Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and an apparatus for recording image information in panoramic X-ray photography. The total information contained in a beam of X-rays penetrated through an object is recorded on a memory disc, whose configuration is substantially the same as that of an object to be imaged, such as a dental arch, said memory disc being kept stationary during the filming relative to the object to be imaged. The memory disc is used for producing or presenting layerwise reproduced images of desired layers. The preparation of reproduced images from the memory disc can be performed on a principle corresponding to conventional panoramic tomography with the exception that the object to be imaged is a memory disc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of photographing a desired object with a panoramic X-ray apparatus fitted with automatic exposure, comprising an X-ray generator (4, 5), an X-ray tube (5) and a film (7) with its holder. In the method, the detection of a cone of rays (9) penetrated through an object is effected before the actual filming is started and, after the detection, the filming is effected by using a cone of rays (6), directed so as to bypass a detector (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a power supply circuit for an X-ray tube for converting direct current to high-frequency pulses and including at least two transistors (8, 9) whose collector-emitter circuits are controlled by means of a pulse-width modulator (5) through base control transformers (12) in a manner that transistors (8, 9) operate in push-pull fashion, one terminal (+) of a direct-current source being connected to the collector-emitter circuit of transistors (8, 9). The collector-emitter circuit of each transistor (8, 9) is separately connected through its own transformer (23, 23a) to said one terminal (+) of a direct-current source in a manner that the primary windings (24, 24a) of transformers (23, 23a) serve as ballasts limiting the current passing through transistors (8, 9) and the secondary windings (25, 25a) is connected in series with diodes (26) between the terminals terminals (+ and -) of a direct-current source.

Abstract: A video image enhancer is disclosed for use in surveillance at low light levels to enhance dark and/or low contrast segments of a composite video signal of a surveyed scene by subjecting the dark and/or low contrast segments thereof to high gain and bright and/or high contrast segments to low gain. The video image enhancer includes an input designed to receive the composite video signal, a device provided with a dc restorer circuit and a variable potentiometer to yield an adjustable-bias dc clamp of the composite video signal, a second variable potentiometer for adjusting the high-gain slope of the device, a diode clamp connected to the device's output, and a pair of drivers coupled to the device's output to provide a low impedance output video signal with its dark and/or low contrast segments enhanced. Preferably, the device is a non-inverting operational amplifier. Preferably, the pair of drivers comprise a pair of NPN transistors connected in an emitter-base configuration.

Abstract: A brightness acuity tester to assess functional visual acuity in bright light conditions and to test for recovery of visual activity after photostressing the retina is disclosed. The tester essentially comprises a device closed in one direction and open in an opposite direction, an aperture provided in the device, a source of illumination mounted within the device, a plug designed removably to be positioned in the aperture to seal the same, and a power source coupled to the source of illumination via a switch. Preferably, the source of illumination is provided with anintensity control and the power source with a voltage regulator. Preferably, the device comprises a reflector having diffusely reflecting characteristics. Preferably, the power source is a battery, making the tester a hand-held one.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide, for use on a limited site, an integrated architectural structure comprising particular personal occupancy space, particular automotive vehicle parking space, and particular access space communicating therebetween, all intimately juxtaposed. The personal occupancy space contains a plurality of personal occupancy units, i./e. apartments or offices, and at least one personal occupancy elevator and stairwell. The vehicle parking space contains one or more elevator lifts of specific design, namely, a lift that is movable only vertically and that includes a vertical array of levels, each level of which includes a horizontal array of automotive vehicle locations. Movement of this parking lift to selected vertical positions is such that selected levels of the vertical array communicate with the access level at selected times for vehicle storage or vehicle retrieval.

Abstract: A hot waste oil or shortening transport device comprising an elongated wholly closed tank or the like with an entry-exit chute at one end and wheels on the other end. A handle at the chute end serves to wheel the tank to a disposal point where the chute acts as a fulcrum by which to pivot the tank up and pour out the contents, with the greatest safety. The device cannot be set upright, in which postion it would be liable to upset or knock-over.

Abstract: An improved patterning process, useful for the metallization of highly efficient photovoltaic cells, the formation of X-ray lithography masks in the sub half-micron range, and in the fabrication of VLSI and MMIC devices, is disclosed. The improved patterning process includes the steps of providing a substrate with a photoactive layer, patterning the photoactive layer with an inclined profile, depositing on both the substrate and the patterned photoactive layer a layer of disjointed metal such that the thickness of the metal layer exceeds that of the patterned photoactive layer and that the metal layer deposited on the substrate is formed with walls normal to the surface of the substrate. Preferably, the deposition of the disjointed metal layer is effected by evaporative metallization in a direction normal to the surface of the substrate. The deposited metal layer on the substrate is characterized by a high aspect ratio, with a rectangular cross section.

Abstract: An ophthalmic aspirator-irrigator system for use during cataract surgery is disclosed. The system frees both hands of the surgeon for the surgical tasks and leaves the automatic operation of the system to a single control input operated by a foot pedal. The pedal controls both the aspiration and ejection functions as well as their respective speeds. The ophthalmic aspirator-irrigator system essentially comprises a hand-held device, a control box operable by the foot pedal and a power cord connecting the device with the box. A source of fluid is connected via a tube to the device to effect the irrigation function. The control box includes a power source and a circuit coupled to the source and via the cord to the device. Preferably, the circuit includes a bridge output network controlled by a linear motion slide type potentiometer controlled by the foot pedal.

Abstract: A metal alloy with a treated surface and the process of effecting the treated surface are disclosed whereby its ion release under static, stress and crevice corrosion and corrosive wear conditions is reduced. The metal alloy preferably is an ASTM F-75 Co-Cr-Mo alloy. The preferred process includes providing a workpiece formed of such a metal alloy with a coating of biologically compatible elements, such as a noble metal and then exposing the thus coated surface thereof to bombardment by an ion beam, whereby a plurality of noble metal atoms, together with a plurality of ions from the beam, are driven into the surface of the workpiece a certain distance. Another preferred process includes the direct ion implantation of a workpiece with biocompatible elements, such as nitrogen, tantalum and inert gas ions. Preferably, such a workpiece finds application as an orthopaedic implant.

Abstract: An ion implantation process for plastics is disclosed which materially enhances their surface hardness and their resistance to chemical attack. The plastics include the polycarbonates, the acrylics and their combinations, and ultra high molecular weight polyethylenes. The plastics are ion implanted by energetic ions such as aluminum, magnesium, silicon, titanium, yttrium, fluorine and chlorine ions. Such ion implanted plastics, in their transparent form, find uses such as aircraft, spacecraft, auto transparencies, lenses for safety and eyeglasses and contact lenses, face and gas masks and the like. In their non-transparent form, the ion implanted plastics are useful as ball bearings, safety helmets, floor coverings, appliance and auto moldings and the like.

Abstract: An improved radially designed gas manifold is disclosed for the precise mixing and admission of a plurality of gases into a processing chamber, and being characterized by rapid switching from one gas to another or from one set of gas mixture to another set of gas mixture, and yet occupying a minimum of dead space. The radial gas manifold includes a body provided with an axial mixing channel and a plurality of gas conduits formed in the body in parallel spaced relation to the mixing channel and connected thereto. A pair of annular ducts also are formed in the body adjacent its respective ends, with one of the pair connected to both the mixing channel and to each of the gas conduits, and the other of the pair connected to each of the gas conduits and being vented. A pair of valves are mounted in tandem for each of the gas conduits and means are provided to alternately open and close one of the pair of valves.

Abstract: An integrated solar cell and battery are described, together with a process of making the same. The integrated solar cell and battery are made by employing thin film deposition techniques on a substrate. Preferably first, a thin film solar cell is deposited on the substrate, as for example, by sputtering. This step is immediately followed by the deposition of a thin film battery, either onto the previously deposited thin film solar cell, or onto the back side of the substrate. The deposition process lends itself to automated production. The process includes the thin film deposition of series-connected arrays forming different types of integrated solar cells and batteries, depending on their electrical connections so as to vary the respective current and voltage characteristics of the resultant integrated units.

Abstract: A clamp for releasably securing a lock to a bicycle frame is disclosed. The clamp is formed as a unitary body of a hard yet resilient plastic material, which unitary body defines a pair of spaced tubular openings: one to fit about the frame and the other to hold the lock. The pair of tubular openings are axially split at their respective outer peripheries, with an arcuate segment being removed from each tubular opening along the respective splits. A pair of opposed parallel shoulders extend astride each of the splits, with each pair of shoulders featuring fastening means. Preferably, the plastic material is nylon. Preferably, one of the pair of spaced tubular openings is tapered along its axial length.

Abstract: An improved security lock for automobiles and the like and of the type designed to lock a control pedal and the steering wheel together is disclosed. The security lock includes a telescopic part featuring an improved length adjustment for speed and strength and the use of a friction device; protective outer member mounted for free rotation about one end of the telescopic part housing the lock cylinder to guard against forceful breaking of the telescopic part and against gaining access to the lock cylinder; and an improved shackle to fit about the steering wheel and being pivotally anchored in the telescopic part.

Abstract: An improved drive system for machines incorporating air bearings is disclosed. The drive system eliminates backlash, introduces no vibrations or noise into the moving structures, requires no lubrication and excells in being compact and simple. The drive system essentially includes a stationary bar mounted in one axis of motion of the machine, a wedge member mounted for drivingly engaging the bar on one side, a preloader mounted for operatively engaging the bar on the opposite side, and a pair of springs urging the preloader to urge the wedge member into driving engagement with the bar. The drive system is coupled to a positioning servo system, which provides control of the drive system's position and speed. Preferably, the wedge angle of the wedge member is from about 15.degree. to about 30.degree.. Preferably, both the bar and the wedge member are formed from a group of materials possessing at least about 65 Rockwell hardness.

Abstract: An ophthalmic aspirator-irrigator system for use during cataract surgery is disclosed. The system frees both hands of the surgeon for the surgical tasks and leaves the automatic operation of the system to a single control input operated by a foot pedal. The pedal controls both the aspiration and ejection functions as well as their respective speeds. The opthalmic aspirator-irrigator system essentially comprises a hand-held device, a control box operable by the foot pedal and a power cord connecting the device with the box. A source of fluid is connected via a tube to the device to effect the irrigation function. The control box includes a power source and a circuit coupled to the source and via the cord to the device. Preferably, the circuit includes a bridge output network controlled by a linear motion slide type potentiometer controlled by the foot pedal.

Abstract: Suture tying forceps of improved construction are disclosed which materially reduce a suture being flexed therein from breaking. The suture typing forceps include a pair of members mounted in the free ends of a pair of gripping arms integrally joined at one end. The members terminate in a pair of suture tying tips, respectively featuring a pair of complementary mating surfaces serving as suture clamping surfaces. For the most part, the suture clamping surfaces are designed to clamp a suture segment which is about ten times the thickness of the suture. The suture clamping surfaces further are designed to define a flexing angle transversely thereof which is less than a right angle.

Abstract: The present invention is provides a digital image or frame processor that improves pulse height resolution and eliminates post facto data correction. The calibration, acquisition, and correction of all scintillation data is performed in an array mode (20.times.20 data array; 20 word postamble) by this frame processor. To enhance speed, the control word is 48 bits wide to enable several functions to be performed in parallel. This frame processor incorporates bit slice computer technology in an arithmetic logic unit that cooperates with the other components of the system. In accordance with the present invention, this frame processor performs the following functions within the shortest data accumulation time of the camera, i.e.

Abstract: A process for preventing surface discoloration in orthopedic implants made of titanium and its alloys is disclosed. Such surface discoloration is apt to occur when the orthopedic implants are ion implanted to improve their wear characteristics. The process essentially includes exposing all fixtures and shields, made of pure titanium, located in an implant chamber, to an ion beam, creating a vacuum within the chamber not exceeding about 5.times.10.sup.-5 torr, introducing an orthopedic implant within the chamber to be directly exposed to the beam, and reducing the ion beam current power density so as not to exceed about 1.0 watt/cm.sup.2. Exposing the fixtures and shields to the ion beam first serves to remove surface contamination therefrom, followed by forming a surface layer thereon. This surface layer effectively lowers the sputtering coefficient of the fixtures and shields, and thus reduces the amount of material sputtered from areas exposed to the ion beam to unexposed areas.