Abstract: A dunnage conversion machine includes a drive mechanism configured to deform a stock material into a continuous length of dunnage. The machine also includes a cutting device configured to sever a piece of the dunnage from the continuous length of dunnage. The cutting device includes a grip configured to move to a closed position at which the grip exerts a force on the piece of dunnage to retain the piece on the machine until the piece is pulled away from the machine, at which point the grip moves to an open position and the machine advances the continuous length of dunnage to commence another cutting cycle.

Abstract: A device for producing dunnage includes a jam detector located downstream of a crumpler and upstream of an outlet chute of the device and configured to detect a jam of the dunnage between the crumpler and the outlet chute.

Abstract: Devices for producing dunnage include a crumpler configured to convert a high-density stock material into low-density dunnage, and a former positioned upstream of the crumpler. The outer former has interior surface defining a passage configured to receive the inner former. The interior surface configured to fold the stock material into overlapping layers as the stock material moves through the passage. An outer surface of the inner former opposes and is spaced from the interior surface of the outer former so that the outer surface and the interior surface of the outer former define a channel for receiving the stock material.

Abstract: A dunnage conversion machine includes a drive mechanism configured to deform a stock material into a continuous length of dunnage. The machine also includes a cutting device configured to sever a piece of the dunnage from the continuous length of dunnage. The cutting device includes a grip configured to move to a closed position at which the grip exerts a force on the piece of dunnage to retain the piece on the machine until the piece is pulled away from the machine, at which point the grip moves to an open position and the machine advances the continuous length of dunnage to commence another cutting cycle.

Abstract: A dunnage conversion machine includes a drive mechanism configured to deform a stock material into a continuous length of dunnage. The machine also includes a cutting device configured to sever a piece of the dunnage from the continuous length of dunnage. The cutting device includes a grip configured to move to a closed position at which the grip exerts a force on the piece of dunnage to retain the piece on the machine until the piece is pulled away from the machine, at which point the grip moves to an open position and the machine advances the continuous length of dunnage to commence another cutting cycle.

Abstract: Dunnage conversion machines can include a drive mechanism that deforms a stock material into a continuous length of dunnage, a cutting device that severs a piece of dunnage from the continuous length of dunnage, and a jaw that moves between a first and a second position. When in the first position, the jaw contacts the dunnage and exerts a first force on the dunnage that prevents substantial movement of the dunnage in an upstream direction while the dunnage is being severed. When in the second position, the jaw exerts a lower second force on the severed piece to retain the severed piece on the dunnage conversion machine. The second force can be low enough to prevent tearing of the severed piece when the severed piece is removed from the dunnage conversion machine.

Abstract: A solid state active pixel image sensor for back illumination by an electron beam is described. The image sensor comprises a thermal conduction layer for heat removal. The image sensor may also comprise a thinned silicon substrate on which an epitaxial layer is formed. The substrate may also be completely removed before or after application of the thermal conduction layer. The thermal conduction layer may comprise a metal, a metal compound, silicon, diamond or graphite.

Abstract: A solid state active pixel image sensor for back illumination by an electron beam is described. The image sensor comprises a thermal conduction layer for heat removal. The image sensor may also comprise a thinned silicon substrate on which an epitaxial layer is formed. The substrate may also be completely removed before or after application of the thermal conduction layer. The thermal conduction layer may comprise a metal, a metal compound, silicon, diamond or graphite.

Abstract: A device for producing dunnage includes a jam detector. The detector is mounted on an outlet chute that receives dunnage produced by a dunnage mechanism of the device. The detector is sensitive to detect a dunnage jam within the outlet chute, and is associated with the dunnage mechanism to cause the dunnage mechanism to stop driving the dunnage into the outlet chute when a jam is detected.

Abstract: A dunnage conversion machine includes a drive mechanism configured to deform a stock material into a continuous length of dunnage. The machine also includes a cutting device configured to sever a piece of the dunnage from the continuous length of dunnage. The cutting device includes a grip configured to move to a closed position at which the grip exerts a force on the piece of dunnage to retain the piece on the machine until the piece is pulled away from the machine, at which point the grip moves to an open position and the machine advances the continuous length of dunnage to commence another cutting cycle.

Abstract: An embolic protection device includes an expandable mesh net coupled to a catheter assembly used in an interventional procedure. The catheter assembly includes an outer catheter, an inner catheter, a compliant balloon, and the mesh net. The catheter assembly can be deployed in a lumen, such as an outflow graft of a left ventricular assist device, a blood vessel, or other bodily lumen. The mesh net is coupled to the inner catheter and is expanded by retracting the outer catheter when positioned in the lumen. The mesh net captures embolic debris before it is able to enter into the patient's blood stream.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing machine includes a countertop for a conveyor that carries a plurality of cup holders around a track. A front side of the beverage dispenser machine is accessible by an operator to remove cups from the plurality of cup holders. A cup tower has a plurality of cup dispenser tubes that are each configured to hold a respective stack of cups. A cup grabber is movable up and down into and between a raised position in which the cup grabber is positioned to grab a cup from one of the stacks of cups and place a cup into one of the plurality of cup holders.

Abstract: A solid state active pixel image sensor for back illumination by an electron beam is described. The image sensor comprises a thermal conduction layer for heat removal. The image sensor may also comprise a thinned silicon substrate on which an epitaxial layer is formed. The substrate may also be completely removed before or after application of the thermal conduction layer. The thermal conduction layer may comprise a metal, a metal compound, silicon, diamond or graphite.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing machine includes a countertop for a conveyor that carries a plurality of cup holders around a track. A front side of the beverage dispenser machine is accessible by an operator to remove cups from the plurality of cup holders. A cup tower has a plurality of cup dispenser tubes that are each configured to hold a respective stack of cups. A cup grabber is movable up and down into and between a raised position in which the cup grabber is positioned to grab a cup from one of the stacks of cups and place a cup into one of the plurality of cup holders.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing machine includes a countertop for a conveyor that carries a plurality of cup holders around a track. A front side of the beverage dispenser machine is accessible by an operator to remove cups from the plurality of cup holders. A cup tower has a plurality of cup dispenser tubes that are each configured to hold a respective stack of cups. A cup grabber is movable up and down into and between a raised position in which the cup grabber is positioned to grab a cup from one of the stacks of cups and place a cup into one of the plurality of cup holders.

Abstract: A fast-decaying, dense phosphor having relatively high light emission is described. Through a combination of material selection, growth and deposition technique, phosphor thin films are made that preserve the necessary light output when used in thin-films, unlike common fast phosphors, such as P-46, P-47, and also have an afterglow that decays much faster than common bright phosphors, such as P-43. Use of the phosphor is described in applications where acquiring many frames/images very quickly is required.

Abstract: A fast-decaying, dense phosphor having relatively high light emission is described. Through a combination of material selection, growth and deposition technique, phosphor thin films are made that preserve the necessary light output when used in thin-films, unlike common fast phosphors, such as P-46, P-47, and also have an afterglow that decays much faster than common bright phosphors, such as P-43. Use of the phosphor is described in applications where acquiring many frames/images very quickly is required.

Abstract: Disclosed is a test stand that supports and stabilizes a handheld XRF analyzer, and holds a body of sample to be tested. The test stand allows both horizontal and vertical analysis positions of the analyzer. The preferred embodiment of the test stand comprises a shielded X-ray chamber in which samples are tested and which affixes to the XRF analyzer's window via a spring loaded handle, a stabilizing base to which the analyzer's handle is situated, and a stanchion for horizontal mounting of the XRF analyzer. In the horizontal orientation, the chamber contains an adjustable platform and soil sample retainer to facilitate the positioning of the sample to be tested. The stanchion can be stored under the base.

Abstract: Disclosed is a test stand that supports and stabilizes a handheld XRF analyzer, and holds a body of sample to be tested. The test stand allows both horizontal and vertical analysis positions of the analyzer. The preferred embodiment of the test stand comprises a shielded X-ray chamber in which samples are tested and which affixes to the XRF analyzer's window via a spring loaded handle, a stabilizing base to which the analyzer's handle is situated, and a stanchion for horizontal mounting of the XRF analyzer. In the horizontal orientation, the chamber contains an adjustable platform and soil sample retainer to facilitate the positioning of the sample to be tested. The stanchion can be stored under the base.