Abstract: An imaging system for generating an image of an object is provided. The imaging system comprises an X-ray source disposed in a spatial relationship to the object configured to transmit X-ray radiation through the object. The system further comprises at least one X-ray detecting media configured to convert the X-ray radiation transmitted through the object to optical signals. In addition, the system comprises an optical transmission conduit comprising a first end and a second end and an optical detector configured to convert optical signals to corresponding electrical signals. The first end of the optical transmission conduit is coupled to the X-ray detection device and the second end coupled to the optical detector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connector device or reconstitution device (10) for placing a first container (12), such as a liquid container (e.g. flexible container or syringe), in fluid communication with a second container (14), such as a drug vial. The connector device (10) has a first sleeve (32) having a first end (36) and a second end (38). The first sleeve (32) has at the first end (36), a first attaching member (30) adapted to attach to the liquid container (12). The connector device (10) also has a second sleeve (34) having a first end (48) and a second end (50). A second attaching member (28) is attached on the second end (50) of the second sleeve (34) and is adapted to attach to the second container (14). The second attaching member (28) has a sealing member (84). A piercing member (76) projects within the sleeves (32,34) for providing a fluid flow path from the first container (12) to the second container (14).

Abstract: A detector array kit that includes at least one sensor array. The sensor array has an active side at least one sensor on the flat active side configured to detect a particular form of energy. The sensor array active side has a positioning structure on the active side that is essentially transparent to the particular form of energy. The positioning structure includes a plurality of spaced compressible posts or tubes configured to compressively and frictionally engage with a complementary mounting structure. The detector kit further includes a complementary mounting structure essentially transparent to the particular form of energy.

Abstract: A gas generator comprising a pressure vessel containing a gas under a first predetermined pressure. An initiator housing closes one end of the pressure vessel and has an opening at the inner end thereof that is closed by an initiator rupture disk constructed to rupture at a second predetermined pressure in the initiator housing greater than the first predetermined pressure. A micro-gas generator or initiator is disposed within the initiator housing. A manifold closes the other end of the pressure vessel and has an opening at the inner end thereof closed by a manifold rupture disk constructed to rupture at a third predetermined pressure greater than the first predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A piston assembly (10) for a flowable materials container having a barrel (14) defining a fluid containing chamber (16). The barrel (14) is made of a body of a cyclic olefin containing polymer or a bridged polycyclic olefin containing polymer. An elastomeric piston (24) is slidably attached to the barrel (14) and provides a seal of the chamber. The piston (24) has a parylene coating on an outer surface thereof to reduce the necessary break away force. A plunger (22) is also provided and has a second mating member (42) removably connecting the plunger to a first mating member (44) of the piston. The first mating member (44) has a series of threads having a major diameter and a minor diameter, and the second mating member (42) has a series of threads having a major diameter and a minor diameter. The major and minor diameters of the second mating members (42) is appreciably smaller than the major and minor diameters of the other of the first mating member (44) to provide ease of connection.

Abstract: A polycarbonate is provided which contains residues of a dihydric phenol, at least one comonomer of a siloxane functional bisphenol, optionally, a branching agent and optionally, a flame retardant. Further embodiments of the present invention includes a method for producing a flame retardant polycarbonate.

Abstract: A hand held sifting device is intended for use on any size cat litter box and includes generally parallel, spaced bars, through which litter may be sifted. The width of the sifting portion of the device is sized to fit the largest common cat pans and is easily modified to fit most any smaller size cat pan. Cleaning of smaller sized pans is simplified by sliding the sifter through the soiled litter to remove the solid and clumped waste. Cleaning larger pans is simplified by placing the sifter at one end and lifting the opposite end of the box, while sliding the sifter toward the raised end permitting gravity to sift the litter through the screen. Creation of airborne dust is minimized and hidden waste adhered to the pan beneath the litter is revealed and easily removed.

Abstract: A method and system of pressurizing natural gas, and/or other gaseous substances, indirectly, by pressurizing a liquid-filled chamber in which a flexible bladder has been inserted which holds the gas to be pressurized. This Indirect Pressurization Facility (IPF) will take small volumes of gas, at pressures less than the pressure inside a gas sales line, boost the pressure by pumping a liquid onto the outside of the bladder which collapses the bladder and re-positions the trapped gas into a smaller confinement which results in an increase in the pressure of the gas. When the increased pressure reaches a level above the sales line pressure, the gas will be squeezed out and into the sales line. The process is then repeated until the gas supply from the well declines to a point where it is no longer economically-justified to continue operations.

Abstract: A system for selectively providing power from a power source to a load to operate in an area for at least one occupant comprising a processing device for controlling the opening and closing of a relay connected between the load and the power source for energizing the load, and a sensor for detecting the presence of an occupant in the area. The processing device is programmable to close the relay in response to an output signal from the sensor for a period of time that can be of fixed duration, or a duration that is dynamically and automatically determined using sensor data relating to measure time between successive, detected occupant movements. In addition to a daylight inhibit function, the system is provided with color indicators and a tone generator to indicate various operating conditions and to guide a user entering selected system parameters, among other features.

Abstract: A system for selectively providing power from a power source to a load to operate in an area for at least one occupant comprising a processing device for controlling the opening and closing of a relay connected between the load and the power source for energizing the load, and a sensor for detecting the presence of an occupant in the area. The processing device is programmable to close the relay in response to an output signal from the sensor for a period of time that can be of fixed duration, or a duration that is dynamically and automatically determined using sensor data relating to measured time between successive, detected occupant movements. In addition to a daylight inhibit function, the system is provided with color indicators and a tone generator to indicate various operating conditions and to guide a user entering selected system parameters, among other features.

Abstract: A hybrid inflator (20) comprising: a pressure vessel (22) including a central member (24) closed at ends by a first (28) and a second closure member (30), one of the closure members including a passage means (70) for introducing pressurized inflation gas into the pressure vessel and the other of the closure members including a breakable disk (34) in communication with at least one exit port (40); a pyrotechnic container (80), within the pressure vessel, secured at one end to one of the closure members (28) and including a plurality of vent openings (90) thereabout, a first quantity of pyrotechnic material (100), located within the pyrotechnic container for providing, at a first controlled gas generation rate, the primary source of heating the inflation gas in the pressure vessel, a second quantity of pyrotechnic material (102) located at least partially within the first quantity of pyrotechnic material characterized by a gas generation rate greater than that of the gas generation rate of the first quantity of

Abstract: A pressure indicating device (30) for providing an indication of the pressure that existed within a fluid filled pressure vessel (22) just prior to depressurization of the pressure vessel. The device comprises: a housing (102); a piston (130) for temporarily sealing an open end of the housing and outwardly movable in response to a pressure differential not less than a predetermined level generated subsequent to the depressurization of the pressure vessel; and a sheer disk (150) including a first part (160) attached to an end of the piston and a second part (162) attached to an end of the housing (102).

Abstract: An inflation device including a pressure tank having stored therein a quantity of inflation gas under pressure, the pressure tank including a burst disk which prevents egress of the inflation gas from the tank, a sleeve member extending in substantially axial alignment with the burst disk, a piston having a first end portion slidably received in the sleeve member and having a second end portion which includes a cutting edge thereon for puncturing the burst disk. A first pyrotechnic material is positioned adjacent the first end portion of the piston, and a second pyrotechnic material is positioned externally of the sleeve member. Upon ignition of the first pyrotechnic material, a first combustion gas is produced which drives the piston to rupture the burst disk and permit the egress of the stored inflation gas.

Abstract: A device (60) for inflating an air bag (36) adapted within a steering wheel comprising: a pressure vessel (66; 166; 210) formed of a length of narrow tubing for storing a quantity of inert gas under pressure and a rupturable disk (80) for enclosing a first end of the tubing; an activator or initiator such as a squib (120) responsive to a control signal indicative of a vehicular crash situation for opening the seal means to permit the pressurized gas to inflate the air bag and a manifold (50) for communicating released gas to an air bag.

Abstract: An inflator for an air cushion including a pressure vessel comprising a hollow sleeve for storing a quantity of inert gas such as Argon. One end of the sleeve is closed by a first pyrotechnic actuator assembly while the other end of the sleeve may include a closed end or another pyrotechnic actuator assembly. The pressure vessel is secured within a diffuser which directs inflation gases into the air cushion. The pressure vessel in cooperation with the diffuser defines various regions which assist in reducing the gas turbulence and heat transfer between the gas and the diffuser.

Abstract: An inflator for an air cushion including a pressure vessel comprising a hollow sleeve for storing a quantity of inert gas such as Argon. One end of the sleeve is closed by a first pyrotechnic actuator assembly while the other end of the sleeve may include a closed end or another pyrotechnic actuator assembly. The pressure vessel is secured within a diffuser which directs inflation gases into the air cushion. The pressure vessel in cooperation with the diffuser defines various regions which assist in reducing the gas turbulence and heat transfer between the gas and the diffuser.

Abstract: A packing fixture to facilitate the shaping and contouring of a slide pack containing an inflatable aircraft escape slide or combination escape slide/lift raft is disclosed. The packing fixture includes a base plate configured for receiving a partially formed slide pack with the slide pack being held in place on the base plate by brace bars that are hinged to the base plate and securably clamped against oppositely disposed side surfaces of the slide pack by jackscrews. A top pan, positionable over the slide pack, compresses the slide pack as straps that encompass the slide pack and top pan are tightened within strap tighteners that interconnect the straps and base plate. The contour of the slide pack end and side surfaces is selectively formed by a forming bar having a pressure pad that is forced against selected regions of the slide pack when one end of the forming bar is engaged with the base plate and the other end of the forming bar is forced inwardly toward the slide pack.

Abstract: Surface-treating compositions containing ammonioamidate surface-active compounds able to exist in either cationic or zwitterionic form are disclosed. The compositions which contain a buffering agent to control pH and the cationic or zwitterionic character of the ammonioamidates are effective in the treatment of fabric or hard surfaces. Hair treating compositions and processes are disclosed. Methods of treating fabric and hard surfaces to provide fabric softening and soil-release properties are also disclosed.