Abstract: A waste heat recovery system, based on a Brayton cycle, comprises a heater configured to circulate carbon dioxide vapor in heat exchange relationship with a hot fluid to heat the carbon dioxide vapor. An expander is coupled to the heater and configured to expand the carbon dioxide vapor. A compressor is configured to compress the carbon dioxide vapor fed through a cooler and a heat exchanger is adapted to circulate the carbon dioxide vapor from the expander to the cooler in heat exchange relationship with the carbon dioxide vapor from the compressor to the heater, wherein the expander and the compressor are mechanically coupled volumetric machines.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method for imaging components with short transverse relaxation times (T2) is provided, in which a human or an animal heart is subjected to a segmented spoiled gradient echo (SPGR) sequence. Each segment of this SPGR sequence comprises a plurality of basic sequence elements in each of which a radiofrequency (RF) pulse and a frequency encoding gradient moment kx are applied, in order to generate an MRI signal at an echo time TE1. The RF pulses and the frequency encoding gradient moments kx are applied such, that in different basic sequence elements the MRI signal is generated at varying echo times TE1, in order to reduce the effective echo time in the center of k-space. The segments of the SPGR sequence are synchronized with at least one measured cycle indicator reflecting the timing of the cardiac cycles. The MRI signals generated by the SPGR sequence are used for reconstructing at least one first cardiac image.

Abstract: A sternum retractor device is disclosed suitable for temporarily maintaining a selected gap between two sternal stumps during cardiac surgical procedures. The device comprises a pair of jaws configured so as to be inserted between the stumps and shaped for firmly engaging the stumps, an actuator connected to the jaws for controlling their mutual closing and opening movements, and a member for controlled feed or withdrawal of a selected biocompatible actuator fluid in/from the actuator, thereby enabling the achievement and maintenance of the gap required between the stumps as well as the progressive reduction of the gap as a function of a patient's condition.