Abstract: An electrode for a liquid-cooled plasma arc torch is provided that includes a torch body and a cathodic element. The electrode includes an electrode body having a proximal end and a distal end extending along a central longitudinal axis. The electrode also includes a retention region located at the proximal end of the electrode body. The retention region is shaped to engage a first portion of the torch body for retaining the electrode within the torch body. The electrode additionally includes a current interface region located axially proximal to the retention region on the electrode body. The current interface region configured to slidably engage a second portion of the torch body while electrically communicating with the cathodic element of the plasma arc torch. The electrode further includes a sealing member circumferentially disposed about the electrode body. The sealing member is located axially distal to the current interface region and the retention region.

Abstract: Provided are instrument treatment systems, the systems including an insertable portion, the insertable portion being configured for insertion into the bore of a medical imaging system, the insertable portion comprising at least one source of UVC radiation, the insertable portion optionally being constructed to as to be essentially non-interactive with and non-affect by a magnetic field of the medical imaging system. Also provided are related methods of operating the disclosed systems as well as methods of sanitizing the internal bore of a medical imaging system, such as a magnetic resonance system.

Abstract: A method for determining the alignment of a pair of vehicle wheels includes the steps of positioning a beam projecting device consecutively on each wheel, in the same angular relationship to the wheel, and projecting a beam to a receptor, which is located in a predetermined angular relationship the other wheel. The projecting device, the receptor or both is utilized to determine the angle between the beams and the angle is related to the alignment of the pair of wheels; the receptor being maintained in the same position for each beam projection.

Abstract: A method for determining the alignment of a pair of vehicle wheels includes the steps of positioning a beam projecting device consecutively on each wheel, in the same angular relationship to the wheel, and projecting a beam to a receptor, which is located in a predetermined angular relationship the other wheel. The projecting device, the receptor or both is utilized to determine the angle between the beams and the angle is related to the alignment of the pair of wheels; the receptor being maintained in the same position for each beam projection.

Abstract: A method of generating three-dimensional T1 and T2 maps for steady state imaging involves acquiring a first set of spoiled gradient echo images with contrast dependent on T1. A second set of fully refocused gradient echo images with contrast dependent upon T1 and T2 is then acquired. A T1 map is generated from the first set of images and a T2 map is generated from the second set of fully refocused gradient echo images and the T1 map.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of assessing the sustainability performance of an entity. This is achieved by monitoring the operation of the entity, and using this to determine one or more sustainability indicators, each sustainability indicator being a respective value determined based on the operation of the entity. The sustainability indicators are then compared to respective thresholds allowing the sustainability performance to be determined in accordance with the results of the comparison.

Abstract: A seal 2 for sealing between two opposed and generally parallel surfaces, comprising a support layer 10 for location between the said opposed surfaces and a pair of sealing layers 6, 8 supported on the support layer 10 and projecting beyond an edge 2 of the support layer 10 for effecting a seal between the said opposed surfaces when the said seal 2 is located therebetween.

Abstract: An API groove seal is a metal ring of cross-section like a capital letter omega arranged so that the tips of its limbs provide the sole contact with the groove base before and after compression. The central or heel region may abut on the outer side wall of the groove. A family of seals for different pressure ratings has a common profile, differing only in respect of the thickness of the limbs.

Abstract: A metal gasket for making a fluid tight sealed joint between opposed parallel surfaces has a radially inward part and a radially outward part each formed with a peripheral groove; also at least one of the end faces of the gasket is formed with annular grooves of substantially rectangular profile in radial planes. Thereby there is provided a compressible yet resilient gasket which can satsifactorily be used to form a fluid tight joint.