Abstract: An object surrounded by media of differing acoustical impedances (e.g., an anatomical organ surrounded by other kinds of tissue within the human body) is acoustically imaged by an array of ultrasonic transducers affixed to the outer surface of an ultrasonic lens. In a preferred embodiment, the lens is homocentric, with the common center of curvature of the inner and outer surfaces of the lens being located at a relatively small acoustic aperture in the body so that object points distributed over a relatively large solid angle from the aperture can be imaged with minimum lens aberations. Where the object to be imaged is a human heart, the acoustic aperture is most conveniently located at an intercostal space between adjacent ribs.

Abstract: Short bursts of ultrasonic energy are directed through a three-dimensional specimen to determine the spatial distribution of those structures within the specimen capable of affecting the waveform of the energy. Transducers are placed in spaced positions about the periphery of the specimen to measure the affected parameters (such as attenuation and delay time) of the energy as a result of passing through the specimen along paths between the spaced transducers. The output signals containing this transit time and energy absorption information are retained in a data storage device. Through conventional programming techniques, a computer processes the data and calculates a velocity or absorption profile for each path. The profiles are collectively used to reconstruct two-dimensional or three-dimensional images of the specimen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrically heating an acupuncture needle that has been inserted into a subject is disclosed. An applicator unit contains an electrical heating element thermally coupled to an acupuncture needle and directly to the skin adjacent to the acupuncture needle. Regulation and control of the heat supplied by the applicator unit is achieved through the control of electrical power supplied to the heating element. Either temperature or power control can be selected, and temperature indication is provided. In use, after the acupuncture needle has been inserted through the subject's skin, the applicator unit is attached to the acupuncture needle and regulated electrical power is applied to produce controlled heat.