Abstract: Scintillating glass ceramics are disclosed. The scintillating glass ceramics may be used as an x-ray conversion layer (screen) for a flat panel imager (FPD) and as part of an imaging system. The FPD may have a single screen or a dual screen. The scintillating glass ceramics may be used for either a front screen or a back screen. The scintillating glass ceramics may be used for high energy x-ray applications including for energies of about 0.3 to about 20 MeV. A build-up layer may be attached to the scintillating glass ceramics for high energy applications. The scintillating glass ceramics may include a glass matrix hosting luminescent centers and light scattering centers. The materials used for the luminescent centers and light scattering centers may be the same or different. The scintillating glass ceramics may be coated onto a glass substrate.

Abstract: A computed radiography system including a stimulating light source such as a laser, a photostimulable glass imaging plate (PGIP) substantially transparent to the stimulating light positioned such that the stimulating light impinges the PGIP perpendicularly thereto producing photostimulated luminescence light (PLL), a light collector having a light reflecting inner surface proximate the PGIP for collecting PLL emitted from the PGIP and having a hole or slot therein for admitting stimulating light into the light collector and onto the PGIP. An optical filter in communication with the light collector for blocking stimulating light waves and passing PLL therethrough. A light detector receives PLL from the optical filter and the light collector, mechanism providing relative movement between the PGIP and the stimulating light source, and mechanism including an analog to digital converter for converting the collected and detected PLL to a diagnostic readout. The system is particularly useful in mammography.

Abstract: A computed radiography system including a stimulating light source such as a laser, a photostimulable glass imaging plate (PGIP) substantially transparent to the stimulating light positioned such that the stimulating light impinges the PGIP perpendicularly thereto producing photostimulated luminescence light (PLL), a light collector having a light reflecting inner surface proximate the PGIP for collecting PLL emitted from the PGIP and having a hole or slot therein for admitting stimulating light into the light collector and onto the PGIP. An optical filter in communication with the light collector for blocking stimulating light waves and passing PLL therethrough. A light detector receives PLL from the optical filter and the light collector, mechanism providing relative movement between the PGIP and the stimulating light source, and mechanism including an analog to digital converter for converting the collected and detected PLL to a diagnostic readout. The system is particularly useful in mammography.

Abstract: A radiation detector having glass emitting photons by scintillation in response to incident neutrons and/or electromagnetic radiation of at least about 1 keV, and a system associated with the glass for detecting the presence of photons emitted by scintillation. The glass ceramic material is a fluoride glass matrix having nanocrystalline particles distributed therein substantially all of which are in a phase that scintillates with average diameters of less than about 100 nm in a fluorozirconate matrix. Various metals are disclosed for the ceramic particles and methods of manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved coin and token organizing, holding and dispensing apparatus comprises a lower housing for organizing, holding and dispensing a pre-determined number of coins and tokens of varying sizes and denominations. The lower housing has a substantially rectangular shape having a taper along its length so that the apparatus fits conveniently in pocket or purse and is comfortable to hold. The apparatus is well suited for visually and physically impaired individuals as it permits the ready identification and handling of coins based on the tapered shape of the apparatus and the ability to distinguish by touch one coin from another. The lower housing has a substantially open top surface, a closed flat bottom surface; and, closed vertical sides. Within the lower housing is a plurality of linearly disposed cylindrical wells. Each well is adapted to receive a coin or token of a predetermined size.

Abstract: A motor vehicle for transporting and delivering mail having vehicle controls (steering, brakes and throttle) that interface with the operator be able to be adjustably located in a position that is comfortable to the operator. The operator seat is of a size and shape that it is comfortable to the 5th percentile female through the 95th percentile male. The operator seat is also adjustable and the brake and throttle are adjustable with respect to the operator seat. Moreover, the seat is pivotable from a driving configuration facing ahead of the vehicle to a laterally facing position where mail operations can be comfortably conducted from the drivers seat. In addition, the door into the cargo compartment includes a window that lines up with a window in the left side of the cargo compartment such that visibility to the left of the vehicle is enhanced.

Abstract: An improved coin and token organizing, holding and dispensing apparatus comprises a lower housing for organizing, holding and dispensing a pre-determined number of coins and tokens of varying sizes and denominations. The lower housing has a substantially rectangular shape having a taper along its length so that the apparatus fits conveniently in pocket or purse and is comfortable to hold. The apparatus is well suited for visually and physically impaired individuals as it permits the ready identification and handling of coins based on the tapered shape of the apparatus and the ability to distinguish by touch one coin from another. The lower housing has a substantially open top surface, a closed flat bottom surface; and, closed vertical sides. Within the lower housing is a plurality of linearly disposed cylindrical wells. Each well is adapted to receive a coin or token of a predetermined size.

Abstract: Certain magnetic compositions may be used successfully for injection, followed by the application of an externally placed magnetic field that guides the particles to the targeted site, such as tissues, cells or cell components. The particles are extravasated into the targeted tissue, affording better localized distribution of the particles throughout the targeted tissue and to deeper target tissue sites. The relatively small size of the particles yields a more uniform radiative therapy, while utilizing smaller total particle mass for the procedure.