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Method and apparatus for detecting and/or imaging clusters of small scattering centers in the body

  • US 4,338,948 A
  • Filed: 03/27/1980
  • Issued: 07/13/1982
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/27/1980
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for detecting clusters of scattering centers in a volume of a body, comprising:

  • means for directing ultrasonic energy towards a given cluster of scattering centers in periodic bursts of ultrasonic energy at a predetermined frequency;

    means for receiving some of said directed ultrasonic energy at a plurality of different points circumferentially spaced around said body after said energy has come in contact with said cluster of scattering centers, said receiving means distinguishing between received ultrasonic energy having substantially the same, common amplitude at the various receiving points from received ultrasonic energy having differing amplitudes at the various receiving points, whereby to distinguish scattered ultrasonic energy having substantially the same amplitude at all of the receiving points from noise or reflected ultrasonic energy; and

    means responding only to the scattered ultrasonic energy received and distinguished by said receiving means for producing a corresponding output signal.

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