Abstract: Automated methods and systems for punching out pieces of a porous substrate for biological samples comprising: loading the porous substrate onto a support comprising a die and an opening; moving a receptacle support in at least a z-direction to position a receptacle relative to the support so that an opening in the receptacle is aligned and substantially flush with the opening in the support; actuating a punching head so that the punching head passes through the die, thereby punching a piece out of the porous substrate; and actuating an ejector pin to eject the punched piece from the porous substrate support and into the receptacle aligned with the opening in the support.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing samples fixed to a porous substrate generally comprising, a compressor defining one or more fluid isolation areas, a support, for the porous substrate, having an opening corresponding to one or more of the fluid isolation areas of the compressor, an actuator that causes at least a portion of the compressor to press against the porous substrate, a fluid inlet having access to the fluid isolation area at least when the compressor is pressed against the porous substrate, and a fluid outlet to receive fluid, through the opening in the support corresponding to the fluid isolation area of the compressor, at least when the compressor is pressed against the porous substrate.

Abstract: Provided herein is an ultrasound probe comprising a probe housing defining a distal end, an ultrasonic transducer array disposed within the probe housing and rotatable within said probe housing, an acoustically neutral structure bonded to a surface of the ultrasonic transducer array by an adhesive, a motor coupled to the ultrasonic transducer array, the motor being configured to rotate the ultrasonic transducer array in order to image a three-dimensional volume; and an acoustic coupling fluid disposed within free volume of the probe housing. Also provided is a method of manufacturing.

Abstract: An ultrasound catheter housing with electromagnetic shielding properties and methods of manufacturing is provided. The ultrasound catheter housing comprises a an inner thin wall polymer tube extruded using an ultrasonically transparent polymer, a thin metalized layer deposited on the outer surface of the inner tube, and an outer thin wall polymer tube, which may be the same or a different ultrasonically transparent material. In another embodiment an ultrasound catheter comprising the ultrasound catheter housing is provided.

Abstract: A device and a method for sealing a micromotor with an optional associated gearbox are disclosed where, in one aspect of the present invention, a catheter tip comprises: a micromotor; an ultrasound imaging transducer; a gearbox mechanically coupled to the micromotor, the gearbox having a rotatable portion mechanically coupled to the ultrasound imaging transducer array; and a moisture barrier disposed so as to reduce or prevent acoustic coupling fluid from entering both the gearbox and the micromotor.

Abstract: An cable connector system is provided. A receptacle for the connector system includes a pair of opposing compression plates and at least one rotatable member configured to move the opposing compression plates as the rotatable member rotates. The compression plates cause contact with a portion of the plug inserted therebetween.

Abstract: An cable connector system is provided. A receptacle for the connector system includes a pair of opposing compression plates and at least one rotatable member configured to move the opposing compression plates as the rotatable member rotates. The compression plates cause contact with a portion of the plug inserted therebetween.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging system and method for acquiring three-dimensional (3D) image data sets are provided. The system comprises a transducer array with a given range of motion adapted to obtain a plurality of 3D image data sets of a region of interest and a processor coupled to the transducer array adapted to receive image data sets from the transducer array and to correct for spatially varying errors induced by motion of the transducer array.

Abstract: An imaging catheter assembly is presented. The imaging catheter assembly includes an imaging catheter which includes an imaging catheter tip. Further, the imaging catheter assembly includes a fluid reservoir connected to the imaging catheter and configured to deliver fluid through a proximal end of the imaging catheter tip. The imaging catheter assembly also includes a release mechanism configured to cause delivery of the fluid to the imaging catheter tip when activated.

Abstract: An imaging and navigation system is disclosed herein. The imaging and navigation system includes a computer and an ultrasonic imaging device disposed at least partially within an ultrasound catheter. The ultrasonic imaging device is connected to the computer and is adapted to obtain a generally real time three-dimensional image. The imaging and navigation system also includes a tracking system connected to the computer. The tracking system is adapted to estimate a position of a medical instrument. The imaging and navigation system also includes a display connected to the computer. The display is adapted to depict the generally real time three-dimensional image from the ultrasonic imaging device and to graphically convey the estimated position of the medical instrument.

Abstract: An imaging catheter tip is presented. The imaging catheter tip includes a housing. Further, the imaging catheter tip includes a transducer assembly located within the housing in a distal portion of the imaging catheter tip. The transducer assembly includes a transducer. In addition, the imaging catheter tip includes a motor located within the housing in a proximal portion of the imaging catheter tip. The motor is configured to facilitate oscillation of the transducer assembly about a longitudinal axis of the imaging catheter tip. The imaging catheter tip also includes a fill tube disposed between the motor and the housing. The fill tube is configured to deliver acoustic coupling fluid to the distal portion of the imaging catheter tip.

Abstract: A method for inspecting an internal cavity in a part is provided. The method includes inserting a probe into the internal cavity. The method also includes controlling movement of the probe using a defined scan path to scan the probe over a region of interest in the internal cavity. The method also includes applying multiple multifrequency excitation signals to the probe to generate a number of multifrequency response signals. The multifrequency excitation signals are applied at multiple positions within the internal cavity. The method further includes performing a multifrequency phase analysis on the multifrequency response signals to inspect the internal cavity.

Abstract: A catheter probe includes a transducer configured for at least one cycle of movement within the probe and a sensor that is at least partially supported within the probe for identifying a position of the transducer during the at least one cycle of movement. A method of mapping movement and a test fixture are also presented.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for sensing body sounds of a subject is described. The apparatus includes a flexible sheet for conformally contacting at least a portion of a subject's body surface proximate a body region generating body sounds. The apparatus also includes a plurality of acoustic sensors formed in the sheet for sensing body sounds from the subject and generating respective signals indicative of the sensed body sounds.