Abstract: A program product, a system, and method for a trustee and a pension system, one embodiment of a program product consistent with the invention comprises program code for generating or receiving a plurality of files or a reference or references to a plurality of files that form an life insurance settlement pool, wherein the insureds in the pool are not beneficiaries of that pension system; program code for issuing payment instructions and/or payment instruments to maintain each of a plurality of the life insurance settlement contracts; program code for registering in an electronic database an ownership interest for the pension system in the life insurance settlement pool and/or in each insurance settlement contract in the life insurance settlement pool; program code for electronically determining or having determined a proportionate share of the life insurance settlement pool; program code for paying out or having paid out proceeds from the insurance policies in accordance with a predetermined priority of distr

Abstract: Methods, systems and probes communicate signals from a transducer for imaging or connection with an imaging system. Beamforming-related electronics are positioned in the connector housing of the transducer probe assembly. For example, analog-to-digital converters are positioned in the connector housing. Power is provided through connection with the ultrasound imaging system. Fans or other heat-dissipating structures are also positioned within the connector housing. Other beamformer electronics, such as delays and sums, are positioned in the imaging system, partly in the connector housing or entirely in the connector housing. Since the analog-to-digital converters are provided in the connector housing, partial digital beam forming may be provided in the transducer probe assembly. The length of the transducer cables is held constant to avoid interference and transmission line effects due to line-length variation.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adapting signals from an ultrasound transducer for an ultrasound system. Where the signal processing in a transducer assembly outputs data incompatible with the ultrasound system, circuitry provided within the transducer assembly converts the data to be compatible with the ultrasound systems. For example, sub-array mixing is provided to partially beamform signals from a plurality of transducer elements. The resulting output signals from a plurality sub-arrays are provided through a cable to a connector housing of the transducer probe assembly. Since the mixers alter the data, such as shifting the data to an intermediate frequency, the output data may be at a frequency different than the frequencies for operation of the receive beamformer. Additional mixers are then provided to convert the intermediate frequency signals to radio frequency signals that may be processed by the ultrasound systems received beamformer.

Abstract: A transmit pulser includes an H-bridge of four transistors. First and second transistors of the H-bridge connect with a first electrode of a transducer element, and third and fourth transistors of the H-bridge connect with a second electrode of the transducer element. A differential receive amplifier connects with the first and third transistors. First and second diode clamps connect with the first and third transistors, respectively, and the inputs to the differential receive amplifier. The second and fourth transistors connect to a same power or voltage source, imposing a same voltage in either a forward or a reverse direction. By using matched transistor pairs (e.g. first and third matched pair and second and fourth matched pair), symmetrical transmit waveforms are generated. Symmetrical transmit waveforms allow for using phase inversion or phase differences between transmit waveforms for imaging, such as for harmonic imaging of tissue.

Abstract: Spatial derivatives are computed. In one method, gradients are determined from data in an acoustic domain rather than a Cartesian or display coordinate domain. The gradients determined from data in the acoustic domain are then transformed to the Cartesian coordinate or display screen domain. For example, a matrix function representing the spatial relationship between the acoustic domain and the Cartesian coordinate domain transforms the coordinates. As a result, spatial gradients in the Cartesian system are provided where acoustic domain data is being processed. In another method for volume rendering or three-dimensional imaging, a gradient is calculated from data in the display or screen domain. Data from a reconstructed 3D Cartesian coordinate grid or data in an acoustic domain is resampled to ray lines. The ray lines correspond to the display domain as compared to an arbitrary Cartesian coordinate format. The gradients are calculated from the resampled data in the screen domain.

Abstract: A method for increasing the assets of a pension plan is disclosed. The method includes investing at least a portion of one or more assets of a pension plan so as to acquire an interest in one or more current, in-force insurance contracts from one or more owners of the one or more current, in-force insurance contracts. Each of the one or more insurance contracts is either an annuity or a life insurance contract, but in either case, the insured is not a beneficiary of the pension plan.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing an original sample (3) of biological origin with a view to detecting at least one component contained in it, whereby the original sample (3) is enclosed in a first container (1) and at least a part of this original sample (3) is transferred from the first container (1) into at least one reaction container, a reagent (9) or reagent mixture being placed beforehand in at least one of the reaction containers in order to prepare the original sample (3) and the component to be detected. In order to transfer at least a part of the original sample (3), two respective containers (1, 6) are connected to one another to form a closed, airtight system at least until at least the component(s) to be detected has (have) been rendered stable by reacting it (them) with the reagent (9) or reagent mixture at room temperature.

Abstract: A golf ball having an indicia produced by ink jet printing is disclosed. An ink composition containing a coloring agent and a resin is dispensed on a transfer medium, using an ink jet printer, to form an indicia. The indicia is transferred from the transfer medium to the dimpled surface of a golf ball. In another form of the invention, an indicia is applied directly to a golf ball, without a transfer medium. In this method, an indicia receiving layer is applied on at least a portion of the golf ball surface, then the indicia is printed directly on the indicia receiving layer using an ink jet printer. The indicia on the golf ball has an impact resistance suitable for use in competitive play.

Abstract: Methods and systems for isolating transmit and receive circuitry at an ultrasound transducer element are provided. Separate electrodes or electrodes on opposite sides of a transducer element are connected to the separate transmit and receive paths or channels. Instead of high voltage transmit and receive switching, the transducer element isolates the transmit channel from the receive channel. The transmit channel includes circuitry for limiting the voltage at one electrode during receive processing, such as a switch operable to connect the electrode to ground. The receive channel includes circuitry for limiting the voltage at an electrode during transmit processing, such as a diode clamp preventing voltage swings greater than diode voltage at the electrode. Limiting the voltage provides virtual grounding or a direct current for either of the transmit or receive operation.

Abstract: A transmit pulser includes an H-bridge of four transistors. First and second transistors of the H-bridge connect with a first electrode of a transducer element, and third and fourth transistors of the H-bridge connect with a second electrode of the transducer element. A differential receive amplifier connects with the first and third transistors. First and second diode clamps connect with the first and third transistors, respectively, and the inputs to the differential receive amplifier. The second and fourth transistors connect to a same power or voltage source, imposing a same voltage in either a forward or a reverse direction. By using matched transistor pairs (e.g. first and third matched pair and second and fourth matched pair), symmetrical transmit waveforms are generated. Symmetrical transmit waveforms allow for using phase inversion or phase differences between transmit waveforms for imaging, such as for harmonic imaging of tissue.

Abstract: A hidden or concealed lock for sliding windows, door panels and the like, employing a concealed hollow tubular locking sleeve that is positioned entirely inside of an aligned opening passing through the interior frame of one of said windows and into the frame of the other window. The locking sleeve is manipulated into and out of locking position by a small rod shaped key member that is coaxially insertable into the locking sleeve from outside the window after passing through the small opening in the window frame. Both the locking and key members and openings are made small and unobstrusive; and are located for concealment in differing locations. These features prevent an unauthorized user from either locating the lock, determining its mode of operation; or unlocking the windows or panels without access to the special key.

Abstract: An optical marking system which utilizes tags that are formed from multiple diffraction gratings, which gratings differ in orientation and number of lines (frequency) in accordance with the coded information desired on the tags. A monochromatic light source illuminates a diffraction grating tag, with reading of the coded information on the tag being accomplished by sensing the reflected light which is projected as images in a Fraunhofer plane. Retroreflective elements are provided in the optic train as a means for stabilizing the direction of reflection from the diffraction gratings such that the reflections are somewhat independent of the tilt angle of the tag with respect to the illuminating light.