Abstract: A medical imaging system for detecting ionizing radiation. The system includes one or more pixilated imagers positioned to acquire patient image data and one or more position sensors positioned to acquire patient position data. Once the patient image data and patient position data are acquired, one or more processors operably connected to each of the one or more pixilated imagers and one or more position sensors calculate a three-dimensional mass distribution based on patient image data and patient position data.

Abstract: The invention is a pet toy having an elongate neck that interconnects two enlarged ends. The enlarged ends have spheroid shapes from a side view and circular shapes from an end or plan view. The pet toy is symmetrical about its longitudinal axis and its transverse axis. The pet toy has numerous external features formed on the outer surface thereof that provide functional advantages. One group of external features includes ribs or stiffeners provided in various geometric arrangements on the neck and enlarged ends. Another group of external feature include a plurality of protrusions or protuberances. The protrusions are smaller in size as compared to the ribs. The shape of the pet toy resembles a dumbbell. The pet toy is preferably made of an elastomeric and flexible material that enhances play action with an animal. The invention further includes a method of entertaining an animal by using the toy.

Abstract: A grooming device comprises a plurality of flexible tines, each having a grooming element mounted to the distal end thereof. The tines are spaced from one another laterally and spaced at different elevations as viewed from the side. The tines may be of uniform shape and lengths or different shapes and lengths. The grooming elements can be integrally molded with the tines or may be blades made from a different material. The blades may be permanently secured to the tines or can be removable for replacement by a user. The blades may have a planar body with a contact edge comprising a plurality of teeth that enable grooming of an animal by contact with the contact edge. The proximal ends of the tines are secured to a handle which is grasped by the user. Embodiments of the invention include tines with curved or hooked tips of different shapes.

Abstract: The pet toy of the invention comprises a spherical shaped body with eight distinct quadrants formed on the exterior surface thereof. Each section is three sided, similar to an equilateral triangle except each corner of the triangular-shaped is curved or rounded. A central opening is formed through the pet toy. Preferably, the pet toy is hollow and the pet toy has a substantially uniform sidewall thickness, thereby creating an open core. Measured parameters of the pet toy are provided to minimize the potential of the toy becoming caught in an animal's throat yet the pet toy is still configured to maximize play potential. The measured parameters include, in various combinations of a weight of the pet toy, a diameter of the pet toy, depths of grooves in the pet toy, widths of the grooves and shapes of the grooves.

Abstract: The pet toy of the invention comprises a spherical shaped body with eight distinct quadrants formed on the exterior surface thereof. Each section is three sided, similar to an equilateral triangle except each corner of the triangular-shaped is curved or rounded. A central opening is formed through the pet toy. Preferably, the pet toy is hollow and the pet toy has a substantially uniform sidewall thickness, thereby creating an open core. Measured parameters of the pet toy are provided to minimize the potential of the toy becoming caught in an animal's throat yet the pet toy is still configured to maximize play potential. The measured parameters include, in various combinations of a weight of the pet toy, a diameter of the pet toy, depths of grooves in the pet toy, widths of the grooves and shapes of the grooves.

Abstract: A grooming device includes a plurality of flexible tines, each having a grooming element mounted to the distal end thereof. The tines are spaced from one another laterally and may be the same or different lengths. The grooming elements may be described as blades in which each have a planar body with a plurality of teeth or other features that enable grooming of an animal by contact with the teeth. The handle of the grooming device may be ergonomically configured to fit comfortably in a user's hand. The handle may have a plurality of indentations or grooves that enable the fingers to be comfortably placed in the indentations/grooves.

Abstract: The pet toy of the invention comprises a spherical shaped body with eight distinct quadrants formed on the exterior surface thereof. Each section is three sided, similar to an equilateral triangle except each corner of the triangular-shaped is curved or rounded. A central opening is formed through the pet toy. Preferably, the pet toy is hollow and the pet toy has a substantially uniform sidewall thickness, thereby creating an open core. Measured parameters of the pet toy are provided to minimize the potential of the toy becoming caught in an animal's throat yet the pet toy is still configured to maximize play potential. The measured parameters include in various combinations of a weight of the pet toy, a diameter of the pet toy, depths of grooves in the pet toy, widths of the grooves and shapes of the grooves.

Abstract: A grooming device comprises a plurality of flexible tines or support extensions, each having a grooming element mounted to the distal end thereof. The tines are spaced from one another laterally and may be the same or different lengths. The tines may be of uniform shape and lengths. Alternatively, the tines can be of different shapes and lengths. The grooming elements may be described as blades that have a planar body with a contact edge comprising a plurality of teeth or other features which enable grooming of an animal by contact with the contact edge. The proximal ends of the tines are secured to a handle which is grasped by the user. The handle may be ergonomically configured to fit comfortably in the user's hand. The handle may have a plurality of indentations or grooves that enable the fingers to be comfortably placed in the indentations/grooves.

Abstract: The invention is a pet toy having an elongate neck that interconnects two enlarged ends. The enlarged ends have spheroid shapes from a side view and circular shapes from an end or plan view. The pet toy is symmetrical about its longitudinal axis and its transverse axis. The pet toy has numerous external features formed on the outer surface thereof that provide functional advantages. One group of external features includes ribs or stiffeners provided in various geometric arrangements on the neck and enlarged ends. Another group of external feature include a plurality of protrusions or protuberances. The protrusions are smaller in size as compared to the ribs. The shape of the pet toy resembles a dumbbell. The pet toy is preferably made of an elastomeric and flexible material that enhances play action with an animal. The invention further includes a method of entertaining an animal by using the toy.

Abstract: The pet toy of the invention comprises a spherical shaped body with eight distinct quadrants formed on the exterior surface thereof. Each section is three sided, similar to an equilateral triangle except each corner of the triangular-shaped is curved or rounded. A central opening is formed through the pet toy. Preferably, the pet toy is hollow and the pet toy has a substantially uniform sidewall thickness, thereby creating an open core. Measured parameters of the pet toy are provided to minimize the potential of the toy becoming caught in an animal's throat yet the pet toy is still configured to maximize play potential. The measured parameters include in various combinations of a weight of the pet toy, a diameter of the pet toy, depths of grooves in the pet toy, widths of the grooves and shapes of the grooves.

Abstract: The invention includes a feeder device that may be used to entertain or feed an animal. The feeder device has a body with an outer peripheral edge and a central opening. A plurality of depressions or grooves and a plurality of through holes are incorporated on the body. Preferably the feeder device is made of a flexible and elastomeric material. The feeder device may be secured to a base element that extends through the central opening to form a feeder device combination. The size and shape of the central opening is adjustable because of the elastomeric material. A desired pattern and spacing may be adopted for the grooves and through holes. According to a method of the invention, a user selects an object to which the feeder device is to be attached. The feeder device is placed over the object and the body of the device stretches to accommodate the central opening to frictionally engage the object. A user loads the device with a desired treats or feed.

Abstract: The invention includes a feeder device that may be used to entertain or feed an animal. The feeder device has a body with an outer peripheral edge and a central opening. A plurality of depressions or grooves and a plurality of through holes are incorporated on the body. Preferably the feeder device is made of a flexible and elastomeric material. The feeder device may be secured to a base element that extends through the central opening to form a feeder device combination. The size and shape of the central opening is adjustable because of the elastomeric material. A desired pattern and spacing may be adopted for the grooves and through holes. According to a method of the invention, a user selects an object to which the feeder device is to be attached. The feeder device is placed over the object and the body of the device stretches to accommodate the central opening to frictionally engage the object. A user loads the device with a desired treats or feed.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for the reduction of stress and anxiety responses by animals to unfamiliar events or circumstances such as veterinary visits. The method includes progressive scent identification conditioning. An animal associates one or more pleasing fragrances or scents with pleasure and safety and thus a reduced level of stress/anxiety. This association persists for a sufficient period of time so the animal is able to better handle unfamiliar events/circumstances by maintaining a lower level of stress/anxiety. Scent association conditioning is achieved by presentation of a reward such as edible treats of different sizes and effective taste intensities when scent exposure occurs. The time between scent exposure and receipt of a treat is gradually increased during conditioning to reach an optimal or maximum period in which the animal can maintain a low level of stress/anxiety.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for the reduction of stress and anxiety responses by animals to unfamiliar events or circumstances such as veterinary visits. The method includes progressive scent identification conditioning. An animal associates one or more pleasing fragrances or scents with pleasure and safety and thus a reduced level of stress/anxiety. This association persists for a sufficient period of time so the animal is able to better handle unfamiliar events/circumstances by maintaining a lower level of stress/anxiety. Scent association conditioning is achieved by presentation of a reward such as edible treats of different sizes and effective taste intensities when scent exposure occurs. The time between scent exposure and receipt of a treat is gradually increased during conditioning to reach an optimal or maximum period in which the animal can maintain a low level of stress/anxiety.