Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an apparatus for imaging a body, such as an ultrasonic imaging system. In the disclosed apparatus, means are provided for transmitting energy, such as ultrasound energy, into the body. A transducer is provided for converting energy reflected from the body, typically ultrasound echoes, into electrical signals. The transducer, which is divided into a plurality of defined segments, such as concentric annular segments surrounding a central circular segment, is utilized for both transmitting and receiving. A plurality of register devices are provided, preferably analog registers of the charge-transfer type. The input of each of the register devices is coupled to a respective one of the transducer segments. A first clock is associated with each of the register devices. A plurality of second clocks are also provided, each being associated with one of the plurality of register devices.The second clocks have different characteristic clock rates.

Abstract: A variable delay system in which multistage delay lines are "shared" between different elements (e.g. different transducer elements or segments). A plurality of delay lines are provided, the delay lines having respectively different numbers of stages. The signals from the first and last segments of a segmented transducer are applied to opposing ends of the delay line having the largest number of stages. The signals from the second and next-to-last segments of the transducer are applied to opposing ends of the delay line having the next-to-largest number of stages, and so on. A plurality of coupling circuits are respectively associated with the plurality of delay lines and are operative to sample, as a function of time, the signals at different delay stages of their respective delay lines. The outputs of the coupling circuits are combined to form an image-representative signal.

Abstract: An improved static mixer is disclosed which is capable of efficient mixing and is of a construction which allows relatively inexpensive manufacture. A pair of flow channels are provided for respectively receiving the fluids to be mixed at respective ends thereof. The flow channels have at least one common wall element therebetween, the common wall element having an undulating shape which alternately enlarges and restricts one of the channels while simultaneously alternately restricting and enlarging the other of the channels in opposing relationship. The common wall has openings therein at about the peaks and valleys of the undulations. In operation, two fluids to be mixed are introduced to the respective flow channels. At each peak or valley of the undulating wall element, the opposing enlargement and restriction of the two channels causes a pressure difference and results in a cross flow through the openings in the common wall element.

Abstract: A reflector is disclosed, suitable for use in an apparatus for sending and/or receiving ultrasonic energy through a propagating fluid. A thin layer of ultrasonically transmissive material is disposed on a supportive substrate having an optically rough surface. A single gaseous layer is trapped between the ultrasonically transmissive layer and the substrate, the gaseous layer being contained in the asperities of the substrate layer. The substrate is preferably a metal having a roughness in the range of 1 to 10 microns.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to an optical display apparatus, or fiber optics magnification panel, and a method of making same. The display apparatus comprises a light input surface defined by one end of each of a multiplicity of elongated optical carrier strands, e.g. fiber optic strands, the one ends being arranged in a relatively closely spaced array of rows and columns. A light output surface is substantially perpendicular to the light input surface and is defined by the other ends of the strands, the other ends being arranged in a relatively remotely spaced configuration of rows and columns. Each column of strands extends rearwardly from the input surface to a depth which depends upon the column's position in the order of columns. Each strand of a column bends sidewardly at its point of greatest depth to an orientation which is substantially parallel to the input surface.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for isoelectric focusing of fluids. In accordance with the disclosed method, the flow of fluids to be processed is established in a first direction. This flow of fluids is streamlined by providing a plurality of permeable microporous membranes which define generally parallel channels oriented in the first direction. An electrical potential is applied across the streamlined channels of flowing fluid, and isoelectric focusing is achieved on the fluids during the flow thereof since the membranes allow interchange of fluid constituents therebetween while providing the desired streamlining. An approximation of "plug" type flow is achieved within the streamlined channels; i.e., flow having an approximately uniform cross-sectional characteristic.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a television titling apparatus which is substantially the same as a conventional television titling apparatus designed for left-to-right character presentation, but includes a novel subsystem and method which can be utilized to effect display of characters from right-to-left for languages which so require. Reverse image stroke representations are stored in a stroke generator. An auxiliary storage is provided for storing a scanline of stroke bits from the stroke generator. Scanlines of stroke bits are read out of the auxiliary storage in reverse order from the order in which they were read in; i.e., on a last-in-first-out basis. Preferably, the auxiliary storage includes first and second stores which are alternately operable to read in and read out successive scanlines of stroke bits so that one scanline of stroke bits is being read out while the next scanline of stroke bits is being read in.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling internal environment air using energy from the sun. In accordance with the method of the invention, internal environment ("inside") air is circulated over a desiccant and thereby dried. The dried air, which takes on heat as a consequence of the drying operation, is relatively cooled by performing a heat exchange operation with external environment ("outside") air. At this stage, the dried inside air is at a temperature which is only slightly above the temperature of the outside air. Moisture is then added to the dried inside air which had been subjected to the heat exchange operation. The evaporation of the moisture into the dried air restores it to a desired relative humidity and effects a cooling of the air which is then returned to the internal environment. The operation of drying the inside air will, after a time, render the desiccant too wet to perform efficiently. The desiccant is then heated with solar energy so as to remove moisture from the desiccant.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering and receiving gas to and from a patient, such as for lung ventilation studies. In accordance with the invention there is provided a restrictive breathing chamber adapted for coupling to the patient's breathing organs. A system, including a first check valve, is provided for coupling the breathing chamber to an inflatable gas receptacle so as to allow flow only toward the inflatable gas receptacle. Active gas input apparatus, including a second check valve, is also coupled to the breathing chamber, the second check valve allowing flow only toward the breathing chamber means. First and second auxiliary tubes and a gas filter are also provided. A system is provided for coupling the first auxiliary tube from the inflatable receptacle through the gas filter and to an ambient air environment. The second auxiliary tube is coupled from the inflatable receptacle to an ambient air environment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling internal environment air using energy from the sun. In accordance with the method of the invention, internal environment ("inside") air is circulated over a desiccant and thereby dried. The dried air, which takes on heat as a consequence of the drying operation, is relatively cooled by performing a heat exchange operation with external environment ("outside") air. At this stage, the dried inside air is at a temperature which is only slightly above the temperature of the outside air. Moisture is then added to the dried inside air which had been subjected to the heat exchange operation. The evaporation of the moisture into the dried air restores it to a desired relative humidity and effects a cooling of the air which is then returned to the internal environment. The operation of drying the inside air will, after a time, render the desiccant too wet to perform efficiently.

Abstract: The invention is a system for transporting, storing, and injecting of radioactive isotopes, the system including a unit dose of radioactive isotope-containing fluid loaded in a disposable shielded syringe. There is provided a syringe body including a barrel and a plunger slideable in the barrel and extending from the rear of the barrel for manual actuation. A body of radiation-shielding material substantially covers the barrel, the body having a slot therein. A radiation-shielding unit is removably mounted over the slot. An aliquot of radioisotope-containing fluid is contained within the barrel. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, an optically-transparent radiation-shielding member is adapted for removable insertion over the slot. Before use of the syringe, the radiation-shielding unit, which provides protective shielding over the slot during shipping and storage, is removed and replaced by the optically transparent radiation-shielding member through which the user can view the syringe contents.

Abstract: A surface acoustic wave device having a unidirectional input transducer is provided with an input tuning circuit which eliminates the reactive portions of the device's input impedance. The input transducer has a pair of input ports, each of which exhibits an impedance A.angle..phi.. A series tuning circuit including reactances having a magnitude of A(sin.phi.+cos.phi.) and A(sin.phi.-cos.phi.) respectively, is connected to the input ports. An alternative parallel reactive tuning circuit is disclosed whose reactances are A/(sin.phi.+cos.phi.) and A/(sin.phi.-cos.phi.) respectively.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an apparatus for generating video-representative signals which represent one or more operator-selected portions of an existing scene. In accordance with the invention, frame storage means are provided for storing an array of elemental pixel values representative of the video content of the individual elemental areas of the scene. As defined herein, video content is intended to include shading and/or coloration of monochrome or color images. Means are provided for interrogating the frame storage means and for tabulating the pixel values stored in the frame storage means. Operator controllable means are provided for selecting one or more of the pixel values of the tabulation. Means responsive to the selected values are provided for forming video-representative signals corresponding to those portions of the scene having the selected pixel values. In the preferred embodiment of the invention there are provided means for displaying the tabulation of the pixel values.

Abstract: The invention is an improved apparatus and method for the automatic coloration and/or shading of images, and especially images utilized for presenting animated motion pictures. Display means are provided, preferably at least one display for displaying monochrome line drawings and one for displaying color images. Graphical imput means, for example a data tablet, are provided, having a coordinate system adapted to effect display on the display means of characters defined by coordinate points selected by an operator. Means are provided for storing the coordinate points of at least one enclosed area of the coordinate system, this storing means typically including a portion of the data base of a computer system which stores the coordinate points of the lines drawn by the operator. These lines typically define a plurality of enclosed areas, such as the areas of a drawn character or figure. Means are also provided for storing an operator-selected position reference, called a "seed point", for each enclosed area.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method for determining dielectric constant and/or conductivity of earth formations surrounding a borehole. Electromagnetic energy is generated at a first location in the borehole. The relative attenuation of the electromagnetic energy is detected at a second location in the borehole. The detection is preferably performed using a first or "close" differential receiver arrangement. The relative phase of the electromagnetic energy is detected at a third location in the borehole, the third location being spaced farther from the first location than is the second location; in other words, the second location is between the first and third locations. The relative phase shift of the electromagnetic energy is measured by a second or "far" differential receiver arrangement located at the third location in the borehole.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining crystallization properties of urine to study stone formation therein. A continuous crystallizer is loaded with a fluid, or mother liquor, containing synthetic urine and an aliquot of natural urine. The mother liquor is recirculated from an output of the continuous crystallizer back to an input thereof. After stabilization has been achieved in the crystallizer, the crystal populations of the fluid are measured. Measurement is performed by sampling the contents of the continuous crystallizer and measuring the crystal populations of the sample. In the preferred embodiment of the method, calcium and oxalate ions are added to the fluid to study the formation of calcium oxalate in urine. The recirculating fluid is saturated with calcium and oxalate ions using a saturator loaded with calcium oxalate crystals.

Abstract: A disposable esophageal probe incorporating the capability to detect ECG waveforms, heart sounds and to measure body core temperature is described. The probe incorporates a plastic tube with electrically conductive pathways embedded in its side walls thereby eliminating any lumen obstruction. Its distal end is enclosed by a rubber sheath which provides a diaphragm for the transmission of sounds into the lumen of the tube. An integral disposable connector assembly is provided at its proximal end to enable direct connection to be made to the plastic pathways and the lumen. A modification of the probe which allows it to monitor respiration rate is also described.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an apparatus for receiving a plurality of two-dimensional images and for generating a three-dimensional display from these images. The plurality of two-dimensional images will typically represent different image planes of a desired three-dimensional image. The two-dimensional images may be still pictures, transparencies, motion pictures or images generated by any suitable means. In accordance with the invention, a plurality of flat screen fiber optical magnification units are provided. Each unit includes an input surface defined by the input ends of a multiplicity of fiber optical strands which extend rearwardly and then sidewardly from the input surface and terminate at their output ends which define an output surface that is perpendicular to the input surface. The strands of each unit are supported in a transparent support medium. The image magnification units are disposed one-behind-another with their output surfaces in substantially parallel relationship.

Abstract: A device for controlling advance and return movements of an original table of an electrostatic copying apparatus wherein the table is advanced in timed relationship with the movement of a photosensitive element and returned under the action of a spring to its initial position comprising a first shaft rotatable in timed relationship with the movement of said photosensitive element, a second shaft rotated at a predetermined speed in one direction, a stepped pulley mounted on said first shaft for free rotation relative thereto, a first pulley co-axially mounted on said first shaft through an one-way clutch operable when said first pulley rotates relative to said second shaft in said direction of rotation thereof, a first wire passing around said first pulley and which is connected at its one end to a smaller diameter portion of said stepped pulley and at the other end through a spring to said original table, a second wire passing around a larger diameter portion of said stepped pulley and connected at its opposi

Abstract: A line buffer circuit for coupling an interface to a data highway without requiring separate signal paths for sense and drive functions, comprises a unity-gain voltage amplifier coupling a line in the highway to the respective interface terminal for the sense function, and a current source connected to sink current from the highway line to ground for the drive function. The current source is controlled so that the current passing through it is proportional to the magnitude of the current passing from the amplifier through the interface terminal.