Abstract: A cooking apparatus and method provide for relative movement between a first support member for food items and at least one stop member and/or relative movement between a first support member for food items and a second support member for food items. Relative lateral movement between a first support member and a stop member facilitates rolling movement of rollable food items. Relative up-and-down movement between first and second support members facilitates alternating support and attendant positioning of food items.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus and method provide for relative movement between a first support member for food items and at least one stop member and/or relative movement between a first support member for food items and a second support member for food items. Relative lateral movement between a first support member and a stop member facilitates rolling movement of rollable food items. Relative up-and-down movement between first and second support members facilitates alternating support and attendant positioning of food items.

Abstract: An imaging catheter is provided having a distal end portion selectively rotatable relative to a catheter body. A transducer array is supported by the distal end portion so that a corresponding imaging field may be selectively panned about an axis extending distally from the catheter body. The catheter may be advanced within a patient to a desired location. Optionally, the catheter may then be steered, or curved to position the transducer array. Optionally, the catheter may be rotated to further position the transducer array. Then, the imaging field may be panned without manipulation of the catheter body.

Abstract: Actuators employable for oscillating movement of a load. An improved actuator may include at least a first shape memory member that is actuatable to affect at least a portion of the oscillating movement of the load. The actuator may further include a second shape memory member actuatable to affect at least a second portion of the oscillating movement of the load. The utilization of one or more shape memory members facilitates the realization of controllable and reliable oscillating movement of a load in a compact manner. Such actuators may be used in imaging catheters having an ultrasound transducer disposed for oscillating movement to scan across an internal region of interest. Such imaging catheters may be used in generating three dimensional and/or real-time three dimensional (4D) images.

Abstract: An improved catheter is provided. The catheter may include a deflectable member located at a distal end of the catheter. The deflectable member may comprise an ultrasound transducer array. In embodiments where the deflectable member includes an ultrasound transducer array, the ultrasound transducer array may be operable to image both when aligned with the catheter and when pivoted relative to the catheter. When pivoted relative to the catheter, the ultrasound transducer array may have a field of view distal to the distal end of the catheter. The ultrasound array may be interconnected to a motor to effectuate pivotal reciprocal motion of the ultrasound transducer array such that the catheter may be operable to produce real-time or near real-time three dimensional images.

Abstract: A digital X-ray scanner device for instantaneously producing an electronic image on a monitor of a object scanned by X-rays. A solid straight electronic linear array is used to detect X-ray shadows and produce an electronic signal which is processed for display. Image enhancement techniques can be utilized including displaying particular windows of the scan data and elimination of background noise and the use of color enhancement. The device can be adapted for retrofitting panoramic dental X-ray scanning machines and other uses such as veterinary scanning and scanning other portions of the human body as well as inanimate objects. Archival storage of the information allows ready access for future use.