Abstract: The present invention provides a system for imaging an object by irradiating it with low doses of radiation, such as x-ray, from a plurality of positions angularly distributed about the object, and analyzing the intensity of the radiation transmitted through the object. A system according to the invention can include a radiation source, a low noise detector, and an image processor. The radiation source emits radiation toward a target scene, containing an object to be imaged, from a plurality of angular positions. In one embodiment, the plurality of angular positions defines an arc about the target scene. In another embodiment, the radiation source moves in a series of steps of varying angular spacing along the arc to generate the multiple images of the scene. The detector is positioned to detect radiation transmitted through the scene and produces radiation transmission data representing the intensity of the radiation transmitted through the scene.

Abstract: An implant device material is provided for replacement or augmentation of living bone tissue involving a thermoplastic syntactic foam material formed from microballoons, a polymer such as polyetherimide which wets and binds the microballons into an array, and interstitial space is present between the microballoons bound into the array to create porosity. A fiber material can be embedded within the array. The thermoplastic syntactic foam material is highly biocompatible and stable with no apparent adverse effects on a recipient. The implant device material also effectively conducts bone into the porous implant via its controlled interstitial porosity. The implant material also can be readily molded or machined into complex structural shapes, density and porosity, such that it can be closely tailored to mimic the natural bone tissue to be replaced.

Abstract: A directional control mechanism for an electric trolling motor utilizes a plurality of foot pedal actuated switches to control a reversible directional control motor. A gear reduction unit connected to the directional control motor has an output shaft which rotates a drive pulley. A second pulley, connected to a rotatable trolling motor mounting shaft, is driven by a belt in engagement with the drive pulley. An electrical slip ring contact on the second pulley transmits current to the electric trolling motor. The trolling motor is also controlled by a switch activated by the foot pedal.

Abstract: A conventional sedan is converted to a car with a lengthened engine compartment and a body which is correspondingly shortened immediately behind the door posts. Longitudinal sections of the frame below the car body behind the door posts are removed and welded into the frame at the engine compartment. Corresponding sections are removed from the roof, floor and drive shaft tunnel immediately behind the door posts to divide the car body into front and rear sections, after which these sections are welded back together to provide the converted shortened body. Structural reinforcements are added for the lengthened frame at the engine compartment. Also, longitudinal upper girders are welded to the firewall for reinforcing the lengthened hood for the engine compartment. The radiator is displaced forward from the engine, and an air tunnel is inserted between the radiator and the fan at the front end of the engine.

Abstract: A very hardy pink dogwood tree which produces many large double flower bracts which provide an almost orchid-like pink display, the tree having many such flowers as to appear as a mass of blooms.