Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for multi material decomposition of an object. It is described to provide (310) at least one image of an object. The at least one image is derived from at least one spectral X-ray image of the object, and the at least one image comprises a Photoelectric total attenuation coefficient image and a Compton scattering total attenuation coefficient image. A plurality of Photoelectric attenuation coefficients are provided (320) for a plurality of materials, each Photoelectric attenuation coefficient being associated with a corresponding material. A plurality of Compton scattering attenuation coefficients are provided (330) for the plurality of materials, each Compton scattering attenuation coefficient being associated with a corresponding material. A total volume constraint is set (340) at an image location in the at least one image as a function of the sum of individual volumes of the plurality of materials at the image location.

Abstract: A robotic actuator (30) for controlling one or actuation dials of an interventional tool handle (41) (e.g., a handle of a probe). The robotic actuator (30) employs a coupling of a handle base (34) and a handle cover (33) to define a actuation chamber for housing the actuation dial(s) of the interventional tool handle (41), and one or more motorized gear(s) (31, 32) within the actuation chamber operable to engage the actuation dial(s) of the interventional tool handle (41) within the actuation chamber. In operation, a robotic workstation (20) generates motor commands for controlling the actuation dial(s) of the interventional tool handle (41), and the motorized gear(s) (31, 32) are operably connected to the robotic workstation (20) to control the actuation dial(s) of the interventional tool handle (41) responsive to the motor commands generated by the robotic workstation (20).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods relating to a counter recycling device are described. The counter recycling device may contain a receiving pocket, a counter mechanism, an escrow section, and an escrow door. The receiving pocket is configured to accept currency and is connected to the counter mechanism. The counter mechanism may be configured to count the currency inserted into the receiving pocket. The counter recycling device may also include an escrow section, which may be configured to collect and hold the currency in a secure area. Additionally, the counter recycling device may include an escrow door configured to enclose the escrow section on a face of the counter recycling device, the escrow door being transparent and allowing currency within the escrow section to be viewable when the escrow door is in a closed position.

Abstract: An applicator device (100, 200, 300) for use in interventional brachytherapy, wherein the applicator device (100, 200, 300) is configured to be inserted in, or near a region of interest within a living body, and the applicator device is defining a lumen (101, 201, 301) for receiving a radiation source (103, 203, 303), characterized in that the applicator device (100, 200, 300) comprises one or more sensor elements (102, 202, 302) each configured to generate an output signal indicative of whether or not the radiation source (103, 203, 303) is at a predetermined position in the lumen (101, 201, 301).

Abstract: A hydraulic hybrid powertrain for a vehicle is disclosed. The powertrain has an internal combustion engine selectively drivingly engaged with an input of a stepped-ratio transmission through a torque converter and through a speed direction changing device. An output of the stepped-ratio transmission is selectively drivingly engaged with a vehicle output. An intermediate gear set is drivingly engaged with the speed direction changing device and drivingly engaged with the input of the stepped-ratio transmission. A hydraulic machine in fluid communication with a hydraulic accumulator assembly, a transmission shaft of the hydraulic machine being drivingly engaged or selectively drivingly engaged with the intermediate gear set for providing energy to the intermediate gear set and for absorbing energy from the intermediate gear set. Also disclosed are methods of operating the hydraulic hybrid powertrain.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is described which quantifies regurgitant flow through a plurality of pinhole leaks or a slit leak of a mitral valve. A plurality of orifice locations of a leaking valve are identified and Doppler values obtained from a flow velocity field proximal each orifice. The Doppler values of each flow velocity field vectorially relating to the orifice location are processed to produce a measure of flow through the orifice. The flow measurements for a plurality of such orifices are summed to produce a quantified measure of regurgitant flow through a plurality of pinhole leaks or along a slit leak.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotatable X-ray detector. In order to improve clinical workflow, an X-ray detector arrangement (10) is provided that comprises an X-ray detector unit (12) and a rotation unit (14). The X-ray detector unit (12) comprises an X-ray detector (16) with a plurality of X-ray detecting elements arranged as a detector surface (18). The rotation unit (14) is configured to rotate the X-ray detector about an axis (20) perpendicular to the detecting surface (18) at least at a point of intersection with the detector surface (18) upon receiving a rotation signal (22). Further, the rotation signal (22) is dependently ruled by a collimator configuration of an X-ray source arrangement for providing X-ray radiation towards the X-ray detector unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing phototherapy to infants use a LED-based phototherapy panel designed to fit in an X-ray cassette tray of an incubator.

Abstract: A pellicle suitable for use with a patterning device for a lithographic apparatus. The pellicle includes at least one breakage region which is configured to preferentially break, during normal use in a lithographic apparatus, prior to breakage of remaining regions of the pellicle.

Abstract: A sampler for taking samples from a molten metal bath, particularly a molten steel bath, includes a sample chamber assembly having a cover plate and a housing. The housing has first and second openings for an inflow conduit and a gas coupler, respectively. The first face of the housing includes a distribution zone, an analysis zone and a ventilation zone. A depth of the analysis zone is greater than 1.5 mm and less than 3 mm. The cover plate and the housing assemble together to form a sample cavity. An analysis surface of a solidified steel sample formed within the sample cavity lies in a first plane. In a flow direction of the molten steel, there are no increases in a width dimension of the sample cavity and a ratio of the length to depth of the sample cavity increases.

Abstract: A hair styling device comprises a heating contact surface (HP) for applying heat to hair; a temperature sensor (TS) for sensing a hair temperature; and a control circuit to control a heating of the heating contact surface (HP) in such a manner that a first temperature setting that applies when hair is wet, does not exceed a threshold temperature, the threshold temperature not exceeding 120° C., while a second temperature setting of at least 140° C. applies when the hair is not wet.

Abstract: During an assay, optical measurements are made at a sensing surface (112), and at least one “homogeneity-image” of the sensing surface (112) is generated. From this image, an “homogeneity-indicator” is determined for at least one region of interest, and the optical measurements are then evaluated in dependence on said indicator. The homogeneity-indicator may for example be a binary value which indicates if an inhomogeneity was detected or not. If an inhomogeneity was detected, all optical measurements may be rejected, only measurements for the involved region of interest may be rejected, or measurements for a selected sub-area of the involved region of interest (ROI) may be rejected.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance (MR) system includes a volume-type radio-frequency (RF) coil assembly having a volume coil with a plurality of ports and a ring coil with a plurality of ports (p?) and which is situated about the volume-type coil. At least one controller is configured to selectively control a first transmit/receive (T/R) radio frequency (RF) channel to generate an output including RF quadrature signals to drive the volume-type coil and to selectively control a second T/R RF channel to generate an output including RF quadrature signals to drive the ring coil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for estimating an average value of an inductor current for switched-mode power converters (100), the device (1) comprising: a sensor (10), which is configured to measure an inductor voltage (v_L) and an inductor current (i_L); a ripple-suppressor (20), which is configured to provide an estimated inductor current ripple (EIR) based on the measured inductor voltage (v_L); and a current-corrector (30), which is configured to provide a corrected inductor current (i_Lc) based on the estimated inductor current ripple (EIR) and the measured inductor current (i_L).

Abstract: A system is provided for facilitating acquisition of credit products by a customer from a financial institution. At least one computer memory stores customer data and instructions and at least one computer processor accesses the computer memory and executing the stored instructions for performing multiple steps. Steps include receiving over a network, from the customer, a universal application for pre-approval for a suite of credit products and processing the universal application by determining customer eligibility for the credit products. The steps further include selecting available credit products from the suite of credit products based on the customer eligibility and aggregating the available credit products on a user interface and displaying the user interface over a network accessible to a customer computing system, wherein the aggregated available credit products are displayed in a selectable format.

Abstract: A biopsy device for taking a 3D biopsy may comprise an outer sleeve, a hollow main shaft, a biopsy tube and a tube shaft. The hollow main shaft may have a distal end portion with a sideward facing notch, and the main shaft may be adapted to be accommodated within the outer sleeve. The biopsy tube may be provided for receiving cut and thus isolated tissue. A proximal end of the biopsy tube may be releasably attachable to a distal end of the tube shaft so that the biopsy tube is movable together with the tube shaft within the hollow main shaft between a proximal position in which the biopsy tube is not located in the notch, and a distal position in which the biopsy tube is located in the notch.

Abstract: Two or more images are taken wherein during the image taking a focal sweep is performed. The exposure intensity is modulated during the focal sweep and done so differently for the images. This modulation provides for a watermarking of depth information in the images. The difference in exposure during the sweep watermarks the depth information differently in the images. By comparing the images a depth map for the images can be calculated. A camera system has a lens and a sensor and a means for performing a focal sweep and means for modulating the exposure intensity during the focal sweep. Modulating the exposure intensity can be done by modulating a light source or the focal sweep or modulating the transparency of a transparent medium in the light path.

Abstract: As banking transactions are processed by a bank teller, all of the relevant information with respect to the transaction (e.g., dollar amount) is captured in an electronic file. Each of the electronic files from the various branches of the bank are forwarded to a central back office processing center where the electronic files are combined into a single Transaction Repository. At the end of the branch day, all of the paper associated with the transactions is forwarded from the branches to the back office processing center. The paper transactions are imaged in the conventional manner and the Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) data is read from the paper. The present invention then automatically correlates the images and MICR data captured from the paper with the complete transaction record contained in the Transaction Repository. Most of the conventional back office processing can now be performed without the need to perform character recognition and without the need for excess human intervention.

Abstract: A method of operating a memory device includes providing a first voltage to a memory array, providing a second voltage to a peripheral logic circuit, receiving an access request, and in response to the access request, increasing a third voltage of a bit line of the memory array during a precharge phase.

Abstract: A hair extension device is provided that does not prematurely slip or fall out of the user's natural hair when in use. The hair extension device is configured to wrap around a user's natural hair when their natural hair is in a bun or ponytail. The hair extension device includes: a cord member configured in a loop; and an artificial hair extension member coupled to the cord member, the artificial hair extension member comprising a plurality of strands of artificial hair.