Abstract: A ceramic capacitor is disclosed. The capacitor comprises a plurality of base metal inner electrode layers, a plurality of ceramic dielectric layers between the inner electrode layers, and external electrodes in electrical conductivity with the inner electrode layers. At least one secondary component having an intentionally added chemistry is dispersed in the inner electrode layers and/or the dielectric layers. The chemistry evolves an oxidizing species in a controlled manner, such that it offsets localized highly reducing atmospheres that are present when the capacitor is fired in a reducing atmosphere, thereby promoting enhanced electrode connectivity in thin layer base metal multilayer capacitors.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment, prevention, or reduction of persistent infections, such as chronic infections, latent infections, and slow infections and cancer. The methods and compositions of the invention are also useful for the alleviation of one or more symptoms associated with such infections and cancer.

Abstract: Among the embodiments of the present invention are pest control devices (1010, 1110, 1210) each operable to detect the presence of pests. The pest control device (1010, 1110, 1210) has a bait (1032) that is consumed or displaced by one or more species of pest, a pest sensing circuit (1052, 1152, 1252), and a monitoring circuit (1069, 1169, 1269). The pest sensing circuit (1052, 1152, 1252) can be altered by pest activity. The monitoring circuit (1069, 1169, 1269) detects this alteration and reports it automatically or in response to an external stimulus or interrogation to indicate pest presence.

Abstract: A cryogenically cooled radiofrequency (RF) coil structure for use in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and method for cryogenically cooling RF coils are provided. The cryogenically cooled RF coil structure comprises a sealed structure constructed of non-conducting material and adapted for containing a cooling substance and at least one RF coil disposed integrally in contact with the sealed structure such that sealed structure and integrally disposed RF coil are disposed about an object to be imaged.

Abstract: A dielectric ceramic composition in a multilayer ceramic capacitor having a composition of formula: ((CaO)t(SrO)1-t(ZrO2)v(TiO2)1-s-x-y-zAsExGyHz wherein: A is a transition metal oxide; E is an oxide of a group III or IV element; G is an oxide of a group II element; H is an oxide of a lanthanide; t is 0.50 to 0.90; v is 0.8 to 1.0; s is 0.0001 to 0.08; x is 0 to 0.08; y is 0 to 0.20; and z is 0 to 0.20.

Abstract: A method for forming a capacitor and capacitor formed thereby. The method comprises a) forming a capacitor precursor with green ceramic layers separated by conductive precursor layers wherein the conductive precursor layers have 30-80 wt % nickel precursor; up to 20 wt % grain growth inhibitor and 20-70 wt % organic vehicle; and b) heating the capacitor precursor to convert the green ceramic layers to ceramic dielectric layers and the conductive precursor layers to conductive layers.

Abstract: A method for forming a capacitor and capacitor formed thereby. The method comprises a) forming a capacitor precursor with green ceramic layers separated by conductive precursor layers wherein the conductive precursor layers have 30-80 wt % nickel precursor; up to 20 wt % grain growth inhibitor and 20-70 wt % organic vehicle; and b) heating the capacitor precursor to convert the green ceramic layers to ceramic dielectric layers and the conductive precursor layers to conductive layers.

Abstract: A capacitor with conductive layers arranged in parallel relationship. The conductive layers have nickel alloyed or add mixed with a refractory metal in an amount sufficient to raise the melting temperature of said conductive layer at least 1° C. above the melting temperature of nickel. A dielectric layers is between the conductive layers. Alternating layers of said conductive layers are in electrical contact with external terminations of opposing polarity.

Abstract: A capacitor with conductive layers arranged in parallel relationship. The conductive layers have nickel alloyed with a refractory metal in an amount sufficient to raise the melting temperature of said conductive layer at least 1° C. above the melting temperature of nickel. A dielectric layers is between the conductive layers. Alternating layers of said conductive layers are in electrical contact with external terminations of opposing polarity.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for fabricating a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) gradient coil for generating magnetic field gradients are provided. The method includes determining a pattern of gradient current paths on a surface using a set of stream functions oriented in at least one of a z-gradient, a y-gradient; and an x-gradient, and arranging conductive material to define a current path that conforms to the determined gradient current paths.

Abstract: An imaging system including at least one pole piece is described. The at least one pole piece includes at least two grain-oriented sheets that are stacked together, where a direction of easy magnetization of a first of the at least two grain-oriented sheets is different than a direction of easy magnetization of a second of the at least two grain-oriented sheets.

Abstract: Briefly in accordance with one aspect, the present technique provides a method for heating a permanent magnet in a magnetic resonance imaging system. The method for heating a permanent magnet includes directly heating a surface of the permanent magnet using a surface heater. The present technique also provides a system for heating a permanent magnet in a magnetic resonance imaging system. The system includes a surface heater configured to directly heat a surface of the permanent magnet.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for fabricating a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) gradient coil for generating magnetic field gradients are provided. The method includes determining a pattern of gradient current paths on a surface using a set of stream functions oriented in at least one of a z-gradient, a y-gradient; and an x-gradient, and arranging conductive material to define a current path that conforms to the determined gradient current paths.

Abstract: A pest control system includes pest control devices installed about an area or building. These devices each include a bait member and a wireless communication circuit. The wireless communication circuit may be in the form of a passive RF tag that transmits information indicative of bait status and an identifier unique to each pest control device. The wireless communication circuit can be configured in a first assembly for detecting the presence of one or more pests and a second assembly for delivering a pesticide once pests are detected. The assemblies are interchangeable within a pest control device housing. The wireless communication circuit is connected to a sensor having an electrically conductive element that can be comprised of a nonmetallic material, such as a carbon-based ink. One or more connection members electrically couple the wireless communication circuit and the sensor. These members are comprised of an electrically conductive, elastomeric compound, such as a carbon-filled silicone rubber.

Abstract: Pole pieces for magnetic resonance imaging systems comprise a plurality of laminated sheets of an alloy comprising iron and aluminum. Such an alloy can comprise up to about 17 weight percent aluminum and can further comprise cobalt, nickel, and/or silicon. A sheet of iron-aluminum alloy for such pole pieces has a resistivity greater than about 60 mico-ohm.cm. A sheet is formed in a process comprising hot forging, hot rolling, and cold rolling. The process can further comprise annealing before and/or after the step of cold rolling.

Abstract: A pest control system (20) includes pest control devices (110) installed about an area or building (22). These devices (110) each include a bait member and a communication circuit. The communication circuit may be in the form of a passive RF tag that transmits information indicative of bait status and an identifier unique to each pest control device (110). A hand held interrogator (30) is provided to locate and communicate with the pest control devices (110) via the communication circuit. A data collection unit (40) to accumulate data gathered from the pest control devices (110) may alternatively or additionally be utilized. The bait member may be configured with a magnetic component to provide a magnetic signature indicative of the bait consumption behavior of targeted varieties of pest. The devices optionally include one or more environmental sensors to evaluate and predict pest behavior.

Abstract: A pest control system includes pest control devices installed about an area or building. These devices each include a bait member and a wireless communication circuit. The wireless communication circuit may be in the form of a passive RF tag that transmits information indicative of bait status and an identifier unique to each pest control device. The wireless communication circuit can be configured in a first assembly for detecting the presence of one or more pests and a second assembly for delivering a pesticide once pests are detected. The assemblies are interchangeable within a pest control device housing. The wireless communication circuit is connected to a sensor having an electrically conductive element that can be comprised of a nonmetallic material, such as a carbon-based ink. One or more connection members electrically couple the wireless communication circuit and the sensor. These members are comprised of an electrically conductive, elastomeric compound, such as a carbon-filled silicone rubber.

Abstract: An MRI system includes a magnet which produces the main polarizing magnetic field. Variations in strength of this field are corrected by a temperature compensation system that calculates a compensating flux needed to maintain the field at constant strength. The compensating flux is calculated from changes in sensed magnet temperature and a magnet temperature coefficient. One or more correction coils are wound around the magnet and driven with the current necessary to produce the compensating flux.

Abstract: Pole faces for an open magnetic resonance (MR) imaging system are constructed from a number of blocks having laminate sheets. The laminate sheets of the blocks are aligned, such that they are parallel to the flux of an applied time-changing magnetic field. Each laminate sheet is constructed of an amorphous material such that there is no predominant magnetic field alignment. This construction reduces eddy currents induced in the pole faces, and reduces residual magnetization, thereby reducing artifacts in an acquired image.