Abstract: A method for automatically detecting an organ of interest that includes accessing a medical image dataset using a processor, automatically segmenting the medical image dataset to identify an outline of a body of a patient, automatically determining an axial reference image slice and a axial center point using the segmented body of the patient, automatically determining a location of the organ of interest using the axial reference image slice and the axial center point, and automatically placing a visual indicator in the organ of interest based on the determined location. A medical imaging system and a non-transitory computer readable medium are also described herein.

Abstract: A method for performing an examination of a patient using a dual-modality imaging system includes accessing a list that includes a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination protocol to be used to perform a predetermined MRI examination, the examination protocol including a plurality of MRI protocol actions, receiving an input selecting at least one of the MRI protocol actions, scanning the patient using the MRI examination protocol, scanning the patient using a positron emission tomography (PET) imaging system to acquire PET data, and marking the PET data, using a first visual indication, to indicate the selected MRI protocol action. An imaging system and a non-transitory computer readable medium are also described herein.

Abstract: A removable pallet configured to be mounted to a patient table. The patient table has a table surface adapted to support patients thereon during a medical procedure or imaging session. The removable pallet includes a support body having a runway configured to slidably engage a transfer board carrying a patient. The support body extends along a longitudinal axis and is configured to be mounted over the table surface of the patient table. The removable pallet also includes a coupling device that is configured to removably couple the support body and the patient table. The coupling device secures the support body over the table surface to permit the transfer board to be moved onto the patient table.

Abstract: A removable pallet configured to be mounted to a patient table. The patient table has a table surface adapted to support patients thereon during a medical procedure or imaging session. The removable pallet includes a support body having a runway configured to slidably engage a transfer board carrying a patient. The support body extends along a longitudinal axis and is configured to be mounted over the table surface of the patient table. The removable pallet also includes a coupling device that is configured to removably couple the support body and the patient table. The coupling device secures the support body over the table surface to permit the transfer board to be moved onto the patient table.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for segmenting a left ventricular endocardium in a magnetic resonance image. Image shape, size, gradients, intensity, and connectivity are used to locate the endocardial boundary. Specifically, a series of dilations and refinements to a mask corresponding to acquired data is performed. Variations in intensity, representing the endocardial boundary, are detected, and the endocardial boundary may then be clearly identified in the MR image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for segmenting a left ventricular epicardium in a magnetic resonance image. Image shape, gradients, and intensity are used to locate the epicardial boundary. Specifically, an intensity map corresponding to acquired data is produced and refined so as to produce a classification map having variations in intensity. The variations, representing the epicardial boundary, are detected and the epicardial boundary may then be clearly identified in the MR image.

Abstract: A method to be used with an imaging system, the system including two opposed cameras mounted for rotation among a plurality of acquisition angles about an imaging axis for acquiring imaging data throughout an arc about the axis, the cameras collecting data corresponding to an acquisition angle range including a plurality of flight path angles at each acquisition angle, the system also including a processor having a processor memory.

Abstract: A method for reducing required memory in a PET acquisition system processor wherein imaging data is collected and binned in a two dimensional histogram of coincident counts, the two dimensions being a flight path angle &thgr; and a distance R from the center of an imaging area, the method including the steps of determining when data acquired at a current acquisition angle will not include data corresponding to a specific flight angle and, when this is the case, storing the data corresponding to the specific flight angle on a secondary memory storage device independent of the processor memory. The method also includes a back projection method for using the stored data to construct an image and the invention includes an apparatus for performing the method.

Abstract: The invention is concerned to control the combustion conditions of a burner 1 supplied with a mixture of pulverized fuel and air. By use of a vortex amplifier 10 in the supply pipe 3, the supply of fuel is interrupted so that the flame is consequently first too lean and then too rich. The temperature of the burner flame is monitored by a photodiode device 6a and an indication is produced of the delay between the operation of the vortex amplifier 10 and the flame temperature passing through that indicating that the flame conditions are optimum. The length of the delay will indicate whether, and to what extent, the flame before the operation of the vortex amplifier was too lean or too rich. Adjacent burners can be controlled by operating the vortex amplifiers associated with each at different regular frequencies.

Abstract: An automated ladle, based on a swinging arm concept, for pouring piston castings automatically. The ladle is tilted to a pour position by means of a motor driven cam which twists the swinging arm about its longitudinal axis, the ladle being carried at the end of the arm. Electrical circuitry interconnects the ladle mechanism with a molten metal holding furnace and a pair of automated piston molding machines for automatically controlling the operation of the entire assembly.