Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging method and system produce diagnostic contrast images depicting both tissue perfusion and flow velocity in larger vessels by utilizing both linear and nonlinear imaging techniques. A sequence of echoes from differently modulated transmit pulses is received and processed in different ways to detect nonlinear signals from microbubble-perfused tissue and Doppler blood flow in larger vessels. The Doppler flow signals may be either linear or nonlinear or a mixture of both. A decision circuit classifies the detected signals for display pixels in a perfusion and/or flow and/or tissue image. Separate perfusion and flow images can be simultaneously displayed or an image of both perfusion and flow can be displayed.

Abstract: A spokeshave providing an easily used depth of cut adjustment that is simple, effective and requires no extra tool or blade removal for adjustment. The blade of the spokeshave is mounted on two posts that project normal to the back of the blade, and the posts are received in structures adjustably positioned within the spokeshave body. Adjustment of the positions of the post-receiving structures cause the blade to move toward or away from the body.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to systems and methods for controlling handling characteristics of a tire. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a tire having controllable handling characteristics.

Abstract: A cabinet scraper that protects the scraper blade from damage due to contact with the body of the scraper and that protects the user from contact with the upper end of the blade, preferably by including a portion of the body that extends beyond the upper end of the blade. The blade is held in place by a clamp bar, and the shape of the blade may be modified using an adjustment screw. Preferably, the clamp bar includes a chamfer along an edge, so that shavings produced during scraping do not bunch up between the blade and body of the scraper.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for screening applicants to determine whether the applicant is a candidate under one or more incentive/tax credit programs established by either a government agency, the employer, or the like, are provided. An applicant makes use of one or more interfaces provided via a client device to enter appropriate information and transmit this information back to a remote server. This information is processed to determine whether the applicant qualifies as a candidate under one or more incentive/tax credit programs. The one or more incentive/tax credit programs may be identified based on a profile established for the particular employer. The processing of the applicant information may involve applying one or more sets of business rules, established for the one or more incentive/tax credit programs, to the applicant's answers to various questions in a questionnaire.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to systems and methods for controlling handling characteristics of a tire. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a tire having controllable handling characteristics.

Abstract: An electrically conductive strap is connected to an electrically conductive first connector at one end and connected to an electrically conductive second connector at the other end. Both connectors are mounted on the substrate so that the connected strap extends over a portion of the mechanical component, or otherwise cooperates with the mechanical component, to secure the mechanical component in the desired position. Also, the connection between the strap and the first connector electrically couples the strap to the first connector while the connection between the strap and the second connector electrically couples the strap to the second connector. At least one of the connectors, the first connector for example, is also electrically coupled to a first reference voltage preferably available on the substrate. The electrical condition of the second connector may then be used to indicate whether the strap and therefore the mechanical component is in place on the substrate.

Abstract: A powered sharpening system utilizing a turntable to rotate reversible, interchangeable platters carrying different grades of abrasive for grinding, polishing and lapping woodworking and other edge tools to be sharpened that are secured in a tool holder that contacts a reference surface on a tool rest to facilitate formation of bevels and micro-bevels at desired angles. Use of a platter of a first thickness followed by a thinner platter enables automatic formation of a micro-bevel without any adjustment in the tool holder, tool rest or sharpening technique. The turntable is rotated by an electric motor that also rotates a conventional abrasive wheel or a conventional narrow abrasive belt. The motor is mounted in a base within which a duct is located for coupling to a vacuum system for removing, through ports in the duct, abrasive and metal particles produced in grinding and sharpening. Blades on the underside of the turntable induce airflow through the base to cool the motor and other components.

Abstract: A system and method to synchronize one or more shutters on user-worn headgear with a sequence of images shown on a display by initially synchronizing the shutter(s) with the sequence of images using an initial synchronization signal generated externally to the headgear and by maintaining synchronization of the shutter(s) with the sequence of images using an ongoing synchronization signal generated independently by the headgear.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging method and apparatus are described for imaging the coronary arteries of the heart. The vascular system is infused with an ultrasonic contrast agent. A volumetric region of the heart wall including a coronary artery is three dimensionally scanned. A projection image of the volumetric region is produced from the scanning, providing a two dimensional contrast image of the coronary artery with the appearance of an angiogram. Preferably the coronary artery signals are segmented from contrast signals emanating from the myocardium and the heart blood pool so that the coronary arteries are clearly highlighted and distinct in the ultrasonic angiogram.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system and method are presented to determine low rates of blood flow using contrast agents. Pairs of differently modulated pulses are transmitted in several beam directions to acquire echoes which can be combined to separate harmonic frequencies by pulse inversion. The pulses of each pair are transmitted in rapid succession to minimize motional artifacts. The transmission in the different beam directions is time-interleaved, resulting in the sampling of each beam direction over a long ensemble time for the detection of low rates of flow.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for the detection and imaging of ultrasonic contrast agents. Ultrasonic apparatus is provided for coherent imaging of ultrasonic contrast agents, and for detecting harmonic contrast agents. The inventive apparatus includes a dual display for simultaneously viewing a real time image which displays the location of the contrast agent and a triggered contrast image. Methods of contrast agent detection and imaging include the measurement of perfusion rate characteristics, multizone contrast imaging, multifrequency contrast imaging, tissue perfusion display, and high PRF contrast image artifact elimination.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for the detection and imaging of ultrasonic contrast agents. Ultrasonic apparatus is provided for coherent imaging of ultrasonic contrast agents, and for detecting harmonic contrast agents. The inventive apparatus includes a dual display for simultaneously viewing a real time image which displays the location of the contrast agent and a triggered contrast image. Methods of contrast agent detection and imaging include the measurement of perfusion rate characteristics, multizone contrast imaging, multifrequency contrast imaging, tissue perfusion display, and high PRF contrast image artifact elimination.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging method and apparatus are described for imaging the coronary arteries of the heart. The vascular system is infused with an ultrasonic contrast agent. A volumetric region of the heart wall including a coronary artery is three dimensionally scanned. A projection image of the volumetric region is produced from the scanning, providing a two dimensional contrast image of the coronary artery with the appearance of an angiogram. Preferably the coronary artery signals are segmented from contrast signals emanating from the myocardium and the heart blood pool so that the coronary arteries are clearly highlighted and distinct in the ultrasonic angiogram.