Multifrequency Ultrasound Technology for Diverse Industrial Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept leverages the core technology of the original universal ultrasound device to expand into new industries, including water quality monitoring, composite material inspection, soil moisture level monitoring, food product inspection, and structural health monitoring of buildings.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent's ultrasound device was primarily designed for medical imaging applications. However, the limitations of traditional ultrasound technologies in other industries, such as water quality monitoring and composite material inspection, are well-documented. These industries require adaptable, high-resolution imaging capabilities that can operate across multiple frequency ranges. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by applying the core technology of the original patent to these novel applications.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept involves configuring the universal ultrasound device to operate at multiple frequency ranges, enabling its application in various industrial settings. The device is paired with a processing unit that analyzes the received ultrasound signals to determine specific parameters, such as water quality, defects in composite materials, soil moisture levels, defects or contaminants in food products, and cracks or defects in building structures. The system can be implemented in various modes, including non-invasive monitoring, defect detection, and inspection, depending on the specific industry and application.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel applications and use cases for the original universal ultrasound device, expanding its capabilities beyond medical imaging. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the core technology to address specific challenges in diverse industries, demonstrating a non-obvious extension of the original patent's concept.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include customized ultrasound probes designed for specific industrial applications, integration with other sensing technologies to enhance the accuracy of parameter detection, or the development of specialized software for data analysis and visualization. Variations may also include adapting the system for use in other industries, such as aerospace or automotive.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including environmental monitoring, materials science, agriculture, food safety, and construction. The market demand for adaptable, high-resolution imaging technologies is substantial, and the new inventive concept is poised to capture a significant share of this market.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B8/4477 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/0883 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/0891 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/12 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/4236 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/4427 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/4444 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/4472 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/4494 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/465 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/467 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/483 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/485 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/488 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/5207 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/54 |
| A | A61 | A61B8/56 |
| B | B06 | B06B1/0292 |
| B | B06 | B06B1/0622 |
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,368 |
|---|---|
| Title | Universal ultrasound device and related apparatus and methods |
| Assignee(s) | BFLY Operations, Inc |