Abstract: Illumination unit for an apparatus, particularly for the implementation of diaphanoscopic examinations at a human, animal or botanical examination subject, has a monolithic semiconductor laser diode bar with driveable laser diodes that emit radiation as well as at least one optical arrangement for collimating and/or focusing the emitted laser radiation. The laser diode bar and the optical arrangement are mounted at a common carrier, and the laser diode bar is connected to pin-like terminal elements at the carrier for diode drive, that are in turn connected or connectable to terminals provided at a carrier plate accepting the carrier. A radiation-transparent covering that encapsulates the carrier.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for determining the circumference of a finger or toe joint, in particular a proximal interphalangeal joint, to be evaluated in the context of an arthritis examination of an examination subject, the joint is irradiated using a light source and at least one two-dimensional projection image is recorded using a camera apparatus. From the projection image, the diameter of the joint is determined by means of an automatic edge detection method, and the circumference is calculated on the basis of the diameter. Additionally, a diaphanoscopic examination of the joint can be made with the same apparatus, and the results combined with the diameter information to identify or monitor a degree or progress of the inflamation.

Abstract: A rheumatism scanner has a hand rest arranged between a radiation source and a detector unit and a holder for immobilizing the examined finger joint on the hand rest. The holder is a finger sled which can be fastened to the finger joint at a location remote from the hand rest, and thus remote from the rest of the scanner, and which is provided with a continuous joint recess. After a finger is fixed in the finger sled the finger sled can be brought into engagement with, and positioned exactly at, the hand rest by adjusting and/or fixing elements.

Abstract: In the exemplary disclosure, the apparatus includes electronic delay circuitry for delaying echo signals produced in use by a multiplicity of transducers of the apparatus such that the phase relationship between respective echo signals is substantially maintained.

Abstract: It is the aim of the exemplary disclosure to create a simple system with as great a variability as possible wherein a pulse generator for each ultrasonic transducer element comprises a digital frequency control member for controlling the pulses to be fed to the transducer element and at which at least the pulse frequency (f.sub.s) can be selected by means of an input digital value (FW).

Abstract: A hold-down device particularly for use in securing patients to examination tables and the like. The device includes mounting member for attachment to opposite sides of the examination table, one of the mounting members having first and second actuatable take-up drums controlled by a rachet connected handle, a belt is past from the first take-up drum across the patient to the other holder and around a free wheeling roll in that holder and back across the patient to the second take-up drum. The rolls are geared such that the second take-up drum revolves three times faster than the first take-up drum.