Abstract: The present invention relates to lung measurement. In order to provide enhanced information about a patient that facilitates further assessment steps, 2D X-ray image data of a patient's chest is provided, and the image data is segmented to identify lung structures to provide segmented image data separated from un-segmented areas. Further, spatial lung volume information is extracted from the image data using the segmented image data derived from the image data. Still further, lungs symmetry information is determined using the extracted spatial lung volume information. Finally, the lungs symmetry information is provided to a user. For example, a 2D X-ray image data of a patient's chest is provided (84) and a lungs mask image is formed (86) after the step of segmenting the input image data. Then, the lungs mask image is used to define areas, within which a predetermined adaptation is applied (88) to the original 2D X-ray image data producing a thorax mask image.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatic selection of optimal tomography slices by executing a number of tentative segmentations using the same interactively provided in-slice seed point on some or all available tomography slices. The appropriate segmentation boundaries are then marked and the slice with the best segmentation goodness value (figure of merit) is presented to the user via a viewer. The steps are repeated when the user changes the seed point. The optimal segmentation boundary is displayed on top of a single simulated mammography image, fused from all tomography slice images.

Abstract: A digital image (40) comprises pixels with intensities relating to different energy levels.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus for image acquisition and a related method. The apparatus comprises a field-of-view corrector (CS) configured to receive a scout image (SI) acquired by the imager with a tentative collimator setting in a pre-shot imaging phase where said imager operates with a low dosage radiation cone causing the detector to register the scout image. The low dosage cone has, in the detector's image plane, a first cross section smaller than the total area of the detector surface. The field-of-view corrector (CS) uses said scout image to establish field-of-view correction information for a subsequent imaging phase where the imager is to operate with a high dosage radiation cone, the high dosage higher than the low dosage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical image viewing in relation with navigation in X-ray imaging. In order to provide improved X-ray images, for example for cardiac procedures, allowing a facilitated perception while ensuring that increased details are visible, a medical image viewing device (10) for navigation in X-ray imaging is provided that comprises an image data providing unit (12), a processing unit (14), and a display unit (16). The image data providing unit is configured to provide an angiographic image of a region of interest of an object. The processing unit is configured to identify a suppression area for partial bone suppression within the angiographic image, and to identify and locally suppress predetermined bone structures in the angiographic image in the suppression area, and to generate a partly-bone-suppressed image. Further, the display unit is configured to display the partly-bone-suppressed image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compression of breasts during mammography, and in particular to a compression element for a breast holding arrangement for mammography examinations. In order to ensure an increased user comfort and an improved application of pressure force, a compression element (10) for a breast holding arrangement for mammography examinations is provided, comprising a supporting structure (12), a first surface (14), and a second surface (16). The supporting structure is configured to be attached to a mounting structure for exerting a compression force on a breast under examination. The first and second surfaces are attached to the support structure; and the first and second surfaces are arranged facing in opposite directions. The second surface is provided to compress the breast under examination. The first surface is provided to be visible to a user, wherein the first surface is provided as an optically adaptable surface (18).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the presentation of image information of an object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to guiding in positioning a region of interest of a patient for X-ray image acquisition. In order to improve and facilitate positioning of a patient for X-ray image acquisitions, an X-ray imaging guiding system (10) for positioning a patient for X-ray image acquisitions is provided, comprising an X-ray detector arrangement (12), and adaptable graphical positioning information (14). The graphical positioning information comprises at least a graphical target anatomy representation (16). The graphical target positioning information is provided in spatial relation with the X-ray detector arrangement. The graphical target anatomy representation indicates a target position (18) of a respective anatomy of the patient for a determined X-ray image acquisition. Further, the graphical positioning information is adaptable in accordance with the determined X-ray image acquisition.

Abstract: A method and device (1) for imaging soft body tissue such as a female breast is proposed. X-ray projection techniques and optical tomography techniques are combined. First image data for a first image of a breast (17) may be acquired by X-ray projection using an X-ray source (3) and an X-ray detector (5). Second image data for a second image may be acquired using optical tomography equipment comprising a light source (9) and a light detector (11). From the first image data, estimated bulk optical properties of the breast (17) are be derived. Based on such estimated bulk optical properties, an optical tomography image is reconstructed from the second image data with high image quality. Performing mammography acquisition at different compression states of the breast (17) may improve patient comfort. Mammograms may be acquired at two different compression states wherein a first compression state is adapted to provide high image resolution.

Abstract: The invention relates to X-ray imaging technology as well as image post-processing and analyzing. An X-ray imaging system element (3), an X-ray imaging system (2), the use of a system element in an X-ray imaging system and the method (40) of determining a deflection of a compression element is disclosed. The X-ray imaging system element (3) comprises two compression elements (8a, 8b), which are movable relative to one another. An object (10) is introducible and compressible between the compression elements. At least one of the compression elements is adapted to alter its geometrical shape and/or alignment relative to the other during compression. At least one partly X-ray opaque marker element (24) is provided on one of the compression elements, which marker element is adapted to allow detection of an alteration of the geometrical shape of the respective compression element (8a, b).

Abstract: An apparatus for automatic selection of optimal tomography slices by executing a number of tentative segmentations using the same interactively provided in-slice seed point on some or all available tomography slices. The appropriate segmentation boundaries are then marked and the slice with the best segmentation goodness value (figure of merit) is presented to the user via a viewer. The steps are repeated when the user changes the seed point. The optimal segmentation boundary is displayed on top of a single simulated mammography image, fused from all tomography slice images.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing of tubular free-shaped articles having an inner polymer layer and an outer polymer layer by co-extruding at least two different polymers in an extruder apparatus comprising an extrusion die and at least two extruder barrels/heads. The invention furthermore relates to a tubular free-shaped article comprising at least two layers of different polymers and which article is obtained by the process according to the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing of tubular free-shaped articles having an inner polymer layer and an outer polymer layer by co-extruding at least two different polymers in an extruder apparatus comprising an extrusion die and at least two extruder barrels/heads. The invention furthermore relates to a tubular free-shaped article comprising at least two layers of different polymers and which article is obtained by the process according to the invention.

Abstract: A solenoid valve has a valve closure member (5) which is positioned in a self-centering manner about a center of rotation (D) between the valve tappet (4) and the valve seat (14).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solenoid valve. The end of valve, which points away from the magnet core towards the magnet armature, bears against an area of a valve tappet remote from the valve seat. The valve tappet is positioned so that it can be displaced in a bore of the magnet armature in order to adjust the preloading force of the spring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seat valve having a centering sleeve that guides the valve tappet and is articulated at the valve seat member

Abstract: The present invention discloses a sensor and a method of its manufacture. The sensor is used to sense position shifts, motional velocities or rotational speeds of an encoder and comprises a housing which accommodates electric components. The housing is made up of a first housing part of plastics which is at least in part enwrapped by a second injection-molded housing part that is also made of plastics. The first housing part is designed integrally with at least one positioning element molecularly interfaced with the second housing part.

Abstract: The brake system includes a brake pressure generator with a master cylinder connected to wheel brake cylinders through master brake conduits; auxiliary pressure pumps having pump outlets in communication with the master brake conduits and pump inputs in communication with a pressure fluid reservoir through inlet conduits; wheel sensors and electronic circuits for determining the wheel rotating pattern and for generating electrical brake pressure control signals capable of controlling pressure fluid inlet and outlet valves disposed in the conduit system for slip control. The traction slip control system insures, with little effort involved, assembling and disassembling capabilities, and, in disassembled condition, complying with the control principle for a driven front axle and, in assembled condition, complying with the traction slip control mode for a driven rear axle in all speed ranges.

Abstract: An inductive pulse generator for converting a rotary movement into a frequency proportional therewith. The pulse generator includes a measuring wheel (1) provided with poles (3) of magnetic material evenly distributed over the circumference of the measuring wheel. The pulse generator further includes a stator (4) provided with a magnetic core (6) with plate-shaped pole shoes (10) in a coil carrier (8) out of which end portions (12) of the pole shoes (10) project. The end portions (12) face the measuring wheel (1). A coil (7) surrounds the magnet core (6), at which coil (7) a pulsating voltage can be picked off with a frequency proportional to the number of revolutions of the measuring wheel (1), outside the area of the pole shoe (10) end portions (12) facing the measuring wheel (1). The thickness of the pole shoes (10) is increased by additional magnetic material (11) so as to increase the pulsating voltage which can be picked off at the coil (7).

Abstract: A device for monitoring the circumferential speed of a toothed disc (1) capable of being rotated, with a sensor (4) arranged at a defined distance (s) from the toothed rim (2) of the toothed disc (1) and with a sensor casing (7) supported at and securable to a stationay guide member. In order to avoid the need of any additional adjustment of the distance (s) in the event of remounting the sensor (4), a bushing (9) is provided as a guide member which is adapted to be fastened to a carrier element (14) by screw means and which projects into a bore (8) of the casing (7). To arrange a threaded bore (15) in the casing (7), the bore (15) is adapted to accommodate a screw (16) into contact with the bushing (9).