Abstract: A variable-weight ball that is particularly useful for the development of motor skills in children of all ages is disclosed. A first inflatable bladder filled with a first gas and a second inflatable bladder filled with a second gas are disposed within an outer casing. The relative weight of the ball can be adjusted by using gases of different densities in the first and second bladders and by adjusting the amount of gas in each bladder.

Abstract: A sprocket assembly is provided for a bicycle having a large sprocket and a small sprocket. The large sprocket includes one or more chain support projections formed on the side surface opposed to the small sprocket. Each projection includes a contact portion defming a contact surface for contacting, without meshing, a lower end of a chain shifted from the small sprocket to the large sprocket. The projections are arranged on the large sprocket with a size and shape that allows the projections to pass between outer links prior to the gear-changing operation. The chain support projections are arranged for causing the contact surface to contact the chain engaging the small sprocket and pick up the chain radially outwardly of the large sprocket during a chain shift from the small sprocket to the large sprocket.

Abstract: A method and a device for reducing the vibrations of a control chain in a camshaft drive of an internal combustion engine. At least one engine parameter is measured that is indicative of the vibrational state of the engine. The at least one engine parameter is used to determine the vibrational state and to adjust the tension of the control chain. Thus, the built-up of resonances and of strong vibrations may be avoided.

Abstract: A chain tensioner apparatus utilizes a synthetic plastic (e.g. nylon) bracket that permits a fastener at a pivot end of the bracket to serve as a pivot pin for a shoe sub-assembly as well as a bracket fastener. A free end fastener can be positioned very close to, or substantially below, a reaction surface of the bracket. An interlocking feature is provided at a pivot end of the bracket/shoe sub-assembly and serves to maintain an interlock of the shoe-to-bracket in cooperation with an installation pin. Additionally, a positioning feature is used at the pivot end of the bracket. In order to permit the free rotation of the shoe relative to the bracket, the pivot end of the bracket is not clamped rigidly to the engine case when a pivot end bolt is installed. Further, a dowel pin can be used at the pivot end of the bracket.

Abstract: A rocker joint silent chain includes rocker joints articulately connecting together multiple interleaved link plates and guide plates located outside the interleaved link plates in the widthwise direction of the chain. Each of the rocker joints is composed of a longer pin firmly fitted at opposite ends thereof in a pair of aligned pin-accommodation holes of two opposed guide plates, and a shorter pin having opposite ends projecting from opposite outer surfaces of the interleaved link plates. The ends of the shorter pin are in slight contact with inner surfaces of the guide plates. High-frequency noise and abrasive wear of the rocker joints and link plates, which may occur due to free movement of the shorter pin in the widthwise direction of the chain, can be avoided.

Abstract: A silent chain is directed to prevent bending of the connection pin and reducing surface pressure acting on the connection pin while maintaining bendability of the entire chain. The chain includes multiple link plates, each having a pair of teeth and a pair of pinholes. The links are interleaved in the transverse and longitudinal directions and the link plates are connected by connection pins inserted in the pinholes. Connection pin is composed of center pin at the center of pinhole and of a pair of rocker pins on both sides of said center pin. Guide washer is provided to each connection pin. Guide washer has a guide part extending on both sides of the teeth of link plate and a central apertures for fixing of the end of center pin.

Abstract: A power transmission belt using an open mesh textile material in the belt overcord which is stabilized with a material promoting permeation of an underlying gum rubber layer through interstices in the textile material during vulcanization of the belt. The coefficient of friction of the backside of the belt is sufficient to enable the belt to drive backside pulleys, tensioners and other mechanical devices.

Abstract: A full-time transfer case is equipped with an integrated planetary gearset assembly and a synchronized range shift mechanism to provide high-range and low-range drive connections. The integrated planetary gearset assembly includes a first gearset which acts as a two-speed reduction unit and second a gearset which acts as an interaxle differential. The synchronized range shift mechanism is arranged to concurrently move two components of the first gearset and is synchronized to permit on-the-move range shifts.

Abstract: The invention concerns a transmission (1) with automatic shifting capabilities and with three spider supported planetary sets (2, 3, 4), three brakes (5, 6, 7), and two clutches (8, 9) for the shifting of six forward moving gears and one reverse gear and having an input shaft (10) and an output shaft (11). In this way, the input shaft (10) is in continual connection with the sun gear (16) of the second planetary set (3) and the input shaft (10) is connectable to the sun gear (12) of the first planetary set (2) by means of the first clutch (8) and/or by means of the second clutch (9) is also connectable with the spider (15) of the first planetary set (2). Further, the sun gear (12) of the first planetary set (2) by means of the first brake (5) and or the spider (15) of the first planetary set (2) by means of the second brake (6) and/or the sun gear (20) of the third planetary set (4) by means of the third brake, are all connectable with the housing of the transmission.

Abstract: A shift control apparatus for a hub transmission includes an axle defining an axle axis; a pawl support rotating member rotatably supported around the axle axis; a pawl rotatably supported to the pawl support rotating member; a biasing mechanism for biasing the pawl in a radial direction; and a pawl control rotating member for controlling a radial position of the pawl. One of the pawl support rotating member and the pawl control rotating member includes a location for coupling to a shift control mechanism, and the other one of the pawl support rotating member and the pawl control rotating member includes a location for coupling to an actuating member. A spring is provided for biasing the pawl support rotating member and the pawl control rotating member in a rotational direction relative to each other, and a stopper is provided for holding the pawl support rotating member and the pawl control rotating member in a rotational position relative to each other.

Abstract: The toroidal-type continuously variable transmission comprises a hydraulic loading mechanism of an oil pressure type for pushing an input disk toward the disposition side of an output disk to thereby transmit the rotation power of the input disk to the output disk, and a countersunk spring incorporated in a hydraulic chamber formed in the loading mechanism for elastically pushing the input disk toward the disposition side of the output disk. In the toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, there are formed a plurality of slits in the countersunk spring and, when oil is supplied into the inside area of the countersunk spring within the hydraulic chamber by and from a hydraulic pump, the oil in the inside area of the countersunk spring is allowed to flow through the slits into the outside area of the countersunk spring.

Abstract: In a process wherein a before-shifting gear ratio Gx changes to a gear ratio of the target gear position, an actual shift time is measured by regarding as a shift starting point an earlier one between a time point when the present gear ratio G has repeated decreasing by a value equal to or larger than a predetermined unit gear ratio &Dgr;G a predetermined number of times N and a time point when the present gear ratio reaches a first gear ratio G1 that is set to a value smaller than the gear ratio Gx by a predetermined value. If the gear ratio changes rapidly, the start of shifting can be detected at a time tsl when the present gear ratio G reaches the gear ratio G1, and if the gear ratio changes slowly, the start of shifting can be detected at a time ts4 when the gear ratio has repeated decreasing by a value equal to or larger than a predetermined unit gear ratio a predetermined number of times N.

Abstract: Described is a motivational fitness device, which controls volume and power on a television or stereo component in response to the heart rate. The user must exercise in their specific heart rate target training range to keep their entertainment device turned on at an enjoyable volume. A heart rate sensing device relays heart rate to a remote control unit. The control unit receives and compares the users heart rate to the specified target range and sends infrared remote control signals (or not) to the entertainment device. If the user's heart rate drops below the target range, the volume of their entertainment device will gradually decrease and ultimately switch off until the user reacquires their target. Conversely, if the user is exercising too vigorously the volume will increase, motivating the user to reacquire their target heart rate range. This device requires no exercise equipment yet any type may be used with it.

Abstract: An exercise treadmill is disclosed which includes various features to enhance user operation and to reduce maintenance costs. These features include handlebars with an upwardly curved center section and outwardly flared side portions along with pivoting rear legs for the treadmill frame. The control panel features include snap-in user trays and an overlay covering the numerical key pad along with an auxiliary control panel having a subset of user controls that are larger and more easy to use than the same controls on the main control panel. Maintenance enhancing features include the provision for access panels in the treadmill housing and a belt lubrication system that uses a priming pulse to clear the wax spraying nozzle along with using treadmill operating criteria for scheduling and operating the lubrication system. For injection molded parts such as the control panel, structural strength is enhanced by utilizing gas-assist injection molding to form structural ribs.

Abstract: A treadmill (10) includes a frame on which are mounted transverse forward and rearward roller assemblies (14, 16). An endless belt (18) is trained about the forward and rearward roller assemblies. A deck (20) is positioned between the upper run of the belt and the frame. The rearward portion of the deck (20) is mounted to the frame by a pivot connection (24) to allow pivoting of the deck about an axis transversely to the length of the deck. Elongate springs (26) of adjustable stiffness are mounted either along the sides of the frame to underlie the side margins of the deck, or transversely of the deck, to support the deck in conjunction with the pivot connection (24) and to absorb impact loads imparted on the deck by the user.

Abstract: A frame has a continuous upper surface with a pair of side-by-side elongate openings for receiving foot pedals. Each pedal is hingedly mounted to the frame near the heel. A motor is mounted on the frame for rotating a shaft. A cam is mounted on the shaft for supporting the pedal between the toe and the hinged frame mounting. The cams associated with the pedals extend in radially opposite directions from the shaft so as to produce counter-reciprocating motion in the pedals during shaft rotation. A resistance device, such as a spring, fluid cylinder, shaft brake or motor, provide resistance to downward movement of each pedal during manual operation. One or more switches or other control device is mounted relative to the frame or pedal that is manipulable by a user's foot or hand for controlling operation of the motor.

Abstract: A stabilizer-isolator device for a weightlifting bar, in which the stabilizer-isolator device is capable of stabilizing and isolating exercised muscles with less stress on the tendons. The stabilizer-isolator device generally includes a pair of brace bars having corresponding first and second ends, an annular-shaped collar interconnecting the second ends of the brace bars, and at least one isolator bar substantially transverse to the brace bars and interconnecting the brace bars so as to be spaced apart from the first and second ends of the brace bars. The first ends of the brace bars are adapted to be permanently or removable attached to the weightlifting bar. The collar is disposed in a plane substantially transverse to the brace bars and defines an opening therein. The at least one isolator bar may comprise a single member with a flat surface, or at least two parallel members spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A roller for use in a coating machine comprises a metal core 1 having a dielectric cover 2. The cover is provided with an engraved pattern of ridges and grooves. The core is also provided with a pattern in register with the pattern in the cover such that an electrostatic field generated above a web supported on the roller may be made substantially uniform.

Abstract: A current roller for an electrolytic strip coating plant includes a roller wall having an inner wall surface and an outer wall surface and two essentially cylindrical base bodies having cylindrical walls and filling out the roller wall, wherein the base bodies have sides facing each other and facing away from each other, wherein the roller wall and the base bodies are releasably connected to each other.

Abstract: A cermet powder for thermal spray coating, which is sprayed on a roll surface of a conveyer roll inside a furnace for heat treating a high tensile strength steel strip thereby to form a coating film, comprises: an alloy powder containing 3 to 8 mass % of Al, 16 to 25 mass % of Cr, 0.1 to 1 mass % of Y, and at least one of Co and Ni as the residual, with respect to the whole amount of the cermet powder; and a ceramic powder containing at least one of 1 to 5 mass % of a boride and 5 to 10 mass % of a carbide, with respect to the whole amount of the cermet powder.

Abstract: The invention is a creasing device for creasing paper or card before it is folded. The device consists of a drum-shaped male component (2) featuring grooves (8, 10, 12) of various widths and depths to hold rubber O-rings (24, 26, 28). A female component (4) is almost identical to the male component (2) but has receiving grooves (14, 16, 18) that are slightly wider and deeper. When fixed to top and bottom shafts with one O-ring (24, 26, 28) in a groove (8, 10, 12) on the male component (2) aligned with a receiving groove (14, 16, 18) of the female component (4), a sheet of paper fed between the drums will be creased by the pressure of the O-ring (24, 26, 28) forcing the paper into the receiving groove (14, 16, 18). The invention allows the device to be quickly and easily set up to form creases of various widths and depths, while the resilient O-rings minimize damage to the paper.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting envelope blanks in an envelope making machine comprises at least one conveyor belt having a plurality of perforation holes therein, on which envelope blanks are transported through the machine in a conveyor plane. Beneath the conveyor belt is at least one suction chamber by means of which ambient air can be sucked through the perforation holes to retain blanks on the conveyor belt. At least one guide belt is provided on at least one side beside the conveyor belt in the direction of movement thereof. The conveyor belt and the guide belt are drivable so as to move synchronously in the direction of travel of the envelope blanks.

Abstract: A curl bow machine manufactures curl bows. Ribbon unwinds from spools and a curling rod applies controlled tension onto the ribbon, thereby curling it. Several strands of ribbon may be curled simultaneously. The resulting curled ribbon stream passes on to a wire stitcher. The wire stitcher may take hang tags from a hang tag delivery and cutting system to attach individual hang tags to the curled ribbon stream. Alternatively, a backing material or wire tie is used instead of a hang tag. A venturi suction and discharge system may deliver the curled ribbon stream and attached hang tags to a cutter to separate individual curl bows from the ribbon stream. A second nip roller may also be used in place of the venturi suction and discharge system.

Abstract: A jogger as used with carton blank forming equipment is provided having a slide with first and second shoulders for engaging a threaded dog contained within the side rail of the jogger body. The slide also includes a back channel which allows the slide to pass over the mounting bolt contained within a body race aperture.

Abstract: A centrifuge includes a centrifuge housing and a rotor. The housing defines an inner chamber, and the rotor is provided in the chamber. An indicator is provided on the housing. The indicator is constructed and arranged to indicate rotor movement. A rotor sensor is operatively coupled to the indicator, and the rotor sensor is constructed and arranged to sense rotor movement.

Abstract: A decanter centrifuge is defined for separating a heavy phase material from a liquid within a feed mixture. The decanter centrifuge includes a bowl rotatable about its longitudinal axis for separation of the heavy phase material from the liquid feed mixture due to centrifugal force. The bowl typically includes a cylindrical portion and a frusto-conical portion at one end. A solids discharge is provided in the restricted end of the frusto-conical bowl portion. A screw conveyor is coaxially mounted for rotation within the bowl, having a spiraled conveyor flight extending radially outwardly to a position adjacent the inside wall of the bowl. The conveyor is adapted to rotate at a relative speed with respect to the bowl for conveying separated heavy phase material toward the heavy phase discharge. A baffle in the form of a disc extends radially outwardly from the conveyor hub and is adapted to project into the separated heavy phase material being conveyed along the bowl wall.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for use in brachytherapy applications for implanting seeds and spacers into tissue that includes a needle or shaft having an aperture or slit down the side that exposes the interior space of the shaft to allow the sequence of seeds and spacers to be detected by observing their position through the aperture. The invention also provides colored seeds and/or colored spacers that facilitate visual detection of a load sequence of seeds and spacers in any brachytherapy device. Methods and systems using the needle or shaft having a slit, or for using the colored seeds or spacers, are also provided.

Abstract: Brachytherapy is carried out with an injection device with a needle to inject a radioactive seed into a patient's body. The injection device has not only a thruster for thrusting the needle straight to a selected target position inside the patient's body, but also a load cell which measures the resistance force encountering the needle and a deflection detector which detects a bent condition of the needle, as well as a drill device and a tamper for causing the needle to undergo rotary and linear reciprocating motions. The mode of thrusting the needle and the motions by the drill device and the tamper are modified according to the force detected by the load cell and any output signal from the deflection detector such that it can be ensured that the needle will dependably reach the target position without undergoing deflection or bowing.

Abstract: An apparatus is described that efficiently resupplies radioactive seeds to a brachytherapy applicator. A seed-holding system includes a holder and a transfer device. The holder, which may be disposable, stores the radioactive seeds and the transfer device, which may be reusable, helps shield and dispense the seeds. The holder is coupled to the transfer device, and the apparatus is mated to an applicator. After seeds have been dispensed, the apparatus may be disconnected from the applicator and the empty holder may be ejected from the transfer device, and replaced with a full holder.

Abstract: The invention involves enhancing brain function by stimulating the brain using magnetic fields. Applications of the new methods include improving the condition of individuals with cognitive disorders, such as depression, and studying the effects of neural stimulation using induced electric fields. These techniques can avoid deleterious effects of psychotropic pharmaceutical treatments, and provide a relatively safe, comfortable, inexpensive means of direct cranial stimulation.

Abstract: A surgical method for assisting cardiac function utilizes a balloon initially in a collapsed configuration. The balloon is inserted into an intrapericardial space about a patient's heart and is disposed about one portion of the patient's heart. The method further includes inflating the balloon in the intrapericardial space to compress one portion of the patient's heart. A lower end portion of the patient's heart is separately compressed by an additional instrumentality to reduce ventricular volume.

Abstract: A blood circulation assisting device using a continuous flow blood pump (1) for blood feeding assistance to remove blood through a blood removing pipe (2) and drive out blood at a predetermined flow rate through a blood feeding pipe (3). The blood circulation assisting device includes a current measuring unit (7) for measuring current flowing through a motor (4) driving the pump (1) in order to use the current as data corresponding to a blood flow rate through the continuous flow blood pump (1) and an amplitude detection unit (8) for detecting, from an output of the current measuring unit (7), the amplitude of fluctuation of current flowing through the motor (4) in order to use the amplitude as data corresponding to a flow rate amplitude due to flow rate fluctuation. The amplitude of this fluctuation is divided by an average current value and output as an amplitude index.

Abstract: A hearing aid comprised of conventional cochlear implant electronics implanted in the middle ear and coupled to an actuator configured to mechanically vibrate the middle ear ossicles. The implant electronics, typically used for driving an electrode array implanted in the cochlea, is used instead to supply electric drive signals to the actuator for mechanically vibrating the ossicles.

Abstract: The use of implantable bulking materials for the treatment of urinary incontinence and a system for accurate positioning and delivery of bulking materials are described. The implantable materials are biocompatible, non-biodegradable implants which are designed for stabilization in soft tissue through the ingrowth of fibrous tissue after implantation. The positioning and delivery system comprises an injector which is adapted to allow a syringe to be attached and a housing. The housing includes a through cavity adapted to hold a viewing instrument, such as a cystoscope to allow accurate positioning of the injector. The housing also includes one or more injector through cavities, which are adapted to hold the injector at an angle to the viewing instrument. The angle between the viewing instrument and the injector is variably adjustable. The invention embraces the use of the bulking implants with various delivery methods, including the use of the described positioning and delivery system.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for treating congestive heart disease. The material of the device is secured to the heart proximate the septal wall. The material covering the ventricles may or may not have the same tension and or compliance. The device can be constructed as a unitary “jacket” that is slipped over the apex of the heart. Alternately, the device implanted as one, two or more separate components. In one embodiment, the material covers both the left and right ventricles. In another embodiment, the material covers only one ventricle. The device may include at least one adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the tension of the material.

Abstract: A system and method for implanting a wrap on a patient's heart or other organ provides a wrap having finger-engagement members typically defining loops that encompass all or a substantial portion of the fingers of a surgeon's treatment hand. The loops retain the fingers to the wrap during implant, and enable the fingers to be detached after the procedure is complete. The loops can be detachable from the wrap after the procedure is completed or can be formed to remain with the wrap.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an insertion section inserted into the body cavity and a probe provided inside the insertion section for detecting the form of the endoscope. The probe includes a plurality of coil portions arranged in the longitudinal direction of the insertion section of the endoscope and a wire electrically connecting the coil portions. The coil portions and the wire are covered with a flexible member. And the outer diameter of the covered wire is smaller than the outer diameter of the covered coil portions.

Abstract: An autoclavable flexible fiberscope for remote visualization. A flexible fiberscope shaft including a number of flexible fiberoptic image-transmitting fibers is attached to a video coupler for connection to a video camera or other external video device. High-temperature materials of fabrication and high-temperature seals are provided to resist damage during autoclave sterilization.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an image pickup unit 30 having a solid-state image pickup device 32 such as a CCD on a tip end side of an elongate insertion section. This image pickup unit 30 constitutes a tip end side unit 36U and a rear end side unit 43U by conducting a surface treatment (metallization) to nonmetal members such as a tip end cover glass 31 and a rear end cover glass 35, and by airtight coupling surface-treated portions of the nonmetal members to metal members such as a tip end cover glass frame 36 and a rear end cover glass frame 43 by brazing using soldering, and constitutes an optical system unit 60 by airtight coupling the metal members to metal members of an insulating unit 38U formed by airtight coupling a pipe member 41 and a ring member 42 to an insulating frame 38 by welding.

Abstract: The endoscope comprises a flexible insertion member with different hardness for bending in a predetermined area of longitudinal direction thereof. This insertion member includes a flexible tube having resin sheathing layer on the outside and slender inner parts passing through the flexible tube. An amount of change in hardness level for bending of the inner parts in a longitudinal direction is designed larger than an amount of change in hardness level for bending of the sheathing layer of the flexible tube in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: In the endoscope, in which a protective tube and a linear transmission member are arranged from a tip end portion to an operating unit, for transmitting rotation of a motor to the tip end portion through the linear transmission member to thereby drive a movable lens for making the observation distance variable, the protective tube is divided into a front-side tube and a rear-side tube having a larger inner diameter than the front-side tube, and these are connected together within the operating unit. Also, the linear transmission member is also divided into a front-side transmission member and a rear-side transmission member having a larger outside diameter, and as regards this rear-side transmission member, there is used a multiple coiled spring formed by winding strands of a predetermined number of threads brought into tight contact in a state, in which space for predetermined intervals is left.

Abstract: A positioning device allowing rotatable travel in one direction only when an inclined member engages a cammed member. The positioning device includes a rotatable cammed member having a surface defined by a decreasing radius, an inclined member movable between a first position and a second position, and a spring for urging the inclined member into engagement with the cammed member.

Abstract: Retractor system to be used in surgery comprising an assistance nipple with a base plate and an adhesive patch underneath for attachment to the patient's skin or a surgical sheet, and a retractor for retracting outwardly and fastening the edges of an incision and capable of releasably fastening to the nipple, and a surgical sheet having a large opening corresponding to the surgical site with a plurality of holes surrounding the large opening through which assistance nipples may protrude. In an alternative embodiment, a ring having a plurality of nipples and adhesive to secure the ring to the patient's skin surrounding a surgical site is provided to hold a plurality of retractors.

Abstract: Information derived from ECG signals and EEG signals may be employed in combination to reliably predict the onset, or to indicate the presence of, hypoglycemia in a human patient. In one embodiment, ECG and EEG signals are processed and the information derived from them is combined to determine whether a patient suffering from diabetes is undergoing a hypoglycemic event, or whether such an event is imminent. Input data from the patient or a health care provider may also be used to increase the accuracy and reliability of the system. Detection of a hypoglycemic event by the system can result in the output of an alarm signal and/or the delivery or administration of a beneficial agent such as insulin, glucagon or diazoxide to the patient. The system may be implantable, external, or a combination of external and implantable components. The control strategy of the present system is preferably microprocessor based and/or implemented using dedicated electronics.

Abstract: An implantable sensing device includes a sensing element and a mounting element. The mounting element has a first end and a second end with a longitudinal axis therethrough. The sensing element is positioned at the first end of the mounting element with the mounting element having a length that is adjustable along the longitudinal axis. The mounting element includes a sleeve having a first open end and a second open end with the longitudinal axis therethrough. The sensing element is positioned in the second open end and includes a lead body connected thereto extending through the second open end. The sleeve includes an outer sleeve member coupled for adjustment along the longitudinal axis with respect to an inner sleeve member. Further, the mounting element may include a flexible element about the first open end extending outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis and a flange element extending outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis from at least a portion of the second end.

Abstract: ECG recording apparatus 1 includes a port 2 for connection to ECG electrodes and a microphone 3 for detecting vocal signals, Processing electronics store a recording of the vocal signals and the physiological data on the storage medium 4.

Abstract: A real-time controller operating as an artificial pancreas uses a Kalman control algorithm to control glucose level of a patient in real time. The real-time controller receives an estimate of the patient glucose level and a reference glucose level. The estimate of the patient glucose level can be provided by an optimal estimator implemented using a linearized Kalman filter. The estimated glucose level and the reference glucose level are processed by the Kalman control algorithm to determine a control command in real time. The Kalman control algorithm has a dynamic process forced by the control command a cost function determining a relative level of control. The control command is provided to a dispenser which secretes insulin or glucagon in response to the control command to correct a relatively high glucose level or a relatively low glucose level.

Abstract: A two level power supply and method are provided for ultrasound transmission. A coupling capacitor is provided between a high voltage source and a low voltage source. The coupling capacitor provides direct current restoration for a two level power supply selector connected with an ultrasound transmit array. For example, a clamping circuit, including a capacitor and a diode, is provided between the high voltage and the low voltage sources. The high voltage source connects as a power supply to a pulser. Control signals are provided to the pulser to switch the output between the high voltage and ground depending on the type of ultrasound signal being transmitted. A voltage rail of the transmit array connects with the clamp circuit and receives a low voltage for CW Doppler mode imaging and a high voltage for B-mode imaging. This low cost circuitry may simplify and improve the delivery of high voltage in a two or more level power supply selection in ultrasound imaging.

Abstract: A semi-invasive ultrasound imaging system for imaging biological tissue includes a transesophageal probe or a transnasal, transesophageal probe connected to a two-dimensional ultrasound transducer array, a transmit beamformer, a receive beamformer, and an image generator. The two-dimensional transducer array is disposed on a distal portion of the probe's elongated body. The transmit beamformer is connected to the transducer array and is constructed to transmit several ultrasound beams over a selected pattern defined by azimuthal and elevation orientations. The receive beamformer is connected to the transducer array and is constructed to acquire ultrasound data from the echoes reflected over a selected tissue volume. The tissue volume is defined by the azimuthal and elevation orientations and a selected scan range. The receive beamformer is constructed to synthesize image data from the acquired ultrasound data.

Abstract: A method of ultrasound imaging, including the following steps, transmitting ultrasonic beams generated by transducers (20) into an object volume (v) such as an object body or a part thereof, receiving (20) and storing (3) signals reflected from said object volume, processing and receiving signals into image data associated to image dots or lines of a video display (8), and displaying at least a few image data on the display (8) in accordance with parameters set by a user and related to a predetermined section or projection plane of the image of said object volume. According to the invention, scanning is only performed in the region of the object body which coincides with the section plane or the image projection plane (P) of the object volume along which imaging is to be performed.