Abstract: A tensioner for the control element of a covering for an architectural opening includes a base member attachable to a support surface adjacent to the architectural opening with the base member supporting an upstanding plunger about which a surrounding housing is adapted to slide. A coil spring biases the housing downwardly relative to the plunger and a rotatable pulley is mounted in an open top of the housing around which an endless operating element for a covering for an architectural opening extends. Operation of the covering by pulling on the endless element raises the housing relative to the plunger permitting free rotation of the pulley. Upon completion of operation the housing lowers under the bias of the coil spring so that the pulley is seated in engagement with the plunger and restrained from rotation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magnet support structure. A cylindrical portion comprises a plurality of laminated composite layers concentrically assembled to one another along a longitudinal axis. An integral left flange is comprised of the laminated composite layers concentrically assembled with respect to a left flange axis. The left flange axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. An integral right flange is comprised of the laminated composite layers concentrically assembled with respect to a right flange axis. The right flange axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A method for fabricating the magnet support structure comprises concentrically assembling the plurality of laminated composite layers along the longitudinal axis forming the cylindrical portion. Concentrically assembling the laminated composite layers with respect to the left flange axis forming the integral left flange.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magnet support structure. A cylindrical portion comprises a plurality of laminated composite layers concentrically assembled to one another along a longitudinal axis. An integral left flange is comprised of the laminated composite layers concentrically assembled with respect to a left flange axis. The left flange axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. An integral right flange is comprised of the laminated composite layers concentrically assembled with respect to a right flange axis. The right flange axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A method for fabricating the magnet support structure comprises concentrically assembling the plurality of laminated composite layers along the longitudinal axis forming the cylindrical portion. Concentrically assembling the laminated composite layers with respect to the left flange axis forming the integral left flange.

Abstract: A superconducting magnetic resonance imaging magnet assembly is provided. The assembly includes an axial imaging bore to receive patients and a coil housing surrounding the axial bore. A main magnet coil assembly is disposed within the housing. The main magnet coil assembly includes a plurality of main magnet coils to produce a magnetic field. At least three pairs of superconductive coils are provided. In one aspect, each of the coils in at least one of the pairs comprises a superconductor wire carrying an electric current in a direction opposite to the direction of current carried by the coils of another of the superconductive pairs. The superconductor wire comprises a superconductor core and a stabilizer having a channel. The wire is wound so that the channel has a radially outward facing opening.

Abstract: A method is provided of designing a magnetic resonance imaging magnet. At least one correction coil is positioned about the axial bore of the magnet which receives patients. The correction coil is used in the design process to reduce lower order harmonics generated by the magnet. Homogeneity of the magnetic field is thereby improved at selected volumes around the magnet.

Abstract: A superconducting magnetic resonance imaging magnet assembly is provided. The assembly includes an axial imaging bore to receive patients and a coil housing surrounding the axial bore. A main magnet coil assembly is disposed within the housing. The main magnet coil assembly includes a plurality of main magnet coils to produce a magnetic field. At least three pairs of superconductive coils are provided. In one aspect, each of the coils in at least one of the pairs comprises a superconductor wire carrying an electric current in a direction opposite to the direction of current carried by the coils of another of the superconductive pairs. The superconductor wire comprises a superconductor core and a stabilizer having a channel. The wire is wound so that the channel has a radially outward facing opening.

Abstract: A new method for forming a joint between a molybdenum-based alloy structure and a structure formed from a more ductile alloy is disclosed. The method involves the solid-state bonding of the two structures, which can be carried out by a variety of techniques, such as inertia-welding or explosive-welding. The molybdenum-based alloy may be a TZM-type material, while the more ductile alloy may be tantalum-based, niobium-based, or nickel-based, for example. This method is especially useful in the manufacture of x-ray devices, such as those which include rotary anode assemblies. As one illustration, the method can be used to provide a very strong joint between a target formed from a molybdenum alloy and an insert formed from a tantalum alloy. Related x-ray assemblies are also described.

Abstract: An improved anode assembly for an x-ray tube is described herein. The assembly includes:(a) a target having a central cavity formed therein;(b) a tubular stem for connection to the target to form a target/stem assembly;(c) an insert within the central cavity, shaped to receive a portion of the stem, and comprising a niobium-based alloy; and(d) a rotor body assembly adapted for connection to the target/stem assembly and rotation therewith.X-ray tubes which incorporate such an anode assembly are also described, as are methods for bonding a target to a tubular stem for use in a rotating x-ray tube.

Abstract: An improved high performance x-ray system having a rotating anode therein which includes an improved target/stem assembly comprising a metallic target and a large bore, thin-walled tubular metal stem which, when connected to a rotor body assembly, provides a rotating x-ray tube anode assembly is disclosed. An insert of an alloy, for example, tantalum alloy, is placed between the target layer and the large bore, thin-walled tubular niobium or niobium alloy stem and then bonded thereto to produce a composite x-ray tube target/stem assembly. The target/stem assembly is then connected to a rotor body assembly by fasteners, preferably threaded, to produce a rotating anode assembly having high bond strength that provides acceptable balance during x-ray tube operations.