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 PDFInfo
- 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
Links
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 title claims description 14
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 20
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000000523 sample Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 230000010355 oscillation Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000009347 mechanical transmission Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000002604 ultrasonography Methods 0.000 description 9
- 201000009310 astigmatism Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010408 sweeping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001131 transforming effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
- G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G10K11/00—Methods 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
- G10K11/18—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound
- G10K11/26—Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning
- G10K11/35—Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning using mechanical steering of transducers or their beams
- G10K11/352—Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning using mechanical steering of transducers or their beams by moving the transducer
- G10K11/355—Arcuate movement
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
- G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G10K11/00—Methods 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
- G10K11/18—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound
- G10K11/26—Sound-focusing or directing, e.g. scanning
- G10K11/30—Sound-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
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.
- 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Claims (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.
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)
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 |
-
1984
- 1984-04-04 FR FR8405296A patent/FR2562747B1/en not_active Expired
-
1985
- 1985-02-22 EP EP19850400328 patent/EP0160580B1/en not_active Expired
- 1985-02-22 DE DE8585400328T patent/DE3568885D1/en not_active Expired
- 1985-03-19 BR BR8501219A patent/BR8501219A/en unknown
- 1985-04-04 JP JP7186785A patent/JPS6141441A/en active Pending
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 |
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PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
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17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 19850227 |
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AK | Designated contracting states |
Designated state(s): BE CH DE GB IT LI NL SE |
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17Q | First examination report despatched |
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