Abstract: An improvement to the method for harmonic imaging including the steps of (a) transmitting ultrasonic energy at a fundamental frequency and (b) receiving reflected ultrasonic energy at a harmonic of the fundamental frequency is provided. The transmitting step includes the step of: applying the plurality of waveforms to a respective plurality of transducer elements, a first waveform of the plurality of waveforms characterized by a first value of a harmonic power ratio, waveforms transmitted from the transducer elements and corresponding to the plurality of waveforms summing as an acoustic waveform substantially at the point, the acoustic waveform characterized by a second value of the harmonic power ratio less than the first value. The imaging method can also include a step for subdividing the transmit aperture into two or more subapertures, each subaperture having at least four adjacent transducer elements.

Abstract: A method of controlling an oxygen concentrator having a first sieve bed operated over successive control periods according to a duty cycle for alternately pressurizing and flushing the first sieve bed and a second sieve bed operated over the successive control periods according to a reciprocal of the duty cycle is disclosed. The duty cycle and the reciprocal duty cycle are adjusted during every second one of the successive control periods to change the pressurizing relative to the flushing of the first sieve bed and to change the flushing relative to the pressurizing of the second sieve bed, for reducing concentration of oxygen produced. The duty cycle and the reciprocal duty cycle are adjusted during remaining control periods to change the flushing relative to the pressurizing of the first sieve bed and to change the pressurizing relative to the flushing of the second sieve bed, such that water vapor is purged from the first and second sieve beds after pressurizing thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously sampling plasma are disclosed. The method of the present invention comprises removing blood from the patient, separating a substantially small portion of plasma, and returning the blood to the patient. The removing, separating, and returning steps are performed continuously and simultaneously with each other. The apparatus of the present invention relates to a double-lumen cannula or venipuncture needle for the removal and returning of blood to the patient at the same site.

Abstract: To sample liquid phase components of a biological fluid which has been subjected to centrifugation to separate its liquid and semisolid phase components and define a liquid-semisolid interface therebetween, a probe carrying a sensor at its end is extended into and through the liquid phase components until the sensor detects the interface, whereupon further extension of the probe into the fluid is halted. A sample of liquid phase components is then withdrawn through openings in the probe spaced from the interface, so that only liquid components are sampled. It is contemplated that a stopper close a vessel containing the biological fluid, and that the probe be extended through and movable within a needle which first pierces the stopper, so that the probe may be moved through the needle and into the vessel. It is also contemplated that the withdrawn liquid phase components be aseptically transferred to a receiving vessel, and that the probe be cleansed with a flushing solution between sampling operations.