Abstract: Force magnitudes and/or directions may be determined objectively using orthodontic brackets having an elastomeric member which allows one portion of the bracket to be resiliently moveable relative to at least on other portion of the bracket. In a preferred embodiment, the brackets include a lower base member, an upper bracket member, and an elastomeric layer interposed between the lower base and upper bracket members. The orthodontic bracket is advantageously employed as part of a system whereby the orthodontic bracket includes an elastomeric member which allows at least one portion of the bracket to be resiliently movable relative to at least one other portion of the bracket in response to an applied force, and at least one force-responsive sensor operatively associated with the orthodontic bracket for generating a detectable signal in response to movement of the at least one and other portions of the bracket.

Abstract: A carrier structure for transducers. The semiconductor carrier structure mounts as a single unit to a force-impacted substrate and includes multiple piezoelectric elements integrally formed with the carrier structure, such that the elements are located in a space defining a window of the structure while maintaining their electrical contact and their precise position relative to the structure by use of thin-film, electrically conductive, metallic flexures attached to both the structure and the elements.

Abstract: An articulated endoscope for performing endoscopic procedures in a tubular organ of a patient is provided, comprising a chassis, a plurality of pressure driven linear actuators mounted, by proximal ends, in oppositely facing pairs to the chassis, control means mounted to the chassis for storing a predetermined pressure distribution sequence therein and for outputting the predetermined sequence in response to a directional input from a user, means for receiving and distributing pressure to the plurality of pressure driven linear actuators in the predetermined pressure distribution sequence in response to control signals from the control means, the means for receiving and distributing being mounted to the chassis, and a tube delivering pressure to the means for receiving and distributing pressure, whereby self-propelled motive force is produced by pushing against interior surfaces of the tubular organ with distal ends of the plurality of pressure driven linear actuators as pressure is applied to the plurality o

Abstract: A novel method for imaging body tissues is disclosed wherein an ultrasonic pulse having a radially asymmetric side-lobe pattern surrounding a central focal lobe is generated. A receiver for receiving echoes of this pulse is provided which exhibits a sensitivity to echoes from the aforementioned side-lobe pattern which is relatively decreased by comparison to its sensitivity to echoes from the central focal lobe. In the preferred embodiment, square transducers which are rotated with respect to the focal axis by about 45.degree. are used to practice the disclosed method.

Abstract: A solid steel stylet is carried coaxially within a hollow biopsy needle. The stylet carries a matching layer at its tip, such that when the needle and stylet are inserted into the body, ultrasound energy impinging on the needle tip is converted to pressure waves which are conveyed back up the stylet. An ultrasound transducer located outside the body is coupled to receive sonic energy from the stylet, and to convert it to electrical energy for coordination with, and superposition upon the image of the system.