Abstract: The present invention relates to ultrasound imaging, and in particular to a device for imaging bodily tissue under load. The device has a platform (10), for at least partially supporting a part of the body (2), at least one ultrasound device (20) for imaging of the part of the body (2) in contact with the platform (10), and means (32) for measuring the pressure exerted on the platform (10).

Abstract: An item of footwear including a sole assembly that comprises at least an outsole and an insole, and further comprising one or more shear force-reducing coupling elements (30) disposed between the insole and the ground. The coupling elements (30) are adapted to permit limited displacement, in a plane parallel, in use, to the ground, of overlying components of the item of footwear. The coupling elements (30) provide less resistance to displacement of overlying components of the item of footwear in a first direction than in a second, reverse direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in articles for foot care, for example foot care devices, footwear and insoles for footwear. A body of discrete operative members (30) is provided, the operative members (30) each having a tip portion (31) for interaction with a human or animal foot (40). In use, the operative members (30) can be resiliently deformed by engagement with the foot (40). The operative members (30) of the invention can thus provide cushioning and stimulation to a user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ultrasound imaging, and in particular to a device for imaging bodily tissue under load. The device has a platform (10), for at least partially supporting a part of the body (2), at least one ultrasound device (20) for imaging of the part of the body (2) in contact with the platform (10), and means (32) for measuring the pressure exerted on the platform (10).

Abstract: Sample Collection Apparatus A sample collection apparatus is disclosed. The sample collection apparatus comprises an elongate outer casing having an insertion end and a withdrawal end. The sample collection apparatus further comprises a sample collection device within the outer casing. The apparatus is moveable between an undeployed configuration in which the insertion end is closed and a deployed configuration in which the insertion end is open wherein the sample collection device is extendable through the insertion end of the outer casing in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: An image segmentation method has a training phase and a segmentation phase. In the training phase, a frame of pixellated data from a camera is processed using information on camera characteristics to render it camera independent. The camera independent data are processed using a chosen value of illuminant spectral characteristics to derive reflectivity data of the items in the image. Pixels of high reflectivity are established. Then, using data from the high reflectivity pixels, the actual illuminant spectral characteristics are established. The illuminant data are then processed to determine information on the illumination of the scene represented by the frame of pixellated data to derive reflectivity data of the scene. The segmentation phase comprises operating on a subsequent frame of pixellated data to render it camera independent and using the determined illumination information to process the camera independent data to determine reflectivity data of the scene to derive a foreground mask.

Abstract: A method for optically examining a birefringent specimen, the method comprising the steps of: collecting a specimen using a substantially non-birefringent polymer film having an adhesive surface, such that the specimen is attached to the adhesive surface; and examining, between crossed polars, the specimen attached to the said film. Also provided is a substantially non-birefringent laminate film comprising: a first birefringent polymer layer and a second birefringent polymer layer, the first and second layers being mutually oriented such that the birefringent properties of the two layers cancel each other out; and an adhesive surface; wherein the adhesive surface is an outer surface of the film, and/or is an exposable surface between the first and second layers. A method of manufacturing such a film is also provided.

Abstract: An image segmentation method has a training phase and a segmentation phase. In the training phase, a frame of pixellated data from a camera is processed using information on camera characteristics to render it camera independent. The camera independent data are processed using a chosen value of illuminant spectral characteristics to derive reflectivity data of the items in the image. Pixels of high reflectivity are established. Then, using data from the high reflectivity pixels, the actual illuminant spectral characteristics are established. The illuminant data are then processed to determine information on the illumination of the scene represented by the frame of pixellated data to derive reflectivity data of the scene. The segmentation phase comprises operating on a subsequent frame of pixellated data to render it camera independent and using the determined illumination information to process the camera independent data to determine reflectivity data of the scene to derive a foreground mask.

Abstract: There is described an external fixator for use in the treatment of a fractured bone having a first bone fragment and a second bone fragment which external fixator comprises:a first movable element and;a second movable element,wherein the first movable element is movably mounted in the fixator so as to be capable of angular motion in one plane, and the second movable element is movably mounted in the fixator so as to be capable of angular motion in another plane, with the plane in which the second element moves being substantially orthogonal to the plane in which the first element moves, and the first and second movable elements are coupled together in such a way as to allow simultaneous angular movement of the external fixator in the two substantially orthogonal planes.