Abstract: A scintillator array and method for making the same are provided. The array comprises a bi-layer reflector further comprising a conformal smoothing layer and a mirror layer. The bi-layer reflector does not comprise an intervening reducing agent or adhesion layer and/or comprises aluminum. Further, the mirror layer may be deposited via gas phase metallization, allowing application to tightly confined spaces. A detector array comprising the scintillator array is also provided.

Abstract: An energy-sensitive computed tomography system is provided. The energy-sensitive computed tomography system includes an X-ray source configured to emit an X-ray beam resulting from electrons impinging upon a target material. The energy-sensitive computed tomography system also includes an object positioned within the X-ray beam. The energy-sensitive computed tomography system further includes a detector configured to receive a transmitted beam of the X-rays through the object. The energy-sensitive computed tomography system also includes a filter having an alternating pattern disposed between the X-ray source and the detector, the filter configured to facilitate measuring projection data that can be used to generate low-energy and high-energy spectral information.

Abstract: An interface assembly for a sensor array is provided. The interface assembly may be made up of an integrated circuit package thermally coupled to the sensor array. The interface assembly may include a temperature control system for controlling the temperature of the sensor array. The temperature control system includes a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature variation of each sensor of the sensor array from an initial temperature beyond a predetermined threshold. A temperature controller is coupled to each temperature sensor and receives an output signal from the temperature sensor upon the sensor temperature variation exceeding the predetermined threshold. A temperature correction device is coupled to each temperature controller and causes the sensor temperature variation to fall within the predetermined threshold upon receiving a control signal from the temperature controller.

Abstract: An energy-sensitive computed tomography system is provided. The energy-sensitive computed tomography system includes an X-ray source configured to emit an X-ray beam resulting from electrons impinging upon a target material. The energy-sensitive computed tomography system also includes an object positioned within the X-ray beam. The energy-sensitive computed tomography system further includes a detector configured to receive a transmitted beam of the X-rays through the object. The energy-sensitive computed tomography system also includes a filter having an alternating pattern disposed between the X-ray source and the detector, the filter configured to facilitate measuring projection data that can be used to generate low-energy and high-energy spectral information.

Abstract: A detector assembly is presented. The detector assembly includes a first detector layer having a top side and a bottom side, where the first detector layer includes a plurality of first coupling gaps. Additionally, the detector assembly includes a first interconnect structure operationally coupled to the first detector layer and configured to facilitate transfer of a first set of image data from the first detector layer to backplane electronics. The detector assembly also includes a second detector layer having a top side and a bottom side and disposed adjacent the bottom side of the first detector layer, where the second detector layer includes a plurality of second coupling gaps configured to facilitate passage of the first interconnect structure from the first detector layer to the backplane electronics.

Abstract: An interface assembly for a sensor array is provided. The interface assembly may be made up of an integrated circuit package thermally coupled to the sensor array. The interface assembly may include a temperature control system for controlling the temperature of the sensor array. The temperature control system includes a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature variation of each sensor of the sensor array from an initial temperature beyond a predetermined threshold. A temperature controller is coupled to each temperature sensor and receives an output signal from the temperature sensor upon the sensor temperature variation exceeding the predetermined threshold. A temperature correction device is coupled to each temperature controller and causes the sensor temperature variation to fall within the predetermined threshold upon receiving a control signal from the temperature controller.

Abstract: Various configurations for scatter reduction and control are provided for CT imaging. These configurations include an imaging system having a stationary detector extending generally around a portion of an imaging volume and a distributed X-ray source placed proximal to the stationary detector for radiating an X-ray beam toward the stationary detector. A scatter control system is further provided that is configured to adaptively operate in cooperation with the stationary detector and the distributed X-ray source to focally align collimator septa contained therein to the X-ray beam at a given focal point and to provide X-ray beam scatter control.

Abstract: A detector assembly is presented. The detector assembly includes a first detector layer having a top side and a bottom side, where the first detector layer includes a plurality of first coupling gaps. Additionally, the detector assembly includes a first interconnect structure operationally coupled to the first detector layer and configured to facilitate transfer of a first set of image data from the first detector layer to backplane electronics. The detector assembly also includes a second detector layer having a top side and a bottom side and disposed adjacent the bottom side of the first detector layer, where the second detector layer includes a plurality of second coupling gaps configured to facilitate passage of the first interconnect structure from the first detector layer to the backplane electronics.

Abstract: A scanner is illustrated and described.

Abstract: A cover assembly (10) for covering an inflatable occupant protection device (30) comprises a cover (50). The cover (50) has an inner surface (70) for facing the inflatable occupant protection device and a manually depressible outer surface (72). An electrical switch (110) is actuatable by manual depression of the outer surface (72). A backer plate (120) supports the electrical switch (110) adjacent the inner surface (70). A plurality of openings (122) extend through the backer plate (120). A rib (94) extends from the inner surface (70) of the cover (50) around at least a portion of the periphery of the electrical switch (110). A plurality of stakes (92) extend from the inner surface (70) through the plurality of openings (122) in the backer plate (120). Each of the plurality of stakes (92) has a portion (130) connected with the rib (94) to hold the backer plate (120) on the cover (50).

Abstract: A Christmas tree stand comprises a base and a clamping mechanism which has a pair of opposed jaws with generally v-shaped clamping faces and the jaws being disposed to clamp a tree at circumferentially and longitudinally spaced locations and means for moving the jaws towards and away from each other to clamp and release the tree.

Abstract: The improved tennis racket string straightener is a one-piece unitary pocket comb, preferably of molded plastic, with an elongated body and spaced integral teeth depending therefrom along the length thereof. The body has curved ends to prevent pocket snagging and includes a vertical lower plate from which the teeth depend, and a top horizontal flange acting as a hand grip. The plate is integral with the flange and connected thereto along the longitudinal center-line thereof. The teeth in one embodiment are all the same size and spacing. In another embodiment the teeth are of generally similar shape and size but the distance between adjacent teeth gradually increases the farther the teeth are away from the mid-point along the length of the comb. The teeth are generally triangular in front, rear and side elevation, thus generally wedge-shaped with apices pointing down, and the spaces defined thereby are generally triangular with their apices up. All apices are slightly rounded to prevent string damage.

Abstract: In an image recording process, a radiation sensitive film comprising a photo-reducible compound is exposed to radiation and subsequently is contacted with a fixing agent capable of being reduced by the reduction product of the photo-reducible compound, with the production of an insoluble coloured material.