Abstract: A thin-film, flat panel, pixelated detector array serving as a real-time digital imager and dosimeter for diagnostic or mega-voltage X rays or gamma rays, including a plurality of photodiodes (30) made of hydrogenated amorphous silicon arrayed in columns and rows upon a glass substrate (12). Each photodiode (30) is connected to a thin film field effect transistor (52) also located upon the glass or quartz substrate (12). Upper and lower metal contacts (38, 22) are located below and above the photodiodes (30) to provide the photodiodes (30) with a reverse bias. The capacitance of each photodiode (30) when multiplied by the resistance of the field effect transistor (52) to which it is connected yields an RC time constant sufficiently small to allow fluoroscopic or radiographic imaging in real time.

Abstract: A central lighting system for providing light to locations remote from a light source includes first and second ellipsoidally shaped reflectors joined together to surround the light source. The first and second reflectors direct the light from the light source to light guides which are fixed at a position outside of the joined together reflectors. The ellipsoidally shaped reflectors each have an opening or window along an optical axis through which the reflected light passes to the light guides. The configuration of the reflectors allows the light the be received by the light guides outside of the reflectors. A base secures the light source in a fixed position with respect to the reflectors and allows the light source and reflector module to be removed and replaced as a single unit without repositioning the light guides.

Abstract: A cleaning efficacy indicator system (20) includes a light source (50) and a light receiver (56). A light-transmitting optical indicator element (30) receives light from the source (50) and transmits the light to the receiver (56). The receiver (56) provides at an electrical output signal (82) which varies in accordance with light received from the light source (50). The light-transmitting optical indicator element (30) is purposefully soiled on its outer surface (48) with a soiling agent to inhibit or alter its light transmitting abilities. However, upon effective washing, the indicator element (30) is able to transmit an increased light intensity. The indicator element (30) is washed with a load of soiled articles. Either during washing operations or subsequently, the light transmission through the indicator element (30) is monitored using the light output signal (82) of the light receiver (56). A select change in light transmission is indicative of effective washing operations.

Abstract: A random engagement roller chain sprocket for use primarily in automotive engine chain drive applications which incorporates different asymmetrical tooth profiles for improved noise reduction. In particular, the sprocket includes a first plurality of sprocket teeth each having a first tooth profile including a first engaging flank, a first engaging root, and a first flat positioned between the first engaging flank and first engaging root wherein a first roller initially contacts the first flat at the onset of the first roller meshing with the sprocket. The sprocket also includes a second plurality of sprocket teeth each having a second tooth profile different from the first tooth profile and including a second engaging flank, a second engaging root, and a second flat tangent to the second engaging root remote from the second engaging flank wherein a second roller initially contacts the second flat at the onset of meshing between the second roller and the sprocket.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging suite is sheathed with plates (32, 34, 36) of iron or other ferrous material. The plates define projections (42, 44, 54, 54', 68) in alignment with each other on opposite ceiling and floor or wall surfaces. A pair of magnetic pole pieces (10, 10'; 50, 50'; 60, 60') are surrounded by superconducting electromagnetic coils (12, 12'; 52, 52'; 62, 62'). The pole pieces are positioned between the ferrous plates in axial alignment. When current flows through the electromagnetic coils, magnetic flux flows between the pole pieces. The ferrous wall sheathing or other ferrous constructions define a flux return path. The pole pieces are magnetically attracted toward each other and are each magnetically mirrored in and attracted toward the adjacent ferrous flux return path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic hand grip 1 having two end zones respectively attachable in a support opening 5 by means of a connecting part. Each connecting part 3 has at least one locking zone adapted to grasp behind the support opening 5 and to be held therein in a spread position. The connecting part 3 has two oppositely facing connecting flanges 10, 11. One connecting flange 11 is resilient and the other connecting flange 10 is rigid. In closed position, the resilient connecting flange 11 is held in the spread position S by means of a secured arresting bolt 15. The connecting part below the two contact flanges 10, 11 is provided with two locations, arranged at a distance from each other, for a spring-loaded hinge bolt 20 for penetrating the end zones of the tiltably designed hand grip 1.

Abstract: A novel thin film transistor (TFT) structure for minimizing parasitic capitances on both the drain and source electrodes. According to a first embodiment, a triple gate TFT is provided with an open gate structure in which the source and drain electrodes are non-overlapping with the top gate electrode. A pair of bottom gate electrodes being aligned respectively with the first gap between the gate and source and the second gap between the gate and drain. According to a second embodiment of the invention, a full transfer TFT switch is provided having a source, a drain, a bottom gate and semi-conductor layer therebetween, and a partial top gate overlapping a portion of the drain and a portion of the semiconductor layer for creating a generally triangular-shaped charge density distribution in the semiconductor layer for moving channel electrons toward the source electrode.

Abstract: A twin roll casting machine has an end-dam structure at each end of the pair of rolls. Each end-dam structure comprises a first part which is urged into engagement with the rolls in the vicinity of the narrowest part of the gap with a contact pressure which prevents leakage of molten metal. A second part, positioned above the first part, is urged into engagement with the rolls with a contact pressure which is less than that of the first part, but which nevertheless prevents leakage of molten metal.

Abstract: A method for inflating cushioning devices which comprise at least first and second distinct chambers having an interconnecting passage providing fluid communication between the chambers. The method comprises either: (1) limiting the volume of at least one of the chambers, filling the chambers with a fluid at a single inflation pressure from a single inflation point and sealing the interconnecting passage, or (2) filling the chambers with a fluid at a single inflation pressure from a single inflation point compressing at least one of the distinct chambers, and sealing the interconnecting passage. The method is particularly suited to manufacture of a footwear cushion comprised of a body of elastomeric material having a plurality of sealed non-communicating cells having a single inflation point. At least two cells sharing a single sealed inflation passage are at different pressures.

Abstract: A surgical light (10) includes a conical shaped reflector (12) which is formed from pre-finished sheet of reflector material into a conical shape. The conical reflector (12) reflects the light from a lamp (14) at a plurality of different angles. Light directly from the lamp and reflected from the reflector strikes a refractor (18) at a plurality of angles of incidence which vary with distance from a central axis (X) of the reflector. The refractor has a plurality of differently shaped prisms (20) whose shape varies with the distance from the central axis to redirect the light to an illumination zone (Z).

Abstract: A ski binding (1) is longitudinally positionable (PL) in relation to a runner (10) which is fixed to a ski (9). A lock (14) is moveable from a locked position (V1, FIG. 1) to an unlocked position (V2, FIG. 2) for selectively fixing and releasing the binding for longitudinal movement. A lever (26) cooperates with the lock to provide an upward thrust for unlocking the lock. The lever (26) extends rearwardly between side walls (320a, 320b) of a hollow housing (32).

Abstract: A roller assembly is provided with openings in its outer surface for selective communication with a source of vacuum or a positive pressure. The openings may be angled along the roller rotational axis to impart a component of velocity to the paper perpendicular to the tangential roller surface velocity. Additionally, by selectively connecting the openings with sources of pressure and vacuum, enhanced paper alignment is achieved, multiple paper feeds eliminated, transitions between different velocities of rollers completed, or paper reverted so that printing can be achieved on first and second sides thereof.

Abstract: A binding holds a ski boot in a releasable manner to a ski or the like. A jaw (3) is pivotally mounted on a body (2) around a transverse axle (4), such that it is rotatably movable from a closed position to an open position and vice versa. The jaw (3) is held in a closed position by a biasing system. The binding also includes a loosening lever (11) pivotally movable around the transverse axle (4), such that it is movable from a position in which it extends towards the top, corresponding to the closed position of the jaw, and an open position in which it extends towards the rear, corresponding to the open position of the jaw. The biasing system includes a piston (6) which is longitudinally moved by action of a spring (7) pressing on a ramp (8,9) defined in the jaw (3). The piston is constrained at least toward the top by at least one restraining stub axle (14, 14a, 14b, 140, 140') jointed to the piston (16) at its upper end by an axle (12) and to the body (2) at its lower end by a transverse axle (15).

Abstract: An imaging device includes a support member (30), a x-ray source (32) mounted to the support member via a first arm (34), and an x-ray detector (36) mounted to the support member via a second arm (38). The x-ray detector includes a sealed housing (72) mounted to the second arm and a flat panel image receptor (74) retained within the housing. A cooling system (G) exchanges heated air in the housing with ambient air located remote from the housing. The support member (30) includes an open channel (68), a closed channel (70), a common wall (106) separating the open channel from the closed channel, and a series of vents (108) through the common wall. The second arm (38) includes an inlet passage (92) and an exhaust passage (90) each of which communicate with the closed passage (70) and interior cavity (98) of the housing. At least one fan (100) is positioned in at least one of the exhaust passage and the inlet passage.

Abstract: A method (100) of automatically tuning a radio frequency transmitter (24) and receiver (38) in a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus to an optimum frequency includes generating and acquiring (104) a magnetic resonance signal. The magnetic resonance signal is transformed to the frequency domain and spectral magnitude of the signal is computed (106). A center of gravity interpolation is performed (110) on the spectral magnitude to obtain a desired frequency sampling. A model function is generated based upon a strength of a main magnetic field which has peaks separated by the same separation as that for fat and water signals. The spectral magnitude is correlated (112) with the model function and a peak having the greatest magnitude is located therefrom. The location of a species peak along the spectral magnitude is estimated (114) from empirically derived information, the strength of the main magnetic field and the location of the correlation peak.

Abstract: A display device for information signals which performs highly efficient image display of a standard television signal, a high definition television signal, a progressive scanning television signal or a stereoscopic television signal on the same screen has a first signal input unit applied with the standard television signal, a second signal input unit applied with the high definition television signal, progressive scanning television signal or stereoscopic television signal, a mode designation unit for designating a mode for display of one of the signals, a signal conversion unit including a write unit for writing the first signal, at a frequency thereof, to memories and a read unit for reading the memories at a frequency which is nearly twice that of the first signal, a signal switching unit, a signal processing unit and a deflection switching unit, whereby a first display signal from the signal conversion unit or a second display signal from the second input terminal is selected and image-displayed on the

Abstract: The combination of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), SDA-3 ethyl alcohol and cetyl lactate has produced a highly effective topical antimicrobial cleanser having immediate, persistant and residual bactericidal activity. The invention also relates to a low temperature manufacturing process for producing chlorhexidine salts in alcohol based formulations.

Abstract: A holding device (1) made of plastic for attachment to a support for holding and supporting at least one tube-shaped body comprises an attachment portion (2) connectable to the support and a holding portion (3) of two half-dishes (4, 5) enveloping the tube-shaped body. The two half-dishes are connected with each other at the side next to the attachment portion (2). At the side opposite the attachment portion (2), the half-dishes are connected by at least one hinged element (6) while at the side next to the attachment portion (2) they are joined by a snap-in catch device (7) arranged within the attachment portion (2).

Abstract: A steam sterilizer device having a steam generation system is disclosed. The steam generation system has a fluid connection to a water source (1) to provide water to a venturi apparatus (27) for the selective creation of a vacuum in a sterilization chamber (71). A fluid connection to a particle filter (33) and a reverse osmosis filter (37) is also provided and water passed through the filters is delivered by a metering pump (53) to a steam generating apparatus (59) which in turn supplies steam to a the chamber (71). The chamber (71) is provided with a discharge conduit including a mixing chamber (31) and a split tubing air break (131).