Abstract: A metal substrate with insulated vias (MSIV) has a metallic layer with through-holes defined through a thickness of the layer, a dielectric layer formed on part of the surface of the metallic layer and extending to cover internal walls of the through-hole, a conductive material extending through the insulated through-hole to form an insulated via, and an electrical circuit formed on a portion of the dielectric layer in thermal and/or electrical contact with the conductive via. The dielectric layer is a dielectric nanoceramic layer having an equiaxed crystalline structure with an average grain size of 500 nanometres or less, a thickness of between 0.1 and 100 micrometres, a dielectric strength of greater than 20 KV mm?1, and a thermal conductivity of greater than 3 W/mK. Such a MSIV can be used as an electronic substrate to support devices such as power, microwave, optoelectronic, solid-state lighting and thermoelectric devices.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for x-ray imaging including: exposing a volume of interest to a first technique level to obtain a first set of image data; exposing the volume of interest to a second technique level to obtain a second set of image data; and estimating whether the volume of interest includes a foreign object based at least in part on a comparison of at least an aspect of the first set of image data and at least an aspect of the second set of image data. According to an embodiment, one of the first and second technique levels is selected to generate x-rays having a higher average energy than the other of the first and second technique levels. According to an embodiment, at least one of the first and second technique levels is selectable to cause an overexposure. According to an embodiment, at least one of the first and second technique levels corresponds to a clinical technique level.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling exposure for medical imaging devices is provided. The method includes varying the exposure level of X-rays within an X-ray imaging system to generate a plurality of images having different exposure levels and combining the plurality of images in an additive process to form a single X-ray image.

Abstract: A method for differentiating if a feedback signal is a result of an unintentional collision in a servo system includes injecting a feed forward term in the servo system.

Abstract: A reconfigurable structure includes a plurality of selectively extensible and retractable limbs, at least one node pivotably receiving respective ends of at least two limbs, and an actuator associated with each limb for extending and retracting the limb. The structure may further include an addressable module associated with each actuator to control the actuator.

Abstract: An evolvable synthetic neural system includes an evolvable neural interface operably coupled to at least one neural basis function. Each neural basis function includes an evolvable neural interface operably coupled to a heuristic neural system to perform high-level functions and an autonomic neural system to perform low-level functions. In some embodiments, the evolvable synthetic neural system is operably coupled to one or more evolvable synthetic neural systems in a hierarchy.

Abstract: A method for detecting collisions between an obstacle and an electromechanical system having a mechanical output controlled by a servo system includes inputting a forcing function xi to the servo system to direct the mechanical output to move in an intended manner. A difference signal is generated at a monitoring point M representing a difference between forcing function xi and a feedback signal dependent upon the mechanical output. The method further includes injecting a feed forward signal into the servo system. The feed forward signal is dependent upon the forcing function and effective to increase a detection threshold for collision stimulus at monitoring point M. The method also includes processing the difference signal to detect a collision.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to a dynamic power management system. The system includes a power input providing power to an imaging system, measurement unit(s) for measuring current and/or voltage in the imaging system, and a power management controller allocating available power among components in the imaging system. The power management controller may allow a battery to charge at a maximum rate based on current used by the imaging system components. The measurement unit(s) may measure a voltage and a current for the power provided to the imaging system. The power management controller may control current drawn by the imaging system components. The system may also include a limit sensor for detecting when current consumption exceeds a certain limit. Additionally, the system may include at least one switching unit controlled by the power management controller. The switching unit(s) control an amount of power routed to imaging system components.

Abstract: A method of correcting an article of mail and the article is disclosed. The article of mail has opposing sides and an edge and identifying indicia positioned on at least one of the sides adjacent an edge. A dual neutralizing mask is applied onto at least a substantial portion of the edge and overlaps the opposing sides in an area adjacent the edge to neutralize by covering at least a major portion of the identifying indicia. The indicia has neutralized and cannot be used in subsequent mail processing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing noise and motion artifacts in pixels of a processed or displayed video image by filtering pixel values of the video image based on a first frame having currently stored (filtered) pixel values and a second frame having recently captured but not yet filtered pixel values. The apparatus includes a spatial filter for computing a motion value of a pixel of interest by averaging difference values of selected pixels surrounding the pixel of interest. Also included is a filter function means for producing an output difference value of the pixel of interest based on the motion value and an adder for adding the output difference value to the first frame filtered pixel value of the pixel of interest. Thus, each pixel of the video image is filtered according to the amount of motion in the video image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing noise and motion artifacts in pixels of a processed or displayed video image by filtering pixel values of the video image based on a first frame having currently stored (filtered) pixel values and a second frame having recently captured but not yet filtered pixel values. The apparatus includes a spatial filter for computing a motion value of a pixel of interest by averaging difference values of selected pixels surrounding the pixel of interest. Also included is a filter function means for producing an output difference value of the pixel of interest based on the motion value and an adder for adding the output difference value to the first frame filtered pixel value of the pixel of interest. Thus, each pixel of the video image is filtered according to the amount of motion in the video image.

Abstract: A mobile, bi-planar fluoroscopic imaging apparatus has first and second imaging systems disposed on first and second C-arms. The C-arms are preferably disposed on wheeled bases allowing for movement from one place to another. Alternatively, the first C-arm is large and disposed on a wheeled base while the second C-arm is smaller and disposed on the first C-arm such that it nests. A controller sends trigger pulses to the imaging systems causing the systems to alternate operation. Alternatively, the first and second systems are configured in a master/slave relationship with the master system sending triggering pulses to the slave. A display continuously displays the images produced by the imaging systems such that an image produced by the first system is displayed while the second system operated to produce an image and vis versa. A storage device stored the images as they are produced and later delivers the images to the display for viewing.