Abstract: An apparatus for applying thermal energy to a prostate gland. The apparatus to apply therapeutic treatment to the prostate includes a tube with a longitudinal passageway and wall having radial apertures, power leads threaded through the tube and out the radial apertures in the wall of the tube. Ultrasound crystals are disposed over the tube and the power leads are coupled through the apertures to the ultrasound crystals and a sealant is disposed adjacent and coupled acoustically to the ultrasound crystals. The apparatus is particularly useful to shape the ultrasound treatment fields and minimize application of energy to rectal tissue and the like.

Abstract: Techniques for transmitting graphical images in a network environment are described. According to the techniques, the amount of data of the graphical images that is transmitted is customized in accordance with client and/or server supplied information. The techniques enable graphical images to be transmitted more efficiently than previously possible, thus saving precious network bandwidth and reducing transmission time. The invention is particularly suitable for network (intranet or Internet) implementations wherein graphical images often need to be transferred.