EP0160580B1 - Echographic transducer using an oscillating piezoelectric disc on which a deformable membrane forming a lens is mounted - Google Patents

Echographic transducer using an oscillating piezoelectric disc on which a deformable membrane forming a lens is mounted Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0160580B1
EP0160580B1 EP19850400328 EP85400328A EP0160580B1 EP 0160580 B1 EP0160580 B1 EP 0160580B1 EP 19850400328 EP19850400328 EP 19850400328 EP 85400328 A EP85400328 A EP 85400328A EP 0160580 B1 EP0160580 B1 EP 0160580B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
lens
liquid
membrane
piezoelectric element
transducer
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
EP19850400328
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0160580A1 (en
Inventor
Jacques Dory
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
EDAP International SA
Original Assignee
EDAP International SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by EDAP International SA filed Critical EDAP International SA
Publication of EP0160580A1 publication Critical patent/EP0160580A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0160580B1 publication Critical patent/EP0160580B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G10MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10KSOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10K11/00Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound in general; Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
    • G10K11/18Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound
    • G10K11/26Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning
    • G10K11/35Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning using mechanical steering of transducers or their beams
    • G10K11/352Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning using mechanical steering of transducers or their beams by moving the transducer
    • G10K11/355Arcuate movement
    • GPHYSICS
    • G10MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10KSOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10K11/00Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound in general; Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
    • G10K11/18Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound
    • G10K11/26Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning
    • G10K11/30Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning using refraction, e.g. acoustic lenses

Definitions

  • the invention relates to ultrasound probes comprising a transducer composed of a housing containing a coupling liquid and provided with a window for the passage of an ultrasonic beam, in which a piezoelectric element is immersed, preferably in the form of disc, an electric motor and a mechanical link transforming the rotation of the motor shaft into an oscillating movement of the piezoelectric element.
  • probes are used in medical ultrasound devices where the ultrasonic beam generated by the piezoelectric element performs relatively rapid planar angular scanning.
  • French patent applications No. 80.16717 filed July 29, 1980 for "Sector scanning ultrasound probe comprising two coupling liquids” (corresponds to EP-A-45 265) and No. 80.16718 filed July 29, 1980 for "Probe of mechanical sector scanning ultrasound "(FR-A-2 487 665) probes of this type have been described, comprising a particularly simple and advantageous mechanical connection. Although the invention will preferably apply to probes comprising this special mechanical connection, it should be understood that its application could be more general.
  • the invention aims to overcome this drawback by constituting the lens, in a manner known per se, by means of a deformable membrane secured to the movable piezoelectric element to constitute with it a chamber containing a refractive index liquid. for the acoustic waves different from that of the coupling liquid, and by having a flexible mobile portion comprising the pipe which connects said mobile chamber to a fixed reservoir of liquid, itself associated with means for varying the volume of the liquid which 'it contains.
  • FIG. 1 the combination of a plane transducer adjustable in inclination and in azimuth with a fixed lens.
  • the lens is produced on one face of the plane transducer itself.
  • the curvature of the lens is varied by bringing a variable volume of liquid by means of a fixed pipe 7.
  • the plane-lens transducer assembly rotates about an axis, but the way in which the liquid supply pipe for adjustment is then carried out to allow this rotation is not not described at all.
  • the membrane 11 which constitutes the ultrasound exit window is flat and does not constitute a lens.
  • the lens is arranged in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation and the scanning is therefore carried out in a plane parallel to the ultrasonic exit window.
  • the scanning is helical and the lens is fixed. In fact, it is mainly an adjustment which is provided rather than a sweeping movement.
  • the present invention applies exclusively to the case of a sectoral scanning ultrasound probe.
  • Mechanical sector scanning ultrasound probes well known per se, are very simple to produce and it is particularly advantageous to be able to give them the possibilities of focusing adjustments.
  • the relatively rapid oscillation of the transducer disc does not exclude the possibility of forming a lens on said disc itself, this requires finding a practical means of varying the curvature of the membrane of said lens, although this it oscillates quickly.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an adjustment means, but where this means is associated with a fixed lens.
  • the invention according to the single claim combines such a means with the characteristic that the ultrasonic transmission window is itself hemispherical and thus forming a second lens (which is very advantageous when it is desired to obtain very precise focusing), the axis of oscillation of the transducer disc is offset from the plane of the disc, so as to pass it through the center of the hemisphere. It is indeed only in this way that the focal point of the assembly of the two lenses remains the same during the oscillation of the disc.
  • the cylindrical housing 1 which contains a coupling liquid is closed by a spherical membrane 2 transparent to ultrasound and relatively rigid.
  • a piezoelectric ceramic disc 3 is mounted so as to oscillate around an axis XX 'passing through the center of the sphere 2 and perpendicular to the plane of the figure.
  • Such an arrangement can be obtained by means of a device of the type described in the aforementioned French patent, and which is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2.
  • the drive shaft 31 drives, by means of a rod 32 which rotates in a plane perpendicular to the shaft 31, an inclined link 33 whose opposite end, located on the axis of the shaft 31, cooperates with a yoke 34 in the center of it.
  • the yoke 34 is also connected to the ends of a first diameter of a disc 35 (which has been shown hollowed out in the form of a cross to lighten it).
  • the disc 35 oscillates around a second diameter perpendicular to the first, bearings being provided at the ends of this second diameter to define a fixed axis XX 'of oscillation.
  • a rod 36 mounted perpendicular to the surface of the disc 35 in its center, carries at its opposite end the disc 3 which will undergo an oscillating movement around the axis XX 'offset from its plane.
  • the disc 3 carries on its face opposite the membrane 2 a flexible membrane 4 and the chamber in the form of a spherical cap thus defined is connected by a flexible pipe 5 (advantageously made of plastic) which moves in the hemisphere 2.
  • the movable pipe 5 is connected to a fixed pipe 6 which passes through the cylindrical casing 1 and leads, outside of the latter, to a bellows 7 containing a liquid whose index, with respect to the acoustic waves, is different from that of the coupling liquid.
  • a lens 4 has thus been formed.
  • the coupling liquid itself has a higher index than that of the tissues examined, so that the hemisphere 2 forms a converging lens.
  • the relative position of the surfaces of the two lenses located close to one another and facing each other remains constant, so that the focal point of the assembly is located at a constant distance from the center of the sphere and the ultrasonic emission surface.
  • Such a device is easy and completely reliable in its operation, even when the transducer oscillates at a relatively high frequency.
  • window 2 water as coupling liquid, without departing from the spirit of the invention.
  • Window 2 is not necessarily spherical when it does not form a lens.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Ultra Sonic Daignosis Equipment (AREA)
  • Transducers For Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analyzing Materials By The Use Of Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)

Description

L'invention se rapporte aux sondes d'échographie comportant un transducteur composé d'un boîtier contenant un liquide de couplage et muni d'une fenêtre de passage d'un faisceau ultrasonore, dans lequel sont immergés un élément piézoélectrique, de préférence en forme de disque, un organe moteur électrique et une liaison mécanique transformant la rotation de l'arbre du moteur en mouvement oscillant de l'élément piézoélectrique.The invention relates to ultrasound probes comprising a transducer composed of a housing containing a coupling liquid and provided with a window for the passage of an ultrasonic beam, in which a piezoelectric element is immersed, preferably in the form of disc, an electric motor and a mechanical link transforming the rotation of the motor shaft into an oscillating movement of the piezoelectric element.

Ces sondes sont utilisées dans les appareils d'échographie médicale où le faisceau ultrasonore engendré par l'élément piézoélectrique effectue un balayage angulaire plan relativement rapide. Dans les demandes de brevet français n° 80.16717 déposée le 29 juillet 1980 pour "Sonde d'échographie à balayge sectoriel comportant deux liquides de couplage" (corresponde à EP-A-45 265) et n° 80.16718 déposée le 29juillet 1980 pour "Sonde d'échographie à balayage sectoriel mécanique" (FR-A-2 487 665), on a décrit des sondes de ce genre, comportant une liaison mécanique particulièrement simple et avantageuse. Bien que l'invention s'appliquera de préférence aux sondes comportant cette liaison mécanique spéciale, il doit être bien compris que son application pourrait être plus générale.These probes are used in medical ultrasound devices where the ultrasonic beam generated by the piezoelectric element performs relatively rapid planar angular scanning. In French patent applications No. 80.16717 filed July 29, 1980 for "Sector scanning ultrasound probe comprising two coupling liquids" (corresponds to EP-A-45 265) and No. 80.16718 filed July 29, 1980 for "Probe of mechanical sector scanning ultrasound "(FR-A-2 487 665), probes of this type have been described, comprising a particularly simple and advantageous mechanical connection. Although the invention will preferably apply to probes comprising this special mechanical connection, it should be understood that its application could be more general.

Dans certaines applications, il est souhaitable de pouvoir focaliser le faisceau ultrasonore émis par la sonde à distance variable et avec une précision aussi grande que possible, pour obtenir la "mise au point" dans une zone d'examen particulière. Il est connu, à cet effet, de fermer la fenêtre de passage susvisée au moyen d'une membrane convexe formant lentille acoustique lorsque le liquide contenu dans le boîtier présente, en ce qui concerne la vitesse de propagation des ultrasons, des propriétés différentes de celles de l'eau qui constitue l'élément principal des tissus observés. On peut évidemment obtenir une focalisation variable en faisant varier la courbure de la membrane par différents moyens.In certain applications, it is desirable to be able to focus the ultrasonic beam emitted by the probe at a variable distance and with as great a precision as possible, in order to obtain the "focusing" in a particular examination area. It is known, for this purpose, to close the aforementioned passage window by means of a convex membrane forming an acoustic lens when the liquid contained in the housing has, as regards the speed of propagation of the ultrasound, properties different from those water which constitutes the main element of the tissues observed. It is obviously possible to obtain a variable focus by varying the curvature of the membrane by different means.

L'inconvénient de cette solution antérieure est que la distance focale varie légèrement au cours du balayage ; ce qui sera une cause d'astigmatisme.The disadvantage of this prior solution is that the focal distance varies slightly during scanning; which will cause astigmatism.

L'invention vise à s'affranchir de cet inconvénient en constituant la lentille, de façon connue en soi, au moyen d'une membrane déformable solidarisée à l'élément piézoélectrique mobile pour constituer avec lui une chambre contenant un liquide d'indice de réfraction pour les ondes acoustiques différent de celui du liquide de couplage, et en faisant comporter une portion mobile souple à la canalisation qui relie ladite chambre mobile à un réservoir fixe de liquide, lui-même associé à des moyens de faire varier le volume du liquide qu'il contient.The invention aims to overcome this drawback by constituting the lens, in a manner known per se, by means of a deformable membrane secured to the movable piezoelectric element to constitute with it a chamber containing a refractive index liquid. for the acoustic waves different from that of the coupling liquid, and by having a flexible mobile portion comprising the pipe which connects said mobile chamber to a fixed reservoir of liquid, itself associated with means for varying the volume of the liquid which 'it contains.

On a déjà proposé, selon WO-A-82 04 157, figure 1, la combinaison d'un transducteur plan réglable en inclinaison et en azimut avec une lentille fixe. Selon la figure 3, la lentille est réalisée sur une face du transducteur plan lui-même. Selon la figure 1, on fait varier la courbure de la lentille en amenant un volume variable de liquide au moyen d'une conduite fixe 7.We have already proposed, according to WO-A-82 04 157, FIG. 1, the combination of a plane transducer adjustable in inclination and in azimuth with a fixed lens. According to FIG. 3, the lens is produced on one face of the plane transducer itself. According to FIG. 1, the curvature of the lens is varied by bringing a variable volume of liquid by means of a fixed pipe 7.

Dans le mode d'exécution de la figure 4, l'ensemble transducteur plan-lentille tourne autour d'un axe, mais la manière dont la conduite d'amenée du liquide en vue du réglage est alors réalisée pour autoriser cette rotation n'est nullement décrite.In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the plane-lens transducer assembly rotates about an axis, but the way in which the liquid supply pipe for adjustment is then carried out to allow this rotation is not not described at all.

Dans tous les cas de figure, la membrane 11 qui constitue la fenêtre de sortie des ultrasons est plane et ne constitue pas une lentille.In all cases, the membrane 11 which constitutes the ultrasound exit window is flat and does not constitute a lens.

Ce document antérieur ne décrit aucun moyen pratique de faire osciller la lentille autour d'un axe pour effectuer un balayage sectoriel. Selon la figure 4, la lentille est disposée dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe de rotation et le balayage s'effectue donc dans un plan parallèle à la fenêtre de sortie des ultrasons. Selon la figure 1, le balayage est hélicoïdal et la lentille est fixe. En fait, c'est surtout un réglage qui est prévu plutôt qu'un mouvement de balayage.This prior document does not describe any practical means of oscillating the lens about an axis to perform sector scanning. According to Figure 4, the lens is arranged in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation and the scanning is therefore carried out in a plane parallel to the ultrasonic exit window. According to Figure 1, the scanning is helical and the lens is fixed. In fact, it is mainly an adjustment which is provided rather than a sweeping movement.

La présente invention s'applique exclusivement au cas d'une sonde d'échographie à balayage sectoriel. Les sondes d'échographie à balayage sectoriel mécanique, bien connues en soi, sont très simples à réaliser et il est particulièrement intéressant de pouvoir leur conférer les possibilités de focalisation réglages. Or si l'oscillation relativement rapide du disque transducteur n'exclut pas que l'on forme une lentille sur ledit disque lui-même, cela oblige à trouver un moyen pratique de faire varier la courbure de la membrane de ladite lentille bien que celle-ci oscille rapidement. Un tel moyen n'est pas décrit dans le document cité, où seule la figure 1 illustre un moyen de réglage, mais où ce moyen est associé à une lentille fixe.The present invention applies exclusively to the case of a sectoral scanning ultrasound probe. Mechanical sector scanning ultrasound probes, well known per se, are very simple to produce and it is particularly advantageous to be able to give them the possibilities of focusing adjustments. However, if the relatively rapid oscillation of the transducer disc does not exclude the possibility of forming a lens on said disc itself, this requires finding a practical means of varying the curvature of the membrane of said lens, although this it oscillates quickly. Such a means is not described in the cited document, where only FIG. 1 illustrates an adjustment means, but where this means is associated with a fixed lens.

L'invention selon la seule revendication combine un tel moyen à la caractéristique selon laquelle la fenêtre de transmission des ultrasons étant elle-même hémisphérique et formant ainsi une seconde lentille (ce qui est très avantageux lorsqu'on désire obtenir une focalisation très précise), l'axe d'oscillation du disque transducteur est décalé par rapport au plan du disque, de façon à le faire passer par le centre de la demi-sphère. C'est en effet seulement de cette façon que le point focal de l'ensemble des deux lentilles reste le même au cours de l'oscillation du disque.The invention according to the single claim combines such a means with the characteristic that the ultrasonic transmission window is itself hemispherical and thus forming a second lens (which is very advantageous when it is desired to obtain very precise focusing), the axis of oscillation of the transducer disc is offset from the plane of the disc, so as to pass it through the center of the hemisphere. It is indeed only in this way that the focal point of the assembly of the two lenses remains the same during the oscillation of the disc.

D'autres particularités, ainsi que les avantages de l'invention, apparaîtront clairement à la lumière de la description ci après.Other features, as well as the advantages of the invention, will become apparent in the light of the description below.

Au dessin annexé :

  • La figure 1 illustre schématiquement un mode d'exécution préféré de l'invention, et,
  • La figure 2 représente une forme d'exécution du dispositif qui fait osciller le traducteur.
In the attached drawing:
  • FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention, and,
  • FIG. 2 represents an embodiment of the device which makes the translator oscillate.

Le boîtier cylindrique 1 qui contient un liquide de couplage est fermé par une membrane sphérique 2 transparente aux ultrasons et relativement rigide.The cylindrical housing 1 which contains a coupling liquid is closed by a spherical membrane 2 transparent to ultrasound and relatively rigid.

Un disque en céramique piézoélectrique 3 est monté de manière à osciller autour d'un axe XX' passant par le centre de la sphère 2 et perpendiculaire au plan de la figure. Un tel montage peut être obtenu au moyen d'un dispositif du genre décrit dans le brevet français susvisé, et qui est représenté schématiquement à la figure 2.A piezoelectric ceramic disc 3 is mounted so as to oscillate around an axis XX 'passing through the center of the sphere 2 and perpendicular to the plane of the figure. Such an arrangement can be obtained by means of a device of the type described in the aforementioned French patent, and which is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2.

L'arbre moteur 31 entraîne, par l'intermédiaire d'une tige 32 qui tourne dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'arbre 31, une biellette inclinée 33 dont l'extrémité opposée, située sur l'axe de l'arbre 31, coopère avec une chape 34 au centre de celle-ci. La chape 34 est par ailleurs reliée aux extrémités d'un premier diamètre d'un disque 35 (que l'on a représenté évidé en forme de croix pour l'alléger). Comme on l'a expliqué dans le brevet susvisé, le disque 35 oscille autour d'un second diamètre perpendiculaire au premier, des paliers étant prévus aux extrémités de ce second diamètre pour définir un axe fixe XX' d'oscillation.The drive shaft 31 drives, by means of a rod 32 which rotates in a plane perpendicular to the shaft 31, an inclined link 33 whose opposite end, located on the axis of the shaft 31, cooperates with a yoke 34 in the center of it. The yoke 34 is also connected to the ends of a first diameter of a disc 35 (which has been shown hollowed out in the form of a cross to lighten it). As explained in the aforementioned patent, the disc 35 oscillates around a second diameter perpendicular to the first, bearings being provided at the ends of this second diameter to define a fixed axis XX 'of oscillation.

Une tige 36, montée perpendiculaire à la surface du disque 35 en son centre, porte à son extrémité opposée le disque 3 qui va subir un mouvement oscillant autour de l'axe XX' décalé par rapport à son plan.A rod 36, mounted perpendicular to the surface of the disc 35 in its center, carries at its opposite end the disc 3 which will undergo an oscillating movement around the axis XX 'offset from its plane.

Le disque 3 porte sur sa face en regard à la membrane 2 une membrane souple 4 et la chambre en forme de calotte sphérique ainsi définie est reliée par une canalisation souple 5 (avantageusement en matière plastique) qui se déplace dans la demi-sphère 2. La canalisation mobile 5 est raccordée à une canalisation fixe 6 qui traverse le boîtier cylindrique 1 et aboutit, à l'extérieur de ce dernier, à un soufflet 7 contenant un liquide dont l'indice, vis-à-vis des ondes acoustiques, est différent de celui du liquide de couplage.The disc 3 carries on its face opposite the membrane 2 a flexible membrane 4 and the chamber in the form of a spherical cap thus defined is connected by a flexible pipe 5 (advantageously made of plastic) which moves in the hemisphere 2. The movable pipe 5 is connected to a fixed pipe 6 which passes through the cylindrical casing 1 and leads, outside of the latter, to a bellows 7 containing a liquid whose index, with respect to the acoustic waves, is different from that of the coupling liquid.

On a ainsi constitué une lentille 4. Pour faire varier le rayon de courbure de celle-ci, on a prévu de faire varier le volume du soufflet 7 au moyen d'un pointeau 8 monté à vis dans un alésage fileté 9, lui même monté dans un boîtier 10 et subissant aussi une translation perpendiculaire aux bases du soufflet.A lens 4 has thus been formed. In order to vary the radius of curvature thereof, provision has been made to vary the volume of the bellows 7 by means of a needle 8 mounted with screws in a threaded bore 9, itself mounted. in a housing 10 and also undergoing a translation perpendicular to the bases of the bellows.

Dans le mode d'exécution décrit, le liquide de couplage à lui même un indice supérieur à celui des tissus examinés, si bien que la demi-sphère 2 forme lentille convergente. Au cours de l'oscillation du transducteur 3 la position relative des surfaces des deux lentilles situées à proximité l'une de l'autre et en regard l'une de l'autre reste constante, si bien que le foyer de l'ensemble est situé à distance constante du centre de la sphère et de la surface d'émission des ultrasons.In the embodiment described, the coupling liquid itself has a higher index than that of the tissues examined, so that the hemisphere 2 forms a converging lens. During the oscillation of the transducer 3, the relative position of the surfaces of the two lenses located close to one another and facing each other remains constant, so that the focal point of the assembly is located at a constant distance from the center of the sphere and the ultrasonic emission surface.

Un tel dispositif est facile et tout à fait fiable dans son fonctionnement, même lorsque le transducteur oscille à une fréquence relativement élevée.Such a device is easy and completely reliable in its operation, even when the transducer oscillates at a relatively high frequency.

Il va de soi que divers autres montages du transducteur oscillant pourront être imaginés et que l'on pourra utiliser, pour la fenêtre 2, de l'eau comme liquide de couplage, sans s'écarter de l'esprit de l'invention. La fenêtre 2 n'est pas nécessairement sphérique lorsqu'elle ne forme pas lentille.It goes without saying that various other arrangements of the oscillating transducer can be imagined and that one can use, for window 2, water as coupling liquid, without departing from the spirit of the invention. Window 2 is not necessarily spherical when it does not form a lens.

Claims (1)

  1. An echographic probe comprising a transducer formed from a case (1), containing a coupling liquid and having à window (2) for the passage of an ultrasonic beam, in which are immersed a piezoelectric element (3) in the form of a disk, an electric motor means and a mechanical transmission means (32 to 36) between the shaft (31) of the motor and the piezoelectric element, a deformable membrane (4) coupled to the mobile piezoelectric element (3) so as to form therewith a chamber containing a liquid with a refraction index for the acoustic waves different from that of the coupling liquid, thus forming a first lens, said chamber being connected, by means of a duct, to a fixed liquid reservoir (7), said fixed reservoir being associated with means (8) for varying the volume of the liquid which it contains, so that the first lens be deformable, characterized in that the coupling liquid has an index different from that of water with respect to the acoustic waves and in that said window (2) is formed by a relatively rigid hemispherical membrane so as to form a second non deformable lens, in that the movement of said piezoelectric element is an oscillation about an axis (XX') passing through the center of the half sphere which the membrane forms and offset with respect to the plane of said disk, so that said deformable membrane (4) is situated close to said hemispherical membrane and opposite thereto, and in that the duct comprises a mobile flexible portion (5-6) which allows the oscillating movement of the first lens.
EP19850400328 1984-04-04 1985-02-22 Echographic transducer using an oscillating piezoelectric disc on which a deformable membrane forming a lens is mounted Expired EP0160580B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8405296 1984-04-04
FR8405296A FR2562747B1 (en) 1984-04-04 1984-04-04 SOLIDARY OSCILLATING PIEZOELECTRIC DISC ECHOGRAPHY PROBE OF A DEFORMABLE MEMBRANE FORMING FOCUSING LENS

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0160580A1 EP0160580A1 (en) 1985-11-06
EP0160580B1 true EP0160580B1 (en) 1989-03-15

Family

ID=9302828

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19850400328 Expired EP0160580B1 (en) 1984-04-04 1985-02-22 Echographic transducer using an oscillating piezoelectric disc on which a deformable membrane forming a lens is mounted

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0160580B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS6141441A (en)
BR (1) BR8501219A (en)
DE (1) DE3568885D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2562747B1 (en)

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2477723A1 (en) * 1980-03-07 1981-09-11 Cgr Ultrasonic ULTRASONIC ULTRASONIC ULTRASONIC PROBE WITH ACOUSTIC LENS AND ECHOGRAPHER COMPRISING SUCH A PROBE
JPS5943172B2 (en) * 1980-06-30 1984-10-20 アロカ株式会社 ultrasonic probe
DE3175444D1 (en) * 1980-07-29 1986-11-13 Jacques Dory Probe for echography with sectional mechanical scanning
FR2487664A1 (en) * 1980-07-29 1982-02-05 Dory Jacques Ultrasonic echography probe with mechanical sectoral scan - uses angular oscillation of motor driven disc and link to piezoelectric vibrator
WO1982004157A1 (en) * 1981-05-23 1982-11-25 Lierke Ernst Guenter Installation for transmiting and receiving focused ultrasonic waves

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2562747A1 (en) 1985-10-11
FR2562747B1 (en) 1987-09-11
DE3568885D1 (en) 1989-04-20
JPS6141441A (en) 1986-02-27
BR8501219A (en) 1985-11-12
EP0160580A1 (en) 1985-11-06

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0045265B1 (en) Probe for echography with sectional mechanical scanning
EP0385897A1 (en) Microechographic probe using ultrasound focusing through a deformable surface
US20110178409A1 (en) Optical Element
FR2696923A1 (en) Calibration device for an ultrasound machine comprising a biopsy accessory.
FR2598863A1 (en) SEMICONDUCTOR LASER PUMPED BY LASER DIODES WITH MINIATURIZED LASER HEAD WITH FAST DISCONNECTION.
EP3332275B1 (en) Lens of variable optical power, optical assembly comprising such a lens and vision-correcting device comprising such an optical assembly
FR2688923A1 (en) Leaktight magnetic drive device without wall penetration and ultrasound probe including application thereof
JPH10500483A (en) Optical sensing using a crystal assembly sensing chip
EP0160580B1 (en) Echographic transducer using an oscillating piezoelectric disc on which a deformable membrane forming a lens is mounted
WO1999035969A1 (en) Echography probe and accessories
FR2487664A1 (en) Ultrasonic echography probe with mechanical sectoral scan - uses angular oscillation of motor driven disc and link to piezoelectric vibrator
EP0079284B1 (en) Ultrasonic mechanical sector-scanning probe
EP1718211B1 (en) Sector scanning ultrasound probe that uses a transducer which can come into contact with the structure to be examined
WO1983003749A1 (en) Body probe with oscillating beam
FR2569513A1 (en) Echography probe having a focussing lens with a curvature which can be adjusted by varying the volume of the coupling liquid in which it is immersed
EP0961151B1 (en) Optical actuator to conduct an incident light beam on a fixe surface situated outside said actuator
EP1738094A1 (en) Drive mechanism which can be used in a scanning device
FR3051562B3 (en) ULTRASONIC STIMULATION SYSTEM OF IN VITRO SAMPLE
FR2619921A1 (en) DEVICE FOR ULTRASONIC CONTROL OF THE INTERNAL STRUCTURE OF OBJECTS
JP2004147673A (en) Acoustic lens holding body and ultrasonic search unit
FR2522264A1 (en) Eye astigmatic refraction evaluation instrument - has flat tilting mirror imposing sweeping action on light ray bundle
KR20050122764A (en) Variable optical attenuator
BE509699A (en)
BE898001A (en) OPTICAL TRANSDUCER APPARATUS.
FR2656761A1 (en) OPTOACOUSTIC TRANSDUCER.

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19850227

AK Designated contracting states

Designated state(s): BE CH DE GB IT LI NL SE

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19870902

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: EDAP INTERNATIONAL

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): BE CH DE GB IT LI NL SE

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed
GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)
REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 3568885

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19890420

RAP4 Party data changed (patent owner data changed or rights of a patent transferred)

Owner name: EDAP INTERNATIONAL

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
ITTA It: last paid annual fee
PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 19920113

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 19920114

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 19920129

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 19920212

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 19920229

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 19920410

Year of fee payment: 8

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Effective date: 19930222

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Effective date: 19930223

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Effective date: 19930228

Ref country code: CH

Effective date: 19930228

Ref country code: BE

Effective date: 19930228

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: EDAP INTERNATIONAL

Effective date: 19930228

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Effective date: 19930901

NLV4 Nl: lapsed or anulled due to non-payment of the annual fee
GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 19930222

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Effective date: 19931103

EUG Se: european patent has lapsed

Ref document number: 85400328.2

Effective date: 19930912