Abstract: The invention relates to a parallel MR imaging method in which first a first MR imaging sequence is formed with a selectable minimum number of phase encoding steps and at least two separate MR signal data sets are acquired by means of at least two MR receiving coils. A first MR image is reconstructed from this data while taking into account the spatial sensitivity profiles of the MR receiving coils. In order to improve parallel MR imaging methods of this kind, the invention proposes to evaluate the quality of the reconstructed MR image in a subsequent step of the method and, in dependence upon the result of the evaluation, to either terminate the imaging method or to form a further MR imaging sequence with a number of further phase encoding steps. This procedure can be continued until an adequate MR image quality is reached.

Abstract: A compression spring rod for relatively displacing elements attached to end mounts of the rod assembly comprises a housing having a rod member moveable between extended and retracted positions relative thereto, and a first compression spring in the housing surrounded by a second compression spring for biasing the rod member to one of an extended or retracted position relative to the housing. The two springs are oppositely wound, of different length, of different outside diameter, and of different wire diameter whereby, from a compressed condition, the spring rod exerts an expansion force which increases at a linear rate. Two sets of the springs can be arranged for biasing the rod member to a central position relative to the housing.

Abstract: A single-use cartridge C contains a dose of a concentrated decontaminant for providing a decontaminant solution upon mixing with water. The cartridge is inserted into the well (16) of a decontamination system (A). Fresh water and then the decontaminant solution are recirculated through the well during a decontamination cycle. The cartridge includes a porous region (42), through which the decontaminant solution flows. Impregnated in the porous region is a chemical indicator (44), such as crystal violet, which gradually changes color on exposure to the decontaminant. The indicator provides a semi-quantitative indication of the integrated level of the decontaminant in the solution over time for determining whether an acceptable level of the decontaminant was present for decontamination. A preferred embodiment of the cartridge C includes nested inner and outer water-penetrable cups (50,150,70,170) for holding first and second reagents. The two cups are sealed together adjacent upper open ends (56,92,156,192).

Abstract: A coupling body has: (i) a central member; (ii) a first retaining member; and, (iii) a second retaining member. The first retaining member and the central member define a first pipe receiving region. The second retaining member and the central member define a second pipe receiving region having a tapered inner surface. A selectively constrictable clamp collar is located in the first pipe receiving region. A bolt or other actuation member is operably engaged with the clamp collar and is movable to constrict the clamp collar. A gripping collet is located in the second pipe receiving region and includes a tapered outer surface. At least one tie-bolt or other fastener extends between the retaining members and is selectively adjustable to draw the first and second retaining members toward each other so that the tapered inner surface engages the tapered outer surface of the collet to constrict the collet radially.

Abstract: A packaging film which shrinks to form at least part of a package when exposed to heat. The packaging film includes a thin film substrate that contracts or shrinks when heated and which is substantially transparent to radiant energy. The film also includes a susceptor material carried by the film that is sufficiently opaque to radiant energy to absorb and transfer to the substrate enough heat energy to cause the substrate to shrink, when the film is exposed to a source of radiant energy. In one embodiment the packaging film takes the form of lids of beverage containers.