# US 2023/0404531 A1 · Ultrasound coupling system > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2023/0404531 A1 - Document ID: US20230404531A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 18/037,713 - Filed: 2021-07-01 - Published: 2023-12-21 - Earliest claimed: 2020-11-27 - Assignees: Aison Technologies AG - Applicants: Aison Technologies AG - Inventors: PHILIPP KÄLIN; Sophia BOROWKA; Jinesh KALLUNKATHARIYIL; Luca ANDRICH - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20230404531A1 ## CPC - A61B 8/4272: {involving the acoustic interface between the transducer and the tissue} - A61B 8/4455: {Features of the external shape of the probe, e.g. ergonomic aspects} - A61B 8/4209: {by using holders, e.g. positioning frames} - A61B 8/4281: {characterised by sound-transmitting media or devices for coupling the transducer to the tissue} - A61B 8/4422: {related to hygiene or sterilisation} - A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D) ## Abstract An ultrasound coupling system 100 for coupling any ultrasound transducer 106 to a body surface to be examined includes a stand-off holder 102 for receiving the ultrasound transducer 106. The stand-off holder 102 has a frame section with a central aperture The frame section includes a fixation member 108 for removably mounting a stand-off cushion 104 to the stand-off holder 102. The central aperture is configured to accommodate an end portion 118 of the ultrasound transducer 106 having an end surface. The frame section is configured such that the end surface contacts the stand-off cushion 104 through the central aperture in a state where the stand-off cushion 104 is removably mounted to the frame section and the end portion 118 of the ultrasound transducer 106 is accommodated in the central aperture. ## Claims ### Claim at position 1 1-19. (canceled) ### Claim 20 An ultrasound coupling system for coupling an ultrasound transducer to a body surface to be examined, comprising a flexible stand-off cushion, and a tab connected to the stand-off cushion for coupling the stand-off cushion to the ultrasound transducer. ### Claim 21 (depends on 20) The ultrasound coupling system of claim 20, wherein the flexible stand-off cushion has an envelope forming a hollow and the tab is integrally formed with the envelope, or alternatively, the ultrasound coupling system comprises a frame holding the stand-off cushion, wherein the tab is connected to the frame. ### Claim 22 (depends on 20) The ultrasound coupling system of claim 20, wherein the flexible stand-off cushion comprises an envelope which forms a hollow having an opening and being filled with a liquid, gel-like and/or relatively soft material, wherein the opening is located so that it faces the end surface of the ultrasound transducer in a state where the stand-off cushion is coupled to the ultrasound transducer. ### Claim 23 (depends on 20) The ultrasound coupling system of claim 20, wherein the tab has an adhesive region. ### Claim 24 (depends on 21) The ultrasound coupling system of claim 21, wherein the hollow is a closed hollow. ### Claim 25 (depends on 21) The ultrasound coupling system of claim 21, wherein the hollow is filled with a liquid, gel-like and/or relatively soft material. ### Claim 26 (depends on 20) The ultrasound coupling system of claim 20, wherein the flexible stand-off cushion comprises an upper envelope layer and a lower envelope layer which are attached to each other. ### Claim 27 (depends on 26) The ultrasound coupling system of claim 26, wherein the upper envelope layer and the lower envelope layer are attached to each other, thereby forming an attached area for forming a closed hollow of the flexible stand-off cushion. ### Claim 28 (depends on 26) The ultrasound coupling system of claim 26, wherein the upper envelope layer and the lower envelope layer are attached at predefined areas where the upper envelope area and the lower envelope layer extend beyond the flexible stand-off cushion. ### Claim 29 (depends on 26) The ultrasound coupling system of claim 26, wherein the upper envelope layer and the lower envelope layer are attached by welding the upper envelope layer and the lower envelope layer. ### Claim 30 (depends on 20) Ultrasound measurement system for guiding an ultrasound transducer comprising the ultrasound coupling system of claim 20. ### Claim 31 A method for manufacturing a stand-off cushion for use in an ultrasound coupling system comprising a stand-off holder, the method comprising the steps of providing an envelope comprising a first elastomer material, the envelope defining an inner hollow having an opening, filling the inner hollow with a second elastomer material through the opening, wherein the second elastomer material has a lower hardness than the first elastomer material, closing the opening with a third elastomer material, and providing a fixation member for mounting the stand-off cushion to the stand-off holder. ### Claim 32 (depends on 31) The method of claim 31, wherein the third elastomer material is the same elastomer material as the second elastomer material. ### Claim 33 (depends on 31) The method of claim 31, wherein providing the envelope includes mould casting the envelope with the first elastomer material and subsequently hardening the first elastomer material before filling in the second elastomer material.