Abstract: Systems and methods for ultrasonic imaging of a jaw and coupling cushions suited for use in the mouth. The system includes a specially configured ultrasonic probe, a position locator module for defining a probe location and transmitting the definition to a central processing unit (CPU) and the CPU. The CPU is capable of receiving digital data from transducers in the probe and receiving the location of the probe and producing an image of at least a portion of a jaw. The method includes providing the ultrasonic probe, defining its location and communicating the location to a CPU and transmitting an signal from a transducer and receiving at least a portion of the signal at at least one of the transducers. The CPU receives transducer data and a location of the probe and produces an image of the at least a portion of the jaw. An ultrasonic coupling cushion is further disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring ultrasonic properties within an object under evaluation, in particular, acoustic velocities and attenuation-frequency functions within the object. A transducer transmits a train of ultrasonic energy toward a reference object, and receives ultrasonic echoes reflected therefrom. The transducer transmits an identical train of ultrasound toward the object under evaluation, and receives ultrasonic echoes reflected from the latter object. A computer analyzes each of the received echoes using a Fast Fourier Transform algorithm, to produce for each an array of amplitudes per frequencies. The computer divides the array produced from the object echoes by the array of the reference echo to produce a third array of amplitudes per frequencies, which is partially characterized by a recurring periodical increase and decrease in amplitude.