Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for generating high frequency shock waves, which comprises a generator of shock waves by electric discharge between at least two electrodes disposed at least in part in a chamber filled with liquid, and advantageously supplied intermittently with electric current from a source of electric current via a supply connection, the generator device allowing the focusing of the shock waves on a target, and is characterized in that the supply connection for supplying electric current to the electrodes is disposed inside a substantially closed tubular element in order to limit or prevent electro-magnetic leakages. This tubular element is preferably mounted to move in any point in space relatively to the frame and supports the shock wave generating device. Thanks to this apparatus, electro-magnetic leakages are limited or prevented and patients' safety is therefore improved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to apparatus for detecting and correcting the positions of electrodes. The device comprises means for advancing the electrodes to cause them to advance and retract, preferably in an individual and independent manner, together with detector means (10) capable of being disposed at and of being retracted from the focus (F) at which an electric arc or discharge is to be provided between the electrodes (2, 4) and said detector means being suitable for detecting the presence of an electrode at said focus. Position correction then consists in successively bringing each electrode to the focus (F) into contact with said detector means which are advantageously constituted by a rod (12) of an actuator (14), prior to retracting each electrode through a predetermined distance d. The invention makes it possible to detect and correct the positions of electrodes at will, in an entirely simple manner capable of being automated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for advancing an electrode-holder elem in particular mounted on a pulse generating apparatus of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,559,227 to Rieber. This advance device comprises a radially projecting element fast with the rear part of the electrode-holder element and member for controlling same, the radially projecting element being formed by a toothed wheel of fixed axial position with respect to the insulating support and controlled in rotation by two pistons mounted symmetrically on either side of the wheel to control a rotation in both directions. This device allows a greater precision of the advance of the electrodes and an increase in the efficiency of destruction of the targets.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for advancing an electrode-holder elem in particular mounted on a pulse generating apparatus of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,559,227 to Rieber. This advance device comprises a radially projecting element fast with the rear part of the electrode-holder element and a member for controlling same, the radially projecting element being formed by a toothed wheel of fixed axial position with respect to the insulating support and controlled in rotation by two pistons mounted symmetrically on either side of the wheel to control a rotation in both directions. This device allows a greater precision of the advance of the electrode and an increase in the efficiency of destruction of the targets.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating high frequency shock waves having a truncated ellipsoidal reflector is provided. The apparatus has a cavity which constitutes a chamber for reflecting shock waves, the chamber being filled with a dielectric liquid such as water or oil. The apparatus also has a shock wave generator device which generally has two electrodes and a source for selectively and substantially instantaneously providing an electric voltage to the electrodes. The equipotential screen is fast with the ellipsoidal reflector and is grounded by the support formed by the ellipsoidal reflector. This equipotential screen limits electric leakage and thus renders the apparatus safer in operation for destroying targets such as tissues, biliary concretions, kidney stones, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Doppler velocimeter comprising a transmitter composed of a plurality of independent transducers for generating beams of ultrasonic energy, an ultrasonic generator for generating a plurality of noise signals, each noise signal being independent of the other, and a receiver for receiving beams of ultrasonic energy reflected from a target. Each noise signal is applied to several of the plurality of transducers and maintained separately upon generation of the beams of ultrasonic energy. Received ultrasonic energy is processed through the use of groups of dual correlators, further processed and displayed. The invention finds an application in the real-time display of blood flow velocities in a segment of blood vessel.

Abstract: This invention is directed to improved pseudorandom noise velocimeters and methods therefor, using the Doppler effect, to enable the external measurement of the speed of a moving target within a fixed conveying medium. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a continuous pseudorandom ultrasonic noise signal formed by a repetitive code C having n different elementary segments S is radiated. Correlation between a received echo and the delayed radiated signal is accomplished by proceeding successively for each elementary segment, using a different measuring band, for a period corresponding to the period of each segment. The correlation values thus obtained are then stored and thereafter a Doppler low frequency curve is reconstituted by regrouping the correlation values corresponding to the different elementary segments of the repetitive code.