Abstract: A computer implemented method of generating a succession of two-dimensional image frames for a slab cine multi-planar reformatting (MPR) process by advancing a slab through a volume defined by a volume data set, including receiving a volume data set defining a volume; specifying a view axis with respect to the volume; advancing a slab through the volume along the view axis in incremental step sizes smaller than the slab thickness; and determining at each slab position an MPR view by: selecting a plurality of sample points along each of a plurality of rays cast through the slab, and performing a projection of the sample points on to an image plane using an a projection function, wherein at least some of the sample points used for the overlap region are re-used from the previous slab position.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of generating a succession of two-dimensional image frames for a slab cine multi-planar reformatting (MPR) process by advancing a slab through a volume defined by a volume data set, including receiving a volume data set defining a volume; specifying a view axis with respect to the volume; advancing a slab through the volume along the view axis in incremental step sizes smaller than the slab thickness; and determining at each slab position an MPR view by: selecting a plurality of sample points along each of a plurality of rays cast through the slab, and performing a projection of the sample points on to an image plane using an a projection function, wherein at least some of the sample points used for the overlap region are re-used from the previous slab position.

Abstract: A power conversion apparatus for converting power from an alternating source to dc includes an input stage for receiving power from the alternating source, which includes an input filter, a rectifier for rectifying the alternating signal, a capacitor for storing energy from the rectified signal, and an output for outputting power from the rectifying means and the capacitor to the pulsed load. The pulsed load has at least one switched winding which receives power from the output, and wherein the capacitor is configured such that the voltage across the capacitor falls below 15% of the nominal peak rectified voltage of the source during each cycle of the alternating source. A converter of this kind provides benefits in that the current drawn from the ac supply falls within limits imposed by regulations and is simpler and cheaper than known converters of a similar power rating.

Abstract: The invention provides drying apparatus including a first chamber for receiving articles to be dried and having an outlet, a second chamber having an outlet, and a fan having a fan inlet and a fan outlet, the fan inlet communicating with the outlet of the first chamber and the fan outlet communicating with the second chamber. The apparatus further includes a vacuum pump communicating with the outlet of the second chamber so that transfer of thermal energy can take place between the first and second chambers. The invention also provides a method of drying including placing articles into a first chamber, evacuating a significant proportion of the air from the first chamber and from a second chamber, evacuating water vapor from the first chamber to the second chamber, allowing the water vapor to condense in the second chamber, and transferring thermal energy from the second chamber to the first chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides drying apparatus (10; 100; 200; 300) comprising a first chamber (32; 132; 232; 332) for receiving articles to be dried and having an outlet (38; 138; 238), a second chamber (26;126; 226;326) having an outlet (28a; 128; 228; 328), and a fan (40; 140; 240; 340) having a fan inlet and a fan outlet, the fan inlet communicating with the outlet (38; 138; 238) of the first chamber (32; 132; 232; 332) and the fan outlet communicating with the second chamber (26;126; 226; 326), the apparatus (10; 100; 200; 300) further comprising a vacuum pump (30; 130; 230; 330) communicating with the outlet (28a; 128; 228; 328) of the second chamber (26;126; 226; 326), the arrangement being such that transfer of thermal energy can take place between the first and second chambers (32, 26; 132,126; 232, 226; 332, 326).