Abstract: An optoacoustic probe including an ultrasound transducer array, an acoustic lens and a light path separated from the transducer array by an isolator to mitigate light energy from the light path from reaching the transducer array. The isolator can be formed from a mixture including a carrier material and between 10% and 80% by volume micro-bubbles. The isolator can be adapted to absorb, reflect or scatter light energy and absorb the optoacoustic response to light energy. In an embodiment, an optoacoustic probe also comprises an optical window and/or a diffuser, the isolator also separating the transducer array from these components.

Abstract: An optoacoustic probe including an ultrasound transducer array, an acoustic lens and a light path separated from the transducer array by an isolator to mitigate light energy from the light path from reaching the transducer array. The isolator can be formed from a mixture including a carrier material and between 10% and 80% by volume micro-bubbles. The isolator can be adapted to absorb, reflect or scatter light energy and absorb the optoacoustic response to light energy. In an embodiment, an optoacoustic probe also comprises an optical window and/or a diffuser, the isolator also separating the transducer array from these components.

Abstract: In traditional ultrasound applications the transmit signal is a short series of constant amplitude pulses. The pulses are 50 percent duty cycle and constitute a single frequency. The amplitude must be very consistent or system performance will suffer. Modern ultrasound requires shaping the transmitter beam by applying different amplitudes to an array of elements. However, the need to change voltage from one series to the next can cause problems with the electronics associated with the transmission. One problem is there is not enough time for the voltage to settle from one series to the next. This has the effect of causing artifacts in the image. One means of overcoming the problems is to hold the voltage constant and modify the modulation of the series of pulses to achieve the different power levels.

Abstract: A security enhanced computer system arrangement includes a coprocessor and a multiprocessor logic controller inserted into the architecture of a conventional computer system. The coprocessor and multiprocessor logic controller is interposed between the CPU of the conventional computer system to intercept and replace control signals that are passed over certain of the critical control signal lines associated with the CPU. The multiprocessor logic controller arrangement thereby isolates the CPU of the conventional computer system from the remainder of the conventional computer system, permitting separate control over the CPU and separate control over the remainder of the computer system. By controlling the control signals that are normally passed between the CPU and the remainder of the computer system, the multiprocessor logic controller permits the coprocessor to perform highly secure operations.

Abstract: A data processing station and a method of operating a data processing station for processing and transmitting data between first and second devices. The data processing station comprises first and second interface units. The first interface unit has a multitude of states including a remote terminal state to receive data from and to transmit data to the first device, and a bus controller state to transmit data to the second device. The first interface unit also includes a first processor to generate an interrupt signal and to transmit the interrupt signal to the second interface unit-in response to predetermined events. The second interface unit is provided to receive data from and to transmit data to the second device, and this interface unit includes a second processor adapted to generate control signals and to transmit the control signals to the first interface unit to change the state thereof at predetermined times.

Abstract: An armament system for use with a plurality of different types of stores, and comprising a central unit and a plurality of distributed stations. The central unit holds a plurality of store specific application programs, and each of the plurality of store types is associated with one of the store specific application programs. Moreover, each of the store specific application programs is adapted to control the transmission of data between a store of an associated type and one of the distributed stations. The central unit is adapted to control the operation of the armament system and the transmission of data between the central unit and the distributed stations, and to transmit any of the store specific application programs to any of the distributed stations of the armament system.

Abstract: An armament station and a method for controlling and monitoring a store connected to an armament station. The method comprises the steps of loading into the armament station a generic program portion operable with a multitude of types of stores, invoking that generic program portion to determine the specific type of store connected to the armament station, and loading into the armament station a specific program portion operable with the specific type of store connected to the station. The specific program portion is then invoked to control and monitor the store connected to the station; and in particular, to actuate a power supply to supply power to the store, to transmit messages and signals to the store to operate the store, and to receive messages and signals from the store to monitor the operation thereof.