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: 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. The specialized filter implements a linear ramp function, a windowing function, and/or a polynomial function. 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: 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 apparatus for cooling a gradient coil assembly of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system and for controlling a temperature of a magnet warm bore is provided. The gradient coil assembly includes an inner gradient coil assembly and an outer gradient coil assembly. A first cooling circuit is provided that has a cooling tube positioned at a distance from the inner gradient coil assembly. The cooling tube of the first cooling circuit is configured to transport a first coolant having a first temperature. A second cooling circuit is provided that has a cooling tube positioned at a distance from the outer gradient coil assembly. The cooling tube of the second cooling circuit is configured to transport a second coolant having a second temperature. The apparatus also includes a controller coupled to the first cooling circuit and the second cooling circuit. The controller is configured to independently control the first temperature of the first coolant and the second temperature of the second coolant.

Abstract: A detector for a portable imaging system includes a flash memory including a full set of configuration parameters and calibration files. The detector also includes a transmit and receive unit for communicating with the portable imaging system. The detector still further includes a detector controller responding to a request for identification of the detector received through the transmit and receive unit. The detector transmits calibration data and configuration data from the flash memory to the portable imaging system and boots the detector.

Abstract: A connecting assembly with main and secondary connectors is disclosed herein. The connecting assembly comprises: a main connector provided with a secondary connector for operably engaging and disengaging the main connector. The secondary connector is provided with a first connecting part, electrically coupled to the main connector and a second connecting part, provided on a substantially fixed support. The first connecting part is provided in association with a guiding mechanism, so that it can move along the guiding mechanism to engage and disengage with the second connecting part. In an embodiment the second connecting part is provided with a floating mechanism to align its position with respect to the first connecting part during engagement. The connecting assembly can be disengaged by disconnecting the secondary connector by pulling a cable associated with the main connector.

Abstract: A method for installing a locking retainer in a tube to maintain internal components within the tube under compression comprising the steps of: a) providing an elongated retainer spring having large and small diameter sections with the large diameter section of a size for an interference fit with the interior diameter of the tube and the smaller diameter section of a size having a clearance with the interior diameter of the tube; b) inserting a smaller diameter section of an elongated tool into the larger diameter section of the elongated retainer spring; c) engaging a transition between the smaller and larger diameter sections of the tool against a transition between the larger and smaller diameter sections of the elongated retainer spring; d) inserting the combined tool and retainer spring into an open end of the tube containing internal components with an end of the smaller diameter section of the retainer spring entering the tube first; e) advancing the combined tool and retainer spring within the tube to

Abstract: A computed tomography assembly is provided comprising at least one clamped imaging component and a clamping fastener having a clamping head attached thereto. A load-sensing washer is positioned between the clamping head and the at least one clamped imaging component and includes a pressure sensor element in communication with a wireless transmitter transmitting a fastener load value. A wireless receiver is adapted to remotely receive the fastener load value and a processor in communication with the wireless receiver includes logic adapted to monitor the fastener load value in real time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tomosynthesis image quality control for a tomosynthesis imaging system. The method and apparatus including: positioning a phantom having an edge of predetermined sharpness at a predetermined angle relative to an imaging plane of an x-ray detector; performing tomosynthesis acquisition and generating one or more slice images using one or more three-dimensional reconstruction algorithms; selecting a slice image to be measured from the one or more slice images; identifying a sharpest edge in the slice image to be measured, wherein the sharpest edge in the slice image to be measured includes the in-focus portion of the phantom; inputting the slice image to be measured and coordinates of the sharpest edge in the slice image to be measured into a modulation transfer function (MTF) algorithm; and, using the MTF algorithm, calculating the in-plane resolution and slice thickness of the slice image to be measured.

Abstract: An imaging assembly is provided comprising an x-ray tube housing having a tube mounting hub and formed from a lightweight material. A rotating gantry assembly includes a gantry mounting surface adapted to engage said tube mounting hub. A plurality of barrel nut fasteners secure the tube mounting hub to the gantry mounting surface while reducing stress in said x-ray tube housing.

Abstract: An infant care apparatus having a canopy movable with respect to an infant support for supporting an infant between a lower position enclosing the infant in an infant compartment and an upper position opening the infant compartment. The canopy has an opening and a door that can be closed to block the opening and opened to unblock the opening. A radiant heater is located in a fixed position above the infant support to direct infrared energy toward the infant support. When the canopy is in its lower position, a convective heating system warms the infant compartment. The door either closes as the canopy moves to its lower position or opens as the canopy moves to its upper position.

Abstract: Signal-adaptive noise reduction in digital radiographic images is described herein. Embodiments comprise methods for signal-adaptive noise reduction in digital radiographic images, comprising the steps of: obtaining raw x-ray image data of an imaged object; processing the raw x-ray image data to create processed x-ray image data; inputting at least one of the raw x-ray image data and the processed x-ray image data to an image processor; developing at least one of a first intensity modulation image from the raw x-ray image data and a second intensity modulation image from the processed x-ray image data; deriving a structure-dependent noise filtered image using the processed x-ray image data; performing signal attenuation-dependent blending; and creating a noise-reduced digital x-ray image therefrom.

Abstract: A computer workstation has interchangeable user interfaces, thereby to allow a single workstation to carry out a plurality of work functions. When the user interface is changed, the workstation visual display is correspondingly changed to show a format and information associated with the operative user interface. Functions available from the workstation CPU may also be changed.

Abstract: Steering electrodes are used to improve the uniformity and efficiency of solid-state semiconductor x-ray detectors. The steering electrodes are insulated from the semiconductor material so as to prevent surface current flows that degrade the signal to noise ratio of the detected signal. A simple fabrication technique employing photolithographic techniques may be employed.

Abstract: A thin film piezoelectric material employs an array of metallic backer plates to provide high output, non-resonant ultrasonic transmission and reception suitable for ultrasonic measurement and/or imaging.

Abstract: This invention describes novel chemical compounds whose structures are hybrids between sulfur-containing and non-sulfur-containing silanes wherein the two types of silanes are linked by siloxane bonds. The invention includes methods of preparation for the hybrid silanes as well as their use in filled rubbers as coupling agents. The hybrid silanes described are unique in that a certain amount of water in their preparation leads to superior performance in their intended application, and that they can thus be produced more efficiently and safely than coupling agents currently used in the art, from readily available hydrated raw materials.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which a solid-state X-Ray detector is electronically scrubbed and a flat-field X-Ray exposure of the solid-state X-Ray detector is simulated in reference to an adjusted bias of the solid-state X-Ray detector. The simulation yields a gain image of the solid-state X-Ray detector which is in turn suitable for calibrating the solid-state X-Ray detector without projecting an X-Ray beam onto the solid-state X-Ray detector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for controlling the transmit power of an analog modem when the transmit power level does not match the desired transmit power level, thus conforming to FCC regulations on transmit power and/or eliminating non-linearities associated with higher than required power levels and loss of signal-to-noise ratio and concomitant at loss of data rate if the transmit power levels are less than that desired. In one embodiment, the power level at the analog modem is sensed to ascertain if it is not at the desired transmit power level, with adjustment being provided by transmitting the desired change in the transmit power level to the digital modem, whereupon mapping parameters are redefined by adjusting the number of equivalence classes, thus to adjust transmit power at analog modem.

Abstract: A method of detecting a signal (S) of interest contained within a waveform (F) comprised of a plurality of signals within a frequency spectrum, as well as random noise. After first detecting the waveform, a determination is made as to whether the duration (Td) of the waveform is sufficient for subsequent processing. If the duration is not sufficient, the waveform is concatenated with itself to produce a waveform of sufficient duration. The concatenated waveform is then processed and the results supplied as an input to an oscillator (24) operating at a nominal output frequency. The oscillator cancels the effects of noise in the waveform and the frequency of the oscillator shifts to a different frequency which is a function of the signal of interest. The shift in output frequency of the oscillator is detected and analyzed to obtain the signal of interest. The oscillator can be either a general purpose oscillator or a Van der Pol oscillator.

Abstract: An integrated electronic system housing and magnet structure (12) for an imaging system (10) includes a housing (40) and a radio frequency shield (46). The housing (40) is coupled to the magnet structure (13) and contains imaging system support electronics (42). The radio frequency shield (46) is coupled to the housing (40) and prevents radio frequency interference of a radio frequency receiver coil (30) from the imaging system support electronics (42).