Abstract: A sprocket comprising at least one groove for engaging a toothed belt, said groove having a flank, the flank having a groove tip radii (R1) of between approximately 105% and approximately 125% of a belt tooth root radii (R8) when the toothed belt is in rack form, said groove tip radii being joined to a groove arcuate conjugate flank portion (200) by a linear flank portion (202), and said linear flank portion being disposed at an angle (?) of between approximately 18° to approximately 24° with respect to a groove centerline (CL) and comprising a length of at least approximately 20% of a sprocket groove depth (h).

Abstract: A transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The transmission provides multiple powerpaths and can be combined with electrical components to provide motor/generator functionality, which reduces the overall size and complexity of the motor and transmission compared to when they are constructed separately. In one embodiment, rotatable components of a continuously variable transmission are coupled separately to an electrical rotor and to an electrical stator so that the rotor and stator rotate simultaneously in opposite directions relative to one another. In other embodiments, an electrical rotor is configured to transfer torque to or from a disc that is in contact with a plurality of speed adjusters, while an electrical stator is configured to transfer torque to a shaft that is operationally coupled to the speed adjusters via an idler.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic control device (1) of an 8-speed transmission having several electrically controllable pressure control valves (6-12) for hydraulically actuating five switching elements (A-E) and an electric gear control unit via which different operating states of the transmission may be adjusted. Three of the switching elements are connected in the force flow of the transmission for representing a gear ratio (“1” to “R”) of the transmission. When the gear control unit is de-activated and the power supply to the solenoid valve and pressure control valves is interrupted, and when the transmission is in the operating state, in which a gear ratio (“1”; “2”; “3”; “4”; “5”; “6”; “7”; “8”; “R”) is engaged, a predefined emergency transmission (“6”; “R”) is represented by three simultaneously hydraulically connected switching elements (C, D, E, A, B, D).

Abstract: A manual valve control for a multi-speed vehicle transmission is provided. Electronic and hydraulic components are provided, including trim valve systems that are multiplexed by a shift valve and a manual valve. The trim valves and shift valve are self-diagnosing via a plurality of multiplexed pressure switches. The control enables single and double range shifts among the multiple forward speed ratios, including shifts to and from sixth and higher forward ratios, reverse and neutral. The control also includes a reduced engine load at stop feature. In addition, a power off/limp home feature provides a plurality of failure modes, including a failure mode for sixth and higher forward speed ratios.

Abstract: The present invention provides a final drive assembly having a differential driven by a planetary gear set having two inputs. The ring gear of the planetary gear set is stationary. One of the inputs is coupled to and drives the planet gear carrier which, in turn, is coupled to and drives the cage of the differential. The other input is coupled to and drives the sun gear of the planetary gear set. Incorporated into a suitable powertrain, for example, one having a dual clutch transmission (DCT) with two outputs, one associated with higher ratio (lower speed) gears and another associated with lower ratio (higher speed) gears, the sun gear carries power in the lower speed gears and provides torque multiplication. In the higher speed gears, power is carried by the planet gear carrier directly to the differential cage, bypassing the speed reduction, torque multiplication and gear mesh losses of the planetary gear set.

Abstract: Power train for a motor vehicle, having an engine with a driven shaft which has a crankshaft axle which is located longitudinally to the direction of travel and which is connected to a starting unit, a preliminary gear stage with an input shaft and an output shaft, the input shaft of the preliminary gear stage being connected to the starting unit and the output shaft of the preliminary gear stage having a lateral offset to the crankshaft axle, a variator which is preferably made as a disk variator with two adjustable disk sets for the continuous transmission of torque, and for which the input-side disk set is connected to the output shaft of the preliminary gear stage, while the output-side disk set is located laterally offset, a subsequent gear stage which has an input shaft and an output shaft and which is located on the same side of the variator as the preliminary gear stage, the input shaft of the subsequent gear stage being connected to the output-side disk set of the variator, and a first differential w

Abstract: A fluctuating gear ratio limited slip differential assembly is provided that includes a differential case and a pair of side gears disposed within the differential case. Each of the side gears may have a tooth with a first tooth flank. The differential assembly may further include a pinion shaft disposed within the differential case and a plurality of pinions supported by the pinion shaft. The pinions may be configured for engagement with the pair of side gears and each of the pinions may have a tooth with a second tooth flank. The first and second tooth flanks are configured to cause movement of the plane of action defining all contact points between the first tooth flank of the side gears and the second tooth flank of the pinions in a predetermined and/or controlled manner.

Abstract: A differential gear assembly is disclosed. The differential gear assembly includes a first sun gear and a second sun gear coaxially aligned with each other; a first set of planetary gears in mating engagement with the first sun gear; and a second set of planetary gears in mating engagement with the second sun gear. The first and second sets of planetary gears are in mating engagement with each other. The differential gear assembly also includes a first set of friction members, each of which faces a respective one of axial ends of the first set of planetary gears; and a second set of friction members, each of which faces a respective one of axial ends of the second set of planetary gears. The differential gear assembly further includes a first body connecting at least a plurality of said first set of friction members together, and a second body connecting at least a plurality of said first set of friction members together.

Abstract: A transmission is disclosed having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include five clutches and a brake arranged within a transmission housing.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes arranged within a transmission housing.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes arranged within a transmission housing.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches.

Abstract: A transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least ten forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine coupled to an input member of a hybrid transmission. The hybrid transmission is operative to transfer power between an input member and a plurality of torque machines and an output member. A method for controlling the powertrain includes, monitoring operation of the hybrid transmission, determining motor torque offsets for the torque machines, transforming the motor torque offsets for the torque machines to an input torque offset and an output torque offset of the hybrid transmission, and adjusting operation of the engine based upon the input torque offset and the output torque offset of the hybrid transmission.

Abstract: A method for controlling restart of an engine in a hybrid electric powertrain includes stopping the vehicle and engine, initiating the restart, estimating time required to restart the engine after the restart is initiated, filling and stroking launch elements of a transmission, when the estimated time substantially equals a second estimated time required to fill and stroke said launch elements, and increasing the torque capacity of the launch elements to accelerate the vehicle.

Abstract: An automatic dual clutch transmission includes an input clutch which selectively connects a prime mover to an electric motor. The electric motor, in turn, is connected to the inputs of a pair of coaxial friction clutches. Each of the coaxial outputs of the friction clutches drives an input gear with meshes with a pair of gears, one of which is associated with each of a respective pair of layshafts or countershafts. On each countershaft, between the pair of gears driven by the outputs of the two clutches, are a pair of synchronizer clutches which selectively synchronize and connect one of the two gears to the associated countershaft. A similar arrangement of a second pair of gears separated by synchronizer clutches connects the countershafts through a selected gear to a pair of output gears coupled to and driving a differential cage or spool.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system of a vehicle power train having a belt-type continuously variable transmission, and a hydraulic lock-up clutch, includes: a line pressure control valve; first and second control valves; first, second and third electromagnetic valves; and a fail-safe valve. The fail-safe valve is switched to a fail position in which a line pressure is supplied to one of a drive pulley and a driven pulley when a rapid deceleration state is likely to occur in the belt-type continuously variable transmission, the fail-safe valve is switched to a normal position in which a hydraulic pressure output from the first control valve is supplied to the one of the drive pulley and the driven pulley during times other than the above, and the fail-safe valve is switched by a combination of a hydraulic pressure controlled by the second electromagnetic valve and a hydraulic pressure controlled by the third electromagnetic valve.

Abstract: A work machine includes an IC engine having an output, an IVT having an input coupled with the IC engine output, and a ground speed actuator. A desired speed sensor associated with the ground speed actuator provides an output signal indicating a slower ground speed. At least one electrical processing circuit is configured for increasing an input/output (I/O) ratio of the IVT, dependent upon the sensor output signal, such that a net torque transfer back-driven from the IVT input to the IC engine output is substantially zero.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for overcoming tooth butt conditions (ZaZ) when engaging gears in transmissions. A sensitive adjustment of the clutch to apply torque for rotating the drive shaft of the transmission in order to overcome tooth butt conditions has certain limits because of the proportion of the power required and desired for making said sensitive adjustment. This may cause unpleasant jerking of the vehicle or a clearly audible locking noise of the involved positively connected elements and undesired mechanical stress to said elements. The method according to the present invention provides a remedy due to the fact that during each shifting process, regardless of the occurrence of a tooth butt condition, the clutch is brought into a position allowing minimum predetermined torque transmission to the drive shaft of the transmission, and this torque is supported on a transmission brake, which is often already available.

Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a method for controlling engine speed, engine torque, and torque converter output including the steps of applying engine torque to a torque converter and modulating the transferring of the torque to a pump for the torque converter. In some aspects, the torque converter further comprises a pump clutch and the method applies torque to the pump clutch and controllably slips the pump clutch. In some aspects, the method supplies engine torque from an engine with a turbocharger and controllably slips the pump clutch to increase speed and torque for the engine during a launch event for the vehicle or determines a parameter regarding operation of the vehicle and controllably slips the pump clutch responsive to the parameter. The present invention also comprises a method for controlling torque converter output by connecting a clutch between an engine and a torque converter and controllably slipping the clutch.

Abstract: A universal athleticism rating system and related athletic performance measuring systems for accurately detecting and recording athletic performance are disclosed. The athleticism rating system evaluates individual athletes against a common, standardized, set of athletic performance tests. Each athlete performs the athletic tests and his or her scores in the individual tests are entered into a standardized calculation to produce a single athletic performance score. The related performance measuring system is preferably a timing system that ensures quick, easy, and accurate collection of athletic event timing related data without the need for the athlete to wear any special detection devices or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the performance measuring system integrates with the rating system to provide seamless athletic data collection and rating of athletes.

Abstract: A system and method of tracking physical activity of a person in order to help motivate that person to add more exercise to their lives. Each participant is provided a motion sensor that detects forces incurred by the participant. The motion sensor creates electronic data that corresponds to the forces detected. The data is analyzed to determine whether or not exercise has been performed. The analysis can also determine the type of exercise performed, when the exercise was performed, and the duration of the exercise performed.

Abstract: A collapsible ladder for use primarily for athletic training and the like has a plurality of spaced-apart, substantially rigid rungs secured with collapsible connectors to a plurality of spaced-apart, substantially rigid spacers extending therebetween. In one disclosed embodiment, the collapsible connectors are strips of flexible material extending between the rungs and spacers. Another disclosed embodiment has a second set of rungs aligned substantially parallel to the plurality of spaced-apart rungs along a common central set of spacers. The collapsible connectors allow the ladder to be quickly and easily transitioned between an extended, operational position, and a collapsed, storage position.

Abstract: An improved exercise apparatus is described. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical element and a flexible member associated with the cylindrical element. The flexible member is movable between a wound configuration, in which the member is wound around the cylindrical element, and an unwound configuration, in which the member is unwound from the cylindrical element. The apparatus further comprises a recoil means biased to move the flexible member to the wound configuration and a resistance means that resists movement of the flexible member from the wound to the unwound configurations. The resistance means comprises an energy storage device, which is in a geared relationship with the cylindrical element. In a preferred embodiment the energy storage device is a flywheel.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus and method with selectively variable stabilization enabling a user to progressively increase his/her core body muscular strength. In various embodiments, the exercise apparatus includes a resistance cabling system providing a user defined line of motion, and a partial stabilizer pad being adjustably positionable offset from the line of motion, wherein the user's core body is positionable against the pad and required to resist the torque created by the offset. The user can progressively increase the distance between the line of motion and partial stabilizer pad, in order to progressively increase the force which the user's core body must resist to maintain an upright stature. In this way, the user can progressively, over time, increase his or her core body strength.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an orthopedic exerciser and its actuating mechanism which, more specifically, are used for therapy, post-surgery rehabilitation or healing of a knee, of a joint, or the muscles of a leg or any other body member. Such exercisers usually allow a combination of exercises that help in the recovery of the joint, but to minimize the chances of further injuring the body part and therefore increase the recovery process, the exerciser must submit the body part to a controlled level of force. The orthopedic exerciser of the present invention includes an actuating mechanism cooperating with a resistance assembly which provides resistance and/or assistance along different directions of movement of the actuating mechanism.

Abstract: A device for managing a retractable sheet that is wound on a roller by the action of a spring that may be extended by pulling on the exposed edge of the sheet wherein the device is used for printing messages thereon or for obscuring the view of nearby items. The device is easily changeable for multiple uses as the roller containing the sheet is separable from the main unit, allowing reuse of the more complex and expensive components of the device. A brake on the device prevents the spring from unwinding when the roller is removed. A damping mechanism limits the retraction speed of the sheet, which the damping mechanism being disengaged when the sheet is being pulled out. A cover is provided to obscure the main part of the unit and to prevent tampering. A unique slot configuration allows for easy, tamper-resistant installation of a header card. A pull tab is made of inexpensive components and is designed to allow for easy placement of a graphic label.

Abstract: A method of making a foldable packing box comprising the following steps: step 1, making a pair of side boards with a side board body, two connecting parts foldably connected to the opposite sides of the side board body, and an installation part foldably connected to the side board body; step 2, making a base board, step 2 including: step 2.1, providing a second core board in a predetermined shape with an outer layer paper being pasted at the outer surface of the second core board; step 2.2, spraying paint to the peripheral surface of the second core board; step 2.

Abstract: A tape 3, 4 with a zipper member and a bag film 5, 6 are continuously moved by rotation of a rotary drum 32 while being overlaid with each other such that the tape 3, 4 travels in a tape introducing groove 33 for a tape with a zipper member, the groove formed along a circumferential direction of the rotary drum 32. The tape 3, 4 with the zipper member is continuously welded to the bag film 5, 6 on a circumferential surface of the rotary drum 32 by a seal bar 35 that has a welding surface 34 in a curved shape corresponding to a circumferential surface shape of the rotary drum 32. The whole tape 3, 4 with the zipper member is accommodated in the tape introducing groove 33 for the tape with the zipper member and a seal surface of a tape body 31, 41 is adapted to be substantially flush with the circumferential surface of the rotary drum 32, so that heat applied from the seal bar 35 to the tape 3, 4 with the zipper member is restrained from transferring to the rotary drum 32.

Abstract: A density centrifuge blood processing system with automatic two-dimensional optical control of fluid separation by observing fluid characteristics in observation regions. The location of the regions is determined by monitoring an optical reference. Points representing edges of an optical reference are measured and lines are computed through the points. An error measurement is calculated for each line. If the error is too large, the image is abandoned. One of the lines is selected as a referent line. A new line is calculated orthogonal to the referent line. The error function is again computed for the dependant line. If the error exceeds a selected maximum, the frame is discarded. A transformation function translates data points from an (r, s) domain derived from measurements of the edges into an (x, y) domain used to identify pixels in the observation areas.

Abstract: The invention relates to disposable device for the continuous centrifugal separation of a physiological fluid. The inventive device comprises: a fixed axial element; a centrifugation chamber which is mounted such that it can rotate around the axis of said element; an inlet channel for the blood to be centrifuged, the dispensing port of which is located close to the base of the chamber; and an outlet passage for a separated constituent, the inlet port of which is located close to the other end of the chamber in a concentrated area of one of the separated constituents having the lowest mass density in order for same to be removed continuously. The above-mentioned chamber takes the form of a long tube.

Abstract: A method for separating at least two discrete volumes of a composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component, comprising centrifuging at least two separation bags containing two discrete volumes of a composite liquid respectively, so as to separate therein the first and second components; transferring at least one fraction of a first separated component from the separation bags into satellite bags connected thereto respectively; detecting a characteristic of a component at determined location in each separation bag; and stopping transferring the at least one fraction of the first component from each separation bag into the first satellite bag connected thereto, upon detection of the characteristic of a component at the determined location.

Abstract: A disposable device for centrifugation of blood is used for separating or also washing constituents of the blood includes a centrifugation chamber with a revolving shaft and an opening through which the shaft passes, a rotational guide, a rotational driver, and at least one static member for admission/evacuation engaged in the centrifugation chamber. This member includes at least one channel for intake of the blood and at least one outlet channel for one of its constituents, and at least one admission channel for a pressurized gaseous fluid which opens out inside the centrifugation chamber. A gap is formed in the opening between the centrifugation chamber and the static member and allows the gaseous fluid to escape from the centrifugation chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifugation enclosure (1) made of rigid plastic that comprises a member (1b) adapted to engage with the driving organ of a centrifugation machine (M) and a communication member (5) between the enclosure (1) and the outside, made of rigid plastic and comprising un first duct (5a) extending therethrough for supplying said enclosure (1) as well as two ducts (5b, 5c) extending therethrough for discharging the separated components. A holder (3) made of rigid plastic and having a network of channels (4a, 4b, 4c) formed therein connects the ducts (5a, 5b, 5c), respectively, to supply (P1) and reception (P2, P3) tanks, with side sealing members (6) of said channel network (4a, 4b, 4c). The ends of the ducts (5a, 5b, 5c) are adjacent to the respective ends of the channels (4a, 4b, 4c), and the ends of the ducts (5a, 5b, 5c) have surfaces mating with the end surfaces of the respective channels (4a, 4b, 4c), said mating surfaces being connected to one another.

Abstract: A drive unit to control the peak pressure of air for the inflation of a left ventricular assist system is disclosed. The control of the peak pressure can address the problem of the “kick” experienced by patients when the peak inflation pressure reaches approximately 200 mm Hg. The peak pressure of the air released for the inflation cycle of the system is reduced either by the reduction of the inner diameter of the interconnect line running from the compression tank to the valve manifold or the use of a multi-valve manifold with independently controlled valves and an electronic controller to selectively open and close the valves of the manifold. Either technique, whether used alone or in combination, reduces the peak pressure of the air released for the inflation cycle to below the levels associated with the “kick,” while still meeting the operating specifications to properly inflate and deflate the system's blood pump.

Abstract: A wall integrable multisensory therapy device for securement in a wall of a room dedicated for physiological therapeutic treatment is described. The device has a convection conduit with a bottom air intake and a top air outlet. A blower is secured between the inlet port and outlet port to heat air convected therethrough. Associated with the convection conduit is a front panel incorporating therein audio speakers and two different light sources, one being a white light source and the other being a colored light source. The white light source provides a luminotherapeutic sensation and the colored light source provides a chromotherapeutic sensation. The heated air provides a thermotherapeutic sensation. An aromatic liquid dispenser is also associated with the front panel provides an aromatherapeutic sensation. An audio transmitter equipped with speakers provides for a relaxing sensation of hearing to a user person.

Abstract: Devices and methods for augmenting or otherwise enhancing closure of body lumens comprise magnetic or magnetizable components or particles which are implanted in the wall of the lumen. The magnet fields exerted by the components or particles act to close the body lumen with a desired force.

Abstract: Devices and methods for augmenting or otherwise enhancing closure of body lumens comprise magnetic or magnetizable components or particles which are implanted in the wall of the lumen. The magnet fields exerted by the components or particles act to close the body lumen with a desired force.

Abstract: Described are surgical instruments for use in surgical procedures, related methods, systems, and kits, the instruments including features that optionally include one or more specific dimensions, and features that may result in an ergonomic advantage during use.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for implantation into the walls of an organ such as the stomach. Deformable or inflatable anchors with a connector between are used to pull the walls of the organ together, or to implant devices in the wall of the organ. Also disclosed are surgical instruments useful in practicing the disclosed methods.

Abstract: A sex enhancer is a flexible and deformable fluid-filled enclosure with a smooth exterior surface having a rounded shape. The sex enhancer is heated and inserted into the vagina before sexual intercourse. During sexual intercourse, the penis pushes the sex enhancer against the cervix to provide enhanced pleasure to the woman without detracting from the pleasure of the man.

Abstract: A cap configured to be attached to a cylinder of an implantable penile prosthesis includes a body section and a tip section. The body section defines a recess that is attachable to an end of the cylinder of the implantable penile prosthesis and the tip section terminates in a tip having a curved exterior surface. The tip section defines at least one slot formed therein that extends away from the body section and has a slot axis that intersects with a longitudinal axis of the cap.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes an access seal comprising an ultra gel elastomeric material formed of a mixture comprising a triblock copolymer and an oil. The access seal is adapted to be disposed relative to the abdominal wall. At least one access channel is formed through the elastomeric material between a proximal portion and a distal portion of the access seal. The access channel when operatively disposed forms at least a portion of a working channel between a location external to the abdominal wall and a location internal to the abdominal wall. The elastomeric material of the access seal is adapted to conform to a surface of an instrument inserted through the working channel to provide instrument access to the abdominal cavity while maintaining insufflation pressure in the abdominal cavity. The access channel is configured to self seal in the absence of any instrument extending through the access channel.

Abstract: A patient physiological information monitoring system includes a plurality of patient monitoring devices (6) and a physiological information analyzer (2). The plurality of patient monitoring devices (6) monitor physiological information from a patient and generate corresponding physiological signals. The physiological information analyzer (2) processes the monitored physiological information and determines whether a physiological change is a clinically significant event or an artifact.

Abstract: A method of selecting a stent for implantation in the circulatory system of a human being includes the steps of determining a threshold level of platelet hyper-coaguability (PHC). One marker of PHC is platelet-fibrin mediated clot strength (MA) of blood. MA above a threshold demonstrates a risk of restenosis that is relatively high. In practicing the method, a sample of blood is obtained from a patient who requires implantation of a stent, the blood sample is tested for its platelet-fibrin mediated clot strength, the clot strength of the blood sample is compared with the threshold level; if the blood sample has a clot strength below the threshold level, selecting a bare metal stent, and if the blood sample has a clot strength at or above the threshold level, selecting a drug-eluting stent. The method includes, in a preferred embodiment, use of a viscoelastic monitor to perform the testing step. Other markers of PHC may also be employed such as measurement of thrombin generation and/or platelet reactivity.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for accurate determination of intraocular pressure (IOP) and characterization of mechanical properties of a cornea is provided that includes measuring a cornea with a probe tonometer to produce at least force versus displacement data over a range of applied forces; and forming a model of corneal constitutive parameters, with a computer having a processor, based on the data obtained by the probe tonometer to more accurately determine IOP and characterize mechanical properties of the cornea, wherein the computer is coupled with the probe tonometer.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a transgastric procedure includes an elongated tubular main access device having the first lumen with open proximal end and a side opening distal end, and a second lumen with open ends. A balloon having a wall on the outside of the device surrounds the distal end and a fluid conduit extends along the device for inflating the balloon so that when the device is inserted into a patient's esophagus and the balloon is inflated, the portion of the esophagus opposite the distal end is isolated from the remainder of the esophagus. The apparatus may also include a side access unit having an elongated flexible coaxial inner and outer tubes having proximal and distal ends and being movable relatively in the axial direction. First seals are mounted to the distal end of the outer tube, and second seals are mounted to the distal end of the inner tube, an actuator adjacent to the proxable ends of the tubes move the tubes relatively so as to vary the axial spacing the first and second seals.

Abstract: It is intended to provide an ultrasonic probe permitting a reduction of a number of switching components while transmitting and receiving signals with the picture quality level held capable of being maintained. An ultrasonic the probe comprises transducers, transducer side cables which number is equal to a number of said transducers and are connected to the transducers, apparatus body side cables which number is less than a number of the transducer side signal lines and are connected to an apparatus body, switching units for switching connections of a transducer side cables of groups A and C which is connected to the apparatus body side cables of group D, and resistors provided between the transducer side cables of group B and the apparatus body side cables of group E.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for medical imaging using diffusive optical tomography and fluorescent diffusive optical tomography and ultrasound are disclosed. In one embodiment, the probe comprises emitters and detectors that are inclined at an angle of about 1 to about 30 degrees to a surface of the probe that contacts tissue. In another embodiment, the scanned volume is divided into an inclusion region and a background region. Different voxel sizes are used in the inclusion region and the background region. Appropriate algorithms facilitate a reconstruction of the inclusion region to determine structural and functional features of the inclusion.

Abstract: A scan conversion method for ultrasonic imaging is disclosed. The method comprises a storage step for storing sample data derived from ultrasonic echo signals into a memory; a conversion step for performing conversion between target coordinate points in a display coordinate system and interpolation coordinate points in a sampling coordinate system; and an interpolation step for interpolating several sample data adjacent to the interpolation coordinate points to obtain the interpolation data at the interpolation coordinate points, wherein the interpolation step includes a nonlinear interpolation substep selected for low-pass filter of the ultrasonic echo signals. When interpolation is conducted along Axis ? of the polar coordinates, 4-point interpolation may be used. The interpolation coefficient may be based on cubic B-spline function, which has relatively uniform low-pass filter effects, thereby reducing noise result from interpolation in ultrasonic image.