What are the main uses of the ultrasound machines?

A technology well-known in the medical fields, ultrasound technology has a wide variety of applications and is used in countless industries. === === Ultrasound uses echoes of sound waves to construct a three dimensional image of the inside of the body, most commonly recognized with pregnancy and the viewing of a developing fetus. Ultrasound is also used for: * detecting pelvic abnormalities * treating benign and malignant tumors and other disorders * cleaning teeth in dental hygiene * treating cataracts * continuous ultrasonic sound waves are used by physiotherapists for treating deep soft tissue injuries - promoting healing (loosens scar tissue) and helping to relieve pain by heating the tissue * pulse ultrasonic sound waves are used in cases where the heating of the tissues is undesireable * phonophoresis is a process where ultrasound is used for pushing anti-inflammatory drugs into the body * lithotripsy is the process of breaking up kidney stones with sound waves In addition, ultrasound is also being used as a replacement for traditional thermal and mechanical manufacturing processes and techniques and as a non-destructive method for finding flaws in metals, plastic and other materials; measuring the thickness of objects; and heat transferring in liquids. Ultrasonic cleaning is also used by jewelers for cleaning fine jewelry. There are also several applications currently being tested. Ultrasonic weapons are currently in development where a focused beam of sound is used to injure or incapacitate. Sonoluminescence is another use being investigated for nuclear fusion. Researchers recently employed ultrasound in dry corn milling plant to enhance ethanol production. Ultrasonics are also used in humidifiers, nebulizing the water to produce a fine mist that helps some people breathe.