Abstract: A system and process for the production of nitrogen-13 atoms from carbon-13/fluid slurry is provided. The system (10) includes a device (14) for producing a proton beam (15) which travels along a preselected path and strikes a target in slurry. This target is positioned in the path of the proton beam (15) such that subjection of the target to such beam produces nitrogen-13 atoms in a predetermined form. The nitrogen-13 atoms are conducted from the target area and carried to a purification device for collecting a purified product containing such atoms. The cooling system serves to dissipate heat generated during the production of such nitrogen-13 atoms.

Abstract: A two dimensional photon position encoder system (10) and process which includes a detector (20) for enhancing the spatial resolution of the situs of the origin of incident photons of gamma rays. A plurality of scintillator material members (22) interact with the incident photons and produce a quantifiable number of photons which exit the scintillation material members. A tuned light guide (68) having a plurality of radiation barriers (92) of predetermined lengths define slots which are operatively associated with one of the scintillator material members. Photons exiting the scintillator material members (22) enter an operatively associated slot in said slotted light guide. These slots (90) serve to enhance the predictability of the statistical distribution of photons along the length of the slotted light guide (68). A detector (20) detects the distribution of the photons at preselected locations along the length of the slotted light guide.

Abstract: A two-dimensional photon position encoder system (10) and process which includes a detector (20) for enhancing the spatial resolution of the situs of the origin of incident photons of gamma rays. A plurality of scintillator material members (22) interact with the incident photons and produce a quantifiable number of photons which exit the scintillation material members. A tuned light guide (68) having a plurality of radiation barriers (92) of predetermined lengths define slots which are operatively associated with one of the scintillator material members. These slots (90) serve to enhance the predictability of the statistical distribution of photons along the length of the slotted light guide (68). A detector (20) detects the distribution of the photons at preselected locations along the length of the slotted light guide. In one embodiment, this detector (20) comprises a photomultiplier (70) which gathers information concerning the photoelectrons which are then counted.

Abstract: A two dimensional photon position encoder system (10) and process which includes a detector (20) for enhancing the spatial resolution of the situs of the origin of incident photons of gamma rays. A plurality of scintillator material members (22) interact with the incident photons and produce a quantifiable number of photons which exit the scintillation material members. A tuned light guide (68) having a plurality of radiation barriers (92) of predetermined lengths define slots which are operatively associated with one of the scintillator material members. Photons exiting the scintillator material members (22) enter an operatively associated slot in said slotted light guide. These slots (90) serve to enhance the predictability of the statistical distribution of photons along the length of the slotted light guide (68). A detector (20) detects the distribution of the photons at preselected locations along the length of the slotted light guide.

Abstract: An opto-mechanical coupler is described for providing a quick-release mechanical and optical connection between a camera and the eyepiece of an endoscope or other optical instrument. The coupler comprises a hollow body member that is adapted to be screwed into the threaded aperture of a camera and is characterized by a center bore for transmitting images from the endoscope to the camera, and eyepiece clamping means attached to the hollow body member.In one embodiment, the eyepiece clamping means comprises a single clamping member defining a channel for receiving the eyepiece, and means rotatably connecting the clamping means to the hollow body so that rotation of the clamping member in one direction will cause the eyepiece to be clamped to the hollow body and rotation in a second opposite direction will unclamp the eyepiece from the hollow body.