Abstract: Disclosed herein are ultrasound probe assemblies that include the probe, a sheath, and an accessory implement that may be selectively attached to and detached form the probe. The implement includes an attachment surface for attaching accessories thereto. The attachment surface includes a defined angle with respect to the head of the probe so that accessories attached thereto are disposed in a defined alignment with the probe. The implement includes a circumferential wall defining a cavity configure to receive the probe head therein. The cavity includes a bottom opening to expose a patient coupling surface of the probe. The assembly may include an ultrasound gel disposed within the opening. The sheath may include a stretchable band to secure the sheath to the probe. The sheath defines a sterile barrier and may be attached to the implement.

Abstract: An optical grating includes a sequence of grating lines, the sequence being such that each grating line is centered on a position which is an integer multiple of a line spacing distance from a datum position on the grating, the sequence of grating lines is non-periodic and the sequence of the grating lines is formed from N concatenated sub-sequences. Each sub-sequence includes a series of one or more instances of a respective grating line pattern. Such an optical grating has a structure that is more amenable to calculation of the grating lines necessary to achieve a desired characteristic. A method of calculating and fabricating such a grating is also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical grating includes a sequence of grating lines, the sequence being such that each grating line is centered on a position which is an integer multiple of a line spacing distance from a datum position on the grating, the sequence of grating lines is non-periodic and the sequence of grating lines is formed from N concatenated subsequences. Each subsequence includes a series of one or more instances of a respective grating line pattern. Such an optical grating has a structure that is more amenable to calculation of the grating lines necessary to achieve a desired characteristic. A method of calculating and fabricating such a grating is also disclosed.