Abstract: The present technique relates to a method and apparatus for detecting a change in a data signal at a buffer device. In the buffer device, first stage comparators may be adapted to receive a data signal and either a first voltage timing reference (VTR) signal or a complimentary VTR signal. The first stage comparators may each deliver an output signal to second stage comparators. Each of the second stage comparators receives the output signal from each of the first stage comparators. From the first stage comparator signals, the second stage comparators produce an output signal, such as a first output signal and a second output signal. These output signals from the second stage comparators are differential signals.

Abstract: A geometric harmonic modulation (GHM) communication system communicates GHM signals on a power line of a reconfigurable network. The GHM communication system includes a master controller connected to the power line for transmitting GHM signals on the power line. A boundary component is also connected to the power line. A GHM addressable device is connected to the power line between the master controller and the boundary component. The GHM addressable device defines a boundary of a network region based on the GHM signals transmitted over the power line.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system comprises an array of radio frequency (RF) coils for producing controlled RF fields applying excitation signals to a volume of interest and a coil control circuitry configured to excite a single coil from the array of radio frequency coils at a given instant of time, where neighboring coils in the array are deactivated for the given instant of time.

Abstract: A multi-component layer is deposited on a semiconductor substrate in a semiconductor process. The multi-component layer may be a dielectric layer formed from a gaseous titanium organometallic precursor, reactive silane-based gas and a gaseous oxidant. The multi-component layer may be deposited in a cold wall or hot wall chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactor, and in the presence or absence of plasma. The multi-component layer may also be deposited using other processes, such as radiant energy or rapid thermal CVD.

Abstract: An imaging system including at least one pole piece is described. The at least one pole piece includes at least two grain-oriented sheets that are stacked together, where a direction of easy magnetization of a first of the at least two grain-oriented sheets is different than a direction of easy magnetization of a second of the at least two grain-oriented sheets.

Abstract: A system and method for managing the installation of equipment, machines or systems. The system comprises tools that are operable to develop and manage an installation plan. The installation plan provides a timetable for the performance of installation tasks. The installation plan may be developed and managed using an information system that is accessible via a network or using a portable remote unit. The method comprises using the tools to develop and manage the installation plan.

Abstract: A magnetically-actuated switch adapted to control a welding device. The magnetically-actuated switch may comprise a set of electrical connectors that are brought into electrical communication with one another by magnetic force. The magnetically-actuated switch may be disposed within a welding implement coupled to the welding device. The welding implement may be operated by disposing a magnet proximate to the welding implement to actuate the magnetically-actuated switch. The magnet may be disposed within a magnet holder securable to a hand.

Abstract: A method for imaging an object that includes utilizing a computed tomography imaging apparatus having a distributed x-ray source to acquire samples of projection data of an object in angular and temporal space utilizing a predetermined sampling lattice. Acquired projection data is filtered utilizing a two-dimensional linear filter to produce filtered data, and the filtered data is then backprojected to obtain a reconstructed image of the object.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing fluid drainage into air passageways of a spray device during disassembly. The present technique provides an internally mountable fluid nozzle having a fluid inlet, a fluid exit, and a converging central passageway extending substantially between the fluid inlet and the fluid exit. Accordingly, the internally mountable fluid nozzle has a relatively small internal volume, which reduces the amount of fluid that can be spilled during disassembly of the spray device. The present technique also provides a section of the spray device having an air passageway with an air exit, and a protrusive fluid passageway with a fluid exit in a protrusive offset position from the air exit. The internally mountable fluid nozzle can be mounted to the section in fluid communication with the protrusive fluid passageway, such that fluid spillage or drainage during disassembly does not flow into the air passageway.

Abstract: A method of operating a system having a coil includes providing a switched amplified current to the coil, and adding a second current to the switched amplified current, wherein the second current is substantially out of phase with the switched amplified current such that the coil receives current with substantially no switching frequency ripple.

Abstract: A liquid-cooled welding device comprising a torch head body having a helical cooling fin extending along a length of the torch head body. A sleeve may be disposed around the torch head body to define a flow channel over the torch head body. The sleeve may have a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet to enable liquid to flow into and out of the flow channel. The liquid outlet may be located adjacent to the liquid inlet. The liquid-cooled welding device may have a baffle disposed within the sleeve between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet to direct liquid to flow along the length of the torch head body to enable the helical cooling fin transfer heat to the liquid.

Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) system comprises an X-ray radiation source to project a plurality of X-ray beams through an object and a detector array comprising a plurality of detector assemblies. Each of the detector assembly further comprises a detector subassembly adapted to detect the X-ray beams and further adapted to convert the X-ray beams to a plurality of electrical signals and at least one integrated circuit array, for example, data acquisition chip array to acquire data corresponding to the electrical signals. The integrated circuit array, for example, data acquisition chip array further comprises a plurality of integrated circuits, such as, data acquisition chips mounted on at least one printed circuit board and a thermal management system adapted for thermal communication between the data acquisition chip array and a heat sink assembly to control thermal environment of each detector assembly.

Abstract: The present technique provides a stabilizer system comprising a plurality of piston cylinder assemblies, which have multiple interconnected chambers to provide cross compensation between suspension members coupled to those piston cylinder assemblies. The piston cylinder assemblies may have two or more chambers separated by pistons, which move in response to a load imposed on the suspension member coupled to that piston cylinder assembly. As the piston moves in response to movement of the corresponding suspension member, a fluid pressure is transmitted to another suspension member to distribute the load between the two suspension members.

Abstract: A technique is provided for improving the efficiency of an imaging system. Generally, a digital detector has an array of rows and columns of pixels, read out electronics and scan electronics that are configured to generate and transmit signals based upon radiation impacting the detector. The detector is placed within a housing, which is then transferred to the location of use. The present technique provides a mechanism for protecting the housing and the detector from corruptive elements such as moisture. Particularly, the present technique involves the sealing of the detector after manufacture and sealing of the housing after assembly.

Abstract: The present technique relates to a floor system that includes panels designed to be joined to one another, with an adhesive coating and a sealant at each joint to facilitate assembly. The panels include mechanically interlocking portions that mate when the system is installed. Disposed on the interlocking portions is a coating adapted to cohesively bond upon contact with itself under ambient conditions and without external activation. The sealant protects the joint and prevents the ingress of moisture following installation. Advantageously, the cohesive bonding of the coating is delayed such that the bonding does not obstruct the installation of the floor panel.

Abstract: An integrated, multi-modality imaging technique is disclosed. The embodiment described combines a split-magnet MRI system with a digital x-ray system. The two systems are employed together to generate images of a subject in accordance with their individual physics and imaging characteristics. The images may be displaced in real time, such as during a surgical intervention. The images may be registered with one another and combined to form a composite image in which tissues or objects difficult to image in one modality are visible. By appropriately selecting the position of an x-ray source and detector, and by programming a desired corresponding slice for MRI imaging, useful combined images may be obtained and displayed.

Abstract: A zero power standby mode in a memory device used in a system, such as a battery powered hand held device. By disconnecting the internal power supply bus on the memory device from the external power supply during standby mode, the junction leakage and gate induced drain leakage can be eliminated to achieve a true zero-power standby mode. A p-channel field effect transistor (FET) may be used to gate the external power supply such that the internal power supply bus on the memory device may be disconnected from the external power supply.

Abstract: A vibration control system for a rotary machine having a rotor, includes a sensor disposed within the rotary machine for sensing vibration of the rotor, a vibration damping device disposed within the rotary machine for imparting a reaction force to the rotor, and a controller arranged in operable communication with the sensor and the vibration damping device. The controller is adapted to receive a sensor signal from the sensor and to send a control signal to the vibration damping device for damping the vibration of the rotor.

Abstract: The illustrated embodiments relate to a control circuit that is adapted to use a latency signal to generate an output signal. The latency is adapted to be used to create a control signal that is dependent on the latency signal. The control signal is adapted to be used to select from among multiple input sources. The selected input source is adapted to be used to create an output signal.

Abstract: A technique for selectively attenuating a radiation exposure in which a configurable collimator is employed between the radiation source and the radiation target. The configurable collimator typically comprises an array of independently addressable elements each of which has at least a high and a low attenuation state, though intermediate states may also be accommodated. The elements of the array may be selectively addressed to determine their state and to determine the attenuation profile of the collimator. One embodiment of the technique employs an array of microactuated attenuating louvers which may be selectively actuated to determine their radiation transmittance. A second embodiment of the technique employs a suspension of attenuating nematic colloids which may be ordered by the application of an electric or magnetic field. The ordered state of the nematic colloids within an element determine the radiation transmittance of that element.