Ultrasound machines, widely used in medical imaging, are essential tools in the field of diagnostic ultrasound. These devices utilize high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of internal body structures. Ultrasound machines consist of several key components that work together to generate diagnostic images. These include:
B-mode machines represent the vast majority of machines used in echocardiology, obstetrical scans, abdominal scans, gynecological scans, etc. B-mode ultrasound machines usually produce the sector (or pie segment-shaped) scans. These ultrasound scans require either a mechanical scanner transducer (the transducer moves to produce the sector scan), or a linear array transducer operated as a phased array.


Ultrasound machines come in different types, each catering to specific clinical needs. The two primary types are stationary and portable ultrasound machines:


See also Handheld Ultrasound, Ultrasound System Performance, Equipment Preparation, Coaxial Cable, and Microbubble Scanner Modification, Environmental Protection and Ultrasound Accessories and Supplies.

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.'

From ESAOTE S.p.A.;
'The AU5 EPI is an ultrasound system for multi-disciplinary use that incorporates all the transducer technologies (linear, convex, phased array, and annular array) adapted to today's most diverse diagnostic requirements. Furthermore it offers the most modern and advanced techniques available today on the market.'

Echoes of deep lying structures within the body do not always come from the latest emitted sound pulse and can produce an aliasing artifact. Aliasing lowers the frequency components when the pulse repetition frequency is less than 2 times the highest frequency of a Doppler signal. This artifact can be problematical at Spectral or Color Doppler examinations.
Aliasing of the data displayed in pulsed wave technology is utilized as a benefit in determining transitions from laminar to turbulent flow.

See also Ultrasound Imaging Modes.

From Ultralink LLC;
'Artemis is a very high frequency (VHF) ultrasound eye scanner. In use, the patient leans forward placing their head onto an adjustable headrest. The headrest's unique design permits the patient to pull away quickly from the scanner if desired. An eyecup filled with a saline-based interface fluid couples the ultrasound signal to the eye, while a precision mechanism moves the transducer past the front of the eye. During the accurately controlled arc motion of the transducer, which lasts less than one second, many thousands of ultrasound samples are digitized. Following a scan, signal analysis is performed on a PC-compatible microcomputer, and the data are available for immediate viewing on an LCD monitor or disk storage. Artemis is very flexible; many adjustments to the scanning parameters are possible to customize the scan to your clinical needs. Functions are provided for centering the scan about the optical axis of the eye. The starting location of the scans as well as the extent can be varied as desired, to view image planes through the eye at different angles.'

See also Ultrasound Biomicroscopy, A-Mode and A-Scan.