Non-cylindrical acoustic wave device

• US 20030050559A1
• Filed: 09/12/2001
• Published: 03/13/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 09/12/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Moshe Ein-Gal
• Original Assignee: Moshe Ein-Gal
• Inventors: Ein-Gal, Moshe
• Granted Patent: US 7,048,699 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/437
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/225 for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy [ESWL], e.g. by using ultrasonic waves
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/2258 integrated in a central portion of the shock wave apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/22027 Features of transducers
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 11/28 using reflection, e.g. parabolic reflectors
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 11/32 characterised by the shape of the source
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 9/12 electrically operated

Abstract

An acoustic wave device including a non-cylindrical and non-point acoustic wave transducer adapted to generate an acoustic wave and positioned along a longitudinal axis, and a reflector arranged with respect to the transducer so as to focus an acoustic wave emanating from the transducer to a focal point.

Claims

1. An acoustic wave device comprising:

a non-cylindrical and non-point acoustic wave transducer adapted to generate an acoustic wave and positioned along a longitudinal axis; and

a reflector arranged with respect to said transducer so as to focus an acoustic wave emanating from said transducer to a focal point.

2. The acoustic wave device according to claim 1 wherein said reflector comprises a curve revolved about said longitudinal axis.

3. The acoustic wave device according to claim 2 wherein said curve comprises a portion of a conic section having an axis of symmetry angled with respect to said longitudinal axis.

4. The acoustic wave device according to claim 3 wherein said portion of a conic section comprises a parabola.

5. The acoustic wave device according to claim 3 wherein said portion of a conic section comprises an ellipse.

6. The acoustic wave device according to claim 1 wherein said focal point generally lies on said longitudinal axis.

7. The acoustic wave device according to claim 1 wherein said transducer comprises a conical acoustic wave transducer.

8. The acoustic wave device according to claim 7 wherein said focal point comprises an apex of said conical acoustic wave transducer.

10. The acoustic wave device according to claim 1 wherein said transducer comprises a ring-shaped acoustic wave transducer.

11. The acoustic wave device according to claim 5 wherein said transducer comprises a ring-shaped acoustic wave transducer with a center positioned generally at one focus of said ellipse, and wherein said focal point is generally at another focus of said ellipse.

12. The acoustic wave device according to claim 1 and further comprising a membrane attached to said reflector adapted for an acoustic wave generated by said transducer to propagate therethrough.

13. The acoustic wave device according to claim 1 wherein said acoustic wave transducer comprises an open end covered by a membrane.

14. The acoustic wave device according to claim 1 wherein said acoustic wave transducer comprises an open base adapted for an imaging probe to pass therethrough.

16. The acoustic wave device according to claim 1 and further comprising a force generator mounted in juxtaposition to a base of said transducer, said force generator being adapted to transmit a force to an outer contour of said transducer, which force gives rise to an acoustic wave.

17. The acoustic wave device according to claim 16 wherein said force has a vector component generally perpendicular to said outer contour of said transducer that generates acoustic waves emanating outwards from said outer contour of said transducer.

18. The acoustic wave device according to claim 16 wherein said force generator comprises at least one of a reciprocating hammer device, a “

flying”

mass accelerator adapted to cause a mass to impinge on said transducer, an explosive, an underwater electrical discharge unit, an electromagnetic actuator, a piezoelectric actuator, a pneumatic actuator and a hydraulic actuator.