Abstract: Sheet-shaped objects can be detected by analyzing a neighborhood of voxels surrounding a test voxel. If the density is sufficiently different, then the voxel is associated with a sheet object. Sheet objects can also be detected by eroding the CT data so as to eliminate voxels associated with thin objects. Remaining objects are then subtracted from the original data, leaving only thin sheet-shaped objects. If the number of voxels having densities below a predetermined threshold exceeds a predetermined number, then it is assumed that the test voxel is a surface voxel and is removed from the object. A connectivity process can be applied to voxels to combine them into objects after sheets are detected. A dilation function can then be performed to replace surface voxels. A corrected mass can be compared to mass thresholds. Bulk objects can be detected by a modified morphological connected components labeling (CCL) approach. A merging process can be used to reconnect related items.

Abstract: Sheet explosives can be detected by analyzing voxels surrounding a test voxel. If the density is sufficiently different, it is concluded that the test voxel is associated with a sheet object. Sheet objects can also be detected by eroding the CT data then subtracting from the original data, leaving only thin sheet-shaped objects. A connectivity process can be applied to voxels to combine them into objects after sheets are detected. A dilation function can then be performed to replace surface voxels. A corrected mass can be computed and compared to mass thresholds to classify the object as to whether it poses a threat. Multiple mass thresholds can be used. Bulk objects can be detected by a modified morphological connected components labeling (CCL) approach which performs a series of erosion and dilation steps to separate adjacent objects in the data such that they can be individually labeled and analyzed.

Abstract: An apparatus for balancing the spinstand of a magnetic head and disk testing system includes a base that rotationally supports a rotating spindle. The spindle supports a pack of disks and a slide moveable along guide rails of the spinstand. The slide, in turn, supports a stack of magnetic heads that is moveable in respect to the pack of disks. The spindle supports a balancing cap that has a plurality of threaded openings uniformly spaced in its peripheral surface. Imbalance is adjusted by threading screws into or out of the selected threaded openings. The value of imbalance is defined by vibration measurements; these measurements are performed by means of an accelerometer attached to the spindle housing, and of a rotary encoder that generates index pulse in a certain position of the spindle.

Abstract: In an improved Cartesian to polar coordinate transformation, a Cartesian system of discrete data elements is converted to a polar system of discrete data elements. Each Cartesian element is divided into subelements and one of the subelements is designated as the polar system origin. A polar system comprising an intersecting plurality of radial sector lines and a plurality of confocal arcs formed of the subelements is defined about the origin. The lines and arcs define boundaries of polar data elements. The subelements lying within the polar element boundaries are identified and their respective data values are derived from the data values of corresponding Cartesian elements. Polar element data values are calculated based on the data values of the subelements contributing to the polar element. The present transformation technique offers the advantage of few floating point operations and provides a computationally efficient conversion system readily adaptive to changes in system parameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting objects in computed tomography (CT) data are shown. Specifically, the system can identify objects that contain liquids, if desired. A subregion that encloses an object is defined, and a top surface of the subregion is identified. Volume elements at the surfaces of the object are identified. If a ratio of top surface volume elements to the total number of surface volume elements is determined. If that ratio exceeds a predetermined threshold, then the object can be identified as including a liquid.

Abstract: Sheet-shaped objects can be detected by analyzing voxels surrounding a test voxel. If the density different from the mean density then the test voxel is associated with a sheet object. Sheet objects can also be detected by eroding the CT data. Remaining objects are then subtracted from the original data removing with surface voxels, being removed. A connectivity process combines voxels into objects after sheets are detected A dilation function replaces surface voxels removed by erosion. A corrected mass can be compared to mass thresholds to classify the object. Multiple mass thresholds can be used, each of which is associated with a particular density range based on the density of an expected threat object. Bulk objects can be detected by a modified morphological connected components labeling (CCL) approach. A merging process can be used to reconnect related items, The system can also identify objects that contain liquids.

Abstract: A miniaturized IR camera mounts within a vehicle such as an airborne reconnaissance airplane. The camera includes a two dimensional uncooled FPA, a compound lens for imaging IR radiation onto the FPA, means for adjusting the distance between the lens and the FPA to adjust focus, an electronic module that controls camera read out, calibration, and signal processing, and means for flexibly coupling the FPA to the module. In accord with the invention, the module and the FPA are reconfigurable within the vehicle so that the FPA head can be fit into a tight place, or into a location that is separate from the rest of the camera, such as on top of a vehicle. The invention further provides for calibration techniques whereby the scene, sky or shutter are used to thermally calibrate the several uncooled detectors. Focus, tilt and tip adjustments permit simple adjustment of the FPA to achieve proper focus and alignment.

Abstract: The head/disk tester of the invention has a housing 43 that houses spindle 44 that rotatingly supports a magnetic disk 31. The housing supports a moveable carriage 30 that, in turn, supports a magnetic head 32. Positioning means 39 and 41 are used to move the carriage and the magnetic head across the magnetic disk. These positioning means include stepper motors that realize coarse positioning of the magnetic head, and a piezo actuator 37 that is used for fine positioning. Linear encoders 40 and 42 located at both sides of the carriage provide feedback information to a closed-loop positioning system that controls the piezo actuator. A set of special signals ("servo bursts") pre-written at a given track of the magnetic disk is used as an additional source of feedback information for the same closed-loop positioning system. This positioning system includes a servo analyzer 45 that reads and processes servo burst signals from the magnetic disk, and a position controller 49 that controls the piezo actuator.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) die carrier assembly includes a thinned IC die mounted to a substrate or carrier. The IC die is mounted to the carrier via a thin layer of glass. The carrier facilitates fixturing and provides support during the lapping process used to thin the die. Ball bonding, wire bonding, thin film or thick film conductors can be used to interconnect the pads on the IC die to the pads on the carrier. The coefficients of the thermal expansion of the IC die and the carrier are closely matched to avoid damage to the IC die due to uneven expansion of the thinned IC die relative to the carrier. The IC die carrier assembly is better suited for ultrahigh vacuum and high temperature environments than conventional IC die carrier assemblies.

Abstract: A capacitive pressure transducer includes a conductive diaphragm positioned between pneumatically separated chambers. The diaphragm is fixed and sealingly coupled at its periphery to the peripheral rim of a concave body member. The diaphragm is supported in tension by the peripheral rim of the body member. An electrode assembly, supported by the body member establishes a substantially planar conductive surface opposite to and spaced apart by a nominal gap from the conductive diaphragm. The body member includes a yieldable portion that is adapted to radially expand its peripheral rim in response to forces applied to the body member. When the forces are applied, the body member becomes strained beyond its elastic limit and takes a permanent set whereby the peripheral rim is expanded and the diaphragm becomes tensioned. The tension in the diaphragm can be determined as a function of the geometry of the body member and deformation resulting from the forces applied.

Abstract: The invention provides systems, methods and apparatus for processing delicate parts within a process tank such as an ultrasonic tank. Typically, one or more transducers connect to the tank and respond to drive signals from a generator to produce ultrasound within process liquid within the tank.

Abstract: A capacitive pressure transducer includes a conductive diaphragm positioned between pneumatically separated chambers. The diaphragm is fixed and sealingly coupled at its periphery to the peripheral rim of a concave body member. The diaphragm is supported in tension by the peripheral rim of the body member. An electrode assembly, supported by the body member establishes a substantially planar conductive surface opposite to and spaced apart by a nominal gap from the conductive diaphragm. The body member includes a yieldable portion that is adapted to radially expand its peripheral rim in response to forces applied to the body member. When the forces are applied, the body member becomes strained beyond its elastic limit and takes a permanent set whereby the peripheral rim is expanded and the diaphragm becomes tensioned. The tension in the diaphragm can be determined as a function of the geometry of the body member and deformation resulting from the forces applied.

Abstract: The invention provides an osteotomy device, and kit and methods for realigning varus angulated knees. The device involves a substantially wedge-shaped body having two intersecting principal surfaces angularly offset. These principal surfaces extend in a direction of a drive axis about a principal plane from an insertion end to a drive surface at a drive end. At least one of the principal surfaces is adapted to engage mechanically a surface adjacent thereto. The drive surface is also adapted to receive a force in the direction of the drive axis toward the insertion end. The kit of the present invention includes substantially such an osteotomy device having cannular opening along its drive axis and an osteotomy pin.

Abstract: An electrochemical machining method and apparatus involves the passage of a wire through a programmably controllable electrochemical machine, wherein the wire is tapered along its length to obtain a desired profile. The rate of material removal may be determined, for example, by modulating the power supplied to the electrochemical machine, or by varying the wire speed therethrough. The machine can include an electrical contact cell and a nutation cell. Electrical power is coupled to the wire via the contact cell. Relative orbital motion of the wire and the nutating cell ensures that material removal from the wire is uniform in all directions.

Abstract: An improved fine positioning mechanism in a magnetic head/disk tester includes a primary position actuator and a primary body that supports a read/write head to be tested, and an auxiliary body and auxiliary actuator. Both actuators operate contemporaneously and in mutually opposite directions. The masses of both bodies and the stiffnesses of both actuators are selected so that a ratio of the stiffness of the actuator to the mass of the body in the primary system is equal to a ratio of the stiffness of the actuator to the mass in the auxiliary system. In addition, the masses of both bodies and the expansion coefficients of both actuators are selected so that a product of the mass of the body with the expansion coefficient of the actuator in the primary system is equal to a product of the mass of the body with the expansion coefficient of the actuator in the auxiliary system.

Abstract: A storage rack for storing nuclear fuel rod assemblies is provided with an array of cell housings having support elements which are preloaded against the adjacent corner of the adjacent cell housing. The support elements are fixed to the outer corner of one cell housing and have pads which are preloaded or biased against the adjacent corner of the adjacent cell housing. The interface between the pads of the support elements and the adjacent cell housing provide a coulomb damping function which is effective in absorbing vibration from rough handling or seismic events. The cell housings can be located in alternating positions in the array and additional cell locations can be formed from the outer walls of the surrounding cell housings. The cell housings are held together in the array by support bars which are affixed to the top and bottom ends of the cell housings. The support bars may include recesses to align the cell housings.

Abstract: The invention utilizes harmonics of certain clamped ultrasound transducers to generate ultrasound within the liquid of an ultrasonic tank and in a frequency range of between about 100 khz to 350 khz (i.e., "microsonic" frequencies). The application of microsonic frequencies to liquid preferably occurs simultaneously with a sweeping of the microsonic frequency within the transducer's harmonic bandwidth to reduce or eliminate (a) standing waves within the liquid, (b) other resonances, (c) high energy cavitation implosion, and (d) non-uniform sound fields, each of which is undesirable for cleaning and/or processing of semiconductor wafers and other delicate parts. The invention can also drive ultrasonic transducers such that the frequency of applied energy has a sweep rate within the ultrasonic bandwidth of the transducers; and that sweep rate is also varied so that the sweep rate is substantially non-constant during operation.

Abstract: A clock forwarding circuit of a semiconductor integrated circuit which increases an operation timing margin of a data receive port and reduces power consumption, and a clock forwarding method, are provided. In the clock forwarding circuit for performing the clock forwarding method, upon abnormal operation of the semiconductor integrated circuit, such as during power-up or initialization, the data receive port captures the amount of interconnection delay of a data line and generates a receive clock signal which is self-generated, from a delayed send clock transmitted from a data send port via the data line. On the other hand, when the circuit operates in a normal operation mode, the data receive port receives data transmitted from the data send port via the data line, in response to the self-generated receive clock. Accordingly, the amount of interconnection delay of the data line is previously captured and data is received in response to the self-generated receive clock.

Abstract: A system capable of stabilizing a tight distribution of threshold voltages of erased flash EEPROM memory cells within a fast time period includes at least one memory cell having source, channel and drain regions on a semiconductor substrate, a floating gate over the channel region on a tunnel oxide layer and a control gate over the floating gate, and a circuit for converging the threshold voltage of an erased memory cell to within a predetermined voltage range. The circuit includes: a driving circuit for applying a first voltage to the control gate and a second voltage between the source and drain regions during the self-convergence operation; and a backbias generator for applying a backbias voltage to the substrate so as to generate hot electrons/holes in the channel region and to inject ones of the hot electrons/holes into the floating gate during the self-convergence operation.

Abstract: An improved, portable X-ray tomography system is disclosed wherein lateral movement of the various tomography components relative to a stationary patient during a scanning procedure is precisely controlled by mechanical displacement means which, in tarn, is coupled to electro-mechanical means for simultaneously measuring and monitoring the amount of the displacement.