Abstract: An electronic radiation generator includes a housing, a high voltage power supply, with—dielectric gas molecules inside the housing, at least some of the gas molecules to degrade into constituent components during operation of the particle generator. There is a metal-oxide-based sensor inside the housing to indicate presence of the constituent components. The sensor may indicate the presence of the constituent components by detecting corrosive molecules formed by a reaction between the constituent components, residual water vapor and electrical corona.

Abstract: A pulsed neutron generator includes neutron tube and a high voltage power supply. High voltage power supply includes a bulkhead and plurality of electronic components electrically connected between the bulkhead and the target of the neutron tube. A heat pipe is provided in thermal contact with the target and has a housing portion with an exterior surface supporting the plurality of electronic components of the high voltage power supply. Heat pipe includes wick and heat transfer fluid disposed within the housing portion. The wick for recirculates the heat transfer fluid within the housing portion in order to transfer heat away from the target preferably to the bulkhead for dissipation the system housing. Both the wick and heat transfer fluid are preferably realized from materials that have low electrical conductivity. The heat pipe can also be part of other-type particle accelerators, such as x-ray sources and gamma-ray sources.

Abstract: An annular ceramic washer has inner and outer cylindrical surfaces, first and second annular surfaces, and a winding path thick film resistor located on the inner surface. Metal washers are preferably brazed to the end ring surfaces. The annular ceramic washer is useful in vacuum tube applications in establishing a voltage on a target utilizing the voltage of an electrode coupled to the winding path thick film resistor.

Abstract: A spinal surgical system includes at least two extenders extending proximally from respective ones of first and second anchors engaged to the spinal column. A connecting member is positionable between the at least two extenders such that the connecting member extends between the at least two extenders. The connecting member is movable distally along the at least two extenders and engageable to the first and second anchors.

Abstract: A spinal surgical system includes at least two extenders extending proximally from respective ones of first and second anchors engaged to the spinal column. A connecting member is positionable between the at least two extenders such that the connecting member extends between the at least two extenders. The connecting member is movable distally along the at least two extenders and engageable to the first and second anchors.

Abstract: A circuit and method of demodulating an FSK signal uses digital circuitry to convert the received signal into count values. For each reception an adaptive reference count value is determined by averaging the duration of received pulses during the preamble of the transmission. The adaptive reference count corresponds to a demodulated logic "1" or logic level "0". The counts from the coded portion of the transmission are compared to the adaptive reference count. If the count is within predetermined windows from the reference count, the count value is converted to the corresponding digital signal.

Abstract: A reluctance sensor produces reluctance signals in response to passing slots in a rotating wheel. When a given signal exceeds a threshold, a DIG.sub.-- OUT signal is produced. When the signal falls to zero, the DIG.sub.-- OUT signal is terminated. The invention adjusts the threshold, based on the magnitude of the reluctance signals. Since the magnitude of the reluctance signals depends on wheel speed, the invention, in effect, adjusts the threshold based on wheel speed, yet without independently measuring wheel speed.

Abstract: A control circuit and method for regulating the current flow through a series connected inductor and transistor. The circuit comprises an operational amplifier for receiving a first voltage proportional to the current flow, for receiving a variable second voltage, and for providing a control current to the transistor which keeps the transistor out of its saturation region.

Abstract: A digital frequency divider capable of providing output pulses of frequency f.sub.out related by Y/X to the frequency of the input pulses f.sub.in, where X and Y are positive whole numbers and O<Y/X.ltoreq.1. The circuit is particularly suited for high frequency digital applications. The X and Y values may be fixed or individually variable. Truncation errors decrease with time to provide a best estimate output frequency. In a preferred arrangement, iterative summations of residual and incremental values are latched and recycled as feedback in synchronism with the rate of the input frequency.