Abstract: In an embodiment, a system is provided that includes an electron gun, a focusing system, and a housing. The electron gun can include a cold cathode electron source and an extraction electrode. The focusing system can be configured to focus a beam of electrons extracted from the electron gun to a focal region. The housing can include the electron gun and extend along a housing axis in the direction of the electron beam. The cold cathode source is configured to emit electrons at a first operating pressure that is higher than a second operating pressure at the focal region of the electron beam.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system is provided that includes an electron gun, a focusing system, and a housing. The electron gun can include a cold cathode electron source and an extraction electrode. The focusing system can be configured to focus a beam of electrons extracted from the electron gun to a focal region. The housing can include the electron gun and extend along a housing axis in the direction of the electron beam. The cold cathode source is configured to emit electrons at a first operating pressure that is higher than a second operating pressure at the focal region of the electron beam.

Abstract: A protective system for a cast saw includes a voltage source and a processor coupled to the voltage source. The processor is configured to apply a voltage to a saw blade of a cast saw. The processor is also configured to receive a voltage reading taken across a conductive layer that is at least partially embedded in a cast. The processor is also configured to determine whether the received voltage reading exceeds a threshold voltage. Responsive to a determination that the received voltage exceeds the threshold voltage, the processor is further configured to activate an alarm to warn a user of the cast saw that the saw blade is in contact with the conductive layer.

Abstract: A protective system for a cast saw includes a voltage source and a processor coupled to the voltage source. The processor is configured to apply a voltage to a saw blade of a cast saw. The processor is also configured to receive a voltage reading taken across a conductive layer that is at least partially embedded in a cast. The processor is also configured to determine whether the received voltage reading exceeds a threshold voltage. Responsive to a determination that the received voltage exceeds the threshold voltage, the processor is further configured to activate an alarm to warn a user of the cast saw that the saw blade is in contact with the conductive layer.

Abstract: A rack and a method of assembling the rack are disclosed that includes guard plates welded to right and left sides of a tubular frame. Each guard plate includes a fixed bushing. A locking bar pivots on pivot bushings provided on right and left swing arms. Right and left pins are assembled into one of the fixed and pivot bushings with a head of each pin contacting one pivot bushing, and a shaft of each pin being welded to the fixed bushing.

Abstract: A Vehicle Seat Holster Mount is presented that includes a strap mount which is the main mounting component. The upper cinch strap wraps around the seat belt receptacle. The clamp head is connected to the holster rail that is encompassed by a grip sleeve that is compressed into the space between the seats and consoles to hold the holster and/or items in place.

Abstract: An automatic portable inspection system includes a part holder for holding a component to be inspected and a rotary actuator coupled to the part holder. The system further includes an eddy current probe for scanning the component and providing eddy current signals. The system also includes a self-alignment unit coupled to the eddy current probe and configured to align an axis of the probe substantially perpendicular to a surface of the component and to maintain constant contact with said surface of the component. The system also includes a linear actuator coupled to the self-alignment unit, for providing movement of the eddy current probe along the X, Y and Z axes. A motion control unit is coupled to the rotary actuator and the linear actuator, for controlling the rotary actuator and the linear actuator for moving said probe about the component in accordance with a scan plan.

Abstract: Direct write electron-beam-to-x-ray converters are described, which may be programmed to focus x-rays into an arbitrary shape to provide spatial and intensity modulation to irradiate a malady such as a tumor. An integrated structure of the electron beam to x-ray converter comprises a collimating grid containing a target fluid. The collimating grid comprises a plurality of individual cells enclosed in a housing assembly. An electron beam aimed at a selected individual cell of the collimating grid may be converted to an x-ray beam within the target fluid.

Abstract: A method and isotope linac system are provided for producing radio-isotopes and for recovering isotopes. The isotope linac is an energy recovery linac (ERL) with an electron beam being transmitted through an isotope-producing target. The electron beam energy is recollected and re-injected into an accelerating structure. The ERL provides improved efficiency with reduced power requirements and provides improved thermal management of an isotope target and an electron-to-x-ray converter.

Abstract: An insurance recommendation computer system and method to create insurance recommendations for individuals taking into account the circumstances of their household. Data inputs are gathered from the user which allow the user to generate recommendations that enhance their ability to understand and buy insurance coverage appropriate to their needs. Each recommendation generated falls into one of 277 categories. It has been implemented using C# code on a computer running Microsoft Windows and for typical household the generation or regeneration of ideas using the latest data takes 1 second or thereabouts. The system and method is designed to get the user up and running quickly by pre-populating almost all data elements except the user's email and password, and encourages the user to iterate through inputting data and updating the recommendations repeatedly by providing more information and illustration in the recommendations than in the questions around data inputs.

Abstract: An automatic portable inspection system includes a part holder for holding a component to be inspected and a rotary actuator coupled to the part holder. The system further includes an eddy current probe for scanning the component and providing eddy current signals. The system also includes a self-alignment unit coupled to the eddy current probe and configured to align an axis of the probe substantially perpendicular to a surface of the component and to maintain constant contact with said surface of the component. The system also includes a linear actuator coupled to the self-alignment unit, for providing movement of the eddy current probe along the X, Y and Z axes. A motion control unit is coupled to the rotary actuator and the linear actuator, for controlling the rotary actuator and the linear actuator for moving said probe about the component in accordance with a scan plan.

Abstract: Direct write electron-beam-to-x-ray converters are described, which may be programmed to focus x-rays into an arbitrary shape to provide spatial and intensity modulation to irradiate a malady such as a tumor. An integrated structure of the electron beam to x-ray converter comprises a collimating grid containing a target fluid. The collimating grid comprises a plurality of individual cells enclosed in a housing assembly. An electron beam aimed at a selected individual cell of the collimating grid may be converted to an x-ray beam within the target fluid.

Abstract: A method and isotope linac system are provided for producing radio-isotopes and for recovering isotopes. The isotope linac is an energy recovery linac (ERL) with an electron beam being transmitted through an isotope-producing target. The electron beam energy is recollected and re-injected into an accelerating structure. The ERL provides improved efficiency with reduced power requirements and provides improved thermal management of an isotope target and an electron-to-x-ray converter.

Abstract: An RF cavity is provided with a plurality of tubes that are formed into a tubular cage in a predefined shape to define the RF cavity. A selected number of tubes and a selected tube diameter are provided to form a confinement cage for the RF fields within the RF cavity defined by the tubes. The multiple, small metal tubes are selectively bent to form different cavity shapes and sizes as needed to accelerate the particles and function as a confinement cage for the RF fields within the RF cavity defined by the tubes. The cost to fabricate RF cavities using the tubular cage design is significantly lower than the cost of producing a solid cavity using conventional fabrication technology.

Abstract: A method and an electron source are provided for generating polarized electrons for an electron microscope. The electron source includes a photoemissive cathode and a low-power drive laser. The geometry of the photoemissive cathode uses a generally planar emission surface, which is imaged to approximately 1/100 its initial size via electrostatic focusing elements. The virtual emitter, or image spot, then is used as an electron source by a conventional microscope column.

Abstract: A novel method of gating electron emission from field-emitter cathodes for radio frequency (RF) electrode guns and a novel cathode that provides a focused electron beam without the need for magnetic fields or a curved cathode surface are provided. The phase and strength of a predefined harmonic field, such as the 3rd harmonic field, are adjusted relative to a fundamental field to cause a field emission cathode to emit electrons at predefined times for the generation of high-brightness electron beams. The emission time is gated responsive to the combined harmonic and fundamental fields and the response of the FE cathode to the combined fields. A planar focusing cathode includes a selected dielectric material, such as a ceramic material, to provide an electron beam emission surface. Metal surfaces are provided both radially around and behind the dielectric material to shape the electric fields that accelerate and guide the beam from the cathode surface.

Abstract: An RF cavity is provided with a plurality of tubes that are formed into a tubular cage in a predefined shape to define the RF cavity. A selected number of tubes and a selected tube diameter are provided to form a confinement cage for the RF fields within the RF cavity defined by the tubes. The multiple, small metal tubes are selectively bent to form different cavity shapes and sizes as needed to accelerate the particles and function as a confinement cage for the RF fields within the RF cavity defined by the tubes. The cost to fabricate RF cavities using the tubular cage design is significantly lower than the cost of producing a solid cavity using conventional fabrication technology.

Abstract: A laparoscopic tumor therapy method and an articulated electron beam transport system are provided for use with a high power, long focus electron source for tumor therapy. The high power, long focus electron source generates an e-beam. The e-beam is transported through a laparoscopic tube proximate a target tumor for electron irradiation therapy.

Abstract: A method and an electron source are provided for generating polarized electrons for an electron microscope. The electron source includes a photoemissive cathode and a low-power drive laser. The geometry of the photoemissive cathode uses a generally planar emission surface, which is imaged to approximately 1/100 its initial size via electrostatic focusing elements. The virtual emitter, or image spot, then is used as an electron source by a conventional microscope column.

Abstract: Beam processing methods including e-beam welding and e-beam evaporation for thin film deposition are implemented with a novel high power, long focus electron source. The high power, long focus electron source generates an e-beam. The e-beam is transported through a series of steering magnets to steer the beam. At least one refocusing magnet is provided to refocus the e-beam. A final steering magnet bends the e-beam to focus on a target, such as a weld joint or a deposition target.