Abstract: The present technique provides a multi-tile detector and a process for assembling the multi-tile detector using a flexible structure and intermediate electrical connections. The present technique minimizes edge gaps between adjacent detector tiles by coupling the detector tiles to the flexible structure and then flexing the flexible structure to close the edge gaps. Intermediate electrical connections, such as interlayer solder bumps, also may be used to minimize visible artifacts associated with tiling of the detector tiles. The present technique also may use a plurality of soldering materials having different melting temperatures to facilitate multiple soldering steps that are nondestructive of previous soldering steps.

Abstract: Memory modules and methods for fabricating and implementing memory modules wherein unique operating current values corresponding to specific memory devices on the memory modules are accessed from a database such that the operating current values may be implemented to improve system performance. Memory modules comprising a number of volatile memory devices may be fabricated. Operating current values corresponding to the specific memory devices on the memory module may be stored in a database and accessed during fabrication or during implementation of the memory modules in a system. System performance may be optimized by implementing the unique operating current values corresponding to the specific memory devices on the memory modules.

Abstract: An image correction system and method includes a digital data input unit configured to receive digital pixel data corresponding to a pixel level for a particular pixel location on a detector panel. An offset memory stores offset pixel values for each of a plurality of pixel locations making up the detector panel. A subtractor subtracts an offset pixel value corresponding to the particular pixel location, as obtained from the offset memory, from the received digital pixel data, to provide a subtracted result. A bit shifter unit shifts down the subtracted result by a predetermined number of bits to provide a bit-shifted result. An adder adds the bit-shifted result to the offset pixel value to provide an added result. A corresponding memory location of the offset memory that corresponds to the particular pixel location is updated with the added result. Information in the offset memory is utilized to correct a digital image.

Abstract: The present technique is associated with financial analysis of a capital investment in medical resources. The technique allows a client to interact with a remote financial analysis system via a network interface, and to enter and transmit client data associated with a desired capital investment to the financial analysis system for an investment analysis. The financial analysis system then provides a customized investment report for the desired capital investment to assist the client in evaluating the feasibility of the investment.

Abstract: An imaging system and method includes a detector framing node (DFN) being programmable to receive image data from a panel detector, and to store the image data for later transfer of the image data by way of a direct memory access (DMA) transfer. The imaging system and method also includes a DFN control unit configured to control operation of the DFN and to output at least one DMA instruction to the DFN, the at least one DMA instruction corresponding to a dummy DMA instruction that disables a start of a DMA transfer corresponding to execution of the at least one DMA instruction. The imaging system and method further includes an auxiliary image interface being programmable to detect the dummy DMA instruction, to issue a DMA request to the DFN in accordance with the dummy DMA instruction, and to convert data received from the DFN into a different format, to output to a host unit that is capable of processing the data received in the different format.

Abstract: A gradient amplifier arrangement is described that comprises a gradient amplifier power stage. The device may be employed to provide a current to a gradient coil, as in a MRI system. The circuitry disclosed includes a series coupling of a first bridge amplifier operating at a first voltage, a second bridge amplifier operating at a second voltage, a third bridge amplifier operating at a third voltage, and a gradient amplifier control stage. The amplifiers may provide output voltages at different levels, and may be switched at different times and frequencies to provide a range of output voltage and current levels.

Abstract: An optical sensor having a cover layer, an emitter disposed on a first side of the cover, a detector disposed on the first side of said cover, and a plurality of stacked independent adhesive layers disposed on the same first side of the cover, wherein the top most exposed adhesive layer is attached to a patient's skin. Thus, when the sensor is removed to perform a site check of the tissue location, one of the adhesive layers may also be removed and discarded, exposing a fresh adhesive surface below for re-attachment to a patient's skin. The independent pieces of the adhesive layers can be serially used to extend the useful life of the product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronizing signals. For memory devices, such as SDRAMs, implementing a synchronization device to synchronize one signal, such as an external clock signal with a second signal, such as a data signal, tuning elements may be provided at various points in the signal path of the synchronization device. The tuning elements are designed to be identical, such that a single design may be used to a signal mismatch that is produced in either direction, using a single design. The tuning elements may be implemented to provide uniformity in the access time through a range of conditions, such as drain voltages and temperatures.

Abstract: A tomosynthesis system for forming a three dimensional image of an object is provided. The system includes an X-ray source adapted to irradiate the object with a beam of X-rays from a plurality of positions in a sector, an X-ray detector positioned relative to the X-ray source to detect X-rays transmitted through the object and a processor which is adapted to generate a three dimensional image of the object based on X-rays detected by the detector. The detector is adapted to move relative to the object and/or the X-ray source is adapted to irradiate the object with the beam of X-rays such that the beam of X-rays follows in a non arc shaped path and/or a center of the beam of X-rays impinges substantially on the same location on the detector from different X-ray source positions in the sector.

Abstract: Memory devices configured to reduce coupling noise between adjacent wordlines in a memory array. More specifically, wordline drivers are interleaved such that adjacent wordlines are driven by wordline drivers enabled by different row decoders. Each wordline driver includes a weak transistor to ground and a strong transistor to ground. By disabling the wordline driver on the wordlines directly adjacent to the active wordlines, a path is provided to drive the coupling noise from the active wordline to ground through the strong transistor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided which reduce coupling between a Z-axis gradient coil and an rf coil in magnetic resonance imaging systems and an rf shield disposed between the Z-axis gradient coil and the remaining gradient coils. The reduction in coupling is accomplished by novel windings of conductor forming the Z-axis gradient coil.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device and a method of imaging a volume of interest is provided. According to one aspect of the present technique, the MRI device includes an attachment portion having a profile at least partially defined by a cross-section thereof, and an array of radio-frequency coils arranged with respect to each other to generally correspond to the profile. In an exemplary embodiment, each coil may have a first turn portion located radially closer to the attachment portion than a second turn portion.

Abstract: A welding torch having a torch body that is adapted to receive a welding electrode. A collet and collet body, or other mechanism, may be used to secure the electrode to the torch body. The welding torch has a handle that is securable to the torch body, but which may be selectively removed from the torch body. The welding torch may be operated with the handle removed. The welding torch is adapted to prevent arcing from the torch body to a surrounding surface when the handle is removed. The welding torch also may have a cable that is adapted to convey gas and electricity that is affixed to the torch body. The torch body may have an electrical connector disposed within the torch body for connection to the cable operable to convey gas and electricity. The cable and torch may also be adapted to provide cooling water to the torch body. The torch body may also be flexible.

Abstract: A composite structure of a backing material with enhanced conductivity for use in a transducer is presented. The composite structure includes a plurality of layers of backing material alternatingly arranged with a plurality of thermal conductive elements, wherein the plurality of thermal conductive elements are configured to transfer heat from a center of the transducer to a plurality of points on the composite structure of backing material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a stackable package to create a 3-dimensional memory array using ball grid array technology. Specifically, memory chips are coupled to a preformed packages which have alignment features to allow for the stacking of the ball grid arrays. The alignment features are used to align and orient each package with respect to an adjacent package, substrate or printed circuit board. The alignment features also support the weight of the adjacent package during solder ball reflow to maintain stack height and parallelism between packages. Each memory device is serially connected to the adjacent memory device through the vias and solder balls on each package.

Abstract: A memory cell and a method of fabricating the memory cell having a small active area. By forming a spacer in a window that is sized at the photolithographic limit, a pore may be formed in dielectric layer which is smaller than the photolithographic limit. Electrode material is deposited into the pore, and a layer of structure changing material, such as chalcogenide, is deposited onto the lower electrode, thus creating a memory element having an extremely small and reproducible active area.

Abstract: A method of integrating case based reasoning data and FMECA data for product life cycle support. The method comprises creating an access path to case based data using a FMECA classification. The creating includes receiving a case based record including heading data. The heading data includes data elements and the data elements are correlated with data fields in a FMECA database. The FMECA database is searched for an entry that includes one or more of the data elements. The creating further includes determining if the entry should include a reference to the case based record. A new pointer to the case based record is inserted if the determining results in finding that the entry should include a reference to the case based record. The method for integrating case based reasoning data and FMECA data further comprises receiving a request from a user to access the case based data. The case based data is accessed via the FMECA database using the access path in response to the request.