An arrangement for noninvasively detecting both alternating and direct biocurrents in a living organism applies a magnetic field to the organism, such that a biocurrent flowing in the organism interacts with the applied magnetic field to generate a force in the tissue of the organism at the location of the biocurrent, producing an acoustic response thereat. The acoustic response is detected by placing at least one acoustic transducer detector, such as a microphone, in proximity to the organism, such that the detected acoustic response corresponds to the biocurrent. The applied magnetic field can be generated by a circular array of magnetic field generators placed symmetrically about the organism. The applied magnetic field can be rotated relative to the organism by selectively energizing opposite pairs of magnetic field generators in sequence. An array of acoustic detectors can be placed in proximity to the organism, such that the timed response of each detector in relationship to the timed response of the other detectors or to the phase of the applied magnetic field provides information on the magnitude and location of the biocurrent.
An ultrasonic medical imaging apparatus provides an ultransonic transducer constructed with polyvinylidene fluoride. Circuitry is included for generating an energizing pulse for the transducer, the pulse having a predetermined period and an instantaneous frequency which is varied from a first frequency to a second frequency during the period. Circuitry is provided for digitizing electrical signals from the transducer which electrical signals represent ultrasonic reflections received by the transducer in response to the energizing pulse, and a signal processor cross-correlates the digitized electrical signals with the energizing pulse.
A stethoscope for use with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) screenings in order to supervise a patient, including a bell chest piece adapted to pick up audible heart and breathing sounds or other bodily sounds from the patient, a flexible hollow tube connected at one end thereof to the bell chest piece and adapted to transmit audible heart and breathing sounds from the bell chest piece. The novel features of the invention are, a microphone member adapted to be arranged at the opposite side the tube outside the zone of the maximum field strength of the NMR equipment and adapted to convert the acoustic signals into corresponding electrical signals, an optical transmitter to which the microphone member is connected and from which optical signals are transmitted to the surrounding in at least one direction, the optical signals corresponding to the electrical signals, and at least one receiver for receiving the optical signals from the optical transmitter and for converting the optical signals into electrical signals corresponding to said audible sounds.
The invention is directed to the use of magnetic field designed pulses for the diagnoses and classification of severity of disease states and disability in humans and animals.
The invention is directed to the use of magnetic shielding alone and magnetic shielding combined with magnetic field stimulation in methods for the treatment, diagnosis and assessment of disease, condition, or physical or mental state. The invention also includes portable devices for the shielding of magnetic fields for therapy and treatment of disease, condition, or physical or mental state.
