Abstract: A method of manufacturing ceramic tape includes a step of directing a tape of partially-sintered ceramic into a furnace. The tape is partially-sintered such that grains of the ceramic are fused to one another yet the tape still includes at least 10% porosity by volume, where the porosity refers to volume of the tape unoccupied by the ceramic. The method further includes steps of conveying the tape through the furnace and further sintering the tape as the tape is conveyed through the furnace. The porosity of the tape decreases during the further sintering step.

Abstract: A method of identifying a target material in a spectral image includes acquiring a spectral image of a scene. The method also includes performing image segmentation to partition the spectral image into a plurality of segments. The method includes accessing a database of spectral models of a plurality of materials to determine a material whose spectral model is most similar to the spectral data for the segment, a difference between the spectral model of the material and the spectral data for the segment including measurable reflectance or radiance at characteristic frequencies or wavelengths. The method also includes analyzing a database of spectral data for a plurality of target materials to identify a target material whose spectral data also has measurable reflectance or radiance at the characteristic frequencies or wavelengths. And the method includes outputting an identifier of the target material for display with the spectral image.

Abstract: A method of identifying a target material in a spectral image includes acquiring a spectral image of a scene. The method also includes performing image segmentation to partition the spectral image into a plurality of segments. The method includes accessing a database of spectral models of a plurality of materials to determine a material whose spectral model is most similar to the spectral data for the segment, a difference between the spectral model of the material and the spectral data for the segment including measurable reflectance or radiance at characteristic frequencies or wavelengths. The method also includes analyzing a database of spectral data for a plurality of target materials to identify a target material whose spectral data also has measurable reflectance or radiance at the characteristic frequencies or wavelengths. And the method includes outputting an identifier of the target material for display with the spectral image.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method(s) for at least the conversion of a radial, polar, or coordinate system model footprint or types other than rectilinear to a rectilinear footprint to facilitate visual and/or comparative analysis of similarly formatted footprints in accordance with one or more embodiments is described herein.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method(s) for at least the conversion of a radial, polar, or coordinate system model footprint or types other than rectilinear to a rectilinear footprint to facilitate visual and/or comparative analysis of similarly formatted footprints in accordance with one or more embodiments is described herein.

Abstract: A unique, collapsible light display frame and kit therefore is disclosed formed from a plurality of pivotally connecting elongate members having segments which can be removed for changing dimensions, and holes which enable connection of the members in a variety of different sized and shaped, generally polygonal forms, holes enabling the connection of strings of mini-lights thereto within the geometric form of the frame.

Abstract: A unique, collapsible light display frame and kit therefore is disclosed formed from a plurality of pivotally connecting elongate members having segments which can be removed for changing dimensions, and holes which enable connection of the members in a variety of different sized and shaped, generally polygonal forms, holes enabling the connection of strings of mini-lights thereto within the geometric form of the frame.

Abstract: A combination surgical table and protective cover is disclosed in which a surgical table is provided with one or more cushions for supporting a patient. A protective cover is coupled to each cushion and to the surgical table, thereby minimizing surface contamination of each cushion and the table. Each protective cover has a connecting portion which couples the protective cover to both the surgical table and to each cushion. A shielding section has a general shape which is substantially equivalent to the shape of each cushion for shielding each cushion and the table from the contamination. Flow guides are coupled to the shielding section for directing contamination away from each cushion and away from the surgical table.

Abstract: A medical machine assembly such as an X-ray machine assembly is disclosed which has a cover for conducting patient body fluids and other spilled fluids away from contact with any part of the machine assembly and especially form the interior thereof. This assembly includes a base, an x-ray tube, a patient table mounted on the base, a cushion disposed on the patient table, and a cover disposed on the cushion. The cushion has a body portion and a rear dam portion. The cover has a rear dam portion located on the cushion dam portion. The cover also has a middle body portion disposed on the cushion body portion. The cover also has a front flap portion for conducting patient body fluids and other spilled fluids outwardly from the middle body portion and away from contact with any part of the machine assembly.

Abstract: A patient table assembly having a cushion with a cover. The cushion has side flaps, which connect to the table. The cover, disposed around the cushion, has bottom sheets, which connect to each other, and which have slots through which the flaps can pass through.

Abstract: A CT-scanner includes a patient cushion that fits over a baseplate. Both the cushion and the baseplate have complementary lengthwise fastener strips. A cover of the scanner includes a vinyl central sheet that drapes over side rails of the scanner to form overhang flaps. Each of the flaps is sewn onto a sheeted section that has longitudinal velcro strips. When the sheeted sections are tucked between the baseplate and the cushion, the fastener strips of the sheeted section fasten to the velcro strips of the cushion and the baseplate. A head end of the central sheet is contoured to fit over a head rest of the scanner and cause a funneling of fluids onto the center of the central sheet from the head of a patient in either a supine or prone position on the cover.

Abstract: The device senses the level of a float which may rest on the surface of the liquid whose level is to be determined or may rest on the surface of liquid (e.g., mercury) of a manometer which measures the level of liquid in accordance with the purge bubble principle. The fluctuation of the float turns a pulley which causes oscillatory movement of an arm carrying a magnet. In proximity to the path of the magnet is a board carrying radially disposed, angularly spaced reed switches. As the magnet passes each switch it closes same and passes a signal to a digital accumulator. A slip clutch between the arm and a second arm causes the latter to oscillate in the same direction as the first arm, but only for a limited distance. The second arm also carries a magnet which changes the direction of a second reed switch and dampens hunting of the first series of switches by preventing activation of the accumulator except when the second reed switch is closed.

Abstract: For recording precipitation at a remote station, a vertically mounted pipe is divided into an upper section (into which rain and snow fall) and a lower section. In the upper section is an overflow module consisting of a casing having openings in its bottom communicating with liquid in the upper section so that liquid level inside the casing is at the same level as in the upper section. An overflow pipe extends up from the lower section and through the bottom of the casing. A float and bellows is fixed to the upper end of the overflow pipe and an upper extension pipe is fixed above the bellows. Wires fixed to the upper extension pipe are attached to bi-metallic spirals which work against the bellows. Thus the elevation of the liquid inlet at the upper end of the upper extension pipe is temperature responsive. The upper member is initially partially filled with an anti-freeze solution to the level of the liquid inlet.

Abstract: An improved liquid dispenser has two concentrically spaced cylinders with a pump plunger fitting the inner cylinder, an inlet check valve at the bottom of the outer cylinder, and an outlet check valve adjacent the top of the outer cylinder with a graduated stem extending upwardly from the plunger through a cap structure adapted to engage the open top of a liquid container. The pump plunger is restrained from moving upwardly out of the inner cylinder and a collar is adjustably mounted on the stem above the cap for setting the pump stroke as indicated by the graduations on the stem to thus provide a dispenser adapted to fit containers having a small opening therein.