Abstract: System and method for assessment of demineralization of a bone of a subject. The acoustic wave, propagating along the bone as a result of generation, at the bone, of the ultrasound radiation force by a transducer of the ultrasound system, is outcoupled at a predetermined location along the bone and detected with an acoustic receiver. Time-dependent frequency and temporal characteristics of so detected wave contain data representing a bone demineralization characteristic.

Abstract: A method and device for breast examination adapted for easy home use including a tactile imager probe equipped with a pressure sensor array and a motion tracking system for simultaneously recording pressure and positioning data during the examination of a breast or any other soft tissue. The method includes a step of starting the examination from a known point or an anatomical mark such as a nipple or a sternum; moving the probe towards the area of interest and oscillating it thereabout while manually or automatically recording pressure and positioning data. Subsequent data analysis identifies the presence of a lesion, calculates its location relative to the probe, estimates the location of the probe relative to the anatomical landmark and finally calculates the location of the lesion relative to that anatomical landmark. The method allows repeating examinations over time with great accuracy as they all start from the same anatomical landmark.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an improved method and apparatus for measurement of properties of a sample as a function of temperature. The method and apparatus are based on formation of a stable temperature gradient through the holding fixture such as a cell or a plate containing the sample under study, measurement of the property of interest as a function of position, and relating the positions of the measurements to the temperature of the studied sample at that position. In the preferred application, thermal and thermodynamic properties of solutes are obtained. Provisions are described to combine optical interrogation with Raman spectroscopy. Alternate technique of interrogation is total internal fluorescence reflection. Chemical reaction rates as function of temperature can be advantageously studied including reactions catalyzed by enzymes.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing a fluid to obtain the concentrations of N of its components, N being at least three. The method comprises the steps of bringing a sample of the fluid to a plurality of successive temperatures, measuring a combined total of at least N acoustical and electrical parameters of the sample at each temperature, and determining simultaneously from the measured acoustical and electrical parameters, using a system of N linear equations, the concentrations of the N components. The apparatus combines acoustic and electrical measuring elements in one unit.

Abstract: A method for measuring liquid flow, comprising the steps of delivering the liquid into a measuring cell having a measuring slot with at least one isolated electrode and at least two non-isolated electrodes, inducing fluctuations in the liquid flowing in the measuring slot, measuring electrical capacitance and electrical phase shifts correlated with the fluctuations, as well as a conductivity of the liquid, and obtaining flow parameters of the liquid from the electrical parameters. An apparatus for measuring the properties of a flowing liquid, comprising at least one measuring cell having at least one measuring slot, means for inducing flow fluctuations in the flowing liquid, and measuring means used to obtain liquid properties from the flow fluctuations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing a fluid to obtain the concentrations of N of its components, N being at least three. The method comprises the steps of bringing a sample of the fluid to a plurality of successive temperatures, measuring a combined total of at least N acoustical and electrical parameters of the sample at each temperature, and determining simultaneously from the measured acoustical and electrical parameters, using a system of N linear equations, the concentrations of the N components. The apparatus combines acoustic and electrical measuring elements in one unit.

Abstract: A cell for measuring acoustical properties for fluid sample includes a stack consisting essentially of a first end piece (20), a first, wafer-shaped electro-acoustical transducer (18), a main body (12), a second electro-acoustical transducer (16) and a second end piece (22). C-shaped clamps (24) or other means are used to apply pressure on the stack. The main body (12) and the end pieces (20, 22) form axially extending, aligned cavities (14, 29, 31). The main body (12) and each end piece (20, 22) has a radial channel (28; 32) which extends from the respective cavity to an opening at a circumferential surface. A thin elastic membrane (50) tightly encloses the stack. An annular member (51) is forced in each channel opening urging a portion of the sleeve (50) into the respective channel to form a pressure resistant seal.

Abstract: A system for measuring fluid parameters of one or more liquids by an ultrasonic method comprises a voltage controlled oscillator; an ultrasonic resonator comprising one or more resonator cells, each of the resonator cells comprising an electro-acoustical transmitting transducer, an electro-acoustical receiving transducer, and a sample cavity between the transducers, wherein the transmitting transducer is connected to the output terminal of the voltage controlled oscillator; and a phase locked loop circuit comprising one of the resonator cells.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring the anisotropic mechanical properties of tissue is provided. The device comprises a flexural resonator driven by a transducer to oscillate at a plurality of angles of oscillation while in contact with a tissue to be analyzed. The resonance frequencies and resonance peak widths for the flexural resonator are measured at each of the plurality of angles of oscillation. Based on these values and the free state resonance frequency of the oscillating flexural resonator, anisotropic mechanical properties of the tissue are derived. A pressure normalizing element is utilized to ensure secure and standardized contact between the flexural resonator and the tissue during the measurements.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for analyzing liquids utilizing cylindrical acoustic standing waves, generally in the ultrasonic region. The invention facilitates measurement of acoustic parameters of a fluid, such as sound velocity and attenuation, which themselves serve as indicators of solute concentrations and various ongoing chemical processes occurring. In preferred embodiments of the invention, cylindrical ultrasonic standing waves are generated in a liquid contained within a cylindrical housing by causing coherent oscillation of the entire cylinder, or a circumferential segment thereof, or multiple circumferential segments thereof. The invention is amenable to a variety of applications and implementations, most involving pairs of resonators, one containing a sample of the liquid under study, and the other containing a reference liquid.

Abstract: A method and device for non-invasive acoustic testing of elasticity of soft iological tissues, wherein a tangential oscillatory deformation is induced on the surface of a tissue being tested and only those oscillations, out of all resulting oscillations are measured, which occur in the direction of the induced deformation, and wherein a Young's modulus for the direction and anisotropic characteristics of the elasticity of tissue being tested are determined from a characteristic of those oscillations.