Abstract: A system and method for covering an ultrasound probe by a probe cover application device is provided. The system includes a frame, attachment device, and probe cover sheathing. The frame includes a base having a top side, bottom side, inner edge, and outer edge. The frame includes an extension extending from the top side of the base and substantially perpendicular to the base. The extension includes an inside surface and outside surface. The inner edge of the base and the inside surface of the extension form an opening through the frame. The attachment device is mounted to or integrated with the bottom side of the base of the frame. The probe cover sheathing is bunched up and/or rolled up and positioned against and surrounding the outside surface of the extension. A first closed end of the probe cover sheathing extends over the opening in the extension.

Abstract: A process for visualization of a needle in an ultrasound image comprises defining a region of an ultrasound image in which a body of a needle is expected using a needle tracking system to predict the location of the needle. The process also includes assigning a probability to a plurality of pixels within the region of the ultrasound image of being representative of the body of the needle, and modifying the display of each pixel having an assigned probability within a predetermined range.

Abstract: An apparatus for wirelessly transmitting ultrasound image information includes an ultrasound probe including a transducer array, a transceiver to wirelessly communicate with an ultrasound console including a host processor and a display screen, a pod containing an electrical energy storage device to power the transducer array and the transceiver and a cable providing an electrical connection between the ultrasound probe and the pod.

Abstract: A process for visualization of a needle in an ultrasound image comprises defining a region of an ultrasound image in which a body of a needle is expected using a needle tracking system to predict the location of the needle. The process also includes assigning a probability to a plurality of pixels within the region of the ultrasound image of being representative of the body of the needle, and modifying the display of each pixel having an assigned probability within a predetermined range.

Abstract: Hemodynamic data and imaging data are obtained about a patient, and the data is combined to generate a single report integrating same. While a hemodynamic system obtains the hemodynamic data, an imaging system obtains the imaging data. Preferably, the report confirms the absence or presence (and/or severity) of peripheral arterial disease, including quantitative data. The hemodynamic system and the imaging system can communicate directly, indirectly, and/or wirelessly. They may be contained within a common enclosure and/or integrated into a single apparatus. Either or both of the hemodynamic system and/or the imaging system can also be configured to measure the blood pressure of the patient. Preferably, the imaging system is an ultrasound imaging system, and improved workflows for diagnosing peripheral arterial disease result.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for tracking devices. The method for tracking devices comprises carrying a reading device to passively receive identification data from a transmitter without action on the part of the user. Additionally, the method comprises providing the identification data to a database.

Abstract: A system and method to modify entry of text is provided. The system includes an input device, a display device, and a processor configured to store a correlation between at least one word with at least one candidate phrase; receive at least one word into the input device; identify the at least one candidate phrase correlated to the at least one word; replace the at least one word with a selected phrase from the at least one candidate phrase; and store the selected phrase in a computer readable storage medium.

Abstract: Hemodynamic data and imaging data are obtained about a patient, and the data is combined to generate a single report integrating same. While a hemodynamic system obtains the hemodynamic data, an imaging system obtains the imaging data. Preferably, the report confirms the absence or presence (and/or severity) of peripheral arterial disease, including quantitative data. The hemodynamic system and the imaging system can communicate directly, indirectly, and/or wirelessly. They may be contained within a common enclosure and/or integrated into a single apparatus. Either or both of the hemodynamic system and/or the imaging system can also be configured to measure the blood pressure of the patient. Preferably, the imaging system is an ultrasound imaging system, and improved workflows for diagnosing peripheral arterial disease result.

Abstract: A method for determining the value of service knowledge is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a database of service knowledge, including one or more service knowledge objects, corresponding to a system. The method may also include associating the service knowledge with a plurality of taxonomic service categories associated with respective service events. Further, the method may include establishing a value of the one or more service knowledge objects. Such value may be established through a comparison of a first and second expected maintenance costs for the system determined from the service knowledge without and with, respectively, the one or more service knowledge objects. Additionally, the method may include storing or outputting the established value. Various other methods, systems, and devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and device for monitoring failures are disclosed herein. The monitoring device comprises an environmental event generator and a status-monitor. The environmental event generator generates an environmental trigger based on changes in an environmental factor, and the status-monitor monitors failure-status of plurality of elements in a system. The status-monitor is configured to change its operational profile based on the environmental trigger. The device further comprises a decision mechanism configured to link the changes in an environmental factor and associated failure modes to different service industries.

Abstract: A system and method to modify entry of text is provided. The system includes an input device, a display device, and a processor configured to store a correlation between at least one word with at least one candidate phrase; receive at least one word into the input device; identify the at least one candidate phrase correlated to the at least one word; replace the at least one word with a selected phrase from the at least one candidate phrase; and store the selected phrase in a computer readable storage medium.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for tracking devices. The method for tracking devices comprises carrying a reading device to passively receive identification data from a transmitter without action on the part of the user. Additionally, the method comprises providing the identification data to a database.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling universal remote access and display of diagnostic images acquired by diagnostic imaging equipment, independent of the identity of the vendor that manufactured the equipment. One system includes a local area network; a scanner capable of sending objects formatted in accordance with a communications protocol, each object incorporating at least one image frame; and a data capture device connected to the local area network and programmed with data capture software to capture an object originating from the scanner in response to that scanner being specified as an object of diagnosis. This system further includes a communications channel, e.g., a virtual private network, for connecting the data capture device to a central service facility. The preferred communications protocol is DICOM. In response to an instruction from the service center, the data capture device on the LAN captures image files from a malfunctioning scanner and forwards them to the service center for diagnosis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enabling universal remote access and display of diagnostic images acquired by diagnostic imaging equipment, independent of the identity of the vendor that manufactured the equipment. One system includes a local area network; a scanner capable of sending objects formatted in accordance with a communications protocol, each object incorporating at least one image frame; and a data capture device connected to the local area network and programmed with data capture software to capture an object originating from the scanner in response to that scanner being specified as an object of diagnosis. This system further includes a communications channel, e.g., a virtual private network, for connecting the data capture device to a central service facility. The preferred communications protocol is DICOM. In response to an instruction from the service center, the data capture device on the LAN captures image files from a malfunctioning scanner and forwards them to the service center for diagnosis.

Abstract: A three dimensional position sensor (24) provides roll, pitch and displacement information to a computer concerning the position of a hand-held object, such as a transducer probe (26). A switch (38) built into the probe is manipulated to alter the image of a subject on a display (18) and also to alter various symbols presented on the display.