Abstract: Methods and devices for reducing noise effects in a system for measuring a physiological parameter, including receiving an input signal; obtaining an assessment of the signal quality of the input signal; selecting coefficients for a digital filter using the assessment of signal quality; and filtering the input signal using the digital filter, without comparing the filter's output signal with the input signal.

Abstract: Large, light-weight organic devices and methods of preparing large, light-weight organic devices. Specifically, flexible and rigid light-weight plastics are implemented. The flexible plastic may be disposed from a reel. A metal grid is fabricated on the flexible plastic to provide current conduction over the large area. A transparent oxide layer is provided over the metal grid to form the bottom electrode of the organic device. A light emitting or light gathering organic layer is disposed on the transparent oxide layer. A second electrode is disposed over the organic layer. Electrodes are coupled to the metal grid and the second electrode to provide electrical current to or from the organic layer. Depending on the type of materials used for the organic layer, the organic device may comprise an area light device or a photovoltaic device.

Abstract: In a sputtering apparatus, target particles to be deposited onto a substrate are selectively ionized relative to other particles in the deposition chamber. For example, titanium or titanium-containing target particles are selectively ionized, while inert particles, such as argon atoms, remain substantially unaffected. Advantageously, one or more optical ionizers, such as lasers, are used to create one or more ionization zones within the deposition chamber in which such selective ionization takes place.

Abstract: A technique for selectively processing data from a digital detector includes determining an image area produced by orientation of a radiation source assembly. The assembly may include a radiation source and a collimator, which may be separately orientable. The image area is computed based upon the orientation of the radiation source assembly that projects a radiation beam towards an imaging plane. Image data from a detector within the imaging plane is selectively processed to improve computational efficiency. The system may also determine whether the image area falls within the imaging surface of the detector and inform an operator or inhibit an exposure if such is not the case.

Abstract: A welding system having a welding gun with a self-contained trigger and trigger locking assembly. The self-contained trigger and trigger locking assembly has a trigger that is pivoted to operate the power source. The self-contained trigger and trigger locking assembly has a movable stem that pivots with the trigger and a stem receiving portion that is operable to receive the stem. The stem receiving portion acts to restrict pivotal movement of the stem so to maintain the trigger pivoted in position to continue operation of the power source.

Abstract: The present invention provides an X-ray detector assembly and a fabrication method, where the X-ray detector assembly comprises a scintillator material disposed on a detector matrix array disposed on a detector substrate; an encapsulating coating disposed on the scintillator material; a moisture resistant cover disposed over the detector substrate and the encapsulating coating, and an adhesive material disposed between the detector substrate and the moisture resistant cover so as to form a moisture vapor barrier. The adhesive material is disposed so that it is not in contact with the encapsulating coating. The fabrication method of the X-ray detector assembly includes the steps of disposing the encapsulating coating on the scintillator material and a portion of the detector substrate and removing the encapsulating coating from the portion of the detector substrate.

Abstract: A method and a device for determining the quality of signal used for measuring a physiological parameter. One embodiment of the present invention is directed towards a pulse oximeter, where the measured physiological parameter includes a patient's pulse rate and blood oxygen saturation. The signal quality, which is indicative of the accuracy and reliability of the measured physiological parameter, is calculated by combining a plurality of signal quality indicators, each of which is an indicator of a quality of the measured signal. The value of the signal quality metric is compared to a threshold and based on this comparison various decisions are made by the medical device. One decision is directed towards deciding whether or not to display the measured physiological parameter, to ensure that only accurate measured values are displayed. Another decision is directed towards providing feedback to guide the clinician to adjust the location of the sensor to a more suitable tissue location.

Abstract: A system and method for statistical design of an ultrasound probe and imager system, and an associated graphical user interface for selecting input parameters to be used in an ultrasound simulation. The process and computer code allow the performance of a probe and imager combination to be specified and jointly optimized in image quality terms. The designs produced optimize both the image quality and other CTQ (critical to quality) parameters, such as the distribution of regulatory power indices and mechanical index. These CTQs indirectly affect image quality through their effect on patient dose. The Transducer Design Advisor incorporates a graphical user interface for facilitating selection of a parameter set to be used in the simulation. The user selects a desired parameter set by navigating across and interacting with a succession of windows. The user specifies various geometric characteristics of the transducer and how the user wants to simulate the imager system.

Abstract: A technique for selectively processing data from a digital detector includes determining an asymmetrical image area produced by orientation of a radiation source assembly. The assembly may include a radiation source and a collimator, which may be separately orientable. The image area is computed based upon the orientation of the radiation source assembly that projects a radiation beam towards an imaging plane. Image data from a detector within the imaging plane is selectively processed to improve computational efficiency. The system may also determine whether the image area falls within the imaging surface of the detector and inform an operator or inhibit an exposure if such is not the case.

Abstract: A light emitting device containing an array of directional emission LEDs is provided. The directional emission LEDs of the array may be substrate emitting, lateral current injection, resonant cavity LEDs mounted in a flip-chip configuration. Each LED may emit a different color of light, such that the output of the array appears white to an observer. The LED array package may contain microoptical elements, such as a diffraction grating or microprisms, integrated into the light emitting surface of the package. The microoptical elements are used to mix the light beams emitted by individual LEDs in the array.

Abstract: A collet and a backcap are provided that are securable to each other. The collet and backcap may be adapted for threaded engagement. The collet and backcap may be utilized in a welding torch. A method of securing a collet to a backcap is provided. The method may include threading a threaded portion of the collet to a threaded portion of a backcap. A method of securing an electrode to a welding torch also is provided. The method may include securing a collet to a backcap. The method also may include threading the collet to the backcap.

Abstract: Compressor wheel and techniques for manufacturing such a wheel are provided. The wheel may include a hub with a counterbore internally treated to impart residual compressive stresses for enhanced endurance to stress-induced fatigue. The surface treatment allows extending the counterbore relatively closer to a plane of typical maximum stress of the wheel. This design flexibility advantageously allows avoiding or reducing overhang of the compressor wheel, thereby improving rotor dynamics and reducing the axial length of the hub, and the overall foot print of the compressor wheel.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to calibrating a measuring device by comparing a set of master measurement data against a set of current measurement data. Adjustments are made to the measuring device based on the difference between the current measurement data and the master measurement data.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a method and apparatus for identifying short circuits in an integrated circuit device. The method may comprise the acts of programming a first memory cell associated with a first digit line to a first data value, programming a second memory cell associated with a second digit line to a second data value, the second data value being complementary with respect to the first data value, firing a first sense amplifier associated with the first digit line, firing a second sense amplifier associated with the second digit line after a time delay with respect to the act of firing the first sense amplifier associated with the first digit line, detecting a measured data value associated with the second digit line, and comparing the measured data value to the second data value to determine whether the first digit line is short circuited to the second digit line.

Abstract: A technique is provided for viewing a series of volumes that may be rendered using visualization techniques incorporating one or more weighting functions, such as depth-dependent weighting functions. In one aspect, the viewing technique may utilize such weighting functions to vary the volume of interest in a series of volume renderings. In addition, the viewing technique may provide for varying the viewing angle to minimize the effect of orientation specific artifacts in the displayed images.

Abstract: A piezoelectric microvalve and method for controlling a fluid flow through a piezoelectric microvalve are provided. The microvalve includes an inlet plenum and a flow directing structure for directing a fluid flow, wherein a first side of the structure is in fluid communication with the inlet plenum. The microvalve also includes a piezoelectric bending actuator comprising a flap portion responsive to a command signal for controlling a fluid flow through the flow directing structure. The microvalve further includes an outlet plenum in fluid communication with a second side of the flow directing structure.

Abstract: A detector array kit that includes at least one sensor array. The sensor array has an active side at least one sensor on the flat active side configured to detect a particular form of energy. The sensor array active side has a positioning structure on the active side that is essentially transparent to the particular form of energy. The positioning structure includes a plurality of spaced compressible posts or tubes configured to compressively and frictionally engage with a complementary mounting structure. The detector kit further includes a complementary mounting structure essentially transparent to the particular form of energy.

Abstract: A method for analyzing materials in an object includes acquiring x-ray projection data of the object at high energy and at low energy for a plurality of views. The acquired x-ray projection data is utilized in a material decomposition to determine material densities at each pixel for two selected basis materials. A composition of an object at each pixel is determined utilizing a determined mapping of material density regions for the two selected basis materials. An image indicative of the composition of the object is displayed utilizing the determined composition.