Abstract: A system and method for optimized diffusion-weighted imaging is provided. In one aspect, the method includes providing a plurality of constraints comprising an eddy current constraint for imaging a target at a selected diffusion weighting, and applying an optimization framework to generate an optimized diffusion encoding gradient waveform satisfying the plurality of constraints. The method also includes performing, using the MRI system, a pulse sequence comprising the optimized diffusion encoding gradient waveform to generate diffusion-weighted data, and generating at least one image of the target using the diffusion-weighted data.

Abstract: A system and method for optimized diffusion-weighted imaging is provided. In one aspect, the method includes providing a plurality of constraints comprising an eddy current constraint for imaging a target at a selected diffusion weighting, and applying an optimization framework to generate an optimized diffusion encoding gradient waveform satisfying the plurality of constraints. The method also includes performing, using the MRI system, a pulse sequence comprising the optimized diffusion encoding gradient waveform to generate diffusion-weighted data, and generating at least one image of the target using the diffusion-weighted data.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for impact forming a cotter pin in a brake assembly are disclosed. In one example, an impact forming tool comprises a handle for receiving an operating force, a stationary portion and a hammer portion. The stationary portion is connected to the handle at a proximate end. An orientation pin is positioned on a distal end and two anvil pins are positioned on the stationary portion between the proximate end and the orientation pin. The hammer portion communicates with the operating force and moves linearly across the face of the stationary portion from a first position to a second position. The hammer portion has a symmetrical arcuate end, wherein a vertex of the symmetrical arcuate end is between the two anvil pins when the hammer is in the second position.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for impact forming a cotter pin in a brake assembly are disclosed. In one example, an impact forming tool comprises a handle for receiving an operating force, a stationary portion and a hammer portion. The stationary portion is connected to the handle at a proximate end. An orientation pin is positioned on a distal end and two anvil pins are positioned on the stationary portion between the proximate end and the orientation pin. The hammer portion communicates with the operating force and moves linearly across the face of the stationary portion from a first position to a second position. The hammer portion has a symmetrical arcuate end, wherein a vertex of the symmetrical arcuate end is between the two anvil pins when the hammer is in the second position.

Abstract: An image is tested to determine whether it is substantially like a plurality of sample images by computing statistical information about the sample images and using that statistical information to analyze the image being tested. The analysis is such that the statistical parameters are standardized so that available tables of the central chi-square distribution function can be used, thereby simplifying the necessary calculations. If desired, images which have been determined by the method of this invention to be good can be used to refine the statistical information used in analyzing subsequent images. When an image is identified as unacceptable by the method of the invention, the data for that image can be decomposed in order to identify the parts of the image which are causing the image to be unacceptable.