Abstract: A method of performing ultrasound motion tracking for determining renal functionality includes obtaining a first and second ultrasound image at different times using an ultrasound probe. The method then identifies a reference region having a reference element at a first position in the first image and at a second position in the second image. The method further identifies regions of interest at first and second positions in the first and second images, the regions of interest including one or more target elements. The processor determines a change in position of the reference element and the regions of interest from the respective first and second positions of the reference region and regions of interest. The processor then determines respective time dependent ultrasound signal intensity values for each of the regions of interest in the first and second ultrasound images, and further determines renal functionality from the time dependent ultrasound signal intensity curve.

Abstract: A method of performing ultrasound motion tracking of a urethra or other pelvic floor structure includes obtaining a plurality of ultrasound images of a urethra or pelvic floor structure, identifying a reference element in the plurality of ultrasound images, and determining one or more regions of interest in the first ultrasound image including a portion of the urethra. A processor determines first and second positions, relative to the reference element, of the regions of interest in the plurality of ultrasound images. The processor further determines a change in position of the urethra from the first and second positions of the regions of interest. The processor may further determine orientations, opening, closing, or other movement of the urethra from the first and second positions of the regions of interest.

Abstract: Methods and systems for characterizing multiple parameters of viscous fluid simultaneously are provided. By imposing an oscillatory deformation profile on a filament formed of the viscous fluid between two plates, a nonlinear fit to the deformation profile captured at different times is analyzed against a filament model dependent upon the plates radius, viscous fluid density, and the oscillation frequency of the imposed deformation profile. The Reynolds number, Weber number, and the aspect ratio of the viscous fluid are thus determined, for identifying the Newtonian fluid.

Abstract: Methods and systems for characterizing multiple parameters of viscous fluid simultaneously are provided. By imposing an oscillatory deformation profile on a filament formed of the viscous fluid between two plates, a nonlinear fit to the deformation profile captured at different times is analyzed against a filament model dependent upon the plates radius, viscous fluid density, and the oscillation frequency of the imposed deformation profile. The Reynolds number, Weber number, and the aspect ratio of the viscous fluid are thus determined, for identifying the Newtonian fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming fibers of mineral material comprises a spinner for centrifuging the material into primary fibers and a plurality of blowers positioned circumferentially of the spinner to further attenuate the primary fibers into secondary fibers, where the blowers are substantially cylindrical gas discharge conduits adapted to impart swirling motion to the gas discharged therefrom.

Abstract: A blower for discharging a gaseous flow to attenuate molten mineral material into mineral fibers comprises a body member and a cantilevered lid member mounted on the body member to define a gas supply manifold and a gas discharge slot. The free end of the lid member is biased toward the body member and a jackscrew is adapted to raise the free end of the lid member from the body member to adjust the slot width.

Abstract: A spinner for the production of molten glass fibers is disclosed. The spinner is adapted with a plurality of projections affixed to the spinner bottom and extending inwardly of the spinner. The projections are intended to inhibit inward flow towards the spinner support and aid wetting of the inner bottom surface of the spinner.