Abstract: A diagnostic medical ultrasound system having an integrated invasive medical device guidance system is disclosed. The guidance system obtains image slice geometry and other imaging parameters from the ultrasound system to optimize the guidance computations and visual representations of the invasive medical device and the imaged portion of the subject. Further, the ultrasound system obtains guidance data indicating the relative location, i.e. position and/or orientation of the invasive medical device relative to the transducer and imaging plane to optimize the imaging plane and ultrasound beam characteristics to automatically optimally image both the imaged portion of the subject and the invasive medical device.

Abstract: An ultrasound image is morphed for perfusion assessment. Various images within a sequence of images or movie clip are mapped to one frame of reference using local warping. Nonlinear local image transformations or other warping based on local estimates of motion are used to interpolate different images to the common reference. The elastic stretching and compression of local image data results in a sequence of images where the same spatial location in each image represents the substantially same spatial location of the imaged tissue. The organ, tissue or region of interest is stationary throughout the sequence of images.

Abstract: A method and system of appraising a life insurance or annuity product includes receiving a request for a life insurance or annuity product and information about a party requesting the life insurance or annuity product; preparing a bid solicitation for the life insurance or annuity product based on the request and information and transmitting the bid solicitation to a plurality of product carriers; a plurality of product carriers submitting initial proposals for providing the life insurance or annuity product; generating ratings for the initial proposals, respectively; and generating appraisals for the initial proposals; and informing the product carriers of the decision.

Abstract: An apparatus for tethering elongated members, such as cables, tubes and the like, to a human body, is disclosed. The tether is configurable to attach to various human appendages and includes an embodiment that is strong enough to support a heavy cable, such as a hospital ultrasound equipment cable. The tether can further accommodate various diameters of cables, tubes, cords and the like, including writing implements, and can be comprised of various alternative substances, including semi-rigid, soft and non-allergenic materials. A critical aspect of the present invention is that the cable, tube, cord and the like be quickly releasable from the body by tugging the cable, tube, cord and the like.

Abstract: A vehicle fuel tank has a filter and a secondary reservoir disposed above the filter. An intank fuel pump is situated within the secondary reservoir and draws fuel from the interior of the filter. An inertia responsive valve controls fuel communication between the secondary reservoir and the interior of the filter. The valve opens when the vehicle undergoes acceleration to allow fuel in the secondary reservoir to enter the filter interior. The secondary reservoir is filled by a fuel return line from the vehicle engine.