Abstract: A radiation detection device, system, and method for use in homeland security is disclosed. The device is portable and includes a photomultiplier tube (PMT) connected to an end of a substantially rigid thin-walled aluminum tube. Inside the aluminum tube, a substantially straight scintillating fiber is disposed (so as to be shielded from ambient light), and an end of the scintillating fiber is optically coupled to the PMT. A voltage output signal from the PMT is signal-processed with a filter to remove high-frequency noise (which may arise from solar radiation spikes) and fed to a voltage-responsive alarm or signalling device. The portable device is employed, for example, by responders to nuclear incidents and is packaged as a small wearable hands-free and eyes-free unit with a continuous in-use self-testing feature.

Abstract: A radiation detection device, system, and method for use in homeland security is disclosed. The device is portable and includes a photomultiplier tube (PMT) connected to an end of a substantially rigid thin-walled aluminum tube. Inside the aluminum tube, a substantially straight scintillating fiber is disposed (so as to be shielded from ambient light), and an end of the scintillating fiber is optically coupled to the PMT. A voltage output signal from the PMT is signal-processed with a filter to remove high-frequency noise (which may arise from solar radiation spikes) and fed to a voltage-responsive alarm or signalling device. The portable device is employed, for example, in baggage and vehicle radiation scanning systems, as well as for large-area radiation mapping and directional radiation sensing.

Abstract: A displacement difference dosimetry method is provided for use with in-vivo scintillating fiber radiation detectors. A scintillating fiber includes an insertion end which is incrementally inserted into a human body using a catheter or hypodermic needle to provide a fixed (but not necessarily known) insertion path. A photomultiplier tube is coupled to the other end of the scintillating fiber and detects both scintillation light and any Cerenkov light for each position of the scintillating fiber insertion end along the fixed insertion path. The change in the amount of light detected by the photomultiplier tube divided by the corresponding amount of change in position of the scintillating fiber insertion end gives a measure of the dose rate at the scintillation fiber tip which is substantially free from the effects of Cerenkov light.

Abstract: A spiral tie and accessory rack includes an elongate supporting member that defines both a curved hook portion for supporting the rack from a closet rod and a downwardly extending straight core portion for rotatably receiving and supporting a plurality of annular pole segments thereon. The pole segments each carry at least one support arm and are provided with interlocking, angularly phase-shifted male and female features on their lower and upper surfaces, respectively. When the pole segments are properly stacked around the core portion so as to be mated to one another, the tie support arms are arranged to spiral around the inner supporting member. The rack may be supplied in kit form, and may also be converted to a table-top (standing) rack or a wall-mounted rack.

Abstract: A portable dosimetry system measures individual seed strengths of fully loaded multi-seed holders. The system includes a 5 mm diameter scintillating fiber disposed in a groove on a rigid bed. A photomultiplier tube (PMT) is supported on the rigid bed and is coupled to an end surface of the scintillating fiber. Attachments are provided for positioning multi-seed holders adjacent the peripheral surface of the scintillating fiber, and movable shield plates are provided for inhibiting stray radiation (produced by neighboring seeds) from reaching the scintillating fiber. The system is useful for calibrating 100% of the seeds in a holder in less time than it currently takes to calibrate 10% of the seeds in the holder.

Abstract: A spiral tie and accessory rack includes an elongate supporting member that defines both a curved hook portion for supporting the rack from a closet rod and a downwardly extending straight core portion for rotatably receiving and supporting a plurality of annular pole segments thereon. The pole segments each carry at least one support arm and are provided with interlocking, angularly phase-shifted male and female features on their lower and upper surfaces, respectively. When the pole segments are properly stacked around the core portion so as to be mated to one another, the tie support arms are arranged to spiral around the inner supporting member. The rack may be supplied in kit form, and may also be converted to a table-top rack or a wall-mounted rack.

Abstract: A detachable and interchangeable decorative trim strip for comforters, quilts, and the like includes a decorative non-linearly patterned edge. The trim strip is removably fastened to the underside of the comforter and folded over the comforter's edge so that a decorative portion of the trim strip overlies the top side of the comforter. In a bedding arrangement, the comforter has an edge portion which substantially overlies an edge of the top surface of a bed, and the trim strip substantially completely covers the edge portion of the comforter. In an interior design system, the trim strip includes a rod pocket, and the trim strip may either be fastened to the comforter by means of removable fasteners or slipped over a horizontal rod to effect window treatment, wall treatment, or shower enclosure treatment.

Abstract: A rack includes a plurality of horizontally disposed tie support arms which are rigidly fixed to a central pole. The tie support arms are so arranged as to spiral at least partly around the central pole. A hook is rotatably connected to a top portion of the central pole and is adapted to suspend the central pole from a closet rod. The rack facilitates quick and easy access to any one of a plurality of ties or similar items which are hung from the tie support arms.

Abstract: A toothbrush for cleaning individual teeth includes a longitudinally extending handle portion (10) connected to a curved head portion (20). The head portion (20) carries a plurality of relatively long, soft bristle tufts (31) arranged in transverse rows and a plurality of relatively short, hard bristle tufts (32) arranged in transverse rows sandwiched between the transverse rows of the plurality of relatively long, soft bristle tufts (31). The curved head portion (20) has a small radius of curvature of between 1.4 and 1.8 centimeters, optimally 1.5 centimeters, while the relatively long, soft bristle tufts (31) each extend radially from the curved head portion (20) by a distance of between 0.8 and 1.2 centimeters, optimally 1 centimeter. In this manner, the entire arrangement (30) of bristle tufts is made to converge substantially on the area of an individual tooth and its surrounding gum line.

Abstract: A support platform is adapted to prevent kickstands and other load carrying members from sinking into an underlying surface. The support platform is generally disc shaped and is provided with a channel or cut-out therein which aids in establishing and/or maintaining an alignment between the kickstand and the support platform as the kickstand is being lowered onto the support platform. The support platform is particularly suited for mass production.

Abstract: A car-washing device includes a one-gallon reservoir and flexible tubing leading from the reservoir to a sponge. The sponge has a central passage formed therein to securely receive a portion of the tubing that has been provided with a plurality of small openings. A detergent formula thus flows in the tubing from the reservoir and through the small openings into the sponge. A removable and replaceable protective jacket, in the form of a nylon sleeve, protects the sponge. A valve member is provided between the reservoir and the sponge to selectively cut off the flow of detergent to the sponge. In use, the reservoir may be placed on top of a car and the sponge may be manipulated to clean the outer surfaces of the car. Because the detergent flows from a passage in the center of the sponge, the sponge is, for the most part, self-cleaning.