Abstract: The present invention reduces the influences of electromagnetic fields during reading out of image signals from memory phosphor films. This is done by pre-amplifying the detection signals obtained from a detection device, in particular a CCD array, before further processing, for example by an analog-to-digital converter. An amplification register for electron multiplying can be used for the amplification. In this way individual photon sensitivity can be achieved when reading out X-ray images.

Abstract: A fireplace insert consisting of a logset which simulates the appearance of a series of logs and twigs but which may be cast as a unitary item. The logset has a cavity that holds two or more round cans of alcohol gel fuel. The invention includes a vapor restrictor plate that sits over the open cans of fuel. The vapor restrictor plate completely covers the metal tops of the cans, thereby hiding same. The vapor restrictor plate has one aperture for each can of fuel that it sits over. The width of the apertures in the vapor restrictor plate is approximately the same as the width of the top openings of the cans of fuel. The depth of the apertures in the vapor restrictor plate is smaller than the depth of the top openings of the cans of fuel.

Abstract: A fireplace insert consisting of a noncombustible logset with a cavity that accepts a single, disposable, rectangular fuel cartridge containing alcohol gel fuel. The fuel cartridge sits below a vapor restrictor plate that restricts the amount of fuel that is fully exposed to ambient air but which also has one or more apertures. The plate and fuel cartridge, acting together, regulate the fire without any manually operated control knobs or adjustment mechanisms so as to produce a clean burning rectangular flame pattern that lasts at least one hour and flutters and peaks at predictable and acceptable heights, providing a visually pleasing fireplace effect without the use of any electric bulbs.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an improved portable and lightweight backgammon board that can be “rolled up” for carrying purposes, but which also provides a relatively rigid and flat playing surface when it is assembled, and which also provides a raised full perimeter frame around the board and a raised “bar” in the middle thereof.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a noncombustible simulated logset which incorporates vapor restrictors as an integral part thereof, which vapor restrictors sit over a generally rectangular fuel cartridge and are an integral part of the logset itself, which vapor restrictors control and regulate the flames produced by a generally rectangular open trough fuel cartridge that has no vapor restrictors of its own. An alternative embodiment of the invention additionally comprises of components that glow when they are heated, to add to the over-all fireplace effect of the invention.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a disposable fuel cartridge for use in fireplaces that self regulates the shape, height, width, depth and burn time of the flames produced when the fuel inside the cartridge, such as alcohol gel, is exposed to ambient air and ignited, where the cartridge makes efficient use of fuel so as to produce a desirable, generally rectangular flame pattern without the need for any additional components, such as rectangular “fuel cells” or rectangular damper lids placed over the “fuel cells”.

Abstract: A self-regulating, fuel efficient, alcohol gel fireplace burner mechanism. The mechanism consists of: (1) a noncombustible logset that simulates the appearance of a series of logs and which has a cavity that accepts a cartridge of alcohol gel fuel, and (2) a specifically designed fireplace fuel cartridge containing such fuel. The interaction of the logset and the fuel cartridge produces a “fireplace-type fire” that is yellow-orange, flutters randomly at heights 3?-6? above the logset logset, peaks at 8?-10? or higher above the logset, and burns for 2 hours or more. The invention does not waste fuel by burning it in several round cans while attempting to create a rectangular fire, but instead uses a single fuel cartridge that produces a rectangular flame. The invention does not waste fuel by burning same to produce flames that are hidden, but instead allows all of the flames to be seen.

Abstract: A system that illuminates hearths of real fireplaces or simulated fireplaces that do not have a chimney or exhaust flue. The system uses a one piece disposable fuel cartridge that holds alcohol gel or similar fuel. The fuel cartridge sits behind, underneath, and surrounded on its sides by a one piece logset. The logset has multiple openings on its top. The multiple openings allow multiple flames to peak and flutter from in between, and underneath, the logs of the one piece logset. The configuration of the fuel cartridge and the logset can vary so as to produce two, three or more individual flames, which flames can be larger or smaller and which can last for more or less periods of time.

Abstract: The present invention reduces the influences of electromagnetic fields during reading out of image signals from memory phosphor films. This is done by pre-amplifying the detection signals obtained from a detection device, in particular a CCD array, before further processing, for example by an analog-to-digital converter. An amplification register for electron multiplying can be used for the amplification. In this way individual photon sensitivity can be achieved when reading out X-ray images.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of reading out information items stored in a phosphor layer, in which the phosphor layer is excited to emit emission light and the emission light is sensed by a detector and the detector is moved relative to the phosphor layer. During this process, the detector consecutively senses the emission light emitted in each case by individual regions of the phosphor layer. To reduce the dark noise and the movement blur, provision is made that the detector senses the emission light emitted by a region during an integration time that is less than a forward-travel time for the movement of the detector by the width of the region in the forward-travel direction (V).

Abstract: A dowel setting device which can be employed together with a formless paving machine is described. A plurality of booms is pivotably disposed, looking in the direction of travel, ahead of the vehicle body and ahead of devices for tamping the concrete. Dowel retrievers are located at the ends of the booms. In a loading position, the dowel retrievers retrieve dowels from a magazine. Following a pivot movement, the dowel retrievers assume a setting position in which they extend, looking in the direction of travel, from the front into the area where the concrete is beginning to set. The dowels are ejected.