Abstract: A self-lubricated sliding bearing for a rotary X-ray tube comprises a first bearing member, a second bearing member configured to concentrically enclose a portion of the first bearing member, and a lubricant comprised in a gap between cooperating surfaces of the first bearing member and the second bearing member. The cooperating surface of the second bearing member or the first bearing member comprises a first region comprising a pumping pattern configured to pump the lubricant. The cooperating surface of the second bearing member or the first bearing member comprises a second region having a modified pumping pattern or a smooth surface.

Abstract: A wireless power transfer system includes a power receiver (105) receiving a power transfer from a power transmitter (101) via a wireless inductive power transfer signal. The power transmitter (101) comprises a transmit power coil (103) generating the power transfer signal. A test signal coil (209) coupled to a test signal generator (211) generates a magnetic test signal. A plurality of spatially distributed detection coils (213) is coupled to measurement unit (215) generating a set of measurement values reflecting signals induced in the detection coils (213) by the magnetic test signal. A processor (217) determines a measurement spatial distribution of the measurement value where the spatial distribution reflects positions of the detection coils (213). A foreign object detector (219) detects a presence of a foreign object in response to a comparison of the measurement spatial distribution to a reference spatial distribution.

Abstract: A device (10) configured to detect the presence of metal artifacts in a patient's eye includes a head mount (14) configured to receive at least a portion of the patient's head. At least one inductor coil (12) is disposed on or in the head mount and positioned to inductively couple with at least one eye of the patient's head received into the head mount. An inductance meter (18) is operably connected to the at least one inductor coil to measure an inductance as a change of frequency of the at least one inductor coil. A processor (22) is programmed to: determine whether the inductance is greater than an inductance threshold value; and generate an indication of at least one metal artifact when the inductance is greater than the inductance threshold value. A display component (24) is configured to display the indication.

Abstract: The invention provides an energy generation system comprising a generator having charged mutually rotating plate elements, and comprising an integrated drive mechanism for precisely controlling a separation distance between the plates. The drive mechanism provides a separation which varies as a function of the speed of rotation, hence assimilating separation control within the natural operation of the device. Embodiments provide plates comprising self-generating bearings, both hydrodynamic gas and fluid bearings and centrifugal regulator solid bearings, the bearings providing a supporting force between the plates of a magnitude which increases as the rotational speed of the plates increases. Methods of energy generation are also provided.

Abstract: As gantry speeds experienced in CT scanners increase, so too does the radial load force exerted on components attached to the gantry. A self-lubricating sliding bearing used inside a rotary X-Ray source of a CT scanner is particularly susceptible to increasing radial load force, because in operation, a self-lubricating bearing floats on a film of liquid lubricant. Thus, the radial load force will tend to act on the floating portion of the bearing to develop an eccentricity in the longitudinal axis of the floating portion of the bearing as compared to the longitudinal axis of the stationary part of the bearing. The eccentricity will eventually cause the floating portion of the bearing to contact the stationary part of the bearing in operation, thus limiting the load carrying characteristic of the self-lubricating sliding bearing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drive assembly for an in-wheel motor, which in-wheel motor has a rotor, the rotor having an axis of rotation, a peripheral outer surface and a transverse road side surface, wherein the drive assembly is provided with a assembly adapted for supporting two tyres and includes a circumferential first part and a circumferential second part, each part provided with a rim-section for carrying a respective one of the two tyres, wherein the first part and second part are adapted to be mounted on the rotor from and at the transverse road side surface of the rotor and are detachable from the rotor from the transverse road side surface, and wherein the second part is detachable from the rotor independent from the first part.

Abstract: The invention provides an energy generation system comprising a generator having charged mutually rotating plate elements, and comprising an integrated drive mechanism for precisely controlling a separation distance between the plates. The drive mechanism provides a separation which varies as a function of the speed of rotation, hence assimilating separation control within the natural operation of the device. Embodiments provide plates comprising self-generating bearings, both hydrodynamic gas and fluid bearings and centrifugal regulator solid bearings, the bearings providing a supporting force between the plates of a magnitude which increases as the rotational speed of the plates increases. Methods of energy generation are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides an energy generation system comprising a generator having charged mutually rotating plate elements, and comprising an integrated drive mechanism for precisely controlling a separation distance between the plates. The drive mechanism provides a separation which varies as a function of the speed of rotation, hence assimilating separation control within the natural operation of the device. Embodiments provide plates comprising self-generating bearings, both hydrodynamic gas and fluid bearings and centrifugal regulator solid bearings, the bearings providing a supporting force between the plates of a magnitude which increases as the rotational speed of the plates increases. Methods of energy generation are also provided.

Abstract: A wireless power transfer system includes a power receiver (105) receiving a power transfer from a power transmitter (101) via a wireless inductive power transfer signal. The power transmitter (101) comprises a transmit power coil (103) generating the power transfer signal. A test signal coil (209) coupled to a test signal generator (211) generates a magnetic test signal. A plurality of spatially distributed detection coils (213) is coupled to measurement unit (215) generating a set of measurement values reflecting signals induced in the detection coils (213) by the magnetic test signal. A processor (217) determines a measurement spatial distribution of the measurement value where the spatial distribution reflects positions of the detection coils (213). A foreign object detector (219) detects a presence of a foreign object in response to a comparison of the measurement spatial distribution to a reference spatial distribution.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drive assembly for an in-wheel motor, which in-wheel motor has a rotor, the rotor having an axis of rotation, a peripheral outer surface and a transverse road side surface, wherein the drive assembly is provided with a assembly adapted for supporting two tyres and includes a circumferential first part and a circumferential second part, each part provided with a rim-section for carrying a respective one of the two tyres, wherein the first part and second part are adapted to be mounted on the rotor from and at the transverse road side surface of the rotor and are detachable from the rotor from the transverse road side surface, and wherein the second part is detachable from the rotor independent from the first part.

Abstract: A patient interface device uses a pressure flap which extends inwardly from an outer edge of a mask of the device. The pressure flap is for contacting the skin of the patient to provide a seal or partial seal between the mask volume and the ambient surroundings. The pressure flap includes a cavity area which is exposed to a reduced pressure compared to the mask volume. This assists in keeping the pressure flap pressed against the patient's skin, and thereby maintain a large contact area. This in turn gives a reduction in local high pressure areas.

Abstract: A device (10) configured to detect the presence of metal artifacts in a patient's eye includes a head mount (14) configured to receive at least a portion of the patient's head. At least one inductor coil (12) is disposed on or in the head mount and positioned to inductively couple with at least one eye of the patient's head received into the head mount. An inductance meter (18) is operably connected to the at least one inductor coil to measure an inductance as a change of frequency of the at least one inductor coil. A processor (22) is programmed to: determine whether the inductance is greater than an inductance threshold value; and generate an indication of at least one metal artifact when the inductance is greater than the inductance threshold value. A display component (24) is configured to display the indication.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrodynamic bearings, X-ray tubes, X-ray systems, and a method of manufacturing a hydrodynamic bearing for an X-ray tube. The rotor of a hydrodynamic bearing is supported, in steady-state operation, by the pressure of lubricant which is pumped through grooves in the rotor. When the rotor is speeding up or slowing down, the pumping force will not be sufficient to lift the rotor clear of a stationary bushing, and damage, caused by direct contact of the metal surfaces of the bearing, can occur. Providing special coatings on the bearing surfaces can ameliorate this effect.

Abstract: A patient interface and a patient interface system comprise a responsive material and a method for preventing the formation of red marks due to wearing a patient interface that is pressing against the skin of a patient for a longer time and/or for reducing air leakages of the patient interface that may result from an unintended shift of the patient interface on the patient's face. The responsive material is configured for alternating the pressure exerted by the cushion element on the patient and/or the area on the patient where the pressure is exerted by the cushion element in response to a physical quantity acting on the responsive material. The formation of red marks and of air leakages can be reduced or even avoided by means of the responsive material.

Abstract: A number of user interface device embodiments are disclosed that provide for increased cooling of the skin covered by the mask and/or increased flushing of gasses, including CO2, from the mask.

Abstract: A patient interface device includes an elastomeric contacting portion that is structured to directly engage the skin of the user. The contacting portion has an engineered surface that includes a plurality of non-random, predesigned surface features designed to reduce friction and improve user comfort. In one implementation, the pitch between each immediately adjacent pair of the surface features is less than or equal to a predetermined maximum pitch value, and the height of each of the surface features is less than or equal to a predetermined maximum height value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining positions of objects (1i) positioned in a measurement area, wherein the objects (1i) are capable of at least temporarily generating a magnetic field. The device comprises magnetometers (3i) arranged at a plurality of locations in a vicinity of the measurement area for locally measuring the magnetic field generated by the objects (1i), and an evaluation unit (5) coupled to the magnetometers (3i), the evaluation unit (5) being configured to determine the positions of the objects (1i) on the basis of the magnetic field measurements by the magnetometers (3i). The objects (1i) may be included in a human or animal body and may particularly be brachytherapy seeds.

Abstract: The invention provides an energy generation system comprising a generator having charged mutually rotating plate elements, and comprising an integrated drive mechanism for precisely controlling a separation distance between the plates. The drive mechanism provides a separation which varies as a function of the speed of rotation, hence assimilating separation control within the natural operation of the device. Embodiments provide plates comprising self-generating bearings, both hydrodynamic gas and fluid bearings and centrifugal regulator solid bearings, the bearings providing a supporting force between the plates of a magnitude which increases as the rotational speed of the plates increases. Methods of energy generation are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus structured to contact external tissue, such as skin, of a user includes an elastomeric contacting portion that is structured to directly engage the external tissue. The contacting portion has an engineered surface (64A, 64B) that includes a plurality of non-random, predesigned surface features (70, 74B, 76B, 78B) designed to reduce friction and improve user comfort. In one implementation, the pitch (P) between each immediately adjacent pair of the surface features (70, 76B) is less than or equal to a predetermined maximum pitch value, and the height (H) of each of the surface features (70, 76B) is less than or equal to a predetermined maximum height value.

Abstract: A self-acting, sealed hydrodynamic bearing includes a bearing shaft; a bearing bushing arranged to seal a length of the bearing shaft; a lubricant provided in the sealed length of the hydrodynamic bearing; and a bearing arrangement between the shaft and bushing. The bearing shaft and/or the bearing bushing are configured to be rotatable. The bearing arrangement includes a primary bearing surface disposed on the bearing bushing, arranged to face a secondary bearing surface disposed on the bearing shaft. The primary and/or secondary bearing surfaces includes first regions having a first fluid slip characteristic, and second regions having a second fluid slip characteristic substantially different to that of the first fluid slip characteristic. The second and first regions are in a same plane of a cross-section of the primary and/or secondary bearing surfaces, and are disposed in an interleaved pattern over the primary and/or secondary bearing surfaces.