Abstract: New methods of generating optimal inversion pulses and adiabatic pulses in magnetic resonance imaging are disclosed. Trajectories, maximum sweep rates, and velocity profiles are used in defining an optimal pulse, over support regions. Adiabatic pulses are optimized by using the trajectory as a constraint of optimization, but selecting trajectories with velocity profiles, without using the adiabatic condition as a constraint for optimizing the velocity profile. A method or inverting MR spins substantially, independently of the pulse duration, by selecting a transition width between 1.4 and 1.9 and dividing that width by the pulse duration is disclosed; and A new method of inverting adiabatic, MR, amplitude modulated spins, with a trajectory defined by sin .alpha./cos .alpha., where .alpha.<0.9 and at least 50% of the trajectory is outside, in a z-x rotating frame of reference that rotates at the instantaneous frequency of the RF pulse is also taught.

Abstract: A method is provided for improving visual definition in a CT X-ray image having high attenuation objects such as metal prostheses and implants. The method provides for determining extents of the high attenuation objects and reducing the artifacts that the high attenuation objects cause in the image without completely removing the high attenuation objects from the image.

Abstract: Apparatus for creating an image indicating distances to objects in a scene. The invention is comprised of a radiation source and modulator, telecentric optics for receiving and collimating the radiation reflected from the scene, a detector and a processor. The detector receives the collimated, reflected radiation and sends a signal to the processor. The processor forms an image having an intensity value distribution indicative of the distance of objects form the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of synchronizing an interactive connection and a non-interactive data transfer connection between a client and a service provider, comprising:creating an interactive connection;creating a data transfer connection; andgenerating a session ID which is associated with the two connections.

Abstract: Apparatus for creating an image indicating distances to objects in a scene, comprising: a modulated source of radiation, having a first modulation function, which directs radiation toward a scene; a detector, which detects radiation reflected from the scene, modulated by a second modulation function, and generates, responsive to said detected modulated radiation, signals responsive to the distance to regions of the scene; a processor, which receives signals from the detector and forms an image, based on the signals, having an intensity value distribution indicative of the distance of objects from the apparatus; and a controller, which varies at least one of the first and second modulation functions, responsive to the intensity value distribution of the image formed by the processor.

Abstract: Determining the magnitude of the calibration RF pulse using the signal phase rather than the signal amplitude.

Abstract: A cardiac assist device includes a cannula with intake and outflow valve in the distal end portion is positioned in a bloodstream. A diaphragm in the proximal portion of the cannula, powered by external pressure-producing mechanism, forms a reservoir to exert pressure on the cannula volume at the valves to effect blood flow assistance to the patient's heart.

Abstract: A Computerized Tomographic (CT) helical scanner system including multiple, separate x-ray sources mounted on the same gantry, each irradiating different two-dimensional detectors at any given time to simultaneously acquire data from multiple slices and combining the data obtained from the multiple slices to provide images either of individual slices or combined slices.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with actively shielded magnetic resonance (MR) devices and more particularly with an improved system which includes only a single former. All the coils of the system those with backward current and those with forward current, can all be wound in a single process on a single former machined during a single installation.

Abstract: A method of registering a plurality of functional images using both structural images and gating.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance angiography method for acquiring angiographic images using any or all of three different types of selective presaturation pulses to the particular parts of the body for enhancing vascular imaging. The three types are:1) an inversion pulse applied prior to the application of a burst of RF pulses used for tipping the spins designed to eliminate signals from unwanted blood entering the field of view being imaged,2) inversion pulses applied between the first inversion pulse and the first of the Rf pulses used to suppress blood not properly suppressed by the first type of suppression pulses, such as fast flowing blood, and3) saturation pulses applied within the burst of RF pulses to suppress signals from slow flowing blood when in the 2D acquisition mode. Special heart and breath gating methods are also described that enable good compromises between image quality and scan time.

Abstract: A dual headed gamma camera arrangement wherein a first head is juxtaposed to a second head to define an angle therebetween.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with magnetic resonance imaging (MR) systems and more particularly with special MRI systems which enable rotating the data acquisition apparatus of the MRI system. Such systems enables imaging different body parts at a variety of angles; thus providing better diagnostic possibilities.