Acuson Corporation

Other

John D Marshall

John W Sliwa, Jr

Paul E Chandler

Dermot P McCartan

John C Gaddy

Sassan Shahidi

S Lawrence Marple, Jr

Gelston Howell

Donald R Mullen

Gregory A Reynolds

Michael Hazarian

Behnam Mehmanpazir

David L Lidgey

A method is provided for automatic digital audio mixing of at least two digital audio files. The method comprises reading samples from the digital audio files, processing the samples to determine a scale factor for each of the files, applying the scale factors to the samples of each of their corresponding files, and summing the scaled samples to create a single digital audio output file.

Computer based automatic audio mixer

A method is provided for synchronizing an audio capture program with a streamed audio file. The method comprises receiving at least one selection request from a user connected to a server device, the transmission of a program from the server device to the user client device, the streaming of digital audio data from the server device to the client device, and the detection of state changes associated with an audio stream player disposed within the client device. The transmitted program prepares an audio capture program on the client device in response to state changes associated with the audio stream player and initiates audio capture at a fixed time interval from when the playback state change is detected.

Synchronized streamed playback and recording for personal computers

An ultrasound probe for diagnostic medical ultrasound imaging, including an ultrasound transducer and a circuit having a plurality of states to limit the use of the ultrasound probe. Ultrasound probe use can be limited based on a unique identification number (e.g., selected by means of electrically programmable fuses) assigned to each ultrasound probe. Alternatively, the ultrasound system software monitors and updates the number of times that the ultrasound probe has been used. Another aspect of the invention is directed to an ultrasound system, including an ultrasound probe with multiple states, a circuit to program and to receive state data from the ultrasound probe and interpret the state data, and a cable to communicate state data between the ultrasound probe and the processor. Another aspect of the invention is directed to a method for using a limited use ultrasound probe, including the steps of determining the state of a circuit in the limited use ultrasound probe and determining if the ultrasound probe can be used.

Apparatus and method to limit the life span of a diagnostic medical ultrasound probe

A system and method for tracking the position and orientation of a movable medical imaging device using a first and second sensor disposed on the device. The second sensor is of a different type than the first sensor and measures a P/O parameter different from that of the first sensor. The system and method also include techniques for recalibrating sensors using measurements from other sensors and improving the measurements made by some sensors using measurements from other sensors. The system and method also include measuring the position of a medical implement relative to a movable medical imaging device by providing a first and second subsystem on the medical implement and a third and fourth subsystem on the movable medical imaging device. The first subsystem has a sensor of a first type and the second subsystem has a sensor of a second type different from the sensor of the first type. The third subsystem has a sensor of a third type and the fourth subsystem has a sensor of a fourth type different from the third type.

Motion--Monitoring method and system for medical devices

An electronic device placed in series with the probe ground-to-chassis connection. The device comprises a current-detecting element such as a resistor or RC network and may employ frequency-discriminating circuitry to limit only ground current signals below a certain frequency. The detector element triggers either a current limiter or a latching switch to prevent currents exceeding about 20 .mu.A rms from flowing between the probe and the patient. This is achieved by limiting such currents dynamically or by latching the transducer-probe-ground/system-chassis connection in an 'open' state. In normal operation, the limiting/latching function is inactive, i.e. it is transparent to the system and the device shunts noise signals to the system chassis to prevent image degradation. The resistance of the device in normal operation may be in the range of about 0.1 to 10 ohms for effective noise reduction (shielding) at operating frequencies at and above 100 kHz. Preferably, the insertion resistance is about 2 ohms or less. Upon detection of an overcurrent event, the hardware may additionally be configured to notify the imaging system of the potential hazard. The imaging system may, in turn, display a warning message on its screen, and/or it may lock out further use of the system. The system may also be configured to reset the transducer-probe-ground/system-chassis connection and the current detector via software control after the single-fault condition abates.

Ground safety device for medical ultrasound probes

A transducer array control system for use with a transducer housing and a transducer array that includes a sensing mechanism that generates a sensor signal having a first state indicative of the use of the transducer array. A control mechanism generates a transducer disabling signal when the sensor signal fails to enter the first state within a selected time period. Methods for disabling a transducer array are also provided.

Apparatus and method for controlling an ultrasound transducer array

A connector is provided for preventing damage to contacts between components of an electrical system which is particularly useful when electrical energy is stored in at least one of the components. The connector includes a mechanically operated latching member for activating and deactivating an electrical interface between the components. In one embodiment, a sensor determines when the connector is being disconnected from one of the components and provides a signal used by one of the components for disabling a power source providing the energy. In another embodiment, the sensor derived disconnect signal controls dissipating the stored energy away from the contacts between the components before the contacts are physically disengaged.

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Redwood City, CA, United States of America

John D Marshall