Abstract: Harmonic motion is produced in a subject using vibro-acoustography. An ultrasonic imaging system repetitively interrogates the subject and the Doppler shift in the reflected echo signals is analyzed to measure the phase and amplitude of harmonic motion produced in the subject at different prescribed frequencies. Shear wave propagation through the subject is determined from this information and mechanical properties related to “stiffness” of the subject are determined. A Kalman filter is employed in the phase and amplitude measurement to extract the harmonic motion information from background noise.

Abstract: A wiring system includes a first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket having respective mounting flanges configured to secure the first and second mounting brackets to a mounting surface. The first and second mounting brackets extend away from the mounting surface to a distal end where a hinge is formed. The wiring system also includes a DIN rail supported above the mounting surface by the first and second mounting brackets through the respective hinges such that the DIN rail is rotatable about the hinges along an axis of rotation extending between the first and second mounting brackets to provide access to a wire passage extending parallel to the axis of rotation under the DIN rail and through the first and second mounting brackets.

Abstract: A method for suppressing the noise component of a measured magnetic resonance (MR) signal is disclosed. In particular, a signal-space projection operator is produced and employed to suppress the noise component from acquired MR signals that is uncorrelated with the spatial pattern of a desired NMR signal. In one embodiment, an fMRI scan is performed to acquire time course image data. The NMR data is filtered with a signal-space projection operator and reconstructed into a series of image frames. In another embodiment, the signal-space projection operator is employed to suppress lipid signal in MRS image data.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging system acquires echo signals from an object being imaged such as a moving coronary artery and the cross-correlation between echo signals is employed as an objective measure of relative object location. The method is used in a prescan procedure to determine an optimal gating window to acquire image data during a cardiac gated scan, and it is used during the scan as a real time gating signal.

Abstract: A split sprocket assembly. The sprocket assembly does not require additional separate fasteners and extends substantially parallel to the axis of the drive shaft. Further, the sprocket assembly includes first and second sprocket sections having integrally formed connecting device to connect the sprocket members about the shaft. The connecting device preferably includes a projection formed on one sprocket section and a complementary recess formed on the other sprocket section. The geometry of the projection and the recess is preferably that of a dove-tail shape. The connecting device further includes a device for preventing axial movement of the sprocket sections relative to one another. In one embodiment, the sprocket assembly does not require any additional separate fasteners at all, and the preventing device includes locking members to provide a cylindrical snap fit.