Abstract: Using configurable arrays, synthetic aperture processes may be used along an elevation dimension for increasing resolution. The increased resolution is used for two-dimensional or three-dimensional imaging. Alternatively or additionally, wide band synthetic elevation aperture focusing processes, such as beamformation, are provided along the elevation dimension to increase resolution. In yet another alternative or additional embodiment, a transducer is rotated about a center of the transducer within the elevation and azimuth plane. An aperture associated with the transducer is mechanically or electronically rotated, and ultrasound data acquired associated with a plurality of different positions. The ultrasound data is then used for synthetic elevation aperture processing. In yet another alternative or additional embodiment, multiple scanning modes are provided. In a survey mode, imaging is provided without synthetic elevation aperture processing.

Abstract: Using configurable arrays, synthetic aperture processes may be used along an elevation dimension for increasing resolution. The increased resolution is used for two-dimensional or three-dimensional imaging. Alternatively or additionally, wide band synthetic elevation aperture focusing processes, such as beamformation, are provided along the elevation dimension to increase resolution. In yet another alternative or additional embodiment, a transducer is rotated about a center of the transducer within the elevation and azimuth plane. An aperture associated with the transducer is mechanically or electronically rotated, and ultrasound data acquired associated with a plurality of different positions. The ultrasound data is then used for synthetic elevation aperture processing. In yet another alternative or additional embodiment, multiple scanning modes are provided. In a survey mode, imaging is provided without synthetic elevation aperture processing.

Abstract: CMUT elements are formed on a substrate. Electrical conductors are formed to interconnect between different portions of the substrate. The substrate is then separated into pieces while maintaining the electrical connections across the separation. Since the conductors are flexible, the separated substrate slabs may be positioned on a curved surface while maintaining the electrical interconnection between the slabs. Large curvatures may be provided, such as associated with forming a multidimensional transducer array for use in a catheter. The electrical interconnections between the different slabs and elements may allow for a walking aperture arrangement for three dimensional imaging.

Abstract: The invention concerns a gel composition capable of bringing a benefit or effect by diffusing into its surrounding environment an active volatile. The compositions according to the invention include a water based medium, comprising an active volatile, a super-absorbent polyacrylate based polymer and a polymeric cross-linking agent having a high molecular weight and being able to be polarized with positive charges. The invention also concerns the consumer article containing, or associated with, the composition, in particular a device intended to diffuse a volatile liquid, more specifically an air-freshener.

Abstract: Various embodiments of MEMS flow modules that regulate flow or pressure by the pivoting or pivoting-like movement of a flow regulating or controlling structure are disclosed. One such MEMS flow module (40) has a flow regulating structure (62) including a plurality of baffles (66) and a flow plate (50) including a plurality of flow ports (52). The flow regulating structure (62) also has a support (64) that is spaced from and anchored to the flow plate (50). Each baffle (66) is aligned with at least one flow port (52) and is interconnected to the support (64) of the flow regulating structure (62) in a manner that allows the baffles (66) to flex away from the flow plate (50) based upon the development of at least a certain differential pressure across the MEMS flow module (40).

Abstract: A switching system includes at least one packet processing circuit interfacing with at least one packet transmission link. The switching system further includes a switch fabric coupled to the at least one packet processing circuit, whereby the switch fabric is operable to switch between channels receiving and transmitting data over the at least one packet transmission link and channels receiving and transmitting data over at least one non-packet transmission link interfaced by the switch fabric.

Abstract: A position of an imaging plane relative to a catheter or other probe is aligned with tissue of interest. Ultrasound tissue images may be registered to the catheter position with minimal rotational ambiguity. The spatial position of an ablation catheter or other device with respect to the imaging plane is more accurately determined, allowing a physician to identify specific anatomy in the relative location of a catheter or catheters. Another alternative or additional approach to determining the position of an imaging plane is to determine the relative position of two or more catheters. A catheter associated with imaging is then moved or bent in a direction having a known spatial relationship with the imaging plane. The position of the catheter is relative to each is then determined again to determine the angle or position of the imaging plane.

Abstract: An integral conduit (407) in the formed of stepped tubing defines at least part of a drainage flow path (408/408?) that accommodates a flow rate of at least about 0.15 microliters/minute/mm2/mm-Hg out of the anterior chamber (284) of the eye (266). One or more flow modules (415) may be disposed within this drainage flow path (408/048?) and are located exteriorly of the eye (266). Each flow module (415) may be in the form of a filter or a pressure regulator. In one embodiment, one flow module (415) in the form of a filter is used in combination with another flow module (415) in the form of a pressure regulator.

Abstract: Methods and systems for electronically scanning within a three dimensional volume while minimizing the number of system channels and associated cables connecting a two-dimensional array of elements to an ultrasound system are provided. Larger apertures can be utilized with existing 2D transducer electronics, whose purpose is to reduce the number of conductors in the transducer cable, by having the partially beam formed sub-arrays consist of a sub-array(s) of configurable elements. Exemplary 2D transducer electronics include electronics for the entire beam forming process, partial beam forming, e.g. delaying in time and summing of signals, walking aperture multiplexing, e.g. sequential sub-array actuation, sub-aperture mixing, e.g. delaying in phase and summing, time division multiplexing, e.g. sub-dividing and allocating available bandwidth as a function of time, and frequency division multiplexing, e.g. sub-dividing and allocating available bandwidth as a function of frequency.

Abstract: Damage to a capacitive membrane ultrasound transducer is prevented. High voltage protection circuitry is connected with the CMUT. The high voltage protection circuitry is integrated into the CMUT or is provided as external circuitry in the transducer or on the imaging systems. Providing high voltage protection circuitry with a CMUT avoids breakdown voltages associated with the CMUT. Since the high voltage protection circuitry is being used with a CMUT, the high voltage protection circuitry works with a preamplifier adjacent to the membranes for impedance purposes. In one embodiment, the high voltage protection circuitry connects between the membrane and the preamplifier, but may connect elsewhere along the transmit and receive path.

Abstract: Using configurable arrays, synthetic aperture processes may be used along an elevation dimension for increasing resolution. The increased resolution is used for two-dimensional or three-dimensional imaging. Alternatively or additionally, wide band synthetic elevation aperture focusing processes, such as beamformation, are provided along the elevation dimension to increase resolution. In yet another alternative or additional embodiment, a transducer is rotated about a center of the transducer within the elevation and azimuth plane. An aperture associated with the transducer is mechanically or electronically rotated, and ultrasound data acquired associated with a plurality of different positions. The ultrasound data is then used for synthetic elevation aperture processing. In yet another alternative or additional embodiment, multiple scanning modes are provided. In a survey mode, imaging is provided without synthetic elevation aperture processing.

Abstract: Alternating the polarity of the bias voltage in synchrony with the transmit period avoids dielectric and transformer polarization and allows the bias to be changed without generating a pressure artifact as the bias is changed. Alternating the bias polarity may also reduce the bandwidth requirements for square-law operation with low harmonic distortion, allowing more narrow band transmit excitation. Phase-inversion techniques for harmonic or other imaging may be used with a CMUT.

Abstract: Electrical interconnects are provided for CMUTs. For example, electrodes within the silicon substrate, such as the electrodes at the bottom of the void below membranes, are interconnected together within the substrate. The interconnected electrode may then be used as the grounding electrode. By providing interconnection within the substrate and below the membranes, space for vias and the associated connection between the electrodes on an exposed surface of the substrate is minimized. As another example, an electrical conductor is formed on the side of the silicon substrate rather than the top of the substrate. Conductors on the side may allow routing signals from a top surface to a bottom surface without large wire bonding pads. Alternatively, conductors on the edge provide additional space for wire bonding pads. As yet another example, polymer material used as a matching or protection layer is formed on the top surface of the CMUT with electrical traces routed within the polymer.

Abstract: Endocavity and invasive catheter transducers for four-dimensional or other imaging are provided. A two-dimensional or other multi-dimensional array of elements is connected with a minimum number of conductors to an imaging system. One or more conductors are used to select an aperture, such as selecting one or more rows of elements for activation. Along a different axis, such as an orthogonal axis, elements are used to image a planar region. By electronically switching the selected aperture, different planes are rapidly imaged. A matrix configuration of electrodes, such as using column electrodes for phased array imaging and row electrodes for selecting an elevation aperture allows for rapid acquisition of ultrasound data.

Abstract: Sound absorption backings for ultrasound transducers are provided. A block of material with similar acoustic impedance to the transducer material is provided adjacent to the material. For example, a solid metal block of material with acoustic impedance that is similar to the acoustic impedance of silicon substrate used for a CMUT is provided. Since the solid block of material may provide high heat conductivity and a stiff mechanical support without acoustic attenuation, the block is formed to prevent reflections of acoustic energy back toward the sensor. In one embodiment, a Rayleigh dump is formed on a surface of the solid block of material away from the transducer material. Acoustically absorbing materials are provided along the surface with the Rayleigh dump. As acoustic energy propagates towards the surface, the acoustic energy is reflected at angles away from the transducer material. Some of the acoustic energy propagates through the surface into the attenuating material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mixing valve (30) suitable for electric motor (38) actuation, particularly stepper motor actuation. It also provides a servo mixing valve system, which includes stepper motors for actuation and optionally includes a solenoid switched outlet manifold and a combination mixing and dye. The present invention also provides an actively controlled bathroom shower mixing system including temperature formation feedback.

Abstract: The invention concerns a gel composition capable of bringing a benefit or effect by diffusing into its surrounding environment an active volatile. The compositions according to the invention include a water based medium, comprising an active volatile, a super-absorbent polyacrylate based polymer and a polymeric cross-linking agent having a high molecular weight and being able to be polarized with positive charges. The invention also concerns the consumer article containing, or associated with, the composition, in particular a device intended to diffuse a volatile liquid, more specifically an air-freshener.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and oligonucleotide primers for assaying Brassica napus plants for the presence or absence of mutations that confer resistance to imidazolinone herbicides. Specifically, the methods and primers of the invention are useful for detecting the PM1 mutation of the B. napus AHAS1 gene and the PM2 mutation of the B. napus AHAS3 gene.

Abstract: The fluid supply apparatus supplies and controls one or more fluids while adjusting/controlling one or more continuously parameters; and includes an outlet, at least one control valve and a touchless user control interface. For example a faucet has sensors mounted thereon to control water flow (6) and temperature (16, 17). For example a user hand in field (16) will increase temperature over time and decrease in field (17). The on/off sensor field may include the water stream, a bi-colour light emitting diode indicates temperature, temperature feedback means maintains the desired temperature, a battery or super capacitor allows operation or fluid shut off if power fails, an anti-tamper feature requires the fluid to be shut off if more than one sensor is covered and a time prevents waster wastage. The hygienic touchless interface may be in a tile or flat plate. Other applications may include panel mounted fluid control systems for controlling a plurality of fluid types and associated parameters.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for use in inhibiting osteoclast activity and, particularly, the osteoclast acid secretion that leads to bone-degradation. It is shown that the isoflavone genistein inhibits the acid secretion of osteoclasts and reduces bone resorption. The present invention thus provides advantageous methods for use in inhibiting osteoclast activity, as may be employed to reduce bone loss, for example, in patients with osteoporosis, metastatic bone cancers and renal failure.