Abstract: Disclosed are human tissue phantoms mimicking the mechanical properties of real tissue, and methods for manufacturing thereof including the steps of obtaining a computer aided three-dimensional design of a phantom mimicking the tissue in shape and size; fabrication of a mold form facilitating the production of the designed phantom; molding said phantom with the use of two-component silicon gels as a bulk tissue-mimicking material having Young's modulus in the range of 2 to 30 kPa; filling the enclosed volume of said phantom with anatomical and pathological tissue structures mimicking their respective mechanical properties and having Young's modulus in the range of about 30 to 600 kPa; covering said phantom by a protective layer having mechanical properties to a human tissue protective layer; and securing the phantom perimeter on a supporting plate by a rubber barrier.

Abstract: A device and method for determining the hydration and water content status of soft biological tissue is disclosed and includes a couple of ultrasonic transducers located at a known distance therebetween and held against the tissue of interest as well as an adjustable support system with angle measuring means necessary for evaluation of ultrasound velocity in this tissue. Based on the time-of-flight results of the ultrasound velocity measurement, the water content in the tested tissue is evaluated and the hydration status is determined. One embodiment of the invention is a wearable device attached to human calf measuring water content in muscle.

Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure Devices for optical monitoring and rapid analysis of a drying droplet are presented and include a droplet deposition means, an optical recording means, and a computer control and image analysis means. In several preferred embodiments, a pipette is used to deposit one or more droplets in parallel onto a slide, a plate or a film, and a digital microscope is positioned either above or below the droplet to record a timed sequence of images of the process of drying thereof. Various chemical compounds coating the deposition slide can be used to enhance the test further. Image analysis includes data filtering, dividing the image into a plurality of overlapping windows, and analysis of formation and change in patterns over time. If used with biological fluids, the devices and methods of the invention can be used for rapid diagnosis of a variety of conditions and diseases.

Abstract: A handgrip for a colonoscope shaft capable of measuring and presenting to the operator of radial and longitudinal forces applied by the operator during the manipulation with the colonoscope. The handgrip includes an internal sleeve positioned over the shaft of the colonoscope so that it can be released and repositioned by depressing a release button. And external sleeve covers the internal sleeve and provides for a convenient grip by the operator. The only means of transmission of force applied by the operator from the external sleeve to the internal sleeve is the engaging means such as a flexible rectangular bar or a set of engaging plates imbedded between the external sleeve and internal sleeve. The engaging means are equipped with a set of sensors such as strain gages positioned on all sides of the bar to measure the forces between the sleeves, which correspond to the forces applied by the operator to the shaft of the colonoscope.