Abstract: A gantry cooling system of a diagnostic medical imaging apparatus transfers apparatus-generated heat, such as gantry heat, to a solid material heatsink, via a circulating-fluid coolant conduit. In some embodiments, the heatsink is incorporated in the ground or within the building structure housing the apparatus.

Abstract: A PET event position calculation method using a combination angular and radial event map wherein identification of the radial distance of the event from the centroid of the scintillation crystal with which the event is associated as well as angular information is performed. The radial distance can be converted to a statistical confidence interval, which information can be used in downstream processing. More sophisticated reconstruction algorithms can use the confidence interval information selectively, to generate higher fidelity images with higher confidence information, and to improve statistics in dynamic imaging with lower confidence information.

Abstract: A solid fiduciary marker for registering at least two images when imaging the same subject using distinct imaging devices is disclosed. The solid fiduciary marker is visible in at least two of a Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), Planar gamma camera, X-ray CT, planar X-ray, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and optical imager. The marker includes at least two of various doping compounds to be detected by the various imaging systems. The doping compounds include a positron emitting nuclide, a gamma emitting nuclide, a doping compound, metal, and a silicone-based polymer is used in association with an MRI device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a ceramic component of desired final geometry using at least a cellulose-containing semi-finished moulded part, which is pyrolysed in non-oxidizing gas atmosphere. In order to manufacture complex components, it is suggested that at least two semi-finished moulded parts are firmly joined either in raw form or after at least partial carbonisation. The joined moulded parts are subsequently machined to achieve the desired final geometry or a geometry corresponding to the desired final geometry plus the machining allowance. Then, the carbon parts are available after carbonisation of the moulded parts in non-oxidizing atmosphere. Alternatively, these can be converted into a CMC composite material in a non-oxidizing gas atmosphere by a metal infiltration process with simultaneous reactive joining of at least two moulded parts.

Abstract: A method for the production of a carbon or a ceramic component based on carbon, using a cellulose-containing semi-finished molded piece which is pyrolyzed. According to the invention, homogeneous large-size ceramic components may be produced, whereby a cellulose-containing, semi-finished molded piece containing fibers, chips or strands of homogeneous density distribution and homogeneous structure is used as semi-finished molded piece and is pyrolyzed in non-oxidizing gas atmospheres.

Abstract: A PET event position calculation method using a combination angular and radial event map wherein identification of the radial distance of the event from the centroid of the scintillation crystal with which the event is associated as well as angular information is performed. The radial distance can be converted to a statistical confidence interval, which information can be used in downstream processing. More sophisticated reconstruction algorithms can use the confidence interval information selectively, to generate higher fidelity images with higher confidence information, and to improve statistics in dynamic imaging with lower confidence information.

Abstract: A radiation detector having a light guide with a plurality of light pipes is provided designed to improve light collection for reading out a larger scintillator array surface area than a photodetector assembly surface area. The light guide has a trapezoidal geometrical configuration and is symmetrical with respect to at least one axis thereof.

Abstract: A PET event position calculation method using a combination angular and radial event map wherein identification of the radial distance of the event from the centroid of the scintillation crystal with which the event is associated as well as angular information is performed. The radial distance can be converted to a statistical confidence interval, which information can be used in downstream processing. More sophisticated reconstruction algorithms can use the confidence interval information selectively, to generate higher fidelity images with higher confidence information, and to improve statistics in dynamic imaging with lower confidence information.

Abstract: A propeller having one or more blades eccentrically mounted to a shaft dynamically changes the blade pitch to produce free vortices in a fluid. For extracting energy from a moving fluid, the fluid flow acting on the blades rotates the propeller, while the pitch changes create a fluid flow pattern known as a von Karman vortex street. The resulting time averaged flow field distant from the propeller is a wake flow, and the energy of the fluid flow can be efficiently converted to rotation of a shaft driven device. For propulsion, applied shaft rotation and the dynamic pitch change in a fluid together create a flow pattern that is the inverse of the von Karman vortex street. For either energy extraction or propulsion, the propeller is particularly suited for low flow speeds, where the effects of low Reynolds number induced flow separation on blades may make other propellers inefficient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to bearings produced from a silicon nitride material. The silicon nitride material consists of a sintering aid selected from the group consisting of Al2O3 and Y2O3, silicon dioxide, and optionally, up to 10 mole %, based on the amount of silicon nitride, of an additive that reacts with silicon nitride, said additive selected from the group consisting of TiO2, WO3, MoO3 and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A solid fiduciary marker for registering at least two images when imaging the same subject using distinct imaging devices is disclosed. The solid fiduciary marker is visible in at least two of a Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), Planar gamma camera, X-ray CT, planar X-ray, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and optical imager. The marker includes at least two of various doping compounds to be detected by the various imaging systems. The doping compounds include a positron emitting nuclide, a gamma emitting nuclide, a doping compound, metal, and a silicone-based polymer is used in association with an MRI device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to bearings produced from a silicon nitride material. The silicon nitride material consists of a sintering aid selected from the group consisting of Al2O3 and Y2O3, silicon dioxide, and optionally, up to 10 mole %, based on the amount of silicon nitride, of an additive that reacts with silicon nitride, said additive selected from the group consisting of TiO2, WO3, MoO3 and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A control circuit and method for controlling the electrical characteristics of an input/output (I/O) circuit such as an output driver to account for variations in fabrication process, supply voltage, and/or temperature (PVT) conditions includes a PVT controller having appropriate control logic to permit PVT compensation to be observed, tested, and selectively adjusted. The PVT controller permits selection between PVT sensing circuit-provided control signals and control signals stored in a hardware register for controlling drive strength. The PVT controller further provides the capability to offset the selected drive strength by a fixed amount and select whether or not the offset is applied and permits full testability and observability of the selected control signal, an offset value applied thereto, and the resulting output signal.

Abstract: A control circuit and method for controlling the electrical characteristics of an input/output (I/O) circuit such as an output driver to account for variations in fabrication process, supply voltage, and/or temperature (PVT) conditions includes a PVT controller having appropriate control logic to permit PVT compensation to be observed, tested, and selectively adjusted. The PVT controller permits selection between PVT sensing circuit-provided control signals and control signals stored in a hardware register for controlling drive strength. The PVT controller further provides the capability to offset the selected drive strength by a fixed amount and select whether or not the offset is applied and permits full testability and observability of the selected control signal, an offset value applied thereto, and the resulting output signal.

Abstract: A semiconductor resistor comprises a resistor body formed on a semiconductor substrate and first and second conductive terminals electrically connected to the resistor body at opposite ends thereof. The semiconductor resistor further includes at least first and second conductive paths between at least one of the first and second conductive terminals and the resistor body. The at least one conductive terminal is configured such that a resistance of the at least one conductive terminal between the at least first and second conductive paths is substantially matched to a resistance of the resistor body between the at least first and second conductive paths. In this manner, a current distribution between the at least first and second conductive paths is substantially matched.

Abstract: A method for the production of a carbon or a ceramic component based on carbon, using a cellulose-containing semi-finished molded piece which is pyrolyzed. According to the invention, homogeneous large-size ceramic components may be produced, whereby a cellulose-containing, semi-finished molded piece containing fibers, chips or strands of homogeneous density distribution and homogeneous structure is used as semi-finished molded piece and is pyrolyzed in non-oxidizing gas atmospheres.

Abstract: A compensation circuit comprises a reference circuit including a reference NMOS device and a reference PMOS device. The reference circuit is operative to generate a first reference signal and a second reference signal, the first reference signal being a function of at least one of a process characteristic, a voltage characteristic and a temperature characteristic of the reference NMOS device, and the second reference signal being a function of at least one of a process characteristic, a voltage characteristic and a temperature characteristic of the reference PMOS device. The compensation circuit further comprises a control circuit connected to the reference circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to silicon nitride substances containing sintering additives and SiO2, a method for producing them and the use of the same.

Abstract: A passive resistive element is provided in series with a digital variable impedance to produce a highly linear output impedance for a transmission path over a wide range of operating conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided that improves the dynamic range of an optical transimpedance receiver. The receiver includes a photodetector, a transimpedance front end amplifier and a non-liner feedback. The non-linear feedback means consists of a Schottky diode and shunting the transimpedance resistor with a parasitic capacitor. A lead compensation network is further included in the feedback circuitry to provide stability to the non-linear circuit by advancing the phase shifting of the transimpedance front end by 45 degrees. By stabilizing the frequency off the circuit, the dynamic range is increased from 26.6 dB to 40 dB.