Abstract: A ventilation device for electrical control devices is provided in a housing wall of a housing. The ventilation device includes a wall with an inner opening that is open with respect to the space inside the housing and is intended for receiving and delivering a gas from and to the space inside the housing. The wall of the device also includes an outer duct opening that is open with respect to the housing surroundings and is intended for receiving and delivering a gas from and to the housing surroundings. The inner opening and the outer duct opening are connected to each other for leading the gas between the openings through a ventilation duct unit in which a membrane unit is disposed. The inner opening and the outer duct opening are offset laterally with respect to each other such that they do not overlap each other.

Abstract: A system for removing heat from a plurality of electronic assemblies including a cabinet having brackets for supporting electronic assemblies in a vertical array between a first vertical airflow path and a second vertical air flow path of the cabinet, and a plinth underlying the cabinet and having an input port receiving air from the first vertical airflow path of the cabinet, an output port transmitting air to the second vertical air flow path, a heat exchanger positioned in an air flow path extending between the input and the output ports, and a fan assembly for driving air through the heat exchanger and towards the input port. The system further includes at least one air flow distribution device establishing a predetermined flow rate distribution through electronic assemblies supported by the brackets.

Abstract: The invention comprises a ventilator for a glass block window that includes a window frame, a window sash pivotably mounted in the window frame and a screen also pivotably mounted in the window frame. The window sash is pivotable between a closed position and an open position such that when the window sash is in the open position, rain and snow and the like are resisted from passing through the ventilator and into the building which has the glass block window. The invention also encompasses providing a ventilator as described above without the screen. Finally, a screen for a window is also provided. The screen is pivotably mounted to the window frame of the window. This screen can be used not only for the ventilator but also for other types of windows.

Abstract: A modular air vent assembly kit can be used to cover duct openings that supply a flow of heated or cooled air to a room in addition to covering duct openings that receive return air from a room. The modular air vent assembly kit is comprised of a frame, a base, a damper mechanism, and two different face plates where the damper mechanism can be selectively assembled into the base depending on whether control through the air vent by operation of a damper is needed in the particular duct opening and where either of the two face plates may be selectively connected with the base where one face plate has a lattice and is used in combination with the damping mechanism and the other face plate has a series of louvers and is used when the damping mechanism is not used in the vent assembly. The frame is secured to an air duct opening and the base and attached face plate are removably attachable to the frame without the need for separate fasteners.

Abstract: A chance game feature for a gaming machine is controlled by a processor in response to a wager. The feature comprises a matrix, a plurality of moving targets, and an object. The matrix defines an entrance end, an exit end, and a plurality of paths extending between the entrance end and the exit end. The moving targets are proximate the exit end. The object traverses one of the paths and is received by one of the targets. The receiving target is randomly selected from among the plurality of targets prior to the object traversing the one of the paths. A position of the receiving target when the object reaches the exit end is calculated, and one of the paths that lead to the position of the receiving target is randomly selected. A payout is awarded based on the receiving target.

Abstract: A method for estimating the performance of a croupier at a roulette table. For each period of time the croupier is working at a roulette table the total amount bet by individual players participating in multiple spins of a roulette game is determined. The game that has a chipper machine and an intelligent table terminal. The method involves interfacing the chipper sorting machine with the table terminal, allocating a chip to a patron at the terminal, counting the number of color chips sorted by the chipper machine per color, and associating the number of color chips sorted by the machine per color with the patron. The total amount bet by that patron is then determined by mathematically linking the chip value of the color chip of the patron with the number of chips of the individual color sorted by the chipper machine in the time period in which the color chip is associated with that patron.

Abstract: A game machine according to the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a coin inlet for inserting coins; a selector for differentiating whether or not a coin inserted via the coin inlet is a valid coin; a hopper for collecting coins determined by the selector to be valid coins and discharging the collected coins according to requirements; a coin input counting section for counting the number of coins determined by the selector to be valid coins; a rate changing switch for switching between a plurality of game rates; and a game implementing section for implementing a game at the game rate set by this rate changing switch.

Abstract: Gaming machines are disclosed having a basic mode defining a plurality of reels and a bonus mode defining a plurality of stations about a game board (e.g., MONOPOLY board) traversable by a token identifier. The disclosure describes a plurality of play features for the basic and/or bonus modes including (1) a feature allowing the player to select a game token; (2) a feature allowing the player to predict and wager on landing position(s) of the token identifier; (3) a feature allowing the player to obtain deferred-execution instruction(s) which are exercisable by the processor to override later-issued instruction(s) otherwise to be executed by the processor; (4) a feature in which movements of the token identifier are determined according to movement tables corresponding to the various stations of the game board; (5) a feature in which escalating bonuses are awarded for reaching a designated bonus square (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention is a gaming device having an improved award offer bonus scheme wherein the player may improve their award during the bonus round. The bonus game enables the player to select an award offer from a plurality of award offers. The gaming device enables the player to modify the selected award offer, creating a subsequent or modified award, with the idea of increasing the award offer to receive a greater or higher award during a bonus game.

Abstract: An ergonomic and weatherproof hand-held electronic device 10. The device 10 includes a housing 12 which surrounds internal electronics. An input 28 and a display screen 32 are mounted on the housing 12. The housing 12 is has a narrow width such that, when held in a hand, the thumb of that same hand may extend fully across the input 28 for full access. The display screen 32 is mounted vertically below the input 28 such that the device may be more stable and more easily grasped. The device includes two cylindrical cavities 48 to receive batteries 42. The cavities 48 are located at the rear vertical edges of the housing such that the rear of the housing 12 is relatively rounded and thus easier to grasp. The battery cavities open to the exterior of the housing. A battery cover 54 is mounted to the housing and seals the cavities 48. A contact for each cavity 48 is located on the cover, and a bus bar extends between the contacts to complete the circuit between the batteries 42.

Abstract: A coupling device includes first and second coupling members for connecting a rotary driving member to a rotary driven member. The first and second coupling members are generally semi-cylindrical and connectable together along there opposite edges to non-rotatably secure the driving member to the driven member. The coupling members include a stop portion at at least one end thereof to limit longitudinal movement of the coupling device relative to the rotary members. The coupling members may be flexible to facilitate wrapping of the coupling members about the rotary members to non-rotatably retain the rotary members within the coupling device. The coupling members are fastened together at their edges via a fastening member which is insertable through a passageway in the corresponding edges of the coupling members.

Abstract: A cage having a plurality of pockets, and a pair of end faces of each pocket formed in the cage that oppose each other in a circumferential direction of the cage are formed by surfaces cut after hardening and their surface hardness is reduced to a value lower than the surface hardness of a pair of side faces of each pocket that oppose each other in an axial direction of the cage to impart toughness to the bridge portions defined between the pockets and thus to increase the strength of the cage.

Abstract: Each pocket of a cage is composed of a pair of axial wall surfaces opposing each other along the axial line of the cage, a pair of circumferential wall surfaces opposing each other along the circumference direction of the cage, and radii linking the axial wall surfaces and circumferential wall surface. A ratio (R/d) of the radius of curvature R of the radii to the diameter d of the torque transmitting balls is set within a range 0.45 R/d 0.62. Also, the circumferential wall surfaces and radii are shaped along an arc having the radius of curvature R. Further, as to the axial wall surfaces, variance in the treatment margin is lessened by applying the grinding, hardened steel cutting, or the like after the heat treatment (carburized hardening and tempering) is applied to the cage.

Abstract: A putting training system for practicing putting outdoors on a putting green or indoors on a carpeted surface comprising of a circular toroid putting target which by design has the ability to distinguish between a correctly or incorrectly struck putt with the rule that all putts should be struck hard enough force to leave the golf ball approximately seventeen inches past the hole if the hole was not there. The training aid target is a visually realistic, 360 degree, three dimensional depiction of a real hole on a putting green. This is accomplished by distinguishing the color of the outer half of the target from the inner half of the target. By coloring the outer half of the training aid target green and the inner half of the target black, one sees relatively the same view as a real hole when viewed from a distance.

Abstract: A method for a predicting golfer's performance is disclosed herein The method inputs the pre-impact swing properties of a golfer, a plurality of mass properties of a first golf club, and a plurality of mass properties of a first golf ball into a rigid body code. Ball launch parameters are generated from the rigid body. The ball launch parameters, a plurality of atmospheric conditions and lift and drag properties of the golf ball are inputted into a trajectory code. This trajectory code is used to predict the performance of a golf ball if struck by the golfer with the golf club under the atmospheric conditions. The method can then predict the performance of the golf ball if struck by the golfer with a different golf club. The method and system of the present invention predict the performance of the golf ball without the golfer actually striking the golf ball.

Abstract: A putter-type club head (20) having a central aperture (32) with a rearward center of gravity is disclosed herein. The putter-type club head (20) has a body (22) that is preferably composed of stainless steel. The body (22) has a face portion (24), a crown portion (26), a sole portion (28) and an aft-mass portion (30). The face portion (24), the crown portion (26), the sole portion (28) and the aft-mass portion (30) define the central aperture (32). The crown portion (26) extends rearward from the face portion (24) over the aft-mass portion (30). The central aperture (32) separates the crown portion (26) from the sole portion (28) and the face portion (24) from the aft-mass portion (30). The crown portion (26) has an alignment means (40) thereon for aiming a golf ball during putting.

Abstract: A golf club includes a shaft, a hosel mounted on the lower end of the shaft and a golf club head mounted on the hosel for pivotal movement about an axis which is generally horizontal when the club is in an addressed position. The golf club head includes a blade portion pivotally mounted to a heel portion. A lever is operably connected to a linkage assembly so that the lever can be moved from a first position in which the linkage assembly secures the blade to the heel and a second position in which the linkage assembly allows disengagement of the blade from the heel so that the blade may be rotated relative to the heel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at varying the thickness of a striking plate of a golf club head according to the loft angle of the golf club head. The thickness of the striking plate is greater for lower loft angles, such as seven, eight and nine degrees loft angle drivers, as compared to ten, eleven and twelve degrees loft angle drivers. The striking plate may have a variable face thickness with the thickest region near the center.

Abstract: A conventional length golf club with a grip including a heavy counterweight, the mass of which is sufficient to cause the center of gravity of the whole golf club to be located within the boundaries of the grip. The counterweight may be an elongated member with a bore through its interior, and in order to achieve the object of placing the center of gravity within the boundaries of the grip, it must have a substantially larger cross-section than the standard-diameter shaft of a golf club. The grip may include a lower support section made of a substantially less massive material than the counterweight. In a preferred embodiment, the grip has an elliptical cross section with the major axis of the ellipse perpendicular to the face of the club head. The heavy weight of the grip, and the placement of the weight outward of the shaft, effects a substantial increase in the moment of inertia of the golf club and therefore minimizes the effects of unintended forces on the club during the putting stroke.

Abstract: A golf club head comprises a rear seat member and a front member fastened to the rear seat member by soldering. The two members are made of a metal material. The rear seat member has a base similar in shape to the back of the golf club head. The base has one side which is connected with a neck. The front member has a plate which is provided in the front face with a ball-hitting face. The plate is provided in the edge with an extension portion extending therefrom such that the rear edge of the extension portion is fastened with the front side of the base of the rear seat member by soldering. A flexure space is provided between the back of the plate and the rear seat member to facilitate the flexing of the plate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved multi-layer golf ball comprising a core, an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The inner cover layer is comprised of a low acid ionomer blend which may or may not include a filler such as zinc-stearate. The outer cover layer is comprised of a soft, non-ionomeric thermoplastic or thermosetting elastomer such as polyurethane, polyester or polyesteramide. The resulting multi-layered golf ball of the present invention provides for enhanced distance without sacrificing playability or durability when compared to known multi-layer golf balls.

Abstract: The present invention involves a golf tee coated with colored coatings that when struck with a golf club leave a marking that easily identifies where the ball was struck on the club face and the path of the swing, but does not come off in normal handling. The tee leaves a multi-colored marking on the club face that is used to show the swing path of a golfer's swing and the point of impact of the tee on the face of the golf club. The tee has a center line or mark that represents the middle, which establishes the optimum hitting area. This line or mark is also an indicator for the golfer to line up in the direction they are trying to hit the ball.

Abstract: A lacrosse head pocket for a lacrosse head having a scoop and opposing sidewalls. The pocket includes a pocket member comprising one or more thin, flexible portions. The pocket member is connected to the scoop and at least a portion of the sidewalls.

Abstract: A racket has a main body, which has a head frame, an Y-shaped shaft, a handle, and a network, which string the head frame. Two elastic supporting devices dispose on the head frame. Each of the elastic supporting devices has an inner member, an outer member and at least one elastic member. The inner member has a base piece, which has two stick tubes and two inner engage tubes thereon. The outer member has a base piece, which has two through holes and two outer engage tubes thereon. The outer member slidably engages to the inner member by means of the outer engage tubes engaging to the outer engage tubes. The elastic members respectively dispose on the inner and the outer engage tubes for push the outer member away from the inner member. A string of the network insert into the stick tubes, the inner and the outer engage tubes and the through holes of the outer member for providing the network an extra elasticity.

Abstract: The invention is an improved sports racket comprising streamlined transversal strings and streamlined longitudinal strings with surface indentations that permit the strings to lock into other at the string crossings so the strings do not move with respect to each other and also stay oriented so as to minimize wind resistance during the swinging motion of the sports racket before and after ball contact. The invention includes a spacer for assembly of the strings in the sports racket incorporating a flexible body between the string and the racket frame for the absorption and restitution of part of the ball's kinetic energy during impact with the string to beneficially alter the feel of the strings.

Abstract: An inflatable sportsball with cushion layer includes an inflatable ball carcass defining a shape of the sportsball and a ball cover for covering the ball carcass to provide uniform softness and roundness. The ball carcass is an integral hollow ball body, which includes an inner inflatable rubber bladder, a winding thread layer that surrounds the rubber bladder with a reinforcing thread, an outer rubber layer surrounding the winding thread layer in such a manner that the outer rubber layer, the winding thread layer and the rubber bladder are integrally fused into a single fusion layer, wherein the ball carcass further includes a plurality of seam channels integrally and spacedly raised from an outer surface thereof and panels of foaming layer which are positioned between the seam channels and sandwiched between the outer rubber layer and the inner rubber layer fused on top of the winding thread layer.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission wherein each of two parallel shafts carries a pulley having a fixed flange and a second flange movable axially of the shaft toward and away from the respective fixed flange. An endless torque transmitting chain or belt is trained over the two pulleys. At least one flange of at least one of the pulleys is assembled of two or more parts which consist of sheet metal and are welded and/or otherwise affixed to each other.

Abstract: An automotive tension device features a pair of pulleys which are pivotally mounted on the same pivot arm. The pulleys are positioned within the drive system (e.g., a belt drive system) in such a manner that the moments relative to the pivot axis created by the force resultant of the driving member passing around each of the pulleys are oppositely directed. Thus, the pulleys provide rotational support for each other. The tension device and arrangement is positioned within a belt drive system having a combination starter/generator, wherein the crankshaft ordinarily drives the belt but the starter/generator drives the belt on engine startup (an arrangement which creates varying kinematic conditions within the belt).

Abstract: A compact braking assembly in an axle for an industrial vehicle comprising, within an internal body (10) which extends in an arm (18), supported in a rotatable manner (in 16, 17) a casing (14) of a differential (15) provided with a first set of disks (20, 21), with a second set of disks (46, 47) also positioned between the casing (14) and said arm (18) of the axle, with a piston (41) acting on the first set of disks (20, 21), operated by a fluid fed from a respective duct (43), which axially moves a ring (44), distributor of an operating force of the piston (41), in which the piston (41) successively positions the first set of disks (20, 21) in a pack acting as a differential lock, subsequently positioning the second set of disks (46, 47) in a pack acting as a service brake thanks to the presence of a pre-established preloaded elastic element (24).

Abstract: A motor vehicle transmission, shiftable between different transmission ratios, with an input shaft, an output shaft, and in some cases a countershaft has a plurality of gears arranged to cooperate in gear pairs, a plurality of clutches, and an electro-mechanical energy converter. The electro-mechanical energy converter can be coupled to the transmission through at least one of the clutches in order to perform at least one of the functions of starting the combustion engine of the vehicle, temporarily replacing or assisting the combustion engine in propelling the vehicle, maintaining vehicle traction during gear shifts, generating electrical energy from kinetic energy, and storing said electrical energy in a storage device.

Abstract: A vehicle control system is described for controlling a torque converter coupled to an engine. The controller engages the torque converter before negative powertrain output becomes less than a predetermined value. Such an approach allows for torque converter locking in the negative powertrain output region. Such an approach is especially suited to vehicles having certain torque converters, which are difficult to lock at large negative torque values.

Abstract: A method for controlling the capacity of friction clutches and brakes in a multiple-ratio vehicle transmission and for simultaneously establishing ratio shift point scheduling to effect a desired vehicle speed at which ratio changes occur while the vehicle is in a traction control mode. The method includes calculating a synthetic throttle setting that is used to establish clutch and brake capacity control and wherein separate ratio shift schedules are used for normal operation and for traction control operation, the engine torque required during operation in the traction control mode determining the vehicle speed at which shifts occur for each gear ratio whereby the shift schedule during operation in the traction control mode can be calibrated independently of the throttle position required for optimum clutch and brake capacity control.

Abstract: A portable motion recorder (10) determines an amount of energy necessary for the daily basal metabolism of a user and the amount of energy consumed by the user for metabolism for living activities on the basis of measured data measured by a pedometer included therein and user's basic personal data entered by operating an input unit (12). Data provided by the portable motion recorder (10) is displayed on a display unit (16). The portable motion recorder (10) receives measured data measured by exercise machines (20, 30, 40) from the same. Comprehensive evaluation of energy consumed by the user is made on the basis of energy necessary for user's daily basal metabolism, energy consumed by the user for metabolism for living activities, and energy consumed by exercise using the exercise machines (20, 30, 40). The result of comprehensive evaluation as information about the user's health maintenance condition is displayed on the display unit (16).

Abstract: In a finishing apparatus, a plurality of works are retained at distances from each other in a direction of an X-axis. A single spindle is disposed on a table movable in the direction of the X-axis, the spindle has an axis parallel to an axis of each of bores to be finished, and is capable of being advanced and retracted axially. A measuring device is provided that measures an inside diameter of each finished bore and which is advanced and retracted independently from the spindle in a direction along the axis of each finished bore. A combination tool is mounted at a tip end of the spindle and finishes an inner surface of any of the bores to be finished, even if the position of insertion of the combination tool into each of the bores is changed.

Abstract: A pullback mechanism is provided that includes base block, a clamping retainer, and a sliding retainer. The clamping retainer preferably includes a clamping block and a mechanism for tightening the clamping block against the base block. The sliding retainer preferably includes a retainer carriage on which is mounted a clamping retainer and a mechanism for tightening the clamping retainer against the retainer carriage. In one preferred embodiment, the sliding retainer is mounted on a guide rail that is fixed to the base block. A pullback line attached at one end to the retainer carriage of the sliding retainer and at a second end to a movement imparting mechanism. A control unit controls the operation of the movement imparting mechanism to impart movement to the pullback line. In a further embodiment, a lead screw is provided on the base block and the sliding retainer is moveable coupled to the lead screw via a threaded mounting hole.

Abstract: A source wire having a radioactive source at its distal tip is used to treat a blood vessel within a patient's body by localized in vivo radiation to prevent stenosis of the blood vessel, including restenosis following percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. The source wire is advanced to the target site along the intravascular system of the patient's body from a point external to the body. The source wire is preferably a solid lead of substantially uniform thickness along its entire length, composed of a superelastic nickel-titanium alloy (nitinol). Alternatively, the wire may be a cable composed of multiple strands of the alloy of substantially uniform thickness throughout the entire length of each strand. The alloy has desired characteristics of superelasticity for transitioning into and out of a stress-induced martensitic state as it is advanced through tortuous lumens for passage into the coronary arteries.

Abstract: In a means for support of the performance of a heart (1) in which fluid is taken from blood vessels via an external pump (7) and is returned to the blood vessels, the amount of fluid being controlled as a function of the measured values, a catheter in the ventricle is equipped with sensors (4) for measuring the volume of fluid per unit of time. The sensors (4) are connected to an evaluation circuit in which the ratio of the diastolic volume to the systolic volume per heartbeat or unit of time, especially the output rate and/or the deviation of the volume which has been delivered by the heart per unit of time from a defined setpoint, for example the setpoint which has been computed from body-specific data for the cardiac output (HZV), is evaluated and a signal is generated. The pump (7) via which fluid is withdrawn from the ventricle is controlled depending on the generated signal.

Abstract: An infant care unit is provided having a patient support platform, an overhead arm and a mounting assembly. The overhead arm is located generally above the platform. The mounting assembly couples the overhead arm to the platform for pivoting movement relative thereto. The pivoting movement is in a second plane that is generally parallel to a first plane which is defined by the platform.

Abstract: Physiological effects have been observed in a human subject in response to stimulation of the skin with weak electromagnetic fields that are pulsed with certain frequencies near ½ Hz or 2.4 Hz, such as to excite a sensory resonance. Many computer monitors and TV tubes, when displaying pulsed images, emit pulsed electromagnetic fields of sufficient amplitudes to cause such excitation. It is therefore possible to manipulate the nervous system of a subject by pulsing images displayed on a nearby computer monitor or TV set. For the latter, the image pulsing may be imbedded in the program material, or it may be overlaid by modulating a video stream, either as an RF signal or as a video signal. The image displayed on a computer monitor may be pulsed effectively by a simple computer program. For certain monitors, pulsed electromagnetic fields capable of exciting sensory resonances in nearby subjects may be generated even as the displayed images are pulsed with subliminal intensity.

Abstract: An organ manipulator including at least one suction member or adhesive disc mounted to a compliant joint, a flexible locking arm for mounting such suction member or compliant joint, and a method for retracting and suspending an organ in a retracted position using suction (or adhesive force) so that the organ is free to move normally (e.g., to beat or undergo other limited-amplitude motion) in at least the vertical direction during both steps. In preferred embodiments, a suction member exerts suction to retract a beating heart and suspend it in a retracted position during surgery. As the retracted heart beats, the compliant joint allows it to expand and contract freely (and otherwise move naturally) at least in the vertical direction so that hemodynamic function is not compromised. The suction member conforms or can be conformed to the organ anatomy, and its inner surface is preferably smooth and lined with absorbent material to improve traction without causing trauma to the organ.

Abstract: A self-retaining endoscope includes an observation base portion which can be inserted into a body cavity through a mouth of a patient to be examined and which is provided with an objective optical system and an illumination window, and a flexible catheter portion which is provided with an image transmission system for transmitting an image formed by the objective optical system and a light transmission system for causing the illumination window to emit illumination light and which can be inserted into the body through a nasal cavity of the patient. The catheter portion is connected to the observation base portion. An external device is detachably attached to a distal end of the catheter portion and has a monitor portion adapted to view the image through the image transmission system and a lighting device which provides light energy to the light transmission system.

Abstract: A method and instrumentation for spinal interbody fusion is disclosed. The instruments and methods are particularly adapted for interbody fusion from a posterior approach to the spine. One instrument is a retractor having a lockable pivotally mounted handle. Another instrument is a template for straddling the dura. A modular distractor is also provided and preferably includes a tapered shaft with a visualization window disposed therein. Yet another instrument is a depth gauge to verify bone opening depth and dimension, preferably including a radiopaque portion. A method contemplates the use of these instruments to prepare a disc space to receive an implant.

Abstract: A caloric energy balance monitor uses calories expended during rest and activity, and calories consumed from food, to compute a predicted change in the user's body fat percentage. The predicted change in body fat percentage is then compared to an actual change in body fat percentage to iteratively compute a correction factor that is used in subsequent measurements of net caloric energy balance.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a subject (7) in a vehicle seat (6), the method including: a) acquiring a target signal from the subject with a piezoelectric transducer (1) provided in or on the vehicle seat; b) processing the target signal to extract a cardiac signal (24) and/or a respiratory signal (25); and c) outputting the cardiac and/or respiratory signal. A method of monitoring a subject including: a) acquiring a target signal from the subject; b) bandpass filtering (27) the target signal in accordance with a set of cardiac filter coefficients to extract a cardiac signal (24); c) bandpass filtering (30) the target signal in accordance with a set of respiratory filter coefficients to extract a respiratory signal (25); d) adapting (29, 33) the set of cardiac filter coefficients so as to reduce artefacts in the cardiac signal; e) adapting (50, 32) the set of respiratory filter coefficients so as to reduce artefacts in the respiratory signal; and f) outputting the cardiac and respiratory signal signals.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the phase and amplitude of individual drive sinus waves of a phased-array focused ultrasound transducer employ digitally controlled components to scale the amplitude of three or more bases sinuses into component sinus vectors. The component sinus vectors are linearly combined to generate the respective sinus of a selected phase and amplitude. The use of digitally controlled controlled components allows for digitally controlled switching between various distances, shapes and orientations (“characteristics”) of the focal zone of the transducer. The respective input parameters for any number of possible focal zone characteristics may be stored in a comprehensive table or memory for readily switching between focal zone characteristics in &mgr; seconds. Changes in the output frequency are accomplished without impacting on the specific focal zone characteristics of the transducer output.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system includes a data entry device that reads storage media that is assigned to each patient on which the system is to be used or the operator of the system to obtain ultrasound images. The storage media, which may be a bar code, smartcard, personal digital assistant, for example, contains patient identifying information. The patient or procedure identifying information may be used to access a digital requisition that is referenced by the patient identifying information. The digital requisition may be stored in a disk drive included in the ultrasound imaging system or in a clinical information system accessed through a communication link included in the ultrasound imaging system. The digital requisition may include information pertaining to an ultrasound examination procedure that is to be performed on the patient, which can be used to automatically set up the ultrasound imaging system.

Abstract: Medical devices that are coated with an echogenic material that includes an electrically insulative base layer and an echogenic layer demonstrate both improved ultrasonic imaging and protection against RF electrical breakdown. The echogenic layer includes a polymeric matrix that (i) defines a plurality of void spaces, (ii) includes glass microsphere particles, or (iii) both defines a plurality of void spaces and includes glass microsphere particles. Medical instruments exhibit enhanced ultrasonic imaging even when viewed along their lengths.

Abstract: A dual Doppler artery ligation and hemorrhoid treatment system has a probe. The probe has a disposable cylinder with a cone-shaped cap at the distal end and a support adjacent to the proximal end. A series of white light emitting diodes is mounted within the support. The support has a backing plate proximally and an opening to the cylinder and cone distally. The cylinder has an opening adjacent to its distal end and a pair of ultrasonic transducers secured on the cylinder laterally spaced on the center line proximal side of the opening. An echo analyzer is operatively coupled to the probe and is adapted to emit signals and to detect and analyze received signals as a function of the blood flow there adjacent to produce an output which varies as a function of the arterial blood flow of a hemorrhoid extending through the aperture.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe. A transmitter supplies a transmission pulse to the ultrasonic probe to repeatedly transmit an ultrasonic wave to each of a plurality of scanning lines. A receiver receives echoes of the ultrasonic waves through the ultrasonic probe and obtaining a plurality of received signals for each of the plurality of scanning lines. A displacement estimating means estimates a relative change accompanying a tissue motion between received signals associated with each of scanning lines. A displacement correcting means corrects the received signals in accordance with the change detected by the displacement estimating means. A harmonic component extracting means extracts a harmonic component from the received signals corrected by the displacement correcting means. A display means generates an ultrasonic image on the basis of the harmonic component extracted by the harmonic component extracting means. A monitor displays the image generated by the display means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and associated apparatus for improving the accuracy with which the speed of a fluid, such as a liquid, in particular blood flowing in a duct, such as a blood vessel, in particular the aorta, is measured by means of a signal emitted by a Doppler transducer (4). In characteristic manner, according to the method, the Doppler transducer is associated with a programmable memory (50) which contains at least one correction data item for correcting the Doppler signal transmitted by the transducer (4) to a transducer control and computer unit (8). Said computer unit (8) incorporates said signal correction data item in its computation (at 16) of each speed measurement on the basis of each signal emitted by the Doppler transducer, and it computes the speed value while taking account of said correction data item so as to provide a corrected measurement of the speed of said fluid, thereby improving its accuracy.