Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for analyzing a series of images. A contour initializer establishes a plurality of initial contours from respective images within the series of images. A model initializer interconnects the plurality of initial contours into a surface model. A model refiner refines the plurality of initial contours by manipulating the surface model.

Abstract: A device for oxidizing gaseous materials, comprising a combustion chamber, wherein the device and the combustion chamber both have a top and a bottom, the device further having a gas outlet and being adapted to operate in conjunction with means applying negative pressure to the outlet, means for introducing process gas and a source of fuel into the top of the combustion chamber, means for effecting heat exchange between oxygen-containing gas and the combustion chamber to preheat the oxygen-containing gas, means for introducing the preheated gas into the top of the combustion chamber, means for mixing the preheated gas with the process gas and fuel so that the mixture can burn in the combustion chamber to form an exhaust gas, means for permitting the gas to exit from the bottom of the combustion chamber, means for diluting the exhaust with air to form a flue gas, and means for directing the flue gas from the bottom of the combustion chamber out of the outlet of the device.