Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for contrast scans. In one example, a computing device is configured to display a scan interface in a prescription view on a screen and to receive user input of a contrast observation slice for tracking arrival of a contrast bolus during a contrast scan. The screen is further configured to display a scanning button that can be reached directly from the scan interface, the scanning button selectable to launch a live scanning view of the scan interface that enables live 2D images of the contrast observation slice to seen within the scan interface. The live scanning view includes a contrast tracking display panel that displays an auto-triggering button that is selectable to enable auto-triggering of post-contrast image acquisition and that displays a contrast intensity plot determined from the live 2D images.

Abstract: A method of forming a crystalline core/crystalline clad (C4) optical fiber. The method comprises coextruding a cladding mixture of a plasticizer and a binder with a yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) core. The coextrusion dynamically clads a polycrystalline cladding onto the YAG core to yield a green C4 optical fiber. The C4 optical fiber is then densified, preferably in two steps sintering and hot isostatic pressing. The resulting optical C4 fiber has greater power capacity than a glass fiber labor host.

Abstract: Methods and systems are herein provided for determining operating conditions of a magnetic resonance (MR) scanner based on data of one or more implants of a patient and storing the data of the one or more implants are provided. In one examples, a method comprises obtaining data of one or more implants of a patient from one or more sources; determining one or more configurations of each of the one or more implants; displaying, via a graphical user interface (GUI), the data and the one or more configurations; determining a recommendation configuration based on the one or more configurations; determining a selected configuration via user input to the GUI; and determining operating conditions of an MRI scanner based on the selected configuration for an MRI exam.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for contrast scans. In one example, a computing device is configured to display, on a screen, a scan interface including a scan prescription display panel in a timeline view including an editable version of a timeline, the scan prescription display panel in the timeline view configured to receive user input to enable a scan prescription of a contrast scan of an imaging subject to be set while displaying each step of the scan prescription via the timeline as that step is set, and additionally being configured to display on the screen a button that can be reached directly from the scan interface, wherein the button is selectable to initiate the contrast scan and launch a scanning view of the scan prescription display panel that enables each step of the scan prescription to be seen via the timeline as the contrast scan is carried out.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for contrast scans. In one example, a computing device is configured to display a scan interface in a prescription view on a screen and to receive user input of a contrast observation slice for tracking arrival of a contrast bolus during a contrast scan. The screen is further configured to display a scanning button that can be reached directly from the scan interface, the scanning button selectable to launch a live scanning view of the scan interface that enables live 2D images of the contrast observation slice to seen within the scan interface. The live scanning view includes a contrast tracking display panel that displays an auto-triggering button that is selectable to enable auto-triggering of post-contrast image acquisition and that displays a contrast intensity plot determined from the live 2D images.

Abstract: Methods and systems are herein provided for determining operating conditions of a magnetic resonance (MR) scanner based on data of one or more implants of a patient and storing the data of the one or more implants are provided. In one examples, a method comprises obtaining data of one or more implants of a patient from one or more sources; determining one or more configurations of each of the one or more implants; displaying, via a graphical user interface (GUI), the data and the one or more configurations; determining a recommendation configuration based on the one or more configurations; determining a selected configuration via user input to the GUI; and determining operating conditions of an MRI scanner based on the selected configuration for an MRI exam.

Abstract: A method of forming a crystalline core/crystalline clad (C4) optical fiber. The method comprises coextruding a cladding mixture of a plasticizer and a binder with a yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) core. The coextrusion dynamically clads a polycrystalline cladding onto the YAG core to yield a green C4 optical fiber. The C4 optical fiber is then densified, preferably in two steps sintering and hot isostatic pressing. The resulting optical C4 fiber has greater power capacity than a glass fiber labor host.

Abstract: A tri-layer optical fiber. The fiber has a core which is preferably a single crystal and outer cladding, to reduce signal loss. The cladding process begins with high porosity particles, and is known to introduce porosity in the cladding and at the core/cladding interface. The porosity increases refraction and signal loss. The invention interposes a film layer intermediate the core and cladding. The film layer is sputter coated and preferably of the of same material as the cladding. The film prevents diffusion of the porous cladding into the core, minimizing porosity and improving signal transmission.

Abstract: Method and tool for promptly aligning the mating port of a gas block with the gas port of a rifle barrel. The prompt alignment of the mating port and gas port is accomplished by using an alignment tool have an alignment port and an alignment slot. The alignment tool is inserted into the gas block such that the alignment port is centered over the mating port and that a portion of the alignment tool protrudes from the gas block. The top surface of the alignment tool is marked circumferentially and the forward end of the gas block is marked perpendicular to the alignment slot. The alignment tool is then removed from the gas block and affixed to the rifle barrel such that the alignment port is centered over the gas port. The barrel is marked through the alignment slot in line with the circumferential marking on the top surface of the alignment tool.

Abstract: Method and tool for promptly aligning the mating port of a gas block with the gas port of a rifle barrel. The prompt alignment of the mating port and gas port is accomplished by using an alignment tool have an alignment port and an alignment slot. The alignment tool is inserted into the gas block such that the alignment port is centered over the mating port and that a portion of the alignment tool protrudes from the gas block. The top surface of the alignment tool is marked circumferentially and the forward end of the gas block is marked perpendicular to the alignment slot. The alignment tool is then removed from the gas block and affixed to the rifle barrel such that the alignment port is centered over the gas port. The barrel is marked through the alignment slot in line with the circumferential marking on the top surface of the alignment tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling rotation of an outer sleeve member relative to an inner cylindrical duct member is used in a drilling system for controlling steering of a downhole drilling tool. The apparatus includes an annular swash plate pump and a stack of annular brake disks in the space between the members. The pump is driven by the rotation to pump fluid into a supply cylinder driving the brake. An orifice controls escape of the fluid from the chamber at a controlled rate. The rate is controlled to maintain a balance between the pumping rate and the brake pressure to keep the rotation at a required rate. The apparatus is used in the drilling system which includes a shallow bend in the drilling tool and a system for rotating the bent drilling tool slowly about a longitudinal axis of the drilling tool while the drill bit rotates more rapidly. The controlled orifice further allows the slow rotation to be halted at a predetermined orientation of the bend axis so as to effect a change in drilling direction.

Abstract: A method is provided for drilling of a well bore portion including a short radius curved section followed by a straight section. A drilling tool is provided having a first portion on which the drill bit is mounted and a second portion carrying the motor with a knuckle coupling therebetween. The short radius curved section is completed using the drilling tool with the knuckle coupling diverting to one side of the bore to steer the drill bit to the other side. After the curved section is complete the drilling is controlled in an accurately straight orientation by providing an eccentric collar which is attached onto the drilling tool at a position adjacent the knuckle portion. The eccentric collar holds the drilling tool at a slight angle less than that during the curved section. Simultaneously with the rotation of the drill bit, the drill string, the tool and the collar are rotated more slowly about the longitudinal axis so as to constantly vary the angle of attack of the drill bit.

Abstract: A drilling system for controlling steering of a downhole drilling tool includes a shallow bend in the drilling tool and a system for rotating the bent drilling tool slowly about a longitudinal axis of the drilling tool while the drill bit rotates more rapidly. The system further allows the slow rotation to be halted at a predetermined orientation of the bend axis so as to effect a change in drilling direction. The system for rotating and halting this slow rotation comprises a downhole swivel coupling between the drilling tool and the drill string so that torque from the drill bit tends to rotate the drilling tool in the opposite direction. A control device is provided to restrict the amount of torque communicated through the swivel coupling and to halt the swivel coupling as required to control the steering of the drill bit.

Abstract: A conventional well bore drilling system includes a coiled tubing mounted on a reel and connected to a mud supply for supplying mud through the tubing to a downhole end of the tubing to which is attached the downhole drilling tool. The system is modified by the addition of an inner tubing attached to the reel shaft and extending through the outer tubing to the drilling tool. The drilling mud is supplied in the space between the inner and outer tubes and a gas is supplied through the inner tube, The gas is vented through a coupling at the drilling tool into the well bore so as to enter the well bore and reduce the hydrostatic head of the fluids within the well bore to an under balanced condition below the pressure of the producing zone.

Abstract: A conventional drilling system using continuous coiled tubing connected to a reel at its upper end and connected to a drilling tool at its lower end is steered by rotating the injector at the well head which drives the tubing into the well about an axis longitudinal of the well bore to effect twist in the tubing along the well bore and thus to rotate the drilling tool. This twist in the tubing between the injector and the reel is negated by rotating the reel about a vertical axis parallel to the well bore in a direction, viewed from above, which is opposite to the direction of the injector.

Abstract: A lightweight block for interior partitions of buildings weighing less than one-half of any type of lightweight concrete block now manufactured, formed of a mixture of 10.66:1 ratio of expanded perlite aggregate and Portland cement, a water cement ratio of 6.66 gallons of water to 1 cubic foot of cement and an additive for making the mixture tractable, no other aggregate or binder being included.