A potential difficulty in A/D conversion using microcomputer systems.

Instrumentation was developed to apply controlled biaxial (normal and shear) forces to the skin of a human or animal subject. The instrument mimicked any reference waveform within the constraints of a bandwidth of 15 Hz, a maximum force of 20 N, and displacement ranges of 15 mm for the normal direction and 18 mm for the shear direction. Two shaker motors, positioned with their axes parallel, were used with a low effective mass linkage and small-angle rotational joints to deliver the force. A digital feedback controller independently controlled the instantaneous normal and shear forces and recorded the resultant displacements. Evaluations on human and animal (pig) subjects demonstrated mean absolute errors between the applied and reference waveforms of less than 1.2% full-scale output for both the normal and shear directions. No degradation in performance was apparent over the course of a 1-h loading session. The instrument is to be used for the investigation of skin adaptation to mechanical stress, information that could be used to design new therapeutic methods to encourage skin load-tolerance.

Analog-Digital Conversion↗

PubMed1997

Extensimetric monitoring of healing in the treatment with the Ilizarov apparatus. A multicenter clinical trial.

The results of a multicentric review are reported using the extensimetric instrumentation applied to the Ilizarov device. This clinical trial the follows same theoretical and experimental preliminary studies, outlines the advantages and current limits of the method, and sets the bases for further clinical and experimental research.

Analog-Digital Conversion↗

PubMed1996

Evolution of echocardiography.

The evolution of echocardiography has been interesting and dramatic. The technology has grown and has become an integral part of the practice of cardiology. As with all technology, there are advantages and disadvantages. The principal disadvantage is the fact that education and training are imperative to provide high-quality examinations and proper interpretations. In addition, many of the diagnoses are still qualitative and subjective. The principal advantage is the amazing versatility of this technology. The wealth of information that can be provided both noninvasively with a transthoracic examination and invasively with either transesophageal or intravascular ultrasound is tremendous. The anatomic and physiological data provided frequently give definitive diagnoses. If performed properly and for the right reason, this test should be very cost effective and should be a major asset in the coming era of medical cost containment. There are many technological advances that should enhance this information. With technology such as digital recordings, it is hoped that the clinicians will have better access to these data and will be more comfortable in interacting with this important diagnostic tool.

Analog-Digital Conversion↗