Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of a device that facilitates administering a fluid into an individual's body tissue includes an ultrasound transducer configured to emit sound waves and detect reflected sound waves. At least one processor is configured to: control operation of the ultrasound transducer in a first mode for detecting a condition of the individual's body tissue, determine a suitable administration site based on the transducer operating in the first mode, instigate an indication regarding the suitable administration site, and control operation of the ultrasound transducer in a second, different mode for enhancing absorption of the fluid at the suitable administration site.

Abstract: Flextensional transducers and methods of using flextensional transducers. The transducer includes a piezoelectric element and may include at least one endcap coupled with the piezoelectric element. The endcap may have an outer portion formed of a first material and an inner portion formed of a second material having a greater flexibility than the first material. The endcap may be coupled with an annular piezoelectric element near either its outer circumference or its inner circumference. The piezoelectric element may be a planar disk or have a curved bowl-shape. The transducer may be coupled with, and at least partially restrained by, a support structure. The transducer may also be configured to permit light to pass therethrough.

Abstract: Ultrasound systems having a computing device, a steering mechanism, and an ultrasound transducer are disclosed. The ultrasound transducer is configured to generate angularly discrete signals over a scan region of the ultrasound system in response to inputs from the steering mechanism. The computing device is communicatively coupled to the ultrasound transducer. The computing device includes a processor configured to receive angularly discrete ultrasound signals from the ultrasound transducer over the scan region, determine a scan line count corresponding to each of the received angularly discrete ultrasound signals, associate a TGC curve with each of the scan line counts, apply a TGC curve to each of the angularly discrete ultrasound signals as associated with the scan line count of each angularly discrete ultrasound signal, where each of the applied TGC curves defines a gain that maintains, increases, or decreases the angularly discrete ultrasound signal to which it is applied, over time.

Abstract: Structures and methods for ultrasound treatment of neurological and psychological conditions, using energy levels which do not cause heating or cavitation. The structure includes an outer casing comprising a first material, and a disk positioned inside the outer casing. The disk comprises a second material that differs in composition from the first material and that has a higher acoustic attenuation of ultrasound energy than the first material.

Abstract: Ultrasound treatment of neurological conditions with energy levels that do not cause damage such as heating or cavitation. A method includes detecting a plurality of Doppler signals from a plurality of arteries near a brain structure, aligning an ultrasound transducer with the brain structure based on the plurality of Doppler signals, and applying ultrasound waves from the ultrasound transducer to the brain structure.

Abstract: Calibration or quality assurance devices and methods that ensure proper ultrasound exposure. An apparatus for calibrating an ultrasound transducer is provided. The apparatus includes a hydrophone assembly having a layer containing a solid material and a hydrophone element embedded in the solid material of the layer. A method of calibrating a therapeutic ultrasound system including an ultrasound transducer and system electronics is also provided. The method may include connecting the ultrasound transducer to an electronics module, separately connecting the system electronics to the electronics module, driving the ultrasound transducer at a given frequency to emit an ultrasound beam, sensing the ultrasound beam with a hydrophone element, and measuring a signal that is output from the hydrophone element.

Abstract: Flextensional transducers and methods of using flextensional transducers. The transducer includes a piezoelectric element and may include at least one endcap coupled with the piezoelectric element. The endcap may have an outer portion formed of a first material and an inner portion formed of a second material having a greater flexibility than the first material. The endcap may be coupled with an annular piezoelectric element near either its outer circumference or its inner circumference. The piezoelectric element may be a planar disk or have a curved bowl-shape. The transducer may be coupled with, and at least partially restrained by, a support structure. The transducer may also be configured to permit light to pass therethrough.

Abstract: Flextensional transducers and methods of using flextensional transducers. The transducer includes a piezoelectric element and may include at least one endcap coupled with the piezoelectric element. The endcap may have an outer portion formed of a first material and an inner portion formed of a second material having a greater flexibility than the first material. The endcap may be coupled with an annular piezoelectric element near either its outer circumference or its inner circumference. The piezoelectric element may be a planar disk or have a curved bowl-shape. The transducer may be coupled with, and at least partially restrained by, a support structure. The transducer may also be configured to permit light to pass therethrough.

Abstract: An ultrasound system includes a computing device, a transducer configured to angulate through a scan region in response to a mechanical drive system that converts rotational motion generated by a motor into angular motion that angulates the transducer through the scan region, and an encoder configured to detect a rotational position of a shaft of the motor. The computing device is configured to determine an angular position of the transducer within the scan region based on the rotational position of the shaft detected by the encoder, and control generation of scan lines from the transducer based on a pulse firing pattern of scan lines to produce a predefined sequence of scan line densities across the scan region and the determined angular position of the transducer.

Abstract: Ultrasound systems having a computing device, a steering mechanism, and an ultrasound transducer are disclosed. The ultrasound transducer is configured to generate angularly discrete signals over a scan region of the ultrasound system in response to inputs from the steering mechanism. The computing device is communicatively coupled to the ultrasound transducer. The computing device includes a processor configured to receive angularly discrete ultrasound signals from the ultrasound transducer over the scan region, determine a scan line count corresponding to each of the received angularly discrete ultrasound signals, associate a TGC curve with each of the scan line counts, apply a TGC curve to each of the angularly discrete ultrasound signals as associated with the scan line count of each angularly discrete ultrasound signal, where each of the applied TGC curves defines a gain that maintains, increases, or decreases the angularly discrete ultrasound signal to which it is applied, over time.

Abstract: A portion of a treatment device for treating bacteria may be coupled with the bacteria through direct or indirect contact. Mechanical stress energy and electromagnetic energy are generated with the treatment device, and are transmitted from the treatment device to the bacteria during the coupling. The bacteria are treated with both the mechanical stress energy and the electromagnetic energy to produce a killing effect on the bacteria. A treatment device may include a mechanical stress energy emitting portion, an electromagnetic energy emitting portion, and a contacting portion for coupling into direct or indirect contact with the bacteria and transmitting mechanical stress energy to the bacteria during the coupling. The mechanical stress energy emitting portion and the electromagnetic energy emitting portion are operable to treat the bacteria with a combination of mechanical stress energy and electromagnetic energy to produce a killing effect on the bacteria.

Abstract: A portion of a treatment device for treating bacteria may be coupled with the bacteria through direct or indirect contact. Mechanical stress energy and electromagnetic energy are generated with the treatment device, and are transmitted from the treatment device to the bacteria during the coupling. The bacteria are treated with both the mechanical stress energy and the electromagnetic energy to produce a killing effect on the bacteria. A treatment device may include a mechanical stress energy emitting portion, an electromagnetic energy emitting portion, and a contacting portion for coupling into direct or indirect contact with the bacteria and transmitting mechanical stress energy to the bacteria during the coupling. The mechanical stress energy emitting portion and the electromagnetic energy emitting portion are operable to treat the bacteria with a combination of mechanical stress energy and electromagnetic energy to produce a killing effect on the bacteria.

Abstract: A portion of a treatment device for treating bacteria may be coupled with the bacteria through direct or indirect contact. Mechanical stress energy and electromagnetic energy are generated with the treatment device, and are transmitted from the treatment device to the bacteria during the coupling. The bacteria are treated with both the mechanical stress energy and the electromagnetic energy to produce a killing effect on the bacteria. A treatment device may include a mechanical stress energy emitting portion, an electromagnetic energy emitting portion, and a contacting portion for coupling into direct or indirect contact with the bacteria and transmitting mechanical stress energy to the bacteria during the coupling. The mechanical stress energy emitting portion and the electromagnetic energy emitting portion are operable to treat the bacteria with a combination of mechanical stress energy and electromagnetic energy to produce a killing effect on the bacteria.

Abstract: Flextensional transducers and methods of using flextensional transducers. The transducer includes a piezoelectric element and may include at least one endcap coupled with the piezoelectric element. The endcap may have an outer portion formed of a first material and an inner portion formed of a second material having a greater flexibility than the first material. The endcap may be coupled with an annular piezoelectric element near either its outer circumference or its inner circumference. The piezoelectric element may be a planar disk or have a curved bowl-shape. The transducer may be coupled with, and at least partially restrained by, a support structure. The transducer may also be configured to permit light to pass therethrough.

Abstract: Flextensional transducers and methods of using flextensional transducers. The transducer includes a piezoelectric element and may include at least one endcap coupled with the piezoelectric element. The endcap may have an outer portion formed of a first material and an inner portion formed of a second material having a greater flexibility than the first material. The endcap may be coupled with an annular piezoelectric element near either its outer circumference or its inner circumference. The piezoelectric element may be a planar disk or have a curved bowl-shape. The transducer may be coupled with, and at least partially restrained by, a support structure. The transducer may also be configured to permit light to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A portion of a treatment device for treating bacteria may be coupled with the bacteria through direct or indirect contact. Mechanical stress energy and electromagnetic energy are generated with the treatment device, and are transmitted from the treatment device to the bacteria during the coupling. The bacteria are treated with both the mechanical stress energy and the electromagnetic energy to produce a killing effect on the bacteria. A treatment device may include a mechanical stress energy emitting portion, an electromagnetic energy emitting portion, and a contacting portion for coupling into direct or indirect contact with the bacteria and transmitting mechanical stress energy to the bacteria during the coupling. The mechanical stress energy emitting portion and the electromagnetic energy emitting portion are operable to treat the bacteria with a combination of mechanical stress energy and electromagnetic energy to produce a killing effect on the bacteria.

Abstract: A portion of a treatment device for treating bacteria may be coupled with the bacteria through direct or indirect contact. Mechanical stress energy and electromagnetic energy are generated with the treatment device, and are transmitted from the treatment device to the bacteria during the coupling. The bacteria are treated with both the mechanical stress energy and the electromagnetic energy to produce a killing effect on the bacteria. A treatment device may include a mechanical stress energy emitting portion, an electromagnetic energy emitting portion, and a contacting portion for coupling into direct or indirect contact with the bacteria and transmitting mechanical stress energy to the bacteria during the coupling. The mechanical stress energy emitting portion and the electromagnetic energy emitting portion are operable to treat the bacteria with a combination of mechanical stress energy and electromagnetic energy to produce a killing effect on the bacteria.

Abstract: A portion of a treatment device for treating bacteria may be coupled with the bacteria through direct or indirect contact. Mechanical stress energy and electromagnetic energy are generated with the treatment device, and are transmitted from the treatment device to the bacteria during the coupling. The bacteria are treated with both the mechanical stress energy and the electromagnetic energy to produce a killing effect on the bacteria. A treatment device may include a mechanical stress energy emitting portion, an electromagnetic energy emitting portion, and a contacting portion for coupling into direct or indirect contact with the bacteria and transmitting mechanical stress energy to the bacteria during the coupling. The mechanical stress energy emitting portion and the electromagnetic energy emitting portion are operable to treat the bacteria with a combination of mechanical stress energy and electromagnetic energy to produce a killing effect on the bacteria.

Abstract: A soundhead of a treatment device is provided that enables a volume of tissue located beneath the soundhead to simultaneously receive ultrasound and light stimulation. According to one embodiment, the soundhead includes an ultrasound transducer, a light source, and a faceplate extending across a face of the transducer for providing a tissue contacting and ultrasound energy coupling surface of the soundhead. The faceplate is transparent or translucent to the light generated by the light source. Alternate embodiments including externally mounted light sources are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe transmits ultrasonic energy along a shaft from a proximate end to a distal end. The ultrasonic probe includes at least one notch on its distal end. Fibrous tissue, such as septa that connect skin layers to muscle layers of animal tissue, can be positioned within the notch so that it is in contact with at least a portion of the distal end of the ultrasonic probe. The ultrasonic energy conducted through the ultrasonic probe to the distal end will sever the fibrous tissue in the notch. The ultrasonic probe is also designed, in embodiments, to fragment or emulsify adipose tissue, as part of an ultrasonic assisted lipoplasty (UAL) procedure.