From ALOKA Co., Ltd.;
'A High-Quality, Portable Veterinary Ultrasound System.
The SSD-500V is a rugged, portable convex sector/linear scanner that offers versatility, superb image quality and reliable performance in a compact design. This 22 lb system has Electronic dynamic focus and 256 shades of gray that produces high-quality images.
The SSD-500V includes comprehensive measurement and analysis packages. Measurements include distance/depth, area, circumference, velocity, heart rate, ratio and angle. The system also included obstetrical analysis functions that can calculate estimated gestational age and expected date of confinement.
In addition, customized obstetrical tables can be easily created. The SSD-500V software package also includes left ventricular function software for M-mode Cardiac evaluation.
The 500V provides excellent clinical versatility − for use in both small and large animal applications − using a wide range of optional convex and linear array transducers.'

The acoustic lens is placed at the time the transducer is manufactured and cannot be changed. The acoustic lens is generally focused in the mid field rather than the near or far fields. The exact focal length varies with transducer frequency, but is generally in the range of 4-6 cm for a 5 MHz curved linear probe and 7-9 cm for a 3.5 MHz curved transducer.
Placing the elevation plane (z-plane) focal zone of the acoustic lens in the very near or far field would improve the beam width at precisely those depths. However, this would degrade the beam width to a much greater and unacceptable degree at all other depths.
There are some chemicals in ultrasound couplants that can degrade the acoustic lens, destroy bonding, or change the acoustic properties of the lens. Problematic chemicals include mineral oil, silicone oil, alcohol, surfactants, and fragrances. Fragrance can affect the transducer's acoustic lens or face material by absorption over time into elastomer and plastic materials, thus changing the material's weight, size, density, and acoustic impedance. Surfactants can degrade the bond between the lens and the piezoelectric elements and contribute to the accelerated degeneration of the lens.

See also Retrolenticular Afterglow.

Annular arrays are transducer assemblies with circular or ringlike elements, used to focus the beam. Annular arrays must be steered mechanically since they can only be fired in an outward-inward progression due to the rings. Annular arrays reduce section thickness artifacts.

An array transducer is composed of multiple piezoelectric crystal elements arranged in an array. Arrays are transducer assemblies with a row of elements, used to focus the beam.

Types of array transducers:

See also Amplitude Shading, Transducer Types, and Transducer Assembly.

The Germany-based pharmaceutical company is the result of the take-over of Schering AG by Bayer AG in 2006. The Bayer Schering Pharma AG is part of the Bayer HealthCare AG, which represents the pharmaceutical part of the Bayer Group.
The company makes ultrasound, x-ray and MRI contrast media, drugs for treating cancer, multiple-sclerosis, heart and nervous system disorders and severe skin conditions.
In general, its activities are focused on four business areas: Fertility control & hormone therapy, diagnostics & radiopharmaceuticals, dermatology as well as specialized therapeutics for disabling diseases in the fields of the central nervous system, oncology and cardiovascular system.
Currently, Bayer Schering Pharma discontinued the manufacturing and development of ultrasound contrast agents.

Ultrasound Contrast Agents: