Abstract: A method and system for detecting and displaying clustered microcalcifications in a digital mammogram, wherein a single digital mammogram is first automatically cropped to a breast area sub-image which is then processed by means of an optimized Difference of Gaussians filter to enhance the appearance of potential microcalcifications in the sub-image. The potential microcalcifications are thresholded, clusters are detected, features are computed for the detected clusters, and the clusters are classified as either suspicious or not suspicious by means of a neural network. Thresholding is preferably by sloping local thresholding, but may also be performed by global and dual-local thresholding. The locations in the original digital mammogram of the suspicious detected clustered microcalcifications are indicated. Parameters for use in the detection and thresholding portions of the system are computer-optimized by means of a genetic algorithm.

Abstract: A feed dish assembly for use in combination with a cage having a cage side formed as a lattice of horizontal and vertical members. The feed dish assembly includes a dispenser and mounting structure wherein the mounting structure includes a pair of elongated leg members having enlarged end portions. The mounting structure further includes a slide member having a pair of slots for engaging over the leg members wherein the slide member is retained on the leg members between the dispenser and the enlarged portions to retain the dispenser in engagement with the side of a cage with the leg members extending through the lattice structure.

Abstract: A one piece, lightweight, compressed gas module designed for easy loading, unloading and transport to and from automobiles, aircraft, etc. as well as easy transport across a variety of terrains including floors, asphalt, and other surfaces. The compressed gas module includes a pressure vessel and frame wherein the frame includes a vertical member and horizontal members extending perpendicular to the vertical member at opposing ends of the vertical member. The pressure vessel includes polar ends wherein each polar end includes a boss for rigidly engaging a respective horizontal member whereby the pressure vessel forms a load bearing component of the module in combination with the frame.

Abstract: A stretcher comprising: two stretcher arms (1), the stretcher arms being provided with idle shaped rings (5), driving wheels (2a, 2b), and two pairs of inclined wheels (4, 4′) in correspondence with the shaped rings (5), in which the inclined wheels (4, 4′) are respectively mounted on two plates (12, 13) that are adjacent to the arms (1) and detachably interconnected to each other with the possibility of disengaging the arms (1) from the plates (12, 13).

Abstract: A prefabricated room module (1) is provided for use in the construction of a modular building. The room module comprises a floor slab (2) of generally rectangular shape in plan, and load bearing walls (3,4) formed at adjacent sides of the slab and mutually adjoining at a common corner (5). The module has no ceiling slab opposite the floor slab (2) and an open face opposite one of the load bearing walls (4) which constitutes a party wall. Opposite another of the load bearing walls (3) the module may be open or include a further wall (7) which can have an access opening (10) therein for providing service access to a kitchen or bathroom pod (9) installed in a corner of the module. Edges of the floor slab (2) have projecting tongues (11) and fastening means for engaging complementary recesses and fastening means respectively of an adjacent module. The module may have a ceiling slab instead of a floor slab (2).

Abstract: A non-destructive method for characterizing a sputter target material comprises the steps of sequentially irradiating a test sample of the sputter target material with sonic energy at a plurality of positions on a surface of the sample; detecting echoes induced by the sonic energy; discriminating texture-related back-scattering noise from the echoes to obtain modified amplitude signals; comparing the modified amplitude signals with said at least one calibration value to detect flaw data points and no-flaw data points; counting the flaw data points to determine a flaw count; counting the total flaw data points and the no-flaw data points to determine a total number of data points and calculating a cleanliness factor.

Abstract: An adsorbent package is provided for use within the sealed canister of a fluid flow tube of an air conditioning system. The adsorbent package includes a desiccant bag formed of a pouch having a sealed first end and a substantially cylindrical second end. A filter cap is slidably and sealingly received within the second end of the pouch. The cap includes a resilient sealing ring formed proximate a porous end wall. The sealing ring slidably and sealingly engages an inner surface of the canister. The package is constructed of a non-woven spun bonded nylon and can therefore be snugly received within the tight confines of fluid flow tube or canister sections of an integrated condenser receiver.

Abstract: A mounting bracket assembly for adjustably mounting an object to a support surface. The bracket assembly includes a first mounting member removably attached to a support surface. A locking device is supported by the first mounting member and defines a plurality of locked positions spaced apart along an arcuate path. A first arm is secured to the first mounting member and supports a second arm which is movable substantially along the arcuate path for releasable engagement with the locking device at a selected one of the locked positions. A pivot connector interconnects the first arm and the second arm and facilitates selected angular positioning of the second arm relative to the first mounting member.

Abstract: A window weatherstrip that can be clipped onto a mounting structure of a motor vehicle door frame adjacent an opening containing a window glass such that the weatherstrip can be completely hidden from view thereby avoiding the need for any decorative type finish. More specifically, the window weatherstrip is clipped onto a mounting structure having a horizontally extending mounting flange integrally connected with a downwardly projecting vertical mounting flange such that the weatherstrip can be completely hidden from view underneath a door liner.

Abstract: A particle accelerator for inducing contained particle collisions. The particle accelerator includes two hollow dees of electrically conductive material which are separated and electrically insulated from each other. The dees are located between the poles of a strong magnet which generates a magnetic field through top and bottom sides of the dees. In addition, the dees are connected to an oscillator for providing an alternating voltage between the dees. The dees are located within a chamber containing a gas and/or vapor provided at a measurable pressure. Ions are accelerated in essentially spiral paths within the dees, and follow paths which may be both concentric and non-concentric with the dees whereby collisions are produced between accelerated ions and gas or vapor atoms contained within the chamber, as well as between pairs of accelerated ions following different paths.

Abstract: Methods for making fused film-plastic parts and parts made thereby are disclosed. The paint film covered parts include a show surface section with a paint film laminate overlying the plastic substrate of this section of the part to provide the desired aesthetic appeal. An attachment flange section of the part is provided and is usually hidden from sight when the part is assembled to the auto or truck body structure. The flange serves as a location at which clamps, bolts, rivets or the like can support or attach to the auto to truck structure. A raised portion, such as a boss section, is provided intermediate the show surface section and the attachment flange. This boss is adapted for contiguous or closed spaced positioning adjacent the auto or truck structural part. The boss is completely covered by the paint film with the paint film terminating along the attachment flange.

Abstract: A method for making a nickel/silicon sputter target, targets made thereby and sputtering processes using such targets. The method includes the step of blending molten nickel with sufficient molten silicon so that the blend may be cast to form an alloy containing no less than 4.5 wt .% silicon. Preferably, the cast ingot is then shaped by rolling it to form a plate having a desired thickness. Sputter targets so formed are capable of use in a conventional magnetron sputter process; that is, one can be positioned near a cathode in the presence of an electric potential difference and a magnetic field so as to induce sputtering of nickel ion form the sputter target onto the substrate.

Abstract: Method of forming a two-piece hollow cathode sputter target assembly and the assembly formed thereby. The sputter target assembly includes an outer shell having a substantially cylindrical side wall and is composed of a relatively low purity metallic material. A sputtering insert includes a substantially cylindrical side wall and is concentrically received within, and bonded to, the outer shell. The sputtering insert is composed of a relatively high purity metallic material as used for depositing a thin layer or film onto a desired substrate.

Abstract: Stable foam caulk, sealant and insulation compositions are disclosed. These compositions comprise aqueous emulsions of film forming polymers in combination with microfibers. The preferred film forming polymers and the microfibers include functional groups capable of forming bonds, particularly hydrogen bonds, between these components. In another aspect of the invention, the compositions include a high temperature foam stabilizer, such as a high molecular weight fatty alcohols, having melting points greater than about 110° F.

Abstract: Adhesion of rubber to a variety of metals (aluminum, stainless steel, mild steel and brass) is effectively achieved by the application of an organofunctional silane (I) and a non-organofunctional silane (II) to the requisite surface. Preferably, the organofunctional silane (I) is a vinyltrialkoxysilane with the non-organofunctional silane (II) preferably comprising an alkoxylated substituted alkyl silane. The silanes (I) and (II) are at least partially hydrolyzed and are normally provided in the form of a EtOH/H2O solution. Bonded joints formed by these adhesive treatments can withstand fuel degradation tests indicating that the treatments can be used, for example, to bond metal and rubber surfaces in automotive and other environments in which the joined parts will be contacted by fuels, oil and/or organic solvents.

Abstract: Stable foam caulk, sealant and insulation compositions are disclosed. The compositions comprise solid, waxy non-ionic lipophilic surfactants having low HLB values. These surfactants, upon foamed dispensing of the composition, provide stable support for bubbles formed from drying of a latex emulsion of a film forming polymer and a volatile liquid hydrocarbon propellant. In addition to use in caulking, sealant or insulation methods, the composition can be used to form artificial terrains and other hardenable structural surfaces as backgrounds or support means for hobbies, crafts, and the like.