Abstract: Implantable medical systems enter an exposure mode of operation, either manually via a down linked programming instruction or by automatic detection by the implantable system of exposure to a magnetic disturbance. A controller then determines the appropriate exposure mode by considering various pieces of information including the device type including whether the device has defibrillation capability, pre-exposure mode of therapy including which chambers have been paced, and pre-exposure cardiac activity that is either intrinsic or paced rates. Additional considerations may include determining whether a sensed rate during the exposure mode is physiologic or artificially produced by the magnetic disturbance. When the sensed rate is physiologic, then the controller uses the sensed rate to trigger pacing and otherwise uses asynchronous pacing at a fixed rate.

Abstract: A scintillator panel assembly for gamma ray detection includes a scintillator panel having fluorescent material therein for generating a photon when a gamma ray enters the panel, and one or more non-scintillating segments embedded in opposing edges of the scintillator panel which conduct light but do not generate a photon when a gamma ray enters. One or more photon detectors, such as photomultiplier tubes, are disposed immediately adjacent the one or more non-scintillating segments for receiving photons conducted through the non-scintillating segments. The non-scintillating segments preferably have optical transmission and reflection properties that are substantially the same as the optical transmission and reflection properties of the scintillator panel. This configuration provides substantially uniform light output response for all photon generation locations which results in improved spectral resolution.

Abstract: A scintillator panel assembly for gamma ray detection includes a scintillator panel having fluorescent material therein for generating a photon when a gamma ray enters the panel, and one or more non-scintillating segments embedded in opposing edges of the scintillator panel which conduct light but do not generate a photon when a gamma ray enters. One or more photon detectors, such as photomultiplier tubes, are disposed immediately adjacent the one or more non-scintillating segments for receiving photons conducted through the non-scintillating segments. The non-scintillating segments preferably have optical transmission and reflection properties that are substantially the same as the optical transmission and reflection properties of the scintillator panel. This configuration provides substantially uniform light output response for all photon generation locations which results in improved spectral resolution.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for driving a post into the ground is provided in an embodiment. The apparatus has a base removably attachable to the post as well as a hammer module tethered to the base to permit vertically reciprocating motion of the module relative to the base and post. The apparatus may be motor driven with rotating, eccentrically mounted cams providing the mechanism for creating a hammering force through reciprocating motion. The hammer module has a face which imparts the hammering force to the top of the post. A method for using such an apparatus is provided in a further embodiment.

Abstract: To reduce the number of different software packages required for document controlled systems of the type used in automated fueling systems, automated bank teller systems, and the like, a "format" character is encoded in a preestablished location on the card used to activate the system. Typically, the system activation cards include an identity section having a maximum number of characters in it which may be utilized to perform the identity function. Different system users, however, frequently divide this identity section into different formats of groups of characters separated by "space" characters. Insertion of space characters into the encoded indentification field on the card, however, uses valuable space which otherwise may be required for the full identification functions in the system. By employing a separate format identity character, a wide variety of formats may be possible while using all of the characters possible in the identity field for their chosen function.

Abstract: A remotely controlled verification lockout of the verification memory used in conjunction with fuel dispensing systems, service dispensing systems (such as automatic bank tellers), and the like is provided. At each user location, a verification memory is provided in which a single binary data bit is stored at each different verification address location. Each document or credit card used with the system has unique identifying information encoded on it for addressing a specific location in the memory which corresponds to the verification check for that credit card. Provision is made for automatically initializing the status of all of the information stored in all of the verification memories in the system by the transmission of an initializing signal to those memories from a central processor by way of suitable communications lines.