Abstract: A system for efficient neutron detection is described. The system includes a neutron scintillator formed with a number of protruding parallel ribs each side of the scintillator, forming a first set of ribs and a second set of ribs. The ribs have a protrusion height that provides a selected neutron absorption efficiency. The system includes a set of wavelength shifting fibers positioned between each adjacent pair of ribs on both the first side and the second side. Each set of wavelength shifting fibers are in optical proximity to the adjacent pair of the ribs that set of fibers are positioned between.

Abstract: A neutron detector is disclosed that includes a generally elongate sealed housing. A scintillator based neutron detection assembly is positioned within the elongate housing. The scintillator based neutron detection assembly includes a reflective portion, a plurality of optical fibers, and a scintillator portion. A fiber guide is connected with an end of said scintillator based neutron detection assembly and an end of the at least one bundle of fibers from the plurality of optical fibers is positioned in an output port in the fiber guide. A sensor assembly is included and is connected with the end of the bundle of fibers. An output connector is located on a front end of the generally elongate sealed housing for transmitting an output voltage in response to a neutron event.

Abstract: A neutron detection system includes a neutron scintillator having a thickness greater than an optimal thickness and less than twice the optimal thickness. The system includes a first layer of wavelength shifting fiber optic elements positioned on a first side of the neutron scintillator. Adjacent fibers of the first layer pass light to distinct photo-multiplication devices. The system further includes a second layer of wavelength shifting fiber optic elements positioned on a second side of the neutron scintillator. Adjacent fibers of the second layer pass light to distinct photo-multiplication devices. The two layers may share photo-multiplication devices or use different sets of photo-multiplication devices. The system includes a controller that distinguishes a neutron radiation event from a gamma radiation event in response to electronic signals from the distinct photo-multiplication devices.

Abstract: A neutron detector is disclosed that includes a generally elongate sealed housing. A scintillator based neutron detection assembly is positioned within the elongate housing. The scintillator based neutron detection assembly includes a reflective portion, a plurality of optical fibers, and a scintillator portion. A fiber guide is connected with an end of said scintillator based neutron detection assembly and an end of the at least one bundle of fibers from the plurality of optical fibers is positioned in an output port in the fiber guide. A sensor assembly is included and is connected with the end of the bundle of fibers. An output connector is located on a front end of the generally elongate sealed housing for transmitting an output voltage in response to a neutron event.

Abstract: A system for efficient neutron detection is described. The system includes a neutron scintillator formed with a number of protruding parallel ribs each side of the scintillator, forming a first set of ribs and a second set of ribs. The ribs have a protrusion height that provides a selected neutron absorption efficiency. The system includes a set of wavelength shifting fibers positioned between each adjacent pair of ribs on both the first side and the second side. Each set of wavelength shifting fibers are in optical proximity to the adjacent pair of the ribs that set of fibers are positioned between.

Abstract: A system for efficient neutron detection is described. The system includes a neutron scintillator formed with a number of protruding parallel ribs each side of the scintillator, forming a first set of ribs and a second set of ribs. The ribs have a protrusion height that provides a selected neutron absorption efficiency. The system includes a set of wavelength shifting fibers positioned between each adjacent pair of ribs on both the first side and the second side. Each set of wavelength shifting fibers are in optical proximity to the adjacent pair of the ribs that set of fibers are positioned between.

Abstract: A system for efficient neutron detection is described. The system includes a neutron scintillator formed with a number of protruding parallel ribs each side of the scintillator, forming a first set of ribs and a second set of ribs. The ribs have a protrusion height that provides a selected neutron absorption efficiency. The system includes a set of wavelength shifting fibers positioned between each adjacent pair of ribs on both the first side and the second side. Each set of wavelength shifting fibers are in optical proximity to the adjacent pair of the ribs that set of fibers are positioned between.

Abstract: A neutron detection system includes a neutron scintillator having a thickness greater than an optimal thickness and less than twice the optimal thickness. The system includes a first layer of wavelength shifting fiber optic elements positioned on a first side of the neutron scintillator. Adjacent fibers of the first layer pass light to distinct photo-multiplication devices. The system further includes a second layer of wavelength shifting fiber optic elements positioned on a second side of the neutron scintillator. Adjacent fibers of the second layer pass light to distinct photo-multiplication devices. The two layers may share photo-multiplication devices or use different sets of photo-multiplication devices. The system includes a controller that distinguishes a neutron radiation event from a gamma radiation event in response to electronic signals from the distinct photo-multiplication devices.

Abstract: A method, device and retrofitting kit is disclosed that will protect materials that are housed within a storage device from one or more forms of radiographic imaging. A target subject is at least partially covered with a first and second layer of radiographic cloaking material. The first layer of radiographic cloaking material is configured to defeat a first type of radiographic beam, such as a photon beam. The second layer of radiographic cloaking material is configured to defeat a second type of radiographic beam, such as a particle beam.

Abstract: A method, device and retrofitting kit is disclosed that will protect materials that are housed within a storage device from one or more forms of radiographic imaging. A target subject is at least partially covered with a first and second layer of radiographic cloaking material. The first layer of radiographic cloaking material is configured to defeat a first type of radiographic beam, such as a photon beam. The second layer of radiographic cloaking material is configured to defeat a second type of radiographic beam, such as a particle beam.

Abstract: For achieving, e.g., an improved electrophysiology catheter for examination of the heart, or a catheter accessing the brain, the invention, in one aspect, features an elongated wound wire coil extending through the hollow catheter body of a steerable catheter. The coil is constructed and arranged to enable the catheter body to withstand reactive compressive load without distortion during application of tension on the pull wire and to transmit torque from the proximal to the distal tip portion of the catheter to enhance fidelity of rotational positioning of the distal tip in response to rotational orientation of the proximal portion of the catheter. The coil is shown in frictional torque-transmitting relationship with the interior of the hollow shaft substantially along the common length of the catheter body when the catheter is bent. Steerable catheters with augmented throw for one-handed operation and important improvements in construction features are also shown.

Abstract: A retrieval basket comprises a plurality of wires normally encased in a compact form within a sheath whereupon displacement of the sheath to free a portion of the wires enables the wires to form an enlarged retrieval basket. The wires forming the retrieval basket are cold formed in a predetermined shape and are secured together in a predetermined fashion to define the retrieval basket.

Abstract: A method for forming a surgical retrieval basket includes cold forming a section of each of a plurality of axially extending wires in a predetermined shape. Securing the wires together proximate the sections with a cavity defined between the sections of the plurality of the wires forms an enlarged portion of a surgical retrieval basket. The retrieval basket comprises a plurality of wires normally encased in a compact form within a sheath whereupon displacement of the sheath to free a portion of the wires enables the wires to form an enlarged retrieval basket. The wires forming the retrieval basket are cold formed in a predetermined shape and are secured together in a predetermined fashion to define the retrieval basket.

Abstract: For achieving, e.g., an improved electrophysiology catheter for examination of the heart, or a catheter accessing the brain, the invention, in one aspect, features an elongated wound wire coil extending through the hollow catheter body of a steerable catheter, the coil constructed and arranged to enable the catheter body to withstand reactive compressive load without distortion during application of tension on the pull wire and to transmit torque from the proximal to the distal tip portion of the catheter to enhance fidelity of rotational positioning of the distal tip in response to rotational orientation of the proximal portion of the catheter. The coil is shown in frictional torque-transmitting relationship with the interior of the hollow shaft substantially along the common length of the catheter body when the catheter is bent. Steerable catheters with augmented throw for one-handed operation and important improvements in construction features are also shown.

Abstract: A medical device has a body, an actuating member mounted to move relative to the body, a working element, and an elongated force-transmitting member capable of transmitting actuating force between the actuating member and the working element. The force-transmitting member includes a flexible cable portion, the force-transmitting member is attached, on one side of the cable portion, to the body and associated in a driving relationship on the opposite side of the cable portion with the working element. According to the invention the actuating member includes a pulley surface bodily movable therewith, the cable portion is trained about the pulley surface such that movement of the actuating member a given distance, relative to the body, causes the working element to move a substantially greater distance than the given distance. Another aspect of the invention is a medical snare with the above features.