Abstract: A system is disclosed for performing ultrasonic color Doppler imaging to produce absolute velocity and flow direction information for complex media. Ultrasonic color Doppler beams are steered at two different angles and samples are taken at the points of intersection between the steered beams. The duplex color Doppler sample volumes are two overlapping sample volumes interrogated from different angles. Frequency-shift information provided by the color Doppler sample volumes are used to compute the absolute mean velocity and direction of motion of acoustic reflectors within the sample volumes. Velocity and direction data are computed for a two-dimensional array of duplex color Doppler sample volumes and mapped into a color scale to provide a spatial distribution of the velocity or direction of flow or motion of acoustic reflectors.

Abstract: An apparatus having a support for supporting a subject on a surface and an imager for imaging the subject. The imager is movably coupled to a track to allow relative movement of the imager about the support. The track is located substantially along a plane which is substantially parallel to the surface of the support. The support may, in some embodiments, be rotatable from a horizontal to a vertical position for certain procedures. The track provides movement of the imager about at least three sides of the apparatus and, in some embodiments, is affixed to the floor. Further, the track is substantially aligned with a centerline of the support surface. This provides a firm support for the imaging means, but keeps the support structure at a position where it will not interfere with clinical operations.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system for performing dynamic focusing of ultrasonic waves during transmit and receive. The present invention includes a method and a means for transmitting ultrasonic waves to a multiple depths within a body. The present invention optimizes the transmit frequency for each of the multiple depths to localize the energy of the ultrasonic waves. The present invention also includes a method and means for performing dynamic receive focusing of the reflected ultrasonic waves produced by discontinuities in the body, such that it is focused to receive ultrasonic waves from the depth at which the transmitted ultrasonic waves are focused.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for clutter elimination from signals which digitizes a signal to generate n samples of the signals. M basis functions (such as various levels of filters) are fit to the n samples. An i+1 basis function of the m basis functions is iteratively subtracted from each of the n samples, and the difference is stored in an i difference signal until the i+1 difference signal is less than a threshold. In various embodiments, the threshold may be an absolute noise floor (R.sub.O.sup.min) preset by a manufacturer or a user. In other embodiments, the threshold may be based upon an absolute or relative predictor error of the signal once the basis function (filter) has been removed. The i difference signal may be used for performing a frequency estimate of the signal.

Abstract: An improved x-ray laser aiming system providing coaxial laser aiming in a configuration opposed to the x-ray emitter is disclosed. The present invention comprises two basic components: 1) a laser sight coupled to an x-ray emitter, and 2) a laser housing coupled to an x-ray collector. The laser sight provides a means for aligning the x-ray emitter with a laser beam during surgical or diagnostic procedures. The laser housing is removably coupled to the image intensifier or x-ray collector. The laser housing contains a point laser source and a fixed reflective surface or mirror for directing a laser beam coaxially with the center ray of the x-rays emitted by the x-ray emitter, but in the opposite direction. The laser source is, therefore, in a configuration opposed or opposite to the x-ray emitter.

Abstract: A patient support table comprising a first patient support surface. The first patient support surface, in a preferred embodiment, is comprised of an x-ray translucent material such as carbon fiber. In a preferred embodiment, the top of the first patient support surface is for supporting a patient and is slightly concave. The patient support table also comprises a support, with the support being affixed to the first end of the first patient support surface at a first end of the support and extends beyond the third end of the first patient support surface. The support is affixed in such a manner that the first patient support surface may be interchanged with a second patient support surface, wherein the second patient support surface has all of the properties of the first patient support surface. The patient support table also comprises a base. The base is affixed to a second end of the support.

Abstract: Signal processing apparatus and methods for elimination of undesirable clutter signals from desirable signals. This is performed without the use of filters by subtracting orthonormal basis functions from signal samples until the appropriate degree of clutter removal is achieved. Estimates of frequency information such as Doppler shifts due to fluid flow may thus be achieved with superior discrimination of true flow signals from sources of clutter or artifact, greater sensitivity to low flow rates, minimal computational effort and with fewer samples than the prior art.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system and method for examining the interior of an object. The imaging system includes an apparatus for transmitting and receiving ultrasound waves. A receiver amplifies echo signals from over a range of depths from within the object and generates electrical signals, each having a spatial spectrum. The imaging system also includes a compensation apparatus which compensates the spectral distribution of the signal by sweeping the spectrum of the signals in accordance with the depth from which the echo signals are reflected. In the currently preferred embodiment, the compensation apparatus sweeps from the low frequencies to the high frequencies of the spectrum.

Abstract: An acoustical lens for focusing ultrasonic energy having a transducer, a curved focussing lens and a voltage generator coupled with the transducer. The transducer is comprised of an array of piezoelectric crystal elements. The focussing lens has a concave upper surface and a planar bottom surface allowing the array of piezoelectric elements to be coupled to the bottom surface of the array. The piezoelectric elements receive voltage from the voltage generator and transmit an energy ray through the focussing lens producing a focussed energy beam.

Abstract: A patient support table comprising a first patient support surface. The first patient support surface, in a preferred embodiment, is comprised of an x-ray translucent material such as carbon fiber. In a preferred embodiment, the top of the first patient support surface is for supporting a patient and is slightly concave. The patient support table also comprises a support, with the support being affixed to the first end of the first patient support surface at a first end of the support and extends beyond the third end of the first patient support surface. The support is affixed in such a manner that the first patient support surface may be interchanged with a second patient support surface, wherein the second patient support surface has all of the properties of the first patient support surface. The patient support table also comprises a base. The base is affixed to a second end of the support.

Abstract: The method of the present invention comprises displaying an image comprising reflected pulsed doppler signals in real time produced by reflecting a reference pulsed doppler signal, each reflected signal displayed in a color defined by a polar coordinate plot, wherein the polar coordinate plot comprises an origin representing reflected signals of the reference pulsed doppler signal having zero amplitude and zero frequency. The polar coordinate plot further comprises an axis representing reflected signals of the reference pulsed doppler signal having zero frequency, a radius with respect to the origin representing amplitude information of reflected signals of the reference pulsed doppler signal, an angle with respect to the axis representing the frequency of reflected signals of the reference pulsed doppler signal, and a vector displaced 180 degrees from the axis, the vector representing a Nyquist limit of the reference pulsed doppler signal.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer for use in an ultrasound visualization and therapy system or the like. The ultrasound transducer is characterized as a single crystal transducer having a radiating surface which conforms generally in shape to a segment of a surface of a solid of revolution of a conic section, the radiating surface having first and second edges which are generally parallel.

Abstract: A drain bag support assembly that is non-removably coupled to a diagnostic urology table, which allows attachment of a drain pan assembly without removal of the drain bag support assembly. The assembly utilizes a shock mechanism and a locking mechanism to allow the urologist to modify the length of the drain bag assembly to fit their particular needs.The shock mechanism provides for dynamically shortening the length of the assembly by exerting horizontal pressure, while retaining horizontal rigidity. The locking mechanism provides for fixing the assembly to a desired length. The assembly can be placed in a fully closed configuration and stored underneath the diagnostic urology table. The assembly may also be placed in an extended configuration whereby a drain pan may be attached.

Abstract: In a phase encoded chemical shift imaging (CSI) system, phase shifting in k space is used to shift voxels so as to translate them in one or more dimensions so that one or more voxels maximally encloses an object of interest. The position of a structure of interest is located via a 1H "scout" image, and the Shift Theorem for finite Fourier transforms is applied to shift voxel boundaries in one, two or three dimensions so as to maximally enclose the structure in a minimal number of voxels. Voxel shifts thus may be accomplished computationally by minimal manipulation of the raw data--after the patient has left the imaging facility. The resulting spectral data corresponding to the structure of interest is not as subject to dilution by spectrum of the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A lithotripsy system having improved localization and shock wave generation apparatus. The lithotripsy system comprises an x-ray prelocation system allowing for initial localization of a calulus within a body of a patient. Following the initial localization step, the patient is moved utilizing a sliding table top into a treatment position. A high power shock-wave generation device is provided for generating shock waves for disintegrating the calculus. The lithotripsy system further provides for an ultrasonic monitoring device, coupled with the high power shock wave generation device, allowing for real-time localization of the calculi. The disclosed system utilizes, as part of the shock wave generation device, a piezoelectric transducer, an acoustical lens coupled with the transducer and a means for coupling the transducer to receive voltage from a high power voltage means.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying ultrasonic data in real time reflected in a living organism. The apparatus comprises a plurality of analog-to-digital converters for digitizing reflected Doppler signals produced by reflecting a reference pulsed acoustic signal, each of the analog-to-digital converters capable of producing a plurality of digitized Doppler signals. The apparatus futher comprises a plurality of digital signal processors, each of the plurality of digital signal processors coupled to each of the plurality of analog-to-digital converters for processing digitized Doppler signals received from the analog-to-digital converters, each of the digital signal processors capable of producing a plurality of processed digital signals.

Abstract: An acoustical lens for focusing ultrasonic energy having a transducer, a curved focussing lens and a voltage generator coupled with the transducer. The transducer is comprised of an array of piezoelectric crystal elements. The focussing lens has a concave upper surface and a planar bottom surface allowing the array of piezoelectric elements to be coupled to the bottomsurface of the array. The piezoelectric elements receive voltage from the voltage generator and transmit an energy ray through the focussing lens producing a focussed energy beam.

Abstract: As disclosed herein, a new and improved method and apparatus provide for fine tuning the position of a servomotor used to drive a transducer mounted on an ultrasound probe to a desired position. This improvement is accomplished by processing the analog quadrature output signals of an incremental optical encoder, coupled to the servomotor. The improvement uses the positional information derived from the analog quadrature output signals. The analog quadrature output signals, defined as sine and cosine, are converted to digital square waves. The digital square waves are decoded to produce digital position quadrants, wherein each quadrant represents a specific motor position. The corresponding digital square waves are also decoded by a logic array device and coupled to the select input of an analog switch.

Abstract: A pulsed power supply for providing power to a piezoelectric crystal. The power supply provides power to the piezoelectric crystal causing contraction of the crystal. Upon reaching a predetermined degree of contraction, the electrical voltage form the power supply is removed from the piezoelectric crystal by creating a short-circuit between the power supply and the crystal. Removal of electrical voltage from the crystal causes the immediate expansion of the crystal and a resulting energy wave.