Abstract: Imaging signals from one or more surface coils are directed outwardly through a rear end portion of an imaging bore of an imaging machine, such as a magnetic resonance imaging machine (MRI). Initial processing of the imaging signals can be carried out within the imaging bore and transmitted through a pair of releasable connectors to external imaging processing equipment. By routing the surface coil imaging signals through the open rear end of an imaging bore, wires and other signal processing components need not be squeezed through the relatively limited space available around the front portion of an imaging bore. Fluid passages can be provided through the pair of releasable connectors for the passage of heating fluids, cooling fluids, and pressurized gasses including anesthesia gasses.

Abstract: Imaging signals from one or more surface coils are directed outwardly through a rear end portion of an imaging bore of an imaging machine, such as a magnetic resonance imaging machine (MRI). Initial processing of the imaging signals can be carried out within the imaging bore and transmitted through a pair of releasable connectors to external imaging processing equipment. By routing the surface coil imaging signals through the open rear end of an imaging bore, wires and other signal processing components need not be squeezed through the relatively limited space available around the front portion of an imaging bore. Fluid passages can be provided through the pair of releasable connectors for the passage of heating fluids, cooling fluids, and pressurized gasses including anesthesia gasses.

Abstract: A releasable coupling includes a male coupling portion having a frustoconical male plug portion, and a female coupling portion having a frustoconical female socket portion. The male and female coupling portions are locked together and unlocked by a bidirectional rotatable cam ring which drives one or more balls between the male and female coupling portions.

Abstract: An animal holder is provided with a specialized coupling that is releasably mountable to a number of different imaging machines such as X-ray, CAT, MRI and PET machines. Composite images created from combining images from such different machines are particularly clear due to the predetermined alignment of the animal holder within the center of the field of view of each machine.

Abstract: A putter head is constructed with a lightweight front blade member and a heavier rear weighted member having discrete concentrations of mass at its heel, toe and rear central portions. The rear weighted member is somewhat arch-shaped so as to define a hollow cavity or chamber when coupled to the front blade member. The putter head is stabilized during putting by the mass concentrations and the hollow cavity produces a large sweet spot along the front blade member.

Abstract: A system and method for an extensible administration tool, comprising: a first graphical user interface (GUI) operable to provide hierarchical navigation of a tree; a second GUI operable to provide at least one control panel; a framework for customizing the first and second GUIs; and wherein the at least one control panel can be activated by selection of the node in the tree.

Abstract: A system is provided for facilitating the imaging of a specimen, such as a laboratory rat, within an imaging machine such as an MRI machine. A sliding, self-centering interconnection is provided between a magnetic positioning and spacing assembly and a specimen positioning and retention assembly. Support and abutment surfaces are provided for facilitating the proper mounting locations of a gradient coil and probe coil within the main magnet coil and for optimally locating a specimen with respect to the main magnet coil and with respect to the gradient and probe coils.

Abstract: Computers are manufactured with connectors in which are inserted at least one PCI expansion card to increase the capacity of the computer. A computer enclosure panel is formed with first opening for insertion and withdrawal of the card. The card has a cover which blocks the first opening after the card has been plugged in. The invention provides a retainer mounted on the rear panel which engages the cover to hold one end of the card in place. The invention further provides room for the tab conventionally extending outward of the card to extend outward of the enclosure so that the card may be located closer to the side panel, thereby conserving space within the enclosure. The retainer has an apertured first door pivotally mounted on the exterior of the panel which in closed position surrounds a second opening through which the card tab protrudes and engages one face of the tab. A second door is pivotally mounted on the first door and in closed position covers the aperture in the first door.

Abstract: A pipette puller has a heater coil X-Y position controlled by two knobs. The coil can be vertically positioned along a pipette by moving a third knob for the Z positioning. A dual-heat heat control provides two pre-set temperatures. A movable shield covers the coils when they are heated, eliminating accidental burnings. Sensors run the status panel. The panel tells when to start a pull, the position of the movable chuck, the position of the shield, and when to reposition the coil and indicates a primary stop between two burns of a patch electrode pull. A vertical rail supports all of the major mechanical moving parts, with the exception of the adjustable stop which swings in and out of operative position.

Abstract: A novel method for fabricating glass micropipettes comprises assembling glass tubes side-by-side in a bundle, softening an axially central region of the bundle by heating, axially elongating the softened central region to create two opposing tapers, and then dividing the bundle in two at the axial midpoint of the central region to thereby create two micropipettes. The distal tip end of each micropipette at which it was separated from the other is then relatively advanced toward a hot flame to create a spherical enlargement at the tip end. This spherical enlargement facilitates subsequent gripping of this end when the micropipette is subsequently finished to produce desired orifice sizes for the barrels at the distal tip end. It is also desirable to perform a twisting step after the softening step and before the elongating step.