Abstract: A MEMS apparatus for scanning an optical beam comprises a mirror operative to perform a rotational motion to a maximum rotation angle around a mirror rotation axis, and a bouncing mechanism operative to provide a bouncing event and to reverse the rotational motion. The bouncing event provides the mirror with a piecewise linear response to actuation by intrinsically nonlinear electrostatic forces. The bouncing mechanism includes an element chosen to impart an overall nonlinear stiffness to the system and is selected from the group of elements consisting of a bouncer and a pre-curved nonlinear stiffness element.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a three-dimensional model including apparatus for depositing, layer upon layer, a photopolymer material in a selectable configuration and apparatus for curing each photopolymer layer following deposition thereof and prior to deposition thereon of a succeeding layer of photopolymer.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens that includes a construction that provides a static grading or some other means that yields a nonuniform power function which depends on the surface of the lens. The lens also includes a selectively operable element that effects a dynamic change in the power of the lens which is a uniform or nonuniform function of the location point on the lens. The actual power of any point on the lens is then the super position of the power due to static grating and the power due to the selectively operable element. The proper design of each power function facilitates ophthalmic lenses that are suitable and optimized for special applications as well as for general purpose usage.

Abstract: A shock wave lithotripter includes a shock wave generator for producing shock waves that are focused at a focus point remote from the shock wave generator during operation of the lithotripter, and an ultrasound probe having a transducer for producing ultrasound beams defining a plane of radiation during a calibration mode of operation of the lithotripter. Associated with the ultrasound probe is a screen for showing a display of the region illuminated by the beams. During calibration, the free end of a focal point target is positioned at the focus point of the lithotripter. The probe is moved in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the radiation beams produced by the probe until the free end of the target is illuminated by the ultrasound radiation. The location on the screen of the free end of the target is marked to indicate the location of the focus point of the shock wave generator in the display.

Abstract: A variable power lens includes a pair of optical membranes, each of which has a periphery and at least one of which is flexible. A frame is provided for holding the membranes with their peripheries in juxtaposition such that the surface of the membranes and their peripheries define a predetermined volume which is filled with refractive fluid. A control operatively associated with the frame selectively imposes forces on the periphery of the membranes which vary the fluid pressure in the volume. The membrane and the frame are constructed and arranged so that the surfaces of the membranes vary in a substantially spherical manner in response to changes in pressure of the fluid.

Abstract: Improved T2 values and signal to noise ratio obtained by magnetic resonance image synthesization. Each measured echo signal intensity is divided by a correcting factor that is a function of the echo number to obtain corrected echo signal intensity. A characteristic curve is best fitted to the corrected intensity values and the intensity values of the curve are used.

Abstract: A CT scanner has an X-ray source for producing a fan beam that is rotatable relative to the axis of the scanner in a plane perpendicular to the axis, and a plurality of X-ray detectors mounted in a non-rotatable helical detector ring whose axis is colinear with the scannner axis for reeiving X-rays from the fan beam, the detectors extending 360.degree. around the axis. The detector ring has an inner surface facing the axis of the helix, and the detectors are mounted on the inner surface so that their photosensitive areas face the axis of the helix. At any given axial position of the detector ring, a given group of detectors will have an unobstructed view of certain of the X-ray sources through the space between adjacent leaves of the helix.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a chassis member, a ground engaging member mounted on the chassis member for supporting the same as the vehicle traverses a road surface, a load supporting member such as a seat mounted on the chassis mount, and an resilient component interposed between two of the members. An anticipating device monitors the condition of the road surface in advance of the point at which the ground engaging member engages the road surface; and the resilient component has an adjustment which is responsive to the anticipating device for dynamically controlling the spring constant of the resilient member as the ground engaging member engages the mounted point for the purpose of providing a controlled ride within the vehicle.

Abstract: A sector-scan ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes a biopsy attachment mounted on the housing of the imaging apparatus for positioning a biopsy needle relative to the ultrasonic scan head of the imaging apparatus. An image display device displays both an image of the region scanned by the scan head and a predetermined, superimposed electronic representation of the position of the biopsy needle-line relative to the probe scan head. The biopsy needle-line is calibrated with a scan head coordinate system which defines a sector sweep of the scan head by determining the coordinates of the needle-line in the scan head coordinate system independently of determining the particular spatial relationship of the needle-line in operative position relative to the scan head. A calibration member adapted to be mounted on the biopsy attachment includes at least two ultrasonic reflection regions which are scanned by the scan head during the calibration mode and displayed on an image display device.