Abstract: An external ultrasound probe assembly capable of scanning a three-dimensional volume is provided. The ultrasound probe assembly contains a plurality of ultrasonic transducers disposed along a longitudinal axis of the probe assembly. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers is disposed on a mechanism operable to reciprocally pivot the plurality of ultrasonic transducers enabling the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to scan the entire three-dimensional volume. A helically disposed electrical interconnection member may be disposed about a pivot axis of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers and may electrically interconnect the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to an ultrasound imaging system. The ultrasound probe assembly may be fluid filled and contain bubble position control and fluid expansion compensation features.

Abstract: An ultrasound catheter probe assembly capable of scanning a three-dimensional volume is provided. The ultrasound catheter probe assembly contains a plurality of ultrasonic transducers disposed along a central axis of the ultrasound catheter probe assembly. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers is disposed on a mechanism operable to reciprocally pivot the plurality of ultrasonic transducers enabling the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to scan a three-dimensional volume. A helically disposed electrical interconnection member may be disposed about a pivot axis of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers and may electrically interconnect the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to an ultrasound imaging system. The ultrasound transducer catheter probe assembly may be fluid-filled and contain bubble position control and fluid expansion compensation features.

Abstract: An external ultrasound transducer probe assembly capable of scanning a three-dimensional volume is provided. The ultrasound transducer probe assembly contains a plurality of ultrasonic transducers disposed along a longitudinal axis of the probe assembly. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers is disposed on a mechanism operable to reciprocally pivot the plurality of ultrasonic transducers enabling the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to scan the entire three-dimensional volume. A helically disposed electrical interconnection member may be disposed about a pivot axis of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers and may electrically interconnect the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to an ultrasound imaging system. The ultrasound transducer probe assembly may be fluid filled and contain bubble position control and fluid expansion compensation features.

Abstract: An ultrasound catheter probe assembly capable of scanning a three-dimensional volume is provided. The ultrasound catheter probe assembly contains a plurality of ultrasonic transducers disposed along a central axis of the ultrasound catheter probe assembly. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers is disposed on a mechanism operable to reciprocally pivot the plurality of ultrasonic transducers enabling the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to scan a three-dimensional volume. A helically disposed electrical interconnection member may be disposed about a pivot axis of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers and may electrically interconnect the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to an ultrasound imaging system. The ultrasound transducer catheter probe assembly may be fluid-filled and contain bubble position control and fluid expansion compensation features.

Abstract: An ultrasound catheter probe assembly capable of scanning a three-dimensional volume is provided. The ultrasound catheter probe assembly contains a plurality of ultrasonic transducers disposed along a central axis of the ultrasound catheter probe assembly. The plurality of ultrasonic transducers is disposed on a mechanism operable to reciprocally pivot the plurality of ultrasonic transducers enabling the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to scan a three-dimensional volume. A helically disposed electrical interconnection member may be disposed about a pivot axis of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers and may electrically interconnect the plurality of ultrasonic transducers to an ultrasound imaging system. The ultrasound transducer catheter probe assembly may be fluid-filled and contain bubble position control and fluid expansion compensation features.

Abstract: A ferrule holder for holding a ferrule in a grinding apparatus, wherein said holder is e.g., substantially spherical in shape or provided with a cardanic mounting device. The ferrule holder has a cut face, a holder recess in the cut face adapted to accept the ferrule, and an attachment mechanism for attaching the ferrule within the holder recess. Moreover, a ferrule grinding apparatus is disclosed with at least one grinding plate for grinding the surface of a ferrule, at least one ferrule holder adapted to hold the ferrule and at least one ferrule positioning mechanism, wherein the ferrule holder and the said ferrule positioning mechanism cooperate together to position dynamically the ferrule such that the face of the ferrule is parallel to the surface of the grinding plate.

Abstract: A ribbon cable plug-in connector is provided for plug-in connection of a strip-type electrical ribbon cable. One end of the ribbon cable is provided with a locking rib that cooperates with a locking arm and locking shoulder of a plug-in connector housing when the ribbon cable is inserted into an opening of the plug-in connector housing.

Abstract: A plug-in connector assembly for ribbon cables comprises a ribbon cable, a plug-in connector, a locking spring and a locking spring housing. The locking spring may engage the ribbon cable in a shape-mated fashion to provide lateral guidance of the ribbon cable. The ribbon cable may be configured with a recess for spring-actuated engagement to provide strain relieving locking of the ribbon cable and to provide a region of electrical contact with the locking spring to enhance shielding contact.

Abstract: In an electrically controlled typewriter, a printer or the like it is provided that for the read-out of a magnetic coding on a rotationally driven part a sensor emits output signals in reference to a changing magnetic field. Preferably the sensor is in the form of a pulse wire. A ribbon cassette for such a typewriter is distinguished by the disposition of at least one magnet on a rotationally driven part Advantageously this is a Wiegand wire. A type wheel can be coded in a corresponding manner.

Abstract: A typewriter or similar machine with a ribbon and, if required, a correction tape on a pivotable support which can be lifted or lowered, the ribbon or the correction tape being movable in steps. The pivoting of the ribbon is necessary in order to give a view of the typed text. Since it is selectively possible to type or to correct, it is necessary to lift the support for the ribbon or the correction tape to different levels, so that the particular ribbon required is opposite the line to be printed. The transport of the ribbons as well as the lifting of the support is performed by means of a reciprocation-rotation motor. The respective rotational movement of the reciprocation-rotation motor is preferably transferred to one of the ribbons by toothed wheels. The ribbon can be moved on far enough so that a fresh ribbon surface is available. The same can be done for the correction tape.

Abstract: A holder of a ribbon with supply and take-up spools for typewriters and similar machines where the holder is insertable into a receptacle of the machine and has guide elements for the ribbon. The retention elements for the ribbon are designed so that the ribbon slides out of them when the side elements of the receptacle are pivoted back into their operational position. This assures on the one hand, that the ribbon is secured in a position during movement in the course of shipment which easily makes possible the insertion of the holder into the receptacle. On the other hand it is also assured that the ribbon is pushed out of these guidance elements during insertion of the holder into the receptacle and in this way attains its functionally correct position in the typewriter.

Abstract: In a line-spacing device for a typewriter or the like, where a platen, used as a support for the paper, is moved forward in steps by means of a ratchet it is provided for attaining a half-step transport that the gripper point (20) is seated longitudinally displaceable on the ratchet (11) in a direction approximately tangential to the toothed wheel (4) between two end positions determined by detent forces, where the detent force of the gripper point (20) is less than the force of resistance opposed by the toothed wheel (4) with the platen (1) to the drive by means of the gripper point (20) in the course of the tangential transport phase, and where the distance between the two detent end positions in the longitudinal direction corresponds to the tangential transport distance of a half transport step (t).

Abstract: A method of producing platens for typewriters and similar office equipment. Conventional platens often include a large number of individual parts and are relatively expensive because of their high assembly and finishing costs. According to the invention, an impact-resistant polyolefin with the addition of a delayed-reacting foaming agent is employed in an injection molding process in such a fashion that, by means of differential cooling of the mold, the material on the platen surface and in areas of other functional elements such as line-advance wheel/notched wheel combinations hardens, while the core of the platen remains a foam. The process allows platens with other functional elements molded to them to be manufactured from a single material in a single operation and without any additional work, despite different demands made on the print backing and the other functional elements.

Abstract: A holder of a ribbon for typewriters or similar machines in which the ribbon can be transferred from a supply spool to a take-up spool and where the two spools are disposed on a slider. By means of the invention it is intended to manufacture the slider for the two spools in as simple a manner as possible and without further assembly steps. This is made possible when the holder, together with the slider for the ribbon spools, is initially made as a one-piece plastic part. It may also have a pivotable cover so that a cassette is formed after insertion of the spools and closing of the cover. The one-piece construction of the holder with the slider also makes securing for transport unnecessary. When the holder is inserted into a correspondingly designed receptacle, the slider is separated from the holder by breaking off from thin connecting points at so-called predetermined breaking points and it is positioned a little higher than the holder on the respective guide bars of the receptacle.

Abstract: A receptacle for a holder of a ribbon of a typewriter or similar machine. The holder has a base plate on which laterally pivotable retaining elements are disposed. The retaining elements support drive, braking and tensioning elements for the ribbon. If the retaining elements are pivoted away, a holder, e.g. in the shape of a ribbon cassette, can be inserted into the device. When the retaining elements have again been pivoted back, they surround the holder of the ribbon in the form of a shell. The drive, braking and tensioning elements then automatically take up their functionally correct positions. The device has the advantage that only the holder with the used-up ribboon need be discarded, while the drive, braking and tensioning elements remain in the device and thus can be repeatedly used. Manufacture of the holder with the ribbon is made considerably more economical this way and the value of the material to be discarded is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive element of typewriters or similar office machines where the movement of the platen is derived from the movement of the carriage. In the past numerous drive elements have been required in devices of this type, which required a considerable assembly effort and bearing effort. In contrast hereto the drive element proposed is formed in one piece as a one-armed lever which is rotatably disposed coaxially with the platen and with the line space wheel disposed thereon and which has at least one ratchet which is in operative contact with the line space wheel. A displacement element disposed on the carriage of the machine comes into operative contact with the one-armed lever within a set movement range of the carriage and pivots it, so that the turning of the platen takes place by means of the ratchet.

Abstract: A holder for a ribbon for typewriters or similar machines where the holder is insertable into a receptacle. The holder must assume a firm and above all functionally correct connection with the receptacle. For this purpose two sliders with hook-shaped ends are disposed on pivotable side elements of the receptacle. These hooks embrace in their locking position edges provided on the ribbon guide arms. Only when the hooks are in their closed position can the combined device be inserted into the typewriter or the printer. The operationally correct insertion of the combined device would be prevented by a side element which is not closed or a protruding slider with its hook.

Abstract: In an electronically controlled typewriter, a printer or the like with an exchangeable ribbon cassette, which is provided with identifying codings and where the ribbon cassette is pivotable between a lowered position of rest and an elevated printing or operating position around the cassette base facing away from the printing area, it is provided in order to attain a simple and dependably readable coding which can discriminate between a plurality of different types of ribbon cassettes, that at a defined radial distance from the base of the ribbon cassette, which is to be inserted, a sensor is disposed at the side of the pivot path of the same, which gives off an electrical output signal in reference to a changing magnetic field. It is provided in a ribbon cassette for such a typewriter or such a printer to dispose at least one bistable magnetic element on a lateral surface of the ribbon cassette.

Abstract: A typewriter or similar machine having a platen turnable by means of a ratchet and a line spacing wheel and a carriage movable along the platen by means of a pulling means, on which a typing element or push button is disposed. In accordance with the invention a so-called lift-rotation motor is used for turning the platen, for line spacing and for moving the carriage. Its turning movement is transferred to the carriage by a pulling means. The axial movement of the motors causes the pivoting of a ratchet support on which the spacing ratchet is disposed which turns the platen by means of a toothed spacing wheel. In this way no additional motor for one of the two functions is required. The lift and rotary movement of the motor can take place temporally superimposed. In this way no time delays occur in the course of operation of the typewriter or of a printer.

Abstract: A typewriter or similar machine with a print wheel disposed on a shaft drivable by a motor, the characters of which are printed by means of a hammer. In accordance with the invention, use of a separate print magnet is to be omitted. This is made possible by the use of a lift-rotation motor. Its rotational movement is used for the rotational positioning of the print wheel, while the axial movement of the motor shaft is transferred to a print hammer pivotably disposed on the carriage. Determination of the engagement point of the motor shaft with the print hammer makes possible the optimum determination of the movement cycle of the print hammer as well as its print force. Thus the space above the motor for the print wheel, otherwise required for a print magnet, can be used for other purposes. Additionally there is a reduction of the masses which are required to be moved along the platen.