Abstract: A method for controlling egress of gas from a cryogen vessel (12) housing a superconducting magnet (10). A controller (30) receives data indicative of gas pressure within the cryogen vessel; a controlled valve (40) controls the egress of cryogen gas from the cryogen vessel (12); and data is made available to the controller, indicating a state of the magnet. Egress of cryogen gas from the cryogen vessel is controlled by operation of the controlled valve (40) by the controller (30) in response to the available data indicating a state of the magnet.

Abstract: A burst disc replacement apparatus (100) comprises a magazine (122) that carries a first burst disc (232) and a second burst disc (234). A flow path (104) passes through the apparatus (100) for venting fluid. The first burst disc (232) is located in the flow path (104). A translation mechanism (112, 144, 146, 200, 214, 220, 222) is arranged to move the second burst disc (234) into the flow path (104) in place of the first burst disc (232) in response to an indication that fluid pressure at one side of the first burst disc (232) has exceeded a predetermined pressure corresponding to rupture of the first burst disc (232).

Abstract: A burst disc replacement apparatus (102) comprises a magazine (114) carrying a first burst disc (116) and a second burst disc (118). The apparatus also comprises a flow path (104) therethrough for venting fluid. The first burst disc (116) is located in the flow path (104) and the second burst disc (118) is located outside the flow path (104). A translation mechanism is also provided and coupled to the magazine (114) and arranged to permit manual translation of the magazine (114) so that the second burst disc (118) moves, when in use, into the flow path (104) in place of the first burst disc (116).

Abstract: A compressor (1) including a compressor mechanism; an input line (12) for providing gas to the compressor; and an output line (14) for providing compressed gas from the compressor. The compressor may supply gas at a first pressure or at a second pressure, by variation of the charge pressure within a gas circuit. A buffer volume and arrangement of valves, contained within the compressor, facilitate the change in static charge pressure. The electrical power drawn by the compressor is reduced when the charge pressure is reduced. Changing the charge pressure in the compressor also varies the cooling power delivered by the refrigerator. Therefore, this variable charge compressor can be used to reduce the electrical power drawn by an MRI system when it is in standby, and the full refrigeration capability is not required. Also, this has the effect of reducing wear and increasing the life of certain components within the refrigerator and compressor.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system has a superconducting magnet housed within a cryostat, a cryogenic refrigerator that cools within the cryostat, a helium compressor that supplies compressed helium to the cryogenic refrigerator and to receive a return flow of compressed helium from the refrigerator, and a magnet supervisory system controlling operation of the magnet resonance imaging system. An apparatus is provided for controlling the speed and/or timing of operation of the helium compressor in accordance with predefined algorithms in response to system state data.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging system has a superconducting magnet contained within a cryostat, the cryostat being cooled by a cooling system that includes a healing and compressor, a refrigeration device and a local supervisory system. The helium compressor provides compressed helium to the refrigeration device, and the local supervisory system controls operation of the refrigeration device. The helium compressor is in communication with the local supervisory system, and also is able to communicate, independently of the local supervisory system, with a remote service provider.

Abstract: A burst disc arrangement for a cryostat comprising a replaceable burst disc (52) held in compression between a high-pressure flange formed at an end of a high-pressure conduit (12), and a low-pressure flange (60) formed at an end of a low-pressure conduit (14). In particular, the burst disc arrangement further comprises: a housing (50) enclosing the high- and low-pressure flanges; and compression means (56), distributed around the housing (50) and being arranged to bear upon the one of the flanges (60), so as to urge it towards the other flange, thereby retaining the burst disc (52) in compression between the flanges. The housing (50) includes a first opening (20) large enough to allow the replaceable burst disc (52) to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A slanting table is provided, with comfortable padding, on which the body reclines. The foot end has a padded clamp for the feet. At the foot end there is an elevatable element, or actuator, which raises and lowers the foot end, thus controlling the slope, and controls the stretch on the spine of the user. Under the user there are actuator pads for the hips, the shoulder blades, and the head of the user, under control of the user. The user adjusts the table to a higher or lower slope and adjusts the desired shape of his spine, with consequent straightening tendency. Pressure is taken off the spinal discs, and round shouldering is overcome. The actuator under the head is adjustable for the convenience of reading. A motor driven vibrator aids relaxation of the muscles, discs, and joints.

Abstract: Markings are added to the conventional solid color racquetball ball, which gives the player additional information on the likely trajectory of the ball, and the player is thus able to make a more precise return stroke. When a ball is marked in some visible manner, the player is better able to judge the rotation caused by the walls of the racquetball court, and can adjust his stroke or swing to improve the accuracy of the return. In racquetball the rotation of the ball is particularly important because many shots are received after having bounced off one, two, or three walls, and the rotations are thus difficult to predict. In racquetball the conventional ball is a solid color and the rotation of the ball is not discernible to the player's eye. The markings introduced by this invention make the wall-induced rotation more discernible.

Abstract: A system that cleans boat bottoms, or aquarium windows, and also stimulates the skin, yet does not penetrate or break the skin. The cleaning or skin stimulation is accomplished by high speed high pressure liquid flow, through multiple orifices carried by an orifice plate, with all or most orifices positioned at preselected angles, rather than simply perpendicular or parallel. The angle positioning emits water or fluids in a tangential manner to cause flow in a circle or straight line. The multiple orifices cooperate and force the water in the same direction, so that the cleaning effect is greater than that of individual perpendicular flow. An inner shroud around the head briefly captures much of the water. The water is largely caught by a second outer shroud and returned to the pump. The return water flow creates a suction and force on the head towards the surface to be cleaned. Filters before and after the pump remove the debris from the water.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification RFID system returns to a reader a string of bits which identifies a product or item. The subject RFID system is arranged to have one or more bits changeable, by bringing out from the chip one or more conductors, or by changeable internal memory. These conductors manage one or more bits on the chip. The chip has multiple external connections. One of the connections is made via the cover on a container, such as the cap on a drug bottle. If the cap is removed, the circuit is broken, or the tab is cut, and the message sent by the RFID is modified. This message modification is detected in the reader, and so tampering or premature opening prior to check out or to sale is detected. The cuttable tab circuit is also used in manufacturing, wherein an object tagged with an RFID chip and antenna, can have tabs on the RFID cut according to which stage of the manufacturing process is underway or has been completed.

Abstract: A plate and decorative array (10) for displaying articles (11) comprises a plate member (12) having a base (14), the base having a continuous sidewall (15); a generally horizontal shelf (25) engaging the outer surface of the continuous sidewall; a skirt member (26) carried at the external edge of the shelf; and a disk (20) adapted to engage with the upper end of the base. A plate and decorative array (50) for displaying articles (11) comprises at least first and second devices, each device (10, 51) providing a plate member (12, 52), one of the devices having a first diameter and the other of the devices (51) having a second diameter, less than the first diameter, wherein the second device is adapted to rest upon the first device.

Abstract: Animals which make their home in burrows or underground are detected by multiple probes driven into the ground. The tips of the probes include thermocouples. The thermocouple readings are displayed by digital or other means. The animal body temperature causes the earth to be warmer nearer to the animal burrow or nest. The temperature differences form a temperature gradient, with the warmest part being nearest to the burrow. The gradient is followed and used to locate the burrow. Extermination is then used on the animals. The animals are typically gophers. Alternatively, the probes are equipped with microphones, so that burrow sounds are detected, and the burrows are located according to the strength of the sound. Alternative to driving probes in to the ground, there is a self propelled probe bearing a video camera, and temperature and sound sensors, allowing the probe to be guided by ah operator to the home nest.

Abstract: A method for the propagation of and aeroponic growing of plants comprises transplanting a living plant into a vessel of polymer foam having at least one cavity distal to the plant; applying water to the foam sufficient to saturate the foam, whereby roots of the plant extend into and grow within the cavity.

Abstract: A floral display system including an upstanding wall of media surrounding a center constructed of a water impervious material, wherein the center has a top surface and the media has a top surface, the top surface of the center being located below the top surface of the media to form a reservoir between the center and the media.

Abstract: A rotating or oscillating brush is brought up against an underwater surface to be cleaned. The surface may be the hull of a boat or inside walls of an aquarium. While the brush moves, the apparatus is held against the surface by suction. There is a suction pump which pumps water from the apparatus to above ground or elsewhere. The suction creates force of the apparatus against the surface for good cleaning. It is ordinarily difficult to get good force against the surface since the water may be deep and there is nothing for the operator or the apparatus to push against. Debris from cleaning is drawn away from the cleaning area. Wheels or pads or a rubber skirt are used to avoid damaging the surface from too much force. A flexible skirt minimizes water leakage past the apparatus and allows conformation to rounded shapes such as boat hull. The motor to drive the brush may be electric, or may be hydraulic, or may use the suction pressure as a source of energy.

Abstract: A motor drives both a scrubbing brush and a propeller. Both rotate usually on the same shaft. The brush rotates against a surface to be cleaned and the propeller provides a thrust of the brush towards the surface. There is ample motion for scrubbing and cleaning combined with force to hold the brush firmly against the surface. A mechanically generated force against the surface is needed to remove debris, and when working underwater, such as against a boat hull, it is difficult to provide the force, since there is no ground on which to stand. The motor is electrical, or is pneumatic or hydraulic, with power brought in via flexible tubes, or power may come via flexible shaft. Manual controls may be underwater mounted on the unit or may transmit commands by electrical or radio signals to the above water power source.

Abstract: An identification card, typically of the proximity type, having on its outer structure a numeric keyboard. When approaching a high security entrance, the user enters into the card a PIN code known only to himself or a few others. The PIN code entry is compared to a reference code within the card and if correct enables the logic system of the card. When the card is next placed in proximity to a reader antenna, a normal read occurs, that is the data of the card is transferred to the reader. The card acts as a data source. Identification data is transferred during the read action, and also financial transactions, and an emergency code if the user is under duress and requests emergency help. The data sent to the reader is also optionally sent to a higher order data processing system such as a central computer. In a second embodiment, the proximity circuits and antenna are made integral to a hand held palm top or lap top computer or cell phone.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes of making a composition having a host compound capable of accepting one or more bio-affecting guest compounds, and compositions formed by the processes.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a source flux modulation recipe for achieving a selected thickness profile of a film to be deposited (e.g., with highly uniform or highly accurate custom graded thickness) over a flat or curved substrate (such as concave or convex optics) by exposing the substrate to a vapor deposition source operated with time-varying flux distribution as a function of time. Preferably, the source is operated with time-varying power applied thereto during each sweep of the substrate to achieve the time-varying flux distribution as a function of time.