bottom are may be commonly referred to as with 405.Figure 34 A, Figure 34 G, Figure 34 M and Figure 34 S are described with planar bottom surface and circle The single circle or air ring of top surface.Figure 34 B, Figure 34 H, Figure 34 N and Figure 34 T describe oval transducer gasket 337, wherein Top surface 406 be circle 338 and bottom surface 405 be flat.Figure 34 C, Figure 34 I, Figure 34 O and Figure 34 U are described with circular shape The embodiment of shape, wherein top surface are circular and bottom surface is flat.Figure 34 D, Figure 34 J, Figure 34 P and Figure 34 V are described Embodiment with dodecahedral shape 339, and there are three row facets, the facet meeting coalescence is tapered to pad Central point.Figure 34 E, Figure 34 K, Figure 34 Q and Figure 34 W describe half soling 340, have such as the described hollow centres of 34K. Figure 34 F, Figure 34 L, Figure 34 R and Figure 34 X describe it is semicircular pad 341, but in 34K without as preceding embodiment that Sample has hollow center.

Figure 35 A-35T describe the biography described in each four views in along a line, five embodiments Five embodiments of sensor pad.All figures orientation in one row is all identical.Figure 35 A, Figure 35 F, Figure 35 K and Figure 35 P Describe with the hexagon of somewhat round top and flat bottom pad 342.Figure 35 N, Figure 35 G, Figure 35 L and Figure 35 Q descriptions Triangle pad 343, it is with slightly rounded side, somewhat round top 406 and flat bottom 405.In contrast, Figure 35 C, Figure 35 H, Figure 35 M and Figure 35 R also illustrate the pad 344 of triangle, but wherein side is straight rather than round. Figure 35 D, Figure 35 I, Figure 35 N and Figure 35 S describe the square pad 345 with slightly rounded side and top surface；And Figure 35 E, Figure 35 J, Figure 35 O and Figure 35 T describe the square pad 346 with straight flange.

Figure 36 A to Figure 36 T are described described in each four views in along a line, five embodiments Five embodiments of transducer gasket.All figures orientation in one row is all identical.Figure 36 A, Figure 36 F, Figure 36 K and figure 36P describes hexagram feature 347, wherein each angle (prong) is opposite with another angle, and the angle between each angle It is about 60 degree.There is a roundish top at angle, and the bottom padded is one flat.Figure 36 B, Figure 36 G, Figure 36 L and Figure 36 Q are described with the crescent of somewhat round top 406 and flat bottom 405 pad 348.Figure 36 C, Figure 36 H, figure 36M and Figure 36 R describe avette or stadium-shaped pad 349, it is with circular end and avette plane side.Top Slightly round, bottom is smooth.Figure 36 D, Figure 36 I, Figure 36 N and Figure 36 S describe the ellipse with somewhat round top and flat bottom Shape pad 350.Figure 36 E, Figure 36 J, Figure 36 O and Figure 36 T describe the pad 351 of hexagonal shape, it is with somewhat round Side and the somewhat round top with planar base portion.

Figure 37 A to Figure 37 T are described described in each four views in along a line, five embodiments Five embodiments of transducer gasket.All figures orientation in one row is all identical.Figure 37 A, Figure 37 F, Figure 37 K and figure 37P describes the crawler belt shape feature with three circular components 352,353 and 354, it is connected to larger circular feature 355, Four are combined into crescent, wherein top somewhat sphering, bottom flat.Figure 37 B, Figure 37 G, Figure 37 L and Figure 37 Q are described and are located at " pawl print " shape feature on circular flat disk, has separately " toe " 356 and the single half soling of three circular in shape 357；Wherein each top side somewhat sphering, bottom flat.Figure 37 C, Figure 37 H, Figure 37 M and Figure 37 F describe round disk pedestal, It is with larger 359 raised, circular, angular (angular) feature and less, raised, circular angulation (angled) feature of degree, the wherein peak of these features are adjacent to each other and are inclined away from each other.Figure 37 D, Figure 37 I, Figure 37 N and Figure 37 S describe the six avette protruding features 360 on round disk base portion, and the avette protruding features 360 of six of which are with class The orientation arrangement of toy windmill shape is similar to, leaves central space.Figure 37 E, Figure 37 J, Figure 37 O and Figure 37 T describe hexagram 361, it has angled taper so that central point 362 is higher than the edge of arm.

In some preferred embodiments, transducer gasket can be via adhesive, such as several frequently seen low tacky adhesion One kind in agent, fixed on piezoelectric unit, piezoelectric element is temporarily anchored to provide transducer gasket.Other embodiment can Using gel or other water or solvent based materials, it can fix transducer gasket without extra adhesive material.Into In the embodiment of one step, transducer gasket is assembled in sensor box and fixed on piezoelectric element, is glued without any Mixture.

The specific features of transducer gasket described in embodiments described herein are：Top surface shape (with patient contact) and bottom Face shape (being contacted with piezoelectrics) is made into so that working as top surface contact patient and therefore applying pressure to transducer gasket and lead to When crossing bottom surface, the shape of top and bottom is designed such that piezoelectrics are not bent when pressure is applied to transducer gasket.This Uniformity and accuracy for ensuring piezoelectric device are important.Therefore, in some embodiments, transducer gasket is set Count into and make it that piezoelectrics are not bent when pressure is applied to transducer gasket.In further preferred embodiment, piezoelectricity Body bending is less than about 0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 5.0%, 20% and 25% and all percentages therebetween.Therefore, one In a little embodiments, amount of bow is more than zero (i.e. rigidly and do not bend), but amount of bow is minimized to keep the essence of piezoelectric unit Degree.

It is also preferred that transducer gasket produces and the appropriate impedance matching of patient.Therefore, transducer gasket is designed to With slight viscosity, it ensures the appropriate impedance matching with patient, sound successfully then is delivered to piezoelectric element, is made Vibration and noise signal from patient can be correctly detected by obtaining piezoelectrics.

Although touch pad PC is preferable computing unit, any meter of process described herein can be run and shown Calculation machine or computing system can be used together with the component discussed.In addition, wiredly and/or wirelessly technology can be with some groups of system Part is used together.Other assemblies may need shielded cable to be interfered to avoid to the signal transmitted.In view of above-mentioned religion Lead, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible.

Claims (20)

1. a kind of disposable sensor for being used to acoustical signal being transferred to sensor from body pads, including low durometer material Disk, the disk have the forward surface for being used for contacting body with upper contact part point, the upper contact part point, wherein, institute Stating upper contact part point includes circumferential side wall and circular upper surface；And bottom, the bottom have and upper contact part point connection Flat circular surface, the circumferential recess for feeler element, and the circumferential edge outside the circumferential recess； Wherein, the forward surface is adapted for contact with body, and the bottom is suitable for being positioned at the piezoelectric element for sensing acoustical signal On；Wherein, the bottom of the disposable sensor pad deforms less than 5% when power is applied in the forward surface.

2. disposable sensor pad according to claim 1, wherein, the forward surface for contacting body includes The semi-circular portion of center projections, the semi-circular portion include recessed sunk area in the center of the semi-circular portion.

3. disposable sensor pad according to claim 1, wherein, the forward surface for contacting body includes Convex meeting surface, the convex meeting surface is in the group consisted of：It is multiple raised nodules, multiple cylinders, same Thimble, at least two concentric rings, hemispherical, spill, circle, square, hexagon, octagon, dodecahedron shape, ellipse, Avette, triangle, star, the convex product of each shape, the concave object of each shape, and combinations thereof.

4. disposable sensor pad according to claim 3, wherein, the convex meeting surface includes middle body, The middle body includes recessed sunk area in the center of the convex meeting surface.

5. disposable sensor pad according to claim 1, wherein, the low durometer material is silicon.

6. disposable sensor pad according to claim 1, wherein, low-durometer material is made of silicon substantially, and its In, the pad is formed in a mold by substantially silicon materials, so as to form homogeneous pad.

7. disposable sensor pad according to claim 1, wherein, the forward surface for contacting body includes Substantially cover multiple raised extensions on the surface of the forward surface.

8. a kind of sensor box for being used to sense acoustical signal, including：

Housing, at one end with internal chamber and circular open, and has ball-and-socket connection at the opposite end of the housing Device, the ball-and-socket connector are configured to attach to the support knot for adjustably moving the sensor box in a plurality of directions Structure；

The piezoelectric element of disc format, has the first side and the second opposite side, and first side and the second side are included in described Align in the internal chamber of housing and with the circular open；

Disposable sonic transducer pad, have with the planar surface portion on the first side of the first side contacts of the piezoelectric element Point and the body contacting portion for extending through the circular open in the housing on the second side, and the body connects A part for contact portion point extends from the outward opening in the housing；

First o-ring, be positioned on the first side of the piezoelectric element and with the first side contacts of the piezoelectric element；

Second O-ring, be positioned on the second side of the piezoelectric element and with the second side contacts of the piezoelectric element；And

Wherein, second O-ring includes circumferential recess, and the groove is positioned such that the edge of the piezoelectric element is located at In the groove.

9. sensor box according to claim 8, wherein, the disposable sonic transducer pad is included in first side On spill circumferential direction ring.

10. sensor box according to claim 8, wherein, the disposable sonic transducer pad is additionally included in body and connects Touch the circumferential wall on side and be positioned at the circumferential wall nearby to the circumferential concave grooves of the inner side of the pad, and be placed in institute State the raised body contact characteristic inside concave grooves.

11. sensor box according to claim 8, wherein, the disposable sonic transducer pad is additionally included in the body Circumferential wall on body contact side and the circumferential wall is positioned at nearby to the circumferential concave grooves of the inner side of the pad, and bag Include the concave raised hemispherical feature of central recessed.

12. sensor box according to claim 8, wherein, the disposable sonic transducer pad is additionally included in the body Circumferential wall on body contact side and two concentric rings being positioned on circular sensor pad.

13. sensor box according to claim 8, wherein, first side of the disposable sensor pad is in power It will not be bent when being applied on second side.

14. sensor box according to claim 8, wherein, the disposable sensor pad is made of low-durometer material, The low-durometer material assigns the impedance matching between skin and the piezoelectric element.

15. a kind of sensor box for being used to sense acoustical signal, including：

Housing, at one end with internal chamber and circular open, and has connector, institute at the opposite end of the housing State connector and be configured to attach to supporting structure for adjustably moving the sensor box in a plurality of directions；

The piezoelectric element of disc format, has the first side and the second opposite side, and first side and the second side are included in described Align in the internal chamber of housing and with the circular open；

Disposable sonic transducer pad, have with the planar surface portion on the first side of the first side contacts of the piezoelectric element Point and the body contacting portion for extending through the circular open in the housing on the second side, and the body connects A part for contact portion point extends from the outward opening of the housing；

First o-ring, be positioned on the first side of the piezoelectric element and with the first side contacts of the piezoelectric element；

Second O-ring, be positioned on the second side of the piezoelectric element and with the second side contacts of the piezoelectric element；And

Wherein, second O-ring includes circumferential recess, and the groove is positioned such that the edge of the piezoelectric element is located at In the groove.

16. sensor box according to claim 15, wherein, the connector is bayonet coupling connector.

17. sensor box according to claim 15, wherein, second side includes raised body contact characteristic, institute The body contact characteristic of protrusion is stated in the group consisted of：Multiple raised nodules, multiple cylinders, concentric ring, at least Two concentric rings, hemispherical, spill, circle, square, hexagon, octagon, dodecahedron shape, ellipse, avette, triangle Shape, star, the convex product of each shape, the concave object of each shape, and combinations thereof.

18. sensor box according to claim 15, wherein, the disposable sonic transducer pad is additionally included in body and connects Touch the circumferential wall on side and two concentric rings being positioned on the circular sensor pad.

19. sensor box according to claim 15, wherein, it is described disposable when power is applied on second side First side of transducer gasket will not bend away from piezoelectric unit or be bent towards the piezoelectric unit.

20. sensor box according to claim 15, wherein, the disposable sensor pad is by low-durometer material system Into the low-durometer material assigns the impedance matching between skin and the piezoelectric element.