Abstract: The business method known as QAISys (Quality Assessment and Improvement System) is a process that rates comprehensively and continually the quality of medical images as determined by the interpreting radiologist. The output of this system conveys feedback from the radiologist to the performing technologist and his/her supervisor. This feedback enables medical radiologists, technologists, and managers to bridge any communication gaps between themselves in respect to the quality and effectiveness of medical images. It permits management to assess and track image quality for an entire medical imaging department by modality, location, and/or shift, and for each individual technologist. The QAISys method reveals the nature of recurrent quality failures and highlights which exam types need to be improved. QAISys then indicates practical, cost-effective means of assessing and improving the overall medical images for future patients.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing granular, particularly spherical activated carbon by carbonization of suitable carbonaceous polymers in the form of polymer granules, in particular polymer spherules, as a starting material, which are convertible by carbonization into carbon at least essentially, wherein the polymer granules, in particular the polymer spherules, are continuously moved through a carbonization apparatus comprising a plurality of temperature zones and/or a temperature gradient so that an at least essentially complete conversion of the starting material to carbon is effected.

Abstract: A method of sintering a composite body characterized by a transition metal carbide phase (such as a ZrC phase) substantially evenly distributed in a second, typically refractory, transition metal (such as W) matrix at ambient pressures, including blending a first predetermined amount of first transition metal oxide powder (such as ZrO2) with a second predetermined amount of second transition metal carbide powder (such as WC powder). Next the blended powders are mixed to yield a substantially homogeneous powder mixture and a portion of the substantially homogeneous powder mixture is formed into a green body.

Abstract: Thermoplastic composition and articles containing UV absorbers that protect the articles contents from harmful UV radiation are disclosed as well as methods for making the thermoplastic articles and methods for using the articles to contain and protect materials sensitive to UV radiation. The UV absorbers contain oxazolone and/or azine functional groups that absorb UV radiation and prevent its transmission into the article. Many of the compounds are novel compositions of matter. The generally clear thermoplastic articles of this disclosure are particularly useful for containing a variety of UV sensitive consumer products that would otherwise have to be packaged in opaque containers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of nitric esters of monohydric alcohols wherein a monohydric alcohol or a mixture of monohydric alcohols is converted with nitric acid to the corresponding nitric esters under adiabatic reaction conditions in the presence of sulfuric acid.

Abstract: A mechanical assist assembly for translating a pushing motion from a vehicle operator into an oppositely directed valve deactuation force including a spring cap having a generally round cap portion, a locking recess formed in the cap portion, a helical compression spring operationally connected and extending from the cap portion and a locking bolt extending from a vehicle dash plate. The cap portion may be depressed to actuate the valve actuator, thereby increasing the potential energy of the compression spring. The cap may be rotated a first direction to engage the locking bolt and, once engaged, may be rotated a second direction to disengage the locking bolt. Disengaging the cap portion from the locking bolt enables the helical compression spring to release its stored potential energy and urge the valve actuator into its disengaged position.

Abstract: A trench box, including a pair of oppositely disposed parallel elongated sidewalls defining a work volume, distal and proximal support members extending between the sidewalls, and a track positioned between the sidewalls. Track adjusting members extend between the track and the support members and a movable tram connecting plate is connected to the track. An actuator is coupled to the track and energizable to move the tram connecting plate and a tool module is operationally connectable to the tram connecting plate. A pipe dispensing assembly and a gravel hopper assembly are positionable within the working volume.

Abstract: A truck bed ballast system for providing incremental amounts of extra weight over the rear drive wheels of a pick-up truck that doubles as a storage container for traction-enhancing media, such as salt, sand, gravel, and the like. One example of the truck bed ballast system comprises at least one elongated cylindrical body member that is permanently capped at one end and may either be permanently capped or removably and resealably capped at the other end. At least one cylindrical body member is positioned in the bed of a pickup truck that is expected to need extra traction (such as in icy weather) between the rear wheel wells and the tailgate. If the truck were to lose traction and become stuck, despite the presence of the extra ballast weight, one or more cylindrical body members may be removed from the truck bed and their contents applied under the drive wheels to enhance traction and allow the truck to become unstuck.

Abstract: The tracks of a railroad yard system have an access track and a plurality of switches leading to a plurality of yard tracks are lubricated by a lubricating station positioned on the access track. In addition to lubricating the tracks, lubrication nozzles are directed at the switch plates and switch points of the switches of the system. Detectors are positioned on the yard tracks to determine the speed of the cars as they roll down track and into the yard, and a computer, responsive to these detectors, control the discharge of lubricant by the lubricating station. Detectors are also positioned near each switch plate to detect when each switch plate moves, and a dispensing system dispense lubricant through the nozzle directed toward a switch plate whenever the switch plate is moved.

Abstract: A method of making a composite sintered silicon nitride/silicon carbide body, including mixing a predetermined amount of silicon nitride powder with a predetermined amount of silicon carbide powder, heat-treating the resultant mixed powder at a temperature of between about 800 and 1500 degrees Celsius in a substantially nitrogen sintering atmosphere, and producing a thin film of silica around individual silicon nitride and silicon carbide grains. The thin film of silica is useful in retarding the diffusion of oxygen to the silicon nitride particles, slowing their oxidation. The pressure of the sintering atmosphere is not substantially greater than atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A glass composition for use as a sealant or otherwise bonded to a fuel cell component, including from about 40 mol % to about 60 mol % RO; from about 2 mol % to about 10 mol % M2O3; and from about 35 mol % to about 45 mol % SiO2. R is selected from the group including strontium, calcium, magnesium and zinc and combinations thereof. M is selected from the group including aluminum, boron, lanthanum, iron and combinations thereof. The glass includes at least about 5 mol % ZnO. Upon heat treatment, the glass at least partially crystallizes with the formation of at least one alkaline earth-zinc pyrosilicate crystalline phases.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the viscosity of a fluidic cementitious mixture, the apparatus including a high voltage source, first and second spaced electrode members electrically connected to the high voltage source and (when energized) define an electrostatic field therebetween. The positioning of particulate cementitious material within the electrostatic field imparts like charges to the cementitious particles. By establishing such an electric field and positioning cementitious particles within the field, the particles may be charged prior to mixing into a hydrated cementitious slurry. Such charging decreases the viscosity and/or enhances the flowability of the hydrated cementitious slurry.