Abstract: A method, system and medium for modulating the x-ray power of an imaging system so as to maintain a desired image noise in the imaging system is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes obtaining projection data, correcting the projection data responsive to beam hardening errors so as to create corrected projection data, processing the corrected projection data so as to create a plurality of emitter current values responsive to an imaging method and applying the emitter current values to the imaging system responsive to an object to be imaged. In another aspect, a method for determining an optimum emitter tube voltage for an imaging system includes characterizing the imaging system so as to determine a system water-equivalent path length responsive to a relative noise increase.

Abstract: A method, system and medium for modulating the x-ray power of an imaging system so as to maintain a desired image noise in the imaging system is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes obtaining projection data, correcting the projection data responsive to beam hardening errors so as to create corrected projection data, processing the corrected projection data so as to create a plurality of emitter current values responsive to an imaging method and applying the emitter current values to the imaging system responsive to an object to be imaged. In another aspect, a method for determining an optimum emitter tube voltage for an imaging system includes characterizing the imaging system so as to determine a system water-equivalent path length responsive to a relative noise increase.

Abstract: A method for generating a simulated patient image is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes obtaining image data from an actual patient image and generating simulated noise data. The image data is then combined with the simulated noise data to create the simulated patient image. In one aspect, scan data from the actual patient image is combined with the generated simulated noise data to create pre-image data, and the pre-image data is then reconstructed to create simulated image data. In another aspect, a set of individual noise pattern images for each a plurality of phantom objects is created. At least one of the individual noise pattern images is selected for combination with the actual patient image. The at least one selected individual noise pattern image is then combined with the actual patient image, thereby creating the simulated patient image.

Abstract: An adjustable trailer hitch which provides an operator improved remote control of the lateral position of a trailer hitch, and simplifies the procedure of hooking a trailer to a tow vehicle. The trailer hitch comprises a hitch assembly (such as a ball receptacle) attached to a roller carriage which moves from side-to-side along a bumper-like housing. The roller carriage engages a positioning screw, and an electric motor mounted in a sealed end cap powers the positioning screw. Rotation of the screw translates into rightward or leftward lateral movement of the roller carriage and consequently of the ball receptacle assembly. Motion of the ball receptacle assembly is controlled via a wireless remote control unit. Such direct control over the precise lateral position of the trailer hitch enables the operator to accurately steer the trailer when traveling in reverse.

Abstract: A survival suit for providing a user with an inflatable suit that would keep its wearer afloat, keep them warm, and provide food and water in an emergency. The survival suit includes a main body portion and leg portions that extend from the main body portion. Arm portions extend from the main body portion and shoe portions extend from the leg portions. A hood portion extends from the main body portion. An inflatable bladder is coupled to the main body portion, the leg portions, the arm portions, the shoe portions, and the hood portion. An automatic inflation assembly is coupled to the main body portion and in environmental communication with the bladder to selectively inflate the bladder. The bladder extends along the side portions of the main body portion and the leg portions to facilitate free movement of a person in the anti-exposure suit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adjustable tongue assembly for a trailer including an elongate substantially enclosed housing with a lengthwise slot disposed horizontally at the front of the trailer bed. A guide carriage is movably seated in the housing, and the guide carriage is attached to a bracket attached exteriorly of the housing through the lengthwise slot. The guide carriage is journalled to a positioning screw that is rotatably seated lengthwise inside the housing. The positioning screw is coupled to a motor which drives the guide carriage laterally along the internal chamber. A trailer tongue is attached to the external bracket. Selective actuation of the drive motor causes the positioning screw to rotate, thereby moving the roller guide carriage laterally left or right, and thus carrying the bracket and trailer tongue therewith.

Abstract: An adjustable trailer hitch which provides an operator improved remote control of the lateral position of a trailer hitch, and simplifies the procedure of hooking a trailer to a tow vehicle. The trailer hitch comprises a hitch assembly (such as a ball receptacle) attached to a roller carriage which moves from side-to-side along a bumper-like housing. The roller carriage engages a positioning screw, and an electric motor mounted in a sealed end cap powers the positioning screw. Rotation of the screw translates into rightward or leftward lateral movement of the roller carriage and consequently of the ball receptacle assembly. Motion of the ball receptacle assembly is controlled via a wireless remote control unit. Such direct control over the precise lateral position of the trailer hitch enables the operator to accurately steer the trailer when traveling in reverse.

Abstract: Focal spot position determination systems having a high sensitivity to focal spot movement for use in connection with multi-slice computed tomography imaging systems are described. In one embodiment, the determination system is configured for application in a two slice system. Signals from adjacent detector cells in separate rows are compared to determine focal spot position. More particularly, the signal intensity A of the signal output by a first detector cell and the signal intensity B of the signal output by the second detector cell are related to the position of the focal spot. That is, the z position of the centerline of the fan beam can be determined by relating the signal intensities A and B according to the ratio [(A−B)/(A+B)]. Such ratio is representative of the beam location and can be used to control adjustment of the imaging system pre-patient collimator to maintain the beam in the desired position.

Abstract: An improved appliance for slicing food articles, particularly baked goods and bagels in a uniform, quick and safe manner. The appliance includes a food receptacle which is slidably inserted into one end of a main housing and into which a food item such as a bagel is placed. A motorized cutting carriage is pivotally mounted to the main housing and extends a serrated dual-bladed slicing assembly over the food item. When power is applied, the blades of the slicing assembly begin reciprocating, and the entire cutting carriage is pivoted with respect to the main housing in order to move the reciprocating blades of the slicing assembly through the food item. Once the food item is cut, the cutting carriage is returned to its home position, the food receptacle is slidably withdrawn, and the sliced food item is removed and consumed. The appliance requires a minimum of space and facilitates the slicing operation without damage to the bagel.

Abstract: An improved gutter guard that operates by capillary action to allow water to flow off the roof and into an existing gutter system, yet precludes foreign matter from entering into the gutter, thereby preventing the gutter from becoming clogged, and providing a substantially maintenance-free gutter system. Preferred embodiments are shown for both plastic and aluminum construction, and several attachment means are shown for anchoring the gutter guard to a standard gutter system. The gutter guard can be economically manufactured and easily retrofit or used in conjunction with existing gutters.

Abstract: An improved appliance for slicing food articles, particularly baked goods and bagels in a uniform, quick and safe manner. The appliance includes a food receptacle which is slidably inserted into one end of a main housing and into which a food item such as a bagel is placed. A motorized cutting carriage is mounted on top of the main housing and extends a serrated dual-bladed slicing assembly horizontally over the food item. When power is applied, the blades of the slicing assembly begin reciprocating, and the entire cutting carriage is depressed downward in order to move the reciprocating blades of the slicing assembly through the food item . Once the food item is cut, the cutting carriage returns to its home position, the food receptacle is to slidably withdrawn, and the sliced food item is removed and consumed.

Abstract: The present invention, in one form, is a system which, in one embodiment, varies DAS gain to better accommodate different scanning parameters between different scans, even at the same slice thickness. Specifically, in one embodiment, the DAS gain is varied, or modulated, as a function of slice thickness, x-ray tube current and voltage levels, scan time, and average detector gain. The DAS gain is modulated using a gain factor Gain.sub.-- Fac which is determined in accordance with each of the above-mentioned scanning parameters. The gain factor Gain.sub.-- Fac is then used to determine an appropriate DAS gain for such parameters. Particularly, DAS gains are stored in a look-up table in the CT system computer, and the gain factor Gain.sub.-- Fac is used to select the appropriate DAS gain from the look-up table. The determined DAS gain is then utilized to correct data acquired during a scan.

Abstract: The present invention, in one form, is a method for detecting reference channel blockage in a computed tomography system. The system includes an x-ray source, a detector and a reference channel. When scanning an object of interest, the x-ray source is supplied with an x-ray source current and projects an x-ray beam toward the detector and the reference channel. The detector, when impinged by the x-ray beam, generates projection data for reconstructing an image of the object of interest. The reference channel is configured to generate an actual reference channel signal when impinged by the x-ray beam. An expected reference signal is determined in accordance with the x-ray source current. The expected reference signal is then utilized to normalize the projection data.

Abstract: The present invention, in one form, is a pre-patient collimator for reducing patient x-ray dose during a scan with a computed tomography system. The collimator has a contoured aperture for emitting a generally rectangular shaped x-ray fan beam. The fan beam approximates the rectangular shape of x-ray detectors which gather data for producing an image.

Abstract: A retractable low voltage lighting fixture can be buried in the ground leaving only the top surface exposed and flush with the ground surface. When activated, an interior lamp housing raises out of the ground via a mechanical drive and a lamp contained therein lights up. The lighting fixture provides illumination for walkways, driveways and other areas requiring outdoor lighting. After a specified period of time, the light goes off and the interior housing is driven back down into the ground flush with the ground surface, completely hidden and out of the way of possible damage by vandalism or accidental breakage. The lighting fixture is comprised of two major component parts--an interior lamp housing and an elongated exterior housing. The interior lamp housing houses the following components: switches, gearbox, motor, electrical components, batteries and light bulb. The exterior housing is buried in the ground and slideably receives the interior lamp housing.

Abstract: A retractable low voltage lighting fixture can be buried in the ground leaving only the top surface exposed and flush with the ground surface. When activated, an interior lamp housing raises out of the ground via a mechanical drive and a lamp contained therein lights up. The lighting fixture provides illumination for walkways, driveways and other areas requiring outdoor lighting. After a specified period of time, the light goes off and the interior housing is driven back down into the ground flush with the ground surface, completely hidden and out of the way of possible damage by vandalism or accidental breakage. The lighting fixture is comprised of two major component parts--an interior lamp housing and an elongated exterior housing. The interior lamp housing houses the following components: switches, gearbox, motor, electrical components, batteries and light bulb. The exterior housing is buried in the ground and slideably receives the interior lamp housing.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for the cryogenic lift-off of metal/resist material from a surface of a substrate.