Abstract: A system and method and for acquiring and displaying images from different image modalities where both image sets are acquired in a sequential planar fashion and can be displayed one slice at a time on a computer screen. The operator can locate an anatomical target, such as the base of the prostate, in this image sequence. On the same screen, a live transverse ultrasound image can be acquired and the anatomical target located in the transverse image. The operator can reposition the transducer while acquiring images at intervals. A sensor detects the transducer position so the locations of the planes can be identified. Any plane can be selected from either image displayed, and the image will track in the alternate modality. The desired slice can be displayed on both images, allowing the operator to follow both images and identify pathology that may not be present in one of the images.

Abstract: A guide plate for inserting, into a body, instruments, such as needles, used for medical purposes, comprising a plurality of openings for receiving an instrument; for each of the openings, a sensor arrangement for detecting presence of an instrument when an instrument is received in an opening; and reporting apparatus for reporting sensing of an instrument by each respective sensor arrangement. Use may be with an imaging system, including a display for an image of a portion of the body into which instruments are inserted. The imaging system can superimpose on the image an array corresponding to openings in the guide plate; a signal transmission means responsive to reports from respective reporting apparatus transmit output of the reporting apparatus to the imaging system. A display modification arrangement can modify elements of the array to indicate that an instrument has been inserted into a respective opening.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe comprises an elongate structure having a longitudinal axis; a first array of ultrasonic transducer elements extending along an outer surface of the elongate structure in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis; a second array of ultrasonic transducer elements extending along the outer surface of the elongate structure in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis; and a third array of ultrasonic transducer elements extending about the elongate structure in a direction so that it images a plane perpendicular to that imaged by at least one of the first array and the second array, the third array being disposed in a space between the first array and the second array. An electronics module for use with the probe, and an additional probe, to produce internal images of a patient.

Abstract: An alarm clock with multiple weekly and independent daily schedule capability. Three types of alarms are available and selectable for each schedule: a built in AM/FM radio, a noise maker, such as a buzzer, and an under pillow vibrating pad. Each day of the week can be programmed independently so that the alarm need not be reset each day to accommodate a varying daily schedule. Two independent daily schedules are available, so that one device may be used for a couple. Different weekly schedules are available to accommodate rotating shift workers, or others that need to have different schedules from time to time. The alarm time can be changed just for the next day, without changing the normal alarm schedule. A built in or external telephone may be programmed with telephone off times so that sleep in not disturbed. A built in un-interruptible power supply allows the clock to continue to function during power outages.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe comprises an elongate structure having a longitudinal axis; a first array of ultrasonic transducer elements extending along an outer surface of the elongate structure in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis; a second array of ultrasonic transducer elements extending along the outer surface of the elongate structure in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis; and a third array of ultrasonic transducer elements extending about the elongate structure in a direction so that it images a plane perpendicular to that imaged by at least one of the first array and the second array, the third array being disposed in a space between the first array and the second array. An electronics module for use with the probe, and an additional probe, to produce internal images of a patient.

Abstract: A hard copy recorder is provided in which paper or film is moved along a paper path by a motor-driven roller. A tension-measuring dancer measures paper or film tension. The position of the dancer is sensed by an optical sensor, which produces a signal representative of paper or film tension. The paper or film tension signal is used to selectively couple one signal from a number of sources of predetermined different frequencies to the motor to control its speed in accordance with the sensed paper tension.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are provided for processing simultaneously produced vector information signals in an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system. Two vector signals in the form of simultaneous sequences of digital words are alternately sampled and a sequence of interleaved words of the two simultaneous sequences is stored in consecutive locations of a memory. The words are then read out of the memory by first addressing even memory locations, then odd locations, to produce the two vector information signals in a serial sequence.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic probe is provided which performs simultaneous ultrasonic imaging and Doppler flow measurement. The Doppler transducer is mounted for rotation by a mechanical assembly, which permits the Doppler beam to be steered during imaging to the point in the body where a flow measurement is to be taken. As the Doppler transducer is rotated, a variable impedance device within the probe is adjusted in correspondence with the transducer rotation so as to provide an indication signal of the direction in which the Doppler beam is being directed.

Abstract: A transducer assembly is provided which performs simultaneous imaging and flow measurement. Separate imaging and Doppler transducers are mounted on one face of the assembly. Each transducer type is backed by backing material which provides damping in accordance with the performance criteria of the different transducer types. The transducer types may be mechanically focused in the same direction so that flow measurements are made in the center of the area being imaged.