Abstract: A polycarbonate generated from the polymerization of a protected hydroxylated bisphenolic compound, a bisphenol, a monophenolic endcapping agent, a bisphenol haloformate, and a curing compound, and thereafter subjecting the obtained polymer to a reaction with an acidic compound. A hydroxylated charge transport compound may also be included in the polycarbonate.

Abstract: A red-eye detection method includes receiving digital image data that defines an image. The digital image data are processed to identify all regions of the image that include a specular reflection. Image regions deemed to include a specular reflection are processed further, according to conventional techniques, to determine the presence or absence of red-eye. Specular reflections are identified according to luminace-chrominance characteristics, geometric (e.g., size/shape) characteristics, and/or luminance gradient characteristics.

Abstract: A ligament loading device (50) is used in conjunction with an MRI apparatus to image damaged ligaments in the knee. The leg of a patient is strapped into a thigh harness (70) and a lower leg harness (74) with the knee lying over a point (72) in the imaging region of the imager. The thigh harness (70) is fixed, but the lower leg harness (74) rotates about a central pivot point (72) to select an angle for the leg. Pressure devices (84a, 84b) such as sacs or bellows apply pressure to the thigh in one direction transverse to the thigh. Pressure devices (100a, 100b) apply pressure to the lower leg in an opposing direction transverse to the lower leg in order to move the bones of the knee apart to facilitate imaging of the ligaments. It is also possible to inspect and measure the movement of the bones using the device in conjunction with an MRI apparatus. A switch (108) selects between two pressure applying modes, both of which move the bones of the knee apart, but in opposite directions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for singulating and delivering wire leads as part of an electrode welding process in lamp production. Leads in bulk form are transported by a feeder. The leads are dropped from the feeder and passively caught in a desired orientation within a rotational turret. The turret delivers the leads to an exit point. The leads are processed at the exit point by pick-and-place equipment.

Abstract: A shock tube connector system comprises a substantially cylindrical detonator having a longitudinal axis a block body receiving the detonator therein, and an end cap. The detonator includes an axisymmetric exterior shell including a cylindrical main section, a cylindrical explosive end portion having a diameter less than the diameter of the main section, and a transition portion connecting the main section and the explosive end portion of the shell. An explosive charge is contained within the explosive end portion of the shell and is distributed along the longitudinal length of the explosive end portion. The explosive charge preferable comprises two portions of lead azide or a first charge portion of lead azide and PETN and a second charge portion of PETN. An initiating shock tube is operatively connected to the explosive charge via a delay element. The block body includes a housing within which the main section of the detonator is received.