Abstract: An method according to an embodiment divides k-space data into a k-space central segment and a k-space peripheral segment by segment. The method acquires the k-space central segment in a first time interval and acquires the k-space peripheral segment in a second time interval different from the first time interval. The method reconstructs an MR (Magnetic Resonance) image from k-space data obtained by combining data on the acquired k-space central segment and data on the acquired k-space peripheral segment. Furthermore, the first time interval includes a plurality of cardiac cycles. The k-space central segment is repeatedly acquired over the cardiac cycles. As a central segment of k-space data used to reconstruct the MR image, data in a cardiac cycle less affected by an arrhythmia among the cardiac cycles is selected.

Abstract: An method according to an embodiment divides k-space data into a k-space central segment and a k-space peripheral segment by segment. The method acquires the k-space central segment in a first time interval and acquires the k-space peripheral segment in a second time interval different from the first time interval. The method reconstructs an MR (Magnetic Resonance) image from k-space data obtained by combining data on the acquired k-space central segment and data on the acquired k-space peripheral segment. Furthermore, the first time interval includes a plurality of cardiac cycles. The k-space central segment is repeatedly acquired over the cardiac cycles. As a central segment of k-space data used to reconstruct the MR image, data in a cardiac cycle less affected by an arrhythmia among the cardiac cycles is selected.

Abstract: A stopper for use with a container containing liquids, solids, or gases. The stopper includes a main body. The main body includes an upper portion. The upper portion has a diameter greater than a diameter of an opening of the container. The stopper also includes a flexible sheath affixed to the stopper. The sheath can be rolled down an exterior surface of the container to facilitate a seal of the container. In addition, the main body includes an annular groove sized and shaped to retain the sheath when rolled up. In one embodiment the present invention may include a lower portion having a plug sized and shaped to fit within the opening of the container to prevent liquids, solids, or gases contained in the container from exiting the opening.

Abstract: A water color paint system which includes water, pigment, and polymeric binder.

Abstract: A water color paint system which includes water, pigment, and polymeric binder.

Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid composition comprising magnetizable particles in a liquid metal carrier fluid, wherein the liquid metal carrier fluid comprises a metal, a metal alloy, or a solder composition having a melting point from about ?40° C. to about 300° C., a boiling point greater than 300° C., and a viscosity greater than about 0.1 centipoise (cp) at the melting point of the liquid based metal carrier fluid. The magnetizable particles can comprise low aspect ratio magnetizable particles, high aspect magnetizable particles, or a combination thereof. Also disclosed herein are high temperature magnetorheological devices operating at temperatures greater than 100° C., and comprising the magnetorheological fluid composition.

Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid composition comprising a low aspect ratio magnetizable particle comprising a unimodal particle distribution and an aspect ratio less than 1.5, a high aspect ratio magnetizable particle comprising an aspect ratio greater than 1.5, and a carrier fluid.

Abstract: A device employing a magnetorheological (MR) fluid in combination with a stator and a rotor is disclosed, where the stator includes a magnetic field generator. The rotor has a rotational axis and a rotational degree of freedom with respect to the stator. The stator and rotor define an annular space therebetween and are coupled via the MR fluid disposed within the annular space, and the magnetic field generator is in field communication with the MR fluid at the annular space. The device includes a means for promoting the formation of stationary stripes of MR fluid within the annular space in response to rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: A releasable fastener system comprises a loop portion and a hook portion. The loop portion includes a support and a loop material disposed on one side thereof whereas the hook portion includes a support and a plurality of closely spaced upstanding hook elements extending from one side thereof. When the hook portion and loop portion are pressed together they interlock to form a releasable engagement. The resulting joint created by the engagement is relatively resistant to shear and pull forces and weak in peel strength forces. The hook elements are formed of a magnetorheological elastomer that provides a change in shape orientation and/or flexural modulus of the hook elements. In this manner, the shape orientation and/or flexural modulus of the hook elements can be remotely changed to provide a reduction or magnification in the shear and/or pull-off forces in addition to providing variable damping capabilities to the fastener system.

Abstract: A magnetorheological (MR) fluid coupling for vectoring torque with respect to a shaft capable of rotary motion is disclosed. The coupling includes a stator, a rotor having a rotational degree of freedom with respect to the stator and configured for physical communication with the shaft, and a magnetic field generator. The stator and rotor define an annular space therebetween and are coupled via a MR fluid disposed within the annular space. The magnetic field generator is in field communication with the MR fluid and is disposed to produce a substantially radially directed magnetic field across the annular space. The rotor is rotationally responsive to the application of a magnetic field at the MR fluid.

Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid composition comprising a low aspect ratio magnetizable particle comprising a unimodal particle distribution and an aspect ratio less than 1.5, a high aspect ratio magnetizable particle comprising an aspect ratio greater than 1.5, and a carrier fluid.

Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid composition comprising a carrier fluid; and a plurality of high aspect ratio magnetizable particles, wherein the aspect ratio of the high aspect ratio magnetizable particles is greater than 1.5. Optionally, the high aspect ratio magnetizable particles can have interlocking structures comprising male component and a female component. Still further, a magnetorheological fluid composition can comprise low aspect ratio magnetizable particles having the interlocking structures, wherein the aspect ratio of the low aspect ratio magnetizable particles is 1 to 1.5.

Abstract: A magnetorheological (MR) fluid includes a hydrocarbon carrier fluid. The MR fluid further includes magneto-responsive particles within the hydrocarbon carrier fluid, the particles having a size distribution with a maximum size less than about 100 microns. A clay-based suspending agent is disposed within the hydrocarbon carrier fluid. In an embodiment, the magneto-responsive particles may be ferromagnetic particles, and may be distributed in a suitable size distribution pattern, such as, for example, a bimodal distribution or the like.

Abstract: A method of recovering spilled hydrocarbon fluids from a body of water utilizing the increased oleophilic properties of reacted iron particles suspended in a magnetorheological (MR) fluid. The iron particles normally used to create MR fluids, are reacted with an organic compound containing an oleophilic chain end which attaches to the surface of the iron, prior to suspension in a liquid vehicle such as an organic oil. The reacted iron particles in the MR fluid are then applied to and mixed with a hydrocarbon spill on a body of water such as an oil spill, whereby subsequent exposure to a significant magnetic field provides for subsequent recovery of both the reacted magnetic particles and the hydrocarbon spill.