Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments a thermal sensor of a magnetic coil of a magnetic resonance imaging system (MRI) is positioned, placed and/or mounted externally to the magnetic coil. The external placement of the thermal sensor does not require replacement of the entire magnetic coil, yielding less expensive replacement of a failed thermal sensor.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which collimation edges in an X-ray image are located from information in the X-ray image.

Abstract: A system provides a multi-axis translation and orientation capability for optical imaging. The system includes an optical imaging apparatus providing a signal representing a digitized image, and a mechanical frame. The frame includes a first set of articulations capable of independently translating the optical imaging apparatus in multiple linear directions. The system also includes a second set of articulations formed as joints providing at least three independent degrees of rotation of the optical imaging apparatus. The system also provides an opening configured to permit the frame to be postured about a patient such that an isocenter corresponds to a region of interest of the patient, and includes an illumination source attached to the frame and configured to direct illumination towards the isocenter. The system also comprises a camera system co-located with the illumination source and having a focal plane at the isocenter.

Abstract: In embodiments, x-ray apparatus for imaging a subject, the x-ray apparatus having a base assembly and an x-ray source supported by the base assembly, the x-ray source being operable for generating x-ray energy, the x-ray apparatus having a control system for controlling operation of the x-ray source, the x-ray apparatus including: a detector for detecting a monitored condition, the detector generating detector output; the control system receiving the detector output; and the control system including a portable visual indicator independent of the base assembly and portable in relation thereto, the portable visual indicator displaying a state of the monitored condition.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which, in some embodiments, an extending column is comprised of a plurality of stacked slides that are mounted to each other through linear bearing assemblies that allow the extending column to telescope inward and outward. Some embodiments of the extending column have a synchronization mechanism between each slide to extend each slide in equal distances relative to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for magnetic resonance imaging is described having a casing with an inner bore which in some embodiments is substantially frustoconical shape for receiving a subject. The apparatus contains devices disposed in the casing to create a uniform field within an inner bore. The apparatus employs dual access since the inner bore has a first and second end at the outer edge of the casing for which the part of the subject's body would travel so as to be imaged. Further, in some embodiments, the apparatus provides one or more recesses for inserting at least one gradient coils into position about an inner bore. The MRI system induces resonance in selected dipoles in an examination region created along an inner bore of a casing housing in a magnetic resonance imaging system such that the selected dipoles generate magnetic resonance signals to create an image representation of the part of the subject's body.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments field-effect-transistor (FET) leakage is estimated recursively from a pixel value obtained when the FET is off. The corrected pixel value is then obtained by subtracting the FET leakage estimate from the pixel value read when the FET is on. A weighing factor is introduced for the FET leakage estimation to achieve the balance between image noise and correction resolution.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method of digital image processing is provided wherein the method includes the actions of (i) segmenting a data set of an image to be processed, based on predetermined conditions (ii) generating a maximum intensity projection of the segmented data set (iii) closing-by-reconstruction of said data set in parallel to action (ii) (iv) combining the result of action (i) with result of action (iii) by a logical AND function, and (v) replacing pixels of undesired intensity in result of action (ii) by pixels of desired intensity from result of action (iv).

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in one aspect, a three-dimensional (3D) image of an object is constructed from a plurality of two-dimensional (2D) images of the object using a specialized filter. In some embodiments, the specialized filter implements a linear ramp function, a windowing function, and/or a polynomial function. In some embodiments, the 3D image is back-projected from the filtered two-dimensional images, yielding a 3D image that has improved visual distinction of overlapping anatomic structures and reduced blurring.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which a bin that is operable to store digital X-ray detectors includes one or more shock absorbers on the inside of the digital X-ray detector storage bin.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments the line time of an X-Ray detector is dynamically selected so as to nullify an aliased interference signal. The frequency of a noise signal generated by a source external to the digital X-ray detector is determined and, based on the determined frequency, the line time of the digital X-ray is adjusted so as to compensate for the interfering noise. The frequency of the noise can be directly determined from an electromagnetic interference (EMI) sensor or derived through analysis of the power spectrum of the noise signal.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which multi-slice acquisitions of T1?-weighted data are combined to form quantitative T1? values without retrospective correction for the contaminating effects of other MR relaxation parameters.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments an X-Ray energy target includes composite material that varies spatially in thermal properties, and in some embodiments, the composite material varies spatially in strength properties. In some embodiments, the spatial variance is a continuum and in other embodiments, the spatial variance is a plurality of distinct portions.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an anode cooling system for a rotating-anode type X-ray tube includes a heat pipe arrangement comprising an evaporator part coupled to an anode, a condenser part coupled to a bearing of the anode, and a plurality of heat pipes arranged in mutually opposing configuration, in-between the evaporator part and the condenser part, wherein the resultant dynamic force on the heat pipes is substantially zero. In some embodiments, an anode cooling system for an X-ray tube, comprises a first heat pipe configured for operating at a predetermined high first temperature range near an anode, a second heat pipe configured for operating at a predetermined low second temperature range coupled to the first heat pipe, and a heat sink coupled to the second heat pipe, and a liquid metal filled in-between the heat pipes and the anode to transfer heat from the anode to the heat pipe by convection.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a gantry rotating around an object on a table. A cathode emitter is coupled to the gantry and generates an electron beam. An anode, also coupled to the gantry, is stationary with respect to the cathode emitter and generates an x-ray flux in response to the electron beam. A detector is coupled to the gantry and is adapted to receive the x-ray flux and generate therefrom a detector signal.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which heat produced in the patient examination space by the power used to create electromagnetic fields in an MRI/MRS system is significantly reduced by coolant carried by one of two split connected concentric coil layers of one of two of the primary gradient coils used to alter the main magnetic field. The coil carrying the coolant is made of copper tubing. The second primary gradient coil is placed between the layers of the split primary gradient coil. Adjusting the number of turns in each layer of the split primary gradient coil adjusts the heat generated. The inductances and resistances of the two primary gradient coils are balanced by adjusting the gain of the coils.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing independent exposure detection, X-ray spectrum and timing compensation, and providing an exposure termination signal to an X-ray system. The system incorporates an interface for receiving exposure characteristic data such as kVp, spectral filter, and focal spot. The system through a programmed controller determines one or more control parameters based on the received exposure characteristic data and generates a control signal for controlling an X-ray source.

Abstract: A single-leaf X-ray collimator comprises at least one collimating leaf member having at least one collimating aperture. The collimating leaf member is adapted to be configured to rotate about at least one of a vertical or horizontal plane. The collimator provides elliptical collimation and hence improved dosage efficiency.

Abstract: An x-ray tube target assembly 16 is provided. The assembly 16 includes a target disc element 18 having a target bore 22. A target shaft 20 transmits rotational drive to the target disc element 18. The target shaft 20 includes a plurality of axial adjustment slots 30 formed in an upper portion. The plurality of axial adjustment slots 30 are positioned around the target shaft 20 to form a plurality of partial circumferential ribs 36. The plurality of partial circumferential ribs 36 are brazed to the target bore 22.