Abstract: A system for estimating the volume of fluid in the bladder sequentially scans the bladder with ultrasonic beams that section the bladder into a number of transverse planes. The system determines, from the scan lines associated with a given plane, a plurality of points on each of the front and back walls of the bladder. It then fits a curve to the set of front wall points and another curve to the set of back wall points, to determine an outline of the bladder in the plane. The system next calculates the cross sectional area of the bladder in the plane based on the two curves. After determining the area in each of the planes, the system determines the volume of the bladder by summing weighted version of the planar areas. The system includes a transducer that consists of a plurality of piezo-electric elements held in a relatively thin elastomeric pad and/or substrate that is acoustically impedance matched to skin.

Abstract: A variety of optical probes and methods have utility in the examination of various materials, especially materials in the interior of cavities having restricted access through orifices or passageways. One type of such optical probe is elongated and includes a distal optical window, a divergent light source, a spatial mixer, and a light collector. Light from the light source is mixed in the spatial mixer to achieve uniform diffuse light in the vicinity of the optical window. The light collector receives light from the target through the spatial mixer. The optical probe may be made of two sections, a reusable section and a disposable. The disposable is elongated and contains a mounting section, an inside surface suitable for the spatial mixing of light, and an optical element which helps to seal the reusable probe section from the target.

Abstract: A variety of optical probes and methods have utility in the examination of various materials, especially materials in the interior of cavities having restricted access through orifices or passageways. One type of such optical probe is elongated and includes a distal optical window, a divergent light source, a spatial mixer, and a light collector. Light from the light source is mixed in the spatial mixer to achieve uniform diffuse light in the vicinity of the optical window. The light collector receives light from the target through the spatial mixer. The optical probe may be made of two sections, a reusable section and a disposable. The disposable is elongated and contains a mounting section, an inside surface suitable for the spatial mixing of light, and an optical element which helps to seal the reusable probe section from the target.

Abstract: A system for estimating the volume of fluid in the bladder sequentially scans the bladder with ultrasonic beams that section the bladder into a number of transverse planes. The system determines, from the scan lines associated with a given plane, a plurality of points on each of the front and back walls of the bladder. It then fits a curve to the set of front wall points and another curve to the set of back wall points, to determine an outline of the bladder in the plane. The system next calculates the cross sectional area of the bladder in the plane based on the two curves. After determining the area in each of the planes, the system determines the volume of the bladder by summing weighted version of the planar areas. The system includes a transducer that consists of a plurality of piezo-electric elements held in a relatively thin elastomeric pad and/or substrate that is acoustically impedance matched to skin.

Abstract: A system for estimating the volume of fluid in the bladder sequentially scans the bladder with ultrasonic beams that section the bladder into a number of transverse planes. The system determines, from the scan lines associated with a given plane, a plurality of points on each of the front and back walls of the bladder. It then fits a curve to the set of front wall points and another curve to the set of back wall points, to determine an outline of the bladder in the plane. The system next calculates the cross sectional area of the bladder in the plane based on the two curves. After determining the area in each of the planes, the system determines the volume of the bladder by summing weighted version of the planar areas. The system includes a transducer that consists of a plurality of piezo-electric elements held in a relatively thin elastomeric pad and/or substrate that is acoustically impedance matched to skin.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a uni-directional transmission with positive engagement and automatic disengagement features. The transmission includes a rotatable drive shaft coaxially aligned and housed inside a rotatable hub. Attached to the drive shaft is a uni-directional friction clutch which automatically engages when the drive shaft is rotated in a forward direction. When the friction clutch is engaged, a spline disc located on the drive shaft is forced axially on the drive shaft causing the axially aligned teeth formed on one surface of the spline disc to positively engage the complimentary-shaped, axially aligned teeth formed on the ratchet surface on the hub. When the teeth on the ratchet surfaces are engaged, torque from the drive shaft will be transferred to the hub. A coil spring is disposed on the drive shaft between the spline disc and the hub which acts to automatically disengage the ratchet teeth on the spline disc and the hub when rotation of the drive shaft is stopped or reversed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of tumors by heating with ultrasonic energy. A transducer assembly is provided in a housing having a refractive assembly disposed between the tumor and the transducer. The refractive assembly moves with respect to the transducer assembly. The refractive assembly includes one or more refractive elements. The refractive assembly is interchangeable to provide treatment of different types of tumors using the same transducer assembly and housing. The refractive assembly may focus, deflect or diffuse the ultrasonic energy depending on the arrangement of elements. Motion of the refractive assembly relative to the tumor results in a time-averaging spatial deposition pattern which is more highly uniform due to the averaging of maxima and minima which occurs in the near field.

Abstract: The scanhead uses a shaft mounted, oscillating rotor driven by a shaft mounted rotor. Energy storage and repulsive means, provided by magnetic "bumpers" helps to reverse the direction of motion of the rotor at the end of the scan angle.