Abstract: A part marking technique based on a string of alphanumeric human-readable characters which are “printed” using a “texture” which is “cut-out” from a two-dimensional redundant bit pattern, e.g., a two-dimensional matrix of data cells selectively occupied or not occupied by dots or other suitable geometric shapes. The bit pattern is readable by a system comprising an imager and a computer for processing the data contained in the acquired image. In the case of a bit pattern formed by visible dots, the system comprises an optical detector, e.g., a television camera or other imager. The part marking is simultaneously readable by a human and a computer system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a model and a method and apparatus for utilizing the model to simulate an imaging scenario. The model is mathematically defined by analytical basis objects and/or polygonal basis objects. Preferably, the model is a model of the human heart and thorax. Polygonal basis objects are only used to define structures in the model that experience torsion, such as certain structures in the heart that experience torsion during the cardiac cycle. The manner in which the basis objects comprising the model are transformed by scaling, translation and rotation is defined for each basis object. In the case where a basis object experiences torsion, the rotation of the basis object will change as a function of the length along the axis of the basis object about which rotation is occurring.

Abstract: An imaging system shares control of host memory between a detector framing node and a host processor. The detector framing node is programmable to control generation and reception of image data. Image data is acquired and communicated to host memory independently from control by a host operating system. The detector framing node controls events according to an event instruction sequence and communicates received image data to the host memory through a computer communication bus. Image data is received by the detector framing node from a flat panel detector. Host memory has a first section managed by the host operating system and a second section not managed by the host operating system. Image data is communicated from the detector framing node into the second section of host memory. Event instruction sequences are communicated from the first section of host memory to the detector framing node to control the generation and reception of image data.

Abstract: A solid state imager is provided that comprises an imaging array of gated photodiodes. The imager comprises a plurality of photosensor pixels arranged in a pixel array, and each of the photosensor pixels includes a photodiode having a sidewall, the sidewall having a gate dielectric layer disposed thereon, and a field plate disposed around the photodiode body. The field plate comprises amorphous silicon disposed on the gate dielectric layer and extends substantially completely around the sidewall of said photodiode. The field plate is electrically coupled to the common electrode of the imaging array so that the field plate creates an electric field around the photodiode body in correspondence with the potential of said common electrode. A method of fabricating the gated photodiode array is also provided.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for determining a transfer function relating a critical to quality parameter to key parameters in a design for six sigma process. The method includes determining a dimensionless group containing a plurality of key parameters. The key parameters may include key control parameters or key noise parameters that have an affect on the critical to quality parameter. A transfer function relating the dimensionless group to the critical to quality parameter is then generated.

Abstract: A digital x-ray imaging system employs a pixelated flat panel digital x-ray detector separated by a space from a source of x-rays which is selectively switchable between first and second, different x-ray energy levels, the space accommodating a body to be subjected to x-ray irradiation and imaging. A computer controls the x-ray source to irradiate the body with the first and second energy level x-rays and produce corresponding first and second x-ray images respectively of the first and second energy levels on the detector, the computer processing the respective digital signal outputs of the detector for the first and second digital images respectively of the first and second energy levels for each pixel, in individual succession for all pixels, and selectively produces and displays a soft tissue image or a bone/calcification image.

Abstract: An on-line sensor is provided that supplies light to a spectrophotometer to measure the color a product extruded through a conduit having a bypass section. The on-line sensor includes a transparent member with an opaque outer surface and an interior portion extending from a first end to a second end to the transparent member. The interior portion is connected to the bypass section, and the product that flows through the bypass section is supplied to the interior section of the transparent member. A light source connected to the transparent member and provides light to the transparent member inside the opaque outer surface. A light receiver is connected to the transparent member and captures light from the light source in the transparent member that is affected by the product. The captured light is supplied to the spectrophotometer to at least measure the properties of the product supplied to the interior portion of the transparent member.

Abstract: A heat sink for a compact, integral lamp system comprises a bimetal strip or a bimetal heat pipe containing a liquid. With temperature change, the bimetal strip or pipe flexes toward one metal or the other, depending on the physical properties of the particular metals. The deformation of the strip causes heat sink fins to press against the surface of the ballast wall, thereby significantly reducing or eliminating the air gaps therebetween and thus more effectively removing heat from the ballast.

Abstract: A radiation imager includes a photosensor array disposed on a substrate. The photosensor array is optically coupled to a scintillator. A cover plate is disposed over the photosensor array, and the cover plate fully comprises a light absorbing layer interposed between the scintillator and the cover plate.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for glass-ceramic cooktop appliances includes an optical detector having an reference component and an active component. The active component is arranged to receive radiation from the glass-ceramic plate, and the reference component is insulated from radiation from the glass-ceramic plate. The sensor assembly further includes a temperature sensor and a heater located adjacent to the reference component and a controller having a first input connected to the optical detector and a second input connected to the temperature sensor. The controller is responsive to the optical detector and the temperature sensor to calibrate the sensor assembly. Calibration is accomplished by noting the temperature reading of the temperature sensor after the burner assembly has not been used for a predetermined period of time to obtain a first calibration point. Then, the burner assembly is activated so that the temperature of the glass-ceramic plate is raised, and the output of the optical detector is noted.

Abstract: An approach to image reconstruction provides enhanced image quality from limited projection data, particularly when the imaging object (or a portion of interest) is in motion during the tomographic projection data collection process. An interpolated projection view is generated from existing projection views between which an additional relationship exists by virtue of being respectively based on data collected in different data acquisition cycles. The present invention provides a technique for combining the existing projection views into an interpolated projection view by interpolation in time. A further aspect of the invention provides an approach for selecting a reconstruction range for projection data representing the imaged object and covering a plurality of projection ranges.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for assessing performance of an imaging system. The imaging system has a performance assessment apparatus that comprises a system performance computer configured to execute a performance assessment algorithm. The performance assessment computer is coupled to receive signals from the detector assembly of the imaging array in a plurality of imaging system operating modes so as to identify disparities between actual system performance and nominal system performance for respective ones of the imaging system operating modes and to provide respective system performance output signals.

Abstract: A seal assembly is provided for a rotary machine wherein the rotary machine comprises a rotor and a casing. The rotor comprises a generally longitudinally-extending axis wherein the casing is generally coaxially aligned with the axis. The casing circumferentially surrounds and is radially spaced apart from the rotor wherein the casing comprises an inner circumferential channel generally coaxially aligned with the rotor. The seal assembly comprises a plurality of seal segments disposable in a circumferential array in the channel so as to be movable between radially inward and radially outward positions. In addition, the seal assembly comprises a plurality of displacement apparatuses comprising at least one fluid inlet and configured for urging apart the seal segments upon introduction of a fluid medium in the fluid inlet. Each of the seal segments comprises an end having at least one of the displacement apparatuses circumferentially disposed thereon.

Abstract: An imaging array of photodiodes on a chip cut from a semiconductor wafer includes a guard diode at each cut edge to reduce leakage current from the cut edges when the imaging array is in use. The photodiodes and guard diode may be fabricated from the same materials during the same process step. Electrical contacts coupled to the imaging array provide a mechanism for applying a reverse electrical bias to the photodiodes and guard region with respect to the wafer.

Abstract: A rotor, such as a rotor of an aircraft gas turbine engine, uses damper-ring devices for damping unwanted rotor vibrations. One device has inner and outer damper rings with the outer damper ring providing ring-rotor frictional damping only at large vibrational amplitudes and with the inner and outer damper rings providing inter-ring frictional damping at both small and large vibrational amplitudes. Other devices include a damper ring and a viscoelastic layer, a hollow damper ring containing particulate matter, and a damper ring in the form of a cable made of twisted single-wire strands.

Abstract: A method for forming a metal-containing layer on a substrate is disclosed. A slurry of the metal is first deposited on the substrate; followed by heating to remove volatile material from the slurry, and to form a layer of the metal. In another embodiment, a slurry of aluminum is deposited over the slurry of the metal, before or after the metal has been heat-treated to some degree. A diffusion heat treatment results in a coating which includes the noble-metal aluminide compound. Related articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: The fail-safe electronic circuit breaker includes a test circuit connected to a fault detection circuit. The test circuit selectively generates a simulated circuit fault that is supplied to the fault detection circuit. The fail-safe electronic circuit breaker also includes a trip mechanism disabler that is connected to the test circuit. The trip mechanism disabler permanently disables the fail-safe electronic circuit breaker when the fault detection circuit fails to detect the simulated circuit fault after about a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: An article includes turbulation material bonded to a surface of a substrate via a bonding agent, such as a braze alloy. In an embodiment, the turbulation material includes a particulate phase of discrete metal alloy particles having an average particle size within a range of about 125 microns to about 4000 microns. Other embodiments include methods for applying turbulation and articles for forming turbulation.

Abstract: A rotating body coil assembly for use with an open MR magnet for imaging at least a portion of a subject comprises a resonant structure configured to rotate about the subject and to permit access to the subject during imaging. The body coil assembly comprises first and second end ring assemblies positioned on opposing sides of the imaging space. The first and second end ring assemblies are each configured to energize the body coil assembly. A plurality of element assemblies are disposed between and connecting the first and second end ring assemblies for providing structural support and electrical isolation of the body coil assembly. A base assembly is coupled to the first and second end ring assemblies and at least one of the element assemblies.

Abstract: In an imager having an array of light-sensitive elements and employing striped common electrodes, exposed edges of preimidized polyimide layers above the light-sensitive imaging elements are sealed with the material of the common electrode (e.g., indium tin oxide). Similarly, exposed preimidized polyimide edges in electrical contacts for the array and bridge members electrically coupling adjacent light-sensitive imaging elements are also sealed with the material of the common electrode.