Abstract: A shaft and sprocket assembly having an elongate shaft, a sprocket wheel and at least one bracket member. The sprocket wheel encircles and engages the shaft wherein torque is transferrable between the shaft and the sprocket wheel. The sprocket wheel includes radially outwardly extending teeth and is formed by a plurality of sprocket members. Each of the sprocket members defines an angular portion of the sprocket wheel less than 360 degrees. The bracket member detachably secures the individual plurality of sprocket members together thereby allowing the sprocket members to be easily removed from and installed on the shaft. The bracket member is positioned such that no torque is directly transferred from the shaft to the bracket member. The shaft and sprocket assembly can be used in a variety of applications including in the feederhouse of an agricultural combine.

Abstract: A shaft and sprocket assembly having an elongate shaft, a sprocket wheel and at least one bracket member. The sprocket wheel encircles and engages the shaft wherein torque is transferrable between the shaft and the sprocket wheel. The sprocket wheel includes radially outwardly extending teeth and is formed by a plurality of sprocket members. Each of the sprocket members defines an angular portion of the sprocket wheel less than 360 degrees. The bracket member detachably secures the individual plurality of sprocket members together thereby allowing the sprocket members to be easily removed from and installed on the shaft. The bracket member is positioned such that no torque is directly transferred from the shaft to the bracket member. The shaft and sprocket assembly can be used in a variety of applications including in the feederhouse of an agricultural combine.

Abstract: Multimodal nanoparticles are nanoparticles containing contrast agents for PAT and one or more of luminescence imaging, x-ray imaging, and/or MRI. The multimodal nanoparticles can have a dielectric core comprising an oxide with a metal coating on the core. The particles can be metal speckled. The multimodal nanoparticles can be used for therapeutic purposes such as ablation of tumors or by neutron capture in addition to use as contrast agents for imaging.

Abstract: The subject invention provides novel fluorescent core-shell nanoparticles comprising an encapsulated fluorescent core comprising an ionically bound fluorescent dye and a metal oxide shell. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention a core containing indocyanine green (ICG) with a silica shell that displays excellent photostability for generation of a near infrared fluorescence signal. The fluorescent core-shell nanoparticle can be further modified to act as an MRI, x-ray, or PAT contrast agent. The ICG nanoparticles can also be used as photodynamic therapeutic agent. Other embodiments of the invention directed to methods of making the novel core-shell nanoparticles and to the use of the core-shell nanoparticles for in vitro or in vivo imaging.

Abstract: Multimodal nanoparticles are nanoparticles containing contrast agents for PAT and one or more of luminescence imaging, x-ray imaging, and/or MRI. The multimodal nanoparticles can have a dielectric core comprising an oxide with a metal coating on the core. The particles can be metal speckled. The multimodal nanoparticles can be used for therapeutic purposes such as ablation of tumors or by neutron capture in addition to use as contrast agents for imaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluorescent, radio-opaque and magnetic quantum nanoparticles, useful as multifunctional contrast agents or probes for in vivo bioimaging, and methods of their use. The invention provides for multifaceted bioimaging (e.g., intra-arterial pre-operative brain mapping and broad based in vivo diagnostic imaging), including imaging of various cell types, such as stem cells.

Abstract: Multimodal nanoparticles are nanoparticles containing contrast agents for PAT and one or more of luminescence imaging, x-ray imaging, and/or MRI. The multimodal nanoparticles can have a dielectric core comprising an oxide with a metal coating on the core. The particles can be metal speckled. The multimodal nanoparticles can be used for therapeutic purposes such as ablation of tumors or by neutron capture in addition to use as contrast agents for imaging.

Abstract: Coherent, frequency multiplexed radar is a new generic type of continuous wave radar architecture wherein contiguous pulses of discrete frequency segmented signals are serially transmitted from an antenna, and after reflection from radar targets, signals from the same antenna are coherently processed in a parallel manner to provide correlated measurements of target's pulse compressed range and radial velocity. Simultaneously transmitted and received signals are separated by frequency multiplexing.

Abstract: An array of five, ridge waveguide horns provides monopulse operation over a wo octave range. A unique coax-to-ridge waveguide input coupler and an extended ridge matching section at the radiating apertures provide the extended frequency range. The horn assembly is lightweight, compact and suitable for array applications. A five horn monopulse primary feed array is exemplified.

Abstract: Existing ultra-sonic echogram systems have limited resolution and contrast capabilities. The described system utilizes a pseudo-random frequency waveform and coherent signal processor to resolve image geometry simultaneously and non-ambiguously in radial distance (time) and velocity (frequency) domains. The high resolution and spectral detail provides a definitive data base for further data processing wherein vascular anomalies can be vividly displayed. Hazards associated with anesthesia, toxic injections, surgical entry and exposure to X-rays are avoided.

Abstract: A modulator provides a continuous signal format composed of discrete freqcy steps and is designed to eliminate frequency overlap or smearing normally associated with filter ringing.

Abstract: A wide band monopulse antenna includes a plurality of contiguous square quad-ridged waveguides arranged in a geometric array. Proper orientation of the array permits connection to circuitry to permit use of the individual waveguides for development of azimuth, elevation and sum pattern signals. Further, orientation of concentric arrays permits extension of the frequency band.