Abstract: Apparatus and a method are provided for processing simultaneously produced vector information signals in an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system. Two vector signals in the form of simultaneous sequences of digital words are alternately sampled and a sequence of interleaved words of the two simultaneous sequences is stored in consecutive locations of a memory. The words are then read out of the memory by first addressing even memory locations, then odd locations, to produce the two vector information signals in a serial sequence.

Abstract: A time gain control signal generator for an ultrasonic diagnostic system is provided which produces a TGC signal which is variable over consecutive, equal duration periods during the reception of ultrasonic echo information. A plurality of controls are set to determine the gains desired during each of the periods. A control signal circuit produces a first signal representative of the time during which the ultrasonic echo information is being received. The first signal energizes the controls. The control signal circuit also produces second signals which apply the gain control signals from the controls to the gain control input of a TGC amplifier during the consecutive periods of the time of ultrasonic information reception.

Abstract: A transducer assembly is provided which performs simultaneous imaging and flow measurement. Separate imaging and Doppler transducers are mounted on one face of the assembly. Each transducer type is backed by backing material which provides damping in accordance with the performance criteria of the different transducer types. The transducer types may be mechanically focused in the same direction so that flow measurements are made in the center of the area being imaged.

Abstract: A radiant heating modular array of rapid response radiant heating units includes a plurality of abutting heating element frame units in which the intermediate frame units have open sides and the end frame units have closed outer sides. Means on the front and back walls of the frame units support a plurality of thin foil radiant heating elements. Means including connectors of equal length interconnect the heating elements within each frame unit and from each of the abutting frame units to its contiguous unit whereby all of the heating elements are equally spaced laterally of the entire module to provide uniform heating and to avoid heat striation at the juncture of the units. The radiant heating module is controlled by electronic feedback circuitry including optical temperature sensors whereby the applied heat can be profiled to compensate for processing irregularities.