Abstract: Therapeutic ultrasound applicator is provided for use with magnetic resonance system. An array of many elements, such as a multi-dimensional array, is used. To avoid cabling, the transmitters are positioned at the array. The array and transmitters are shielded to reduce interference. To avoid large inductors for the many elements, an acoustic matching layer may be sized to provide a desired phase angle or electrical impedance matching.

Abstract: This disclosure describes the design and construction of high-precision off-axis optical imaging systems. The disclosure also describes the design and construction of high-precision mounting structures for rigidly holding optical elements in an optical imaging system. The disclosure further describes both a mechanism for highly stable mounting and a technique for high precision focusing of a detector in a complex optical setup. The disclosure even further describes both tooling and a technique used for focusing high precision optical imaging systems. The theory and use of at least these concepts are introduced by examining how these concepts aid the construction and use of a non-contact laser scanning system.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the profile of an external surface of a part is provided. The system includes a source of light that directs light onto a region of the external surface of the part. The system also includes a linear, light-sensitive sensor, and a lens used to image locations within the region onto the sensor. The source of light and the sensor are located substantially within the same plane such that the sensor detects substantially only light scattered, diffracted, or reflected from the region and travelling substantially within the plane. The system additionally includes a re-positionable mirror that re-directs the light emitted from the source of light to the plurality of locations within the region and re-directs light scattered, diffracted, or reflected from the plurality of locations within the region to the lens and the sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the profile of an external surface of a part is provided. The system includes a source of light that directs light onto a region of the external surface of the part. The system also includes a linear, light-sensitive sensor, and a lens used to image locations within the region onto the sensor. The source of light and the sensor are located substantially within the same plane such that the sensor detects substantially only light scattered, diffracted, or reflected from the region and travelling substantially within the plane. The system additionally includes a re-positionable mirror that re-directs the light emitted from the source of light to the plurality of locations within the region and re-directs light scattered, diffracted, or reflected from the plurality of locations within the region to the lens and the sensor.

Abstract: A bio-implant having a length and a proximal and a distal end. The bio-implant has at least two lamina of dielectric material joined together, thereby defining a boundary and also defining a side surface that is intersected by this boundary. In addition, at least one set of conductors is interposed between the two lamina and extend lengthwise from the proximal end toward the distal end, each one of the set of conductors being terminated adjacent to the side surface to form a set of conductor terminations. Further, a set of electrode contact points are constructed on the side surface, with each electrode contact point contacting one of said conductor terminations.

Abstract: A bio-implant having a length and a proximal and a distal end. The bio-implant has at least two lamina of dielectric material joined together, thereby defining a boundary and also defining a side surface that is intersected by this boundary. In addition, at least one set of conductors is interposed between the two lamina and extend lengthwise from the proximal end toward the distal end, each one of the set of conductors being terminated adjacent to the side surface to form a set of conductor terminations. Further, a set of electrode contact points are constructed on the side surface, with each electrode contact point contacting one of said conductor terminations.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the profile of an external surface of a part is provided. The system includes a source of light that directs light onto a region of the external surface of the part. The system also includes a linear, light-sensitive sensor, and a lens used to image locations within the region onto the sensor. The source of light and the sensor are located substantially within the same plane such that the sensor detects substantially only light scattered, diffracted, or reflected from the region and travelling substantially within the plane. The system additionally includes a re-positionable mirror that re-directs the light emitted from the source of light to the plurality of locations within the region and re-directs light scattered, diffracted, or reflected from the plurality of locations within the region to the lens and the sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the profile of an external surface of a part is provided. The system includes a source of light that directs light onto a region of the external surface of the part. The system also includes a linear, light-sensitive sensor, and a lens used to image locations within the region onto the sensor. The source of light and the sensor are located substantially within the same plane such that the sensor detects substantially only light scattered, diffracted, or reflected from the region and travelling substantially within the plane. The system additionally includes a re-positionable mirror that re-directs the light emitted from the source of light to the plurality of locations within the region and re-directs light scattered, diffracted, or reflected from the plurality of locations within the region to the lens and the sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the profile of an external surface of a part is provided. The system includes a source of light that directs light onto a region of the external surface of the part. The system also includes a linear, light-sensitive sensor, and a lens used to image locations within the region onto the sensor. The source of light and the sensor are located substantially within the same plane such that the sensor detects substantially only light scattered, diffracted, or reflected from the region and travelling substantially within the plane. The system additionally includes a re-positionable mirror that re-directs the light emitted from the source of light to the plurality of locations within the region and re-directs light scattered, diffracted, or reflected from the plurality of locations within the region to the lens and the sensor.

Abstract: An improved ultrasound transceiver array for permitting improved imaging is taught. The array may be either a two dimensional array for volumetric imaging or a one dimensional array of elements shaped to permit a more precise beam focus for finer resolution imaging. An Nd:YAG laser is used to machine a workpiece from both ends to produce kerfs which taper inwardly from the transceiving side of the array thereby permitting a stronger ultrasound signal and clearer imaging.

Abstract: An improved ultrasound transceiver array for permitting improved imaging is taught. The array may be either a two dimensional array for volumetric imaging or a one dimensional array of elements shaped to permit a more precise beam focus for finer resolution imaging. An Nd:YAG laser is used to machine a workpiece from both ends to produce kerfs which taper inwardly from the transceiving side of the array thereby permitting a stronger ultrasound signal and clearer imaging.

Abstract: A biologically implantable percutaneous connector (20) for providing optionally separable interconnection between an implanted connector (21) attached to bone tissue and a removable connector (40). The connectors each include a supporting matrix of dielectric material (86, 94) within which an array of tiny conductive rods (90, 88) are sealed with ends (112, 110) of the rods exposed as contacts at mating faces (94, 92) and the other ends (102, 100) joined to conductors (33, 43) of cables (32, 42). Elastomeric anisotropic connector material (44) is located between corresponding arrays of contacts to provide for repeated reliable electrical connection and disconnection of corresponding contacts. External surfaces of the implantable body (21) of the percutaneous connector may be coated with a bioactive material promoting integration of surrounding tissue into the surfaces of the implanted percutaneous connector.

Abstract: A multi-electrode cochlear implant is taught in which approximately twenty or more insulated metal wires are wound around a flexible tube. These wires are held in place with a further layer of dielectric insulating material. The insulation is selectively removed with a laser beam to form electrodes. Two or more layers or valences of wires can be used, with the inner layer of wires terminating distal to the outer layers to provide a stepwise approximation of the tapering of the scala tympani. A core of shape memory material may be introduced into the tube, so that the implant will retain an effective shape after implantation.

Abstract: A biologically implantable percutaneous connector for providing optionally separable interconnection of a large number of small electrical conductors of an externally located electrical cable includes a mating face incorporating an array of exposed end surfaces of tiny conductive rods sealed in a supporting matrix of dielectric material which is supported in a connector body. Elastomeric anisotropic connector material is located between corresponding arrays of contacts to provide for repeated reliable electrical connection and disconnection. External surfaces of the implantable body of the percutaneous connector are coated with a bioactive material promoting integration of surrounding tissue into the surfaces of the implanted percutaneous connector.

Abstract: A nondispersive infrared radiation source includes a base, a plurality of formed pins, a thick film resistor and an o-ring, the base has the shape of a cylinder and a plurality of grooves formed therein. A bore is formed in the base which is terminated by a bottom surface defined by a spherical radius. A reflective coating is applied upon the bottom surface. The plurality of formed pins are heat staked into the plurality of grooves and the o-ring is placed in one of the grooves. The thick film resistor comprises a substrate, a dielectric glass layer and a conductor layer, the substrate has a plurality of thick film resistors which are formed thereon. The plurality of thick film resistors are separated by use of a quadrapole laser. The thick film resistor is electrically connected to the plurality of pins with a solder connection.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system is provided which produces gray scale images of the anatomy simultaneous with Doppler signal processing so as to provide a single real-time image that shows not only the vascular anatomy and surrounding tissue but also flow events in the vascular compartment. A phased linear array having near-continuous focus over the scanning field provides high resolution and very small Doppler sample volumes. The system tests incoming signals from throughout the scanning field for amplitude, phase and frequency so as to determine B-mode data, motion presence and direction, and echo source velocity.

Abstract: A radioaerosol delivery apparatus particularly adapted for the subsequent disposal of radioactively contaminated elements is described. The apparatus includes a shielding container including an outer shell and an inner shell supported within the outer shell. The inner shell is formed with an inner wall and an outer wall defining a space therebetween for receiving radiation shielding material. The inner wall is formed to provide a surface conforming substantially to the contour of the radioaerosol source and a surface conforming substantially to the contour of a portion of a transport manifold supported thereon. A removable cover including radiating shielding material is formed with a portion conforming generally to the contour of the transport manifold. The inner wall of the container and the cover define at least one opening therebetween to permit fluid communication from the transport manifold to a patient utilizing the apparatus.

Abstract: A radioaerosol delivery apparatus particularly adapted for the subsequent disposal of radioactively contaminated elements is described.

Abstract: A novel gas-powered aspirator comprises a venturi chamber for suctioning a vacuum jar incorporating a valve body, movable between two positions, one for directing gas to the venturi chamber, and the other for closing it from the gas supply. The valve body position is determined by the vacuum pressure in the jar.