Acoustically Transparent Window for Specialized Intraluminal Ultrasound Imaging

Publication ID: 24-11857361_0009_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Acoustically Transparent Window for Specialized Intraluminal Ultrasound Imaging,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857361_0009_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857361_0009_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,361.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

An acoustically transparent window adapted for specific, niche operational environments, enhancing intraluminal ultrasound imaging capabilities in high-temperature, disaster relief, high-security, extreme weather, and remote or resource-constrained settings.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed an acoustically transparent window for intraluminal ultrasound imaging devices. However, these devices were not designed to operate in extreme or specialized environments, limiting their applicability. The new inventive concept addresses this limitation by adapting the acoustically transparent window for specific, niche operational environments.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new inventive concept comprises an acoustically transparent window made of heat-resistant materials, durable materials, or other specialized materials, depending on the specific operational environment. For high-temperature environments, the window is designed to withstand temperatures above 100°C. In disaster relief scenarios, the window is part of a deployable intraluminal ultrasound imaging device. For high-security applications, the window is integrated into a system that encrypts and transmits ultrasound data to a secure server. In extreme weather conditions, the window is part of a waterproof and shock-resistant housing. In remote or resource-constrained areas, the window is part of a portable, solar-powered intraluminal ultrasound imaging device.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept's novelty lies in its adaptation of the acoustically transparent window for specific, niche operational environments, providing a non-obvious solution to the limitations of the original patent. The inventive step resides in the selection and implementation of specialized materials and designs that enable the window to operate effectively in these environments.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different materials, such as advanced polymers or ceramics, or the integration of additional features, such as temperature control or vibration dampening. Variations could include adapting the window for use in other specialized environments, such as high-radiation or high-vibration settings.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, disaster relief, and security. The market for specialized intraluminal ultrasound imaging devices is expected to grow, driven by the increasing demand for advanced medical imaging and diagnostic capabilities in diverse operational environments.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B8/12
A A61 A61B8/445
A A61 A61B8/4477
A A61 A61B8/4494
G G01 G01S7/52085
G G01 G01S15/8906

Field of Art

Medical imaging technologies, specifically intraluminal ultrasound devices with specialized acoustic windows, involving biomedical engineering, materials science, and diagnostic medical instrumentation

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer with expertise in ultrasound device design, materials selection, and medical imaging technologies, holding advanced degrees in bioengineering or medical device engineering with 3-5 years of specialized experience

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the source patent's fundamental acoustic window design can be readily adapted to specialized environments by selecting appropriate materials and modifying the device configuration. The core technological principles of acoustic transparency, flexible imaging devices, and intraluminal deployment remain consistent across the PTD's variations. A PHOSITA would understand that material selection and environmental adaptation represent standard engineering design choices within predictable technological parameters.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Flexible elongate member with ultrasound imaging assembly configured for intraluminal positioning
PTD Variation
Adapting the device for high-temperature environments with heat-resistant materials
Obviousness Reasoning
Material substitution represents a known technique in medical device engineering, with predictable results of maintaining core device functionality while expanding operational parameters
Source Patent Element
Acoustic window with elastic inner layer comprising polybutadiene rubber
PTD Variation
Integrating advanced polymers or ceramics for specialized environmental resistance
Obviousness Reasoning
Selection of alternative materials with enhanced performance characteristics is a standard engineering approach when expanding device capabilities
Source Patent Element
Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging assembly
PTD Variation
Incorporating secure data transmission and encryption for high-security applications
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding data security features represents a predictable technological enhancement using known communication and encryption techniques
Source Patent Element
Catheter-based flexible elongate imaging device
PTD Variation
Creating portable, solar-powered versions for remote or resource-constrained environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating alternative power sources is a foreseeable modification using established engineering design principles
Source Patent Element
Ultrasound imaging device configured for intraluminal positioning
PTD Variation
Developing waterproof and shock-resistant housing for extreme weather conditions
Obviousness Reasoning
Environmental hardening represents a standard engineering approach with predictable methods of enhancing device durability
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 103, the variations disclosed in this publication would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention, as they represent predictable technological extensions of US Patent 11857361, involving standard engineering design choices that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner without requiring inventive insight.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,361
TitleAcoustically transparent window for intraluminal ultrasound imaging device
Assignee(s)Koninklijke Philips N.V.