Abstract: Disclosed is a system for identifying which one of a plurality of interchangeable transducer heads is connected with an ultrasonic scanner. The system includes a unique impedance mounted on each transducer head and an impedance determining circuit in the scanner for determining the impedance of the interconnected transducer head. The impedance determination circuit is connected to a character generator for producing an alpha-numeric representation of the transducer head designation along the margin of a cathode ray tube on which an ultrasonic image is displayed. Also disclosed is an improved resolver mounting in which a cylindrical axle is used as a pivot pin between two scan arms of the ultrasonic scanner. A potentiometer for resolving the angle between pivotally connected arms is mounted on one arm with its shaft resiliently connected with the axle for rotation with the axle and other scan arm.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer system comprising a transducer array, control circuit and display system wherein the control system is able to actuate the transducer elements in groups of N and N+1 elements, actuate the groups in non-sequential order, actuate groups of selectively different sizes, subject the actuation signals to and the echo signals from the transducers to pre-programmable delay periods, compress the echo signals into a logarithmic representation, transform the echo signals into plural simultaneous visual displays on a standard TV monitor in split screen format, and transform the display of discrete points in the visual display into continuous lines. Further, each transducer element in the array may consist of a split or paired set of transducers.

Abstract: An overhead arm assembly particularly suited for selectively positioning ultrasonic medical diagnostic equipment. The assembly is comprised of three interconnected pivot arms having both dynamic and static counterweights and arranged so that the outermost or third arm is always vertically oriented. A work element manipulation assembly is rotatably mounted to the third arm adjacent the distal end thereof and a scan arm assembly is mounted to the manipulation assembly. The manipulation assembly includes means for setting the angular orientation of a plane in which the scan arm assembly is constrained and means for selectively shifting the scan arm assembly to other, parallel planes of constraint. The scan arm assembly is dynamically counterweighted and is comprised of pivotally interconnected scan arms which carry a work element such as an ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: An electronic circuit is used to interrupt the video signal going to a T.V. monitor about 500 times per scan line. Each interruption causes a black spot in the display. The black lines between scan lines on the T.V. screen cooperate with the black spots in each scan line to form electronically a black matrix background for the T.V. picture. The black matrix enhances the picture quality making a sharper, clearer picture.