Abstract: In a method for replacing technologically aging sub-systems and software in a system of which the sub-systems are components, a data bank is maintained by a service provider for each customer. In the data bank, the sub-system currently installed at the customer is indicated. Before replacing a part of a sub-system, the data bank is interrogated to determine whether, dependent on the age class of the sub-system, the entire sub-system should be replaced. If so, replacement of the entire sub-system is undertaken, and the data bank is updated. Similarly, before upgrading software for a customer's sub-system, the data bank is interrogated to determine whether replacement of the sub-system is required, given the age class of the sub-system. If so, the sub-system is replaced and software appropriate for the replaced sub-system is then installed.

Abstract: In a method for image generation in an imaging system which permits an additional sectional image with arbitrary orientation to be efficiently and quickly calculated during the generation of the individual tomograms or sub-volume images, an image data set that represents a two-dimensional sectional image having an arbitrary orientation relative to the parallel slices or sub-volumes is acquired from the three-dimensional volume data set of the image data during the reconstruction of individual tomograms or sub-volume images. A three-dimensional evaluation thus already becomes possible during the measurement and reconstruction.

Abstract: A computed tomography apparatus which generates an image of an examined subject using Fourier reconstruction with a gridding algorithm operates so that this algorithm is efficiently implemented by employing a hardware unit in the form of an ASIC, which produces the additional formation of contributions in the Cartesian frequency matrix, derived from the polar support points.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus includes first and second elongate conveyor belts which are parallel and adjacent, which have support surfaces which are approximately flush, and which each have a plurality of compartment walls secured on and projecting outwardly from the support surface. Each compartment wall has a portion which extends laterally over the support surface of the other conveyor belt and each compartment wall is associated with a respective one of the compartment walls on the other conveyor belt. The conveyor belts are normally driven synchronously, but can be moved relative to each other in order to change the spacing between respective pairs of the compartment walls. Each conveyor belt preferably includes at least one elongate chain having a plurality of support elements supported thereon, each of the compartment walls being supported on a respective one of the support elements.