Abstract: A low pulsatility syringe pump including a duplex bearing set rotatingly supporting a lead screw, and a transmission having a first drive train configured to increase a number of motor rotations required for a single rotation of the lead screw, and a second drive train configured to reduce the number of motor rotations required for a single rotation of the lead screw as compared to the first drive train. Another embodiment also includes a motor configured to rotate the syringe about its own axis, independent of the motion of the lead screw. In this other embodiment, the fluid in the syringe barrel includes objects (such as cells, latex beads, etc.) entrained in the fluid. The rate of rotation (e.g., about three revolutions per second) is chosen such that each object traces a substantially circular pathway in the syringe barrel and remains in suspension.

Abstract: A low pulsatility syringe pump including a duplex bearing set rotatingly supporting a lead screw, and a transmission having a first drive train configured to increase a number of motor rotations required for a single rotation of the lead screw, and a second drive train configured to reduce the number of motor rotations required for a single rotation of the lead screw as compared to the first drive train. Another embodiment also includes a motor configured to rotate the syringe about its own axis, independent of the motion of the lead screw. In this other embodiment, the fluid in the syringe barrel includes objects (such as cells, latex beads, etc.) entrained in the fluid. The rate of rotation (e.g., about three revolutions per second) is chosen such that each object traces a substantially circular pathway in the syringe barrel and remains in suspension.

Abstract: The combination of a rigid, elongated applicator tool (200) and an elongated integral drive rod/probe (202). The drive rod/probe (202) is a rigid cable which includes a monitoring probe (204) with an extending spiral needle (206) at the front end thereof. At the rear end of the cable is a drive knob (236). The applicator tool (200) includes a hood element at the front end thereof which overlies the probe (204) and the needle (206) of the drive rod/probe (202) when the drive rod/probe (202) is positioned within the applicator tool (200). The applicator tool (200) includes a longitudinal slot (208) which permits insertion and removal of the drive rod/probe (202).

Abstract: The present invention is a biopsy guide for use with a medical ultrasound scanhead of the type used for intravaginal scans and ultrasound guided biopsies. The guide fits over an intravaginal scanhead, and it includes a slot for guiding a biopsy needle. The guide also includes a unique needle cover which is slidably attached to the guide and which encloses a biopsy needle until actual flesh penetration is desired, thereby preventing unnecessary injury to a patient in the course of the examination.

Abstract: A scanhead for use in ultrasonic echo cardiography is described. The scanhead is particularly adapted for imaging a patient's heart from the patient's esophogus. The scanhead is comprised of a rotating base having a phased array or linear array scanhead mounted thereon, and the scanhead is rotated in order to change the cross-sectional plane of the heart which is intercepted by the ultrasound.

Abstract: A bubble trap for use with an ultrasonic scanhead is described. The bubble trap is comprised of a reservoir chamber connected to the main chamber housing the ultrasound transducer. The reservoir chamber is connected via a channel which extends from the main chamber to an orifice in the volumetric center of the reservoir chamber. Thus, any bubble which flows up through the orifice into the reservoir chamber will be trapped there, and will thereby be removed from the main chamber.

Abstract: A needle guide for use with a medical ultrasonic scanning apparatus includes a pivoting plate on a fixed mounting plate. The mounting plate is attached to an ultrasonic scanhead whereby a surface of the mounting plate is in the plane of the ultrasound scan. An adjustable pivoting plate on the mounting plate includes at least one needle aligner, which preferably has a groove formed therein. The pivoting plate can be pivoted and locked into position on the mounting plate. An idler plate, containing an idler roller is spring mounted on the pivoting plate. The idler plate can be pivoted, whereby the idler roller moves away from the guide needle aligners. A raised wall on the pivoting plate prevents an improperly placed needle from puncturing a sterile sheath applied over the scanhead, such as in a brain scan. Thus a needle, such as a biopsy needle can be placed between the idler roller and the needle aligner and will be held in place by the spring tension on the idler roller.