Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system and method are described which produce tissue harmonic images containing both fundamental and harmonic frequency components. Such a blended image takes advantage of the performance possible with the two types of ultrasonic echo information and can advantageously reduce near field clutter while improving signal to noise performance in the far field of the image.

Abstract: An ultrasound system and method that identify flow regions within a volume. The system comprises: a survey system for collecting motion data from a target image; a segmentation system for mapping a region of flow within the image based on the motion data; and a flow acquisition system that automatically limits the collection of flow image data within the image to the region of flow.

Abstract: Ultrasonic diagnostic imaging devices are powered by fuel cells providing the continuous production of electrical energy by the direct electrochemical conversion of a hydrogen-based fuel into a flow of current. The ultrasound devices described comprise wireless transducer probes, handheld ultrasound systems, and cart-borne or tabletop ultrasound systems. The fuel for the fuel cells is contained in replaceable containers such as cartridges or ampules. When the fuel is exhausted, the fuel cells are immediately returned to a fully operating condition by replacing the expended unit with a full cartridge or ampule.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system processes echo information signals by means of detecting, for different regions of the patient's anatomy, the actual noise present for that particular examination, under existing environmental conditions, and in imaging system itself. The noise detected is used to create an actual noise signature for the actual noise present in that particular examination under existing environmental conditions and in the imaging system itself, and the noise signature is used to maximize available dynamic range to create the highest resolution scan images possible while rejecting noise. In a preferred embodiment the dynamic range and noise rejection level are varied for different regions of a patient's anatomy as a function of all scanning coordinates being used, including varying depths, steering angles, and linear positions for both sector-type and linear-type scans.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system processes echo information signals by means of detecting, for different regions of the patient's anatomy, the actual noise present for that particular examination, under existing environmental conditions, and in imaging system itself. The noise detected is used to create an actual noise signature for the actual noise present in that particular examination under existing environmental conditions and in the imaging system itself, and the noise signature is used to maximize available dynamic range to create the highest resolution scan images possible while rejecting noise. In a preferred embodiment the dynamic range and noise rejection level are varied for different regions of a patient's anatomy as a function of all scanning coordinates being used, including varying depths, steering angles, and linear positions for both sector-type and linear-type scans.