Abstract: In a medical diagnostic imaging system, a communication protocol for providing bi-directional communication between a medical imaging subsystem and a medical navigational subsystem, the communication protocol including a plurality of navigation subsystem to imaging subsystem messages; and a Begin Imaging and an End Imaging message for synchronizing image acquisition with navigation coordinate determination, the Begin Imaging and End Imaging messages included in imaging subsystem to the navigation subsystem messages.

Abstract: A medical imaging system is provided for diagnostic and interventional procedures. The system includes a C-arm having an x-ray source and a receptor for obtaining fluoroscopic images of a patient. The C-arm is moved through an image acquisition path (A, B), along which at least first and second images are obtained. An acquisition module obtains multiple 2-D fluoroscopic images at desired positions along the image acquisition path and an image processor constructs a 3-D volume of object data based on the 2-D fluoroscopic images. Patient information is displayed based upon the 3-D volume of patient information. A position tracking system is included to track the position of the receptor, patient and (if included) a surgical instrument. The position information is used to control the time at which exposures are obtained and (if included) to superimpose instrument graphical information on a display with patient information.

Abstract: A medical imaging system comprises a C-arm unit having an x-ray source for generating x-rays and a receptor for obtaining image exposures from received x-rays. The C-arm unit moves the x-ray source and receptor along an image acquisition path between at least first and second exposure positions. The C-arm unit rotates about a central axis. Source and receptor brackets mount the x-ray source and receptor, respectively, to the C-arm unit. The source and receptor brackets move at least one of the x-ray source and receptor in a radial direction toward and away from the central axis of the C-arm unit to maintain a desired distance between the patient and the x-ray source and receptor. An image processor collects a series of image exposures from the receptor and constructs a three dimensional volumetric data set which is displayed on a display.

Abstract: A wavemeter (30) comprises a first wavelength determination unit (40) having a substantially periodic wavelength dependency and being adapted for providing a reference wavelength dependency (100) over a reference wavelength range. A second wavelength determination unit (50) has a substantially periodic wavelength dependency and is adapted for providing a second wavelength dependency (140) over a second wavelength range (120). An evaluation unit (60) compares the second wavelength dependency (140) with the reference wavelength dependency (100) for adjusting (160) the second wavelength dependency (140) in wavelength.

Abstract: A medical imaging system is provided for diagnostic and interventional procedures. The system includes a C-arm having an x-ray source and a receptor for obtaining fluoroscopic images of a patient. The C-arm is moved through an image acquisition path (A, B), along which at least first and second images are obtained. An acquisition module obtains multiple 2-D fluoroscopic images at desired positions along the image acquisition path and an image processor constructs a 3-D volume of object data based on the 2-D fluoroscopic images. Patient information is displayed based upon the 3-D volume of patient information. A position tracking system is included to track the position of the receptor, patient and (if included) a surgical instrument. The position information is used to control the time at which exposures are obtained and (if included) to superimpose instrument graphical information on a display with patient information.

Abstract: An annular shoulder on a valve body is clamped between opposite end portions of adjacent pipes locked together by a single clamp. Sealing is provided by O-rings positioned on the valve body on opposite sides of the annular shoulder between the valve body and the pipe sections.

Abstract: A furnace control system to control burner operation of a multifuel furnace to reduce primary fuel consumption of either oil or gas of the multifuel furnace. The system controls a primary fuel to initially kindle a secondary fuel when the fire reaches a self-sustaining burning rate, the primary fuel is shut off but the burner fan continues to run to force a draft and insure complete combustion of the secondary fuel and the volatile gases. The furnace control system is utilized as original equipment manufacturer incorporated into the controls for a burner of a multifuel furnace or as a retrofit furnace control system to control the burner operation of the multifuel furnace.

Abstract: In an electrical system requiring an electrical interconnection between a rotating body and a relatively stationary body, a circuit provides a highly reliable electrical interconnection between the bodies through the use of multiple rotary electrical connection assemblies connected in parallel across the rotating interface during normal operation, and connected in series, from the relatively stationary body through one of the rotary electrical connection assemblies to the rotating body and returning to the stationary body through another one of the rotary electrical connection assemblies, for verification of the electrical continuity of the interconnection during a testing operation.