Abstract: A scintillation block detector employs an array of optically air coupled scintillation pixels, the array being wrapped in reflector material and optically coupled to an array of silicon photomultiplier light sensors with common-cathode signal timing pickoff and individual anode signal position and energy determination. The design features afford an optimized combination of photopeak energy event sensitivity and timing, while reducing electronic circuit complexity and power requirements, and easing necessary fabrication methods. Four of these small blocks, or “miniblocks,” can be combined as optically and electrically separated quadrants of a larger single detector in order to recover detection efficiency that would otherwise be lost due to scattering between them.

Abstract: A scintillation block detector employs an array of optically air coupled scintillation pixels, the array being wrapped in reflector material and optically coupled to an array of silicon photomultiplier light sensors with common-cathode signal timing pickoff and individual anode signal position and energy determination. The design features afford an optimized combination of photopeak energy event sensitivity and timing, while reducing electronic circuit complexity and power requirements, and easing necessary fabrication methods. Four of these small blocks, or “miniblocks,” can be combined as optically and electrically separated quadrants of a larger single detector in order to recover detection efficiency that would otherwise be lost due to scattering between them.

Abstract: A scintillation block detector employs an array of optically air coupled scintillation pixels, the array being wrapped in reflector material and optically coupled to an array of silicon photomultiplier light sensors with common-cathode signal timing pickoff and individual anode signal position and energy determination. The design features afford an optimized combination of photopeak energy event sensitivity and timing, while reducing electronic circuit complexity and power requirements, and easing necessary fabrication methods. Four of these small blocks, or “miniblocks,” can be combined as optically and electrically separated quadrants of a larger single detector in order to recover detection efficiency that would otherwise be lost due to scattering between them.

Abstract: A device and means of attaching an implantable drainage lumen, catheter, or other device to an internal bodily surface, such as the peritoneum, is generally indicated by a biocompatible material or mesh fabric connected to a lumen, catheter, or other mechanical or electrical device whereby the biocompatible material or mesh may be surgically affixed to a tissue or organ by means of sutures, tacks, screws, tissue infusion or adhesion or other means in order to secure an internal drainage, or mechanical/electrical system or component for the prevention of migration or non-optimal CSF reabsorption after installation.

Abstract: A scintillation block detector employs an array of optically air coupled scintillation pixels, the array being wrapped in reflector material and optically coupled to an array of silicon photomultiplier light sensors with common-cathode signal timing pickoff and individual anode signal position and energy determination. The design features afford an optimized combination of photopeak energy event sensitivity and timing, while reducing electronic circuit complexity and power requirements, and easing necessary fabrication methods. Four of these small blocks, or “miniblocks,” can be combined as optically and electrically separated quadrants of a larger single detector in order to recover detection efficiency that would otherwise be lost due to scattering between them.

Abstract: A device and means of attaching an implantable drainage lumen, catheter, or other device to an internal bodily surface, such as the peritoneum, is generally indicated by a biocompatible material or mesh fabric connected to a lumen, catheter, or other mechanical or electrical device whereby the biocompatible material or mesh may be surgically affixed to a tissue or organ by means of sutures, tacks, screws, tissue infusion or adhesion or other means in order to secure an internal drainage, or mechanical/electrical system or component for the prevention of migration or non-optimal CSF reabsorption after installation.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for controlling a transmission signal power level of a transmitter is disclosed. The method includes receiving a root-mean-squared target power level. A duty cycle of a transmission signal is determined that indicates power on and power off periods over a predetermined sensing interval. A transmission signal power level is sensed. The transmission signal power level is adjusted to be approximately equal to the target power level divided by the duty cycle.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for controlling a transmission signal power level of a transmitter is disclosed. The method includes receiving a root-mean-squared target power level. A duty cycle of a transmission signal is determined that indicates power on and power off periods over a predetermined sensing interval. A transmission signal power level is sensed. The transmission signal power level is adjusted to be approximately equal to the target power level divided by the duty cycle.

Abstract: A method of controlling an adjustable gain of an amplifier is disclosed. The method includes setting an output of a replica amplifier to be equivalent to a precision reference with a control loop, summing an adjustable offset voltage into the control loop, adjusting the adjustable offset voltage until an error offset voltage of the control loop is nulled, and controlling the adjustable gain of the amplifier with an output of the control loop. An apparatus for controlling an adjustable gain of an amplifier is also disclosed. The apparatus includes a control loop for setting the adjustable gain. The control loop includes an adjustable gain replica amplifier. A switch receives an output of the replica amplifier and a precision reference. An error amplifier receives outputs from the switch and generates a control voltage. The control voltage controls an adjustable gain of the replica amplifier and the adjustable gain of the amplifier.

Abstract: A method of controlling an adjustable gain of an amplifier is disclosed. The method includes setting an output of a replica amplifier to be equivalent to a precision reference with a control loop, summing an adjustable offset voltage into the control loop, adjusting the adjustable offset voltage until an error offset voltage of the control loop is nulled, and controlling the adjustable gain of the amplifier with an output of the control loop. An apparatus for controlling an adjustable gain of an amplifier is also disclosed. The apparatus includes a control loop for setting the adjustable gain. The control loop includes an adjustable gain replica amplifier. A switch receives an output of the replica amplifier and a precision reference. An error amplifier receives outputs from the switch and generates a control voltage. The control voltage controls an adjustable gain of the replica amplifier and the adjustable gain of the amplifier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to detecting overload conditions from within the bias circuitry for a multistage amplifier. Preferably, the overload condition is detected in the bias circuitry associated with the output stage of the amplifier. Upon detection of an overload, steps are taken to shunt the RF drive or reduce bias at one or more preceding stages of the amplifier to limit the excessive voltages or currents in the output stage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to detecting overload conditions from within the bias circuitry for a multistage amplifier. Preferably, the overload condition is detected in the bias circuitry associated with the output stage of the amplifier. Upon detection of an overload, steps are taken to shunt the RF drive or reduce bias at one or more preceding stages of the amplifier to limit the excessive voltages or currents in the output stage.