Abstract: An anti-collision method and apparatus for use with a C-arm x-ray imaging machine to prevent damage to the imaging apparatus and injury to patients and health care workers includes a load cell, a differential buffer and integrator, an analog to digital converter, and a microcontroller controlling the motor drive. The present invention also provides a method for controlling the apparatus via a microcontroller and includes the steps of determining whether an up/down switch is actuated, reading and comparing a value with a tabulated value, halting the C-arm if the difference between the tabulated value and the recorded value exceeds a threshold value and reversing the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for smoothing speckle pattern and increasing contrast resolution in ultrasound images is provided. Compared to other frequency compounding techniques, wide-band harmonic frequency compounding reduces speckle noise without sacrificing the resolution. Compared to spatial compounding, wide-band harmonic frequency compounding is more robust against tissue motion because sequential vectors rather than frames are summed together for compounding. The method and apparatus is implemented by transmitting two or more firings, combining two or more of the firings coherently to extract the tissue-generated harmonic components, detecting the outputs of the coherent sums and detecting one or more firings before coherent sum, and finally combining all detected outputs to form the compounded image. The method and apparatus sums wide-band fundamental and wide-band harmonic images after detection to form a compounded image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for turbulently exposing water flowing through a water system to a plurality of electrodes of an ion generator and having a self-contained tank through which water flows is provided with an inlet pipe that directs water flow between the electrodes. A tank cover serves as a non-electrical conducting head for the plurality of electrodes that extend downwardly from the underside of the cover. The electrodes are functionally configured to maximize water flow between them. Following the flow of water between the electrodes, a double vortex of water flow is created along one wall of the tank. A sight glass allows for visualization of the container contents, and in particular electrode wastage or wear, during operation.

Abstract: A mechanically adjustable brake for use with a C-arm x-ray apparatus is generally comprised of a brake handle and an eccentric shaft support which, when rotated using the handle, actuates a cam and presses a brake pad into the C-arm. Movement of the C-arm is thus restricted when the brake is applied. The brake mechanism specifically includes a brake handle, a brake shaft, a cam mounted on the brake shaft, a plunger having a first end engaged with the cam and a second end having a brake. The brake handle is used to rotate the brake shaft and the cam, the cam pushes down on the plunger and the brake engages the C-arm. The brake mechanism further comprises a plunger support, a spring that is compressed when the brake is actuated and is decompressed when the brake is released thus permitting movement of the C-arm. The brake shaft is connected to the brake handle using an eccentric shaft support.

Abstract: An instrument or assembly utilizes a foundation, or platform, which foundation or platform houses a combination of separate and different string elements. The first string element uses the concept familiar to the Chapman Stick, a ten-string fret board. The foundation also includes other string elements, including a plurality of altered eight-string slide guitars and at least one modified six-string guitar all of which are similarly mounted to the foundation or platform. Various controllers are used to output the string vibrations of these various stringed elements to a programmable digital surround mixer which allows for sound processing, enhancement and blending of the sounds generated by the different string arrays used within the instrument.