Abstract: An x-ray reflector may include: a substrate; a first layer formed on the substrate, the first layer including a relatively higher-Z material, where Z represents the atomic number; and a second layer formed on the first layer, the second layer including a relatively lower-Z material; at least one of the first layer and the second layer exhibiting a taper in an axial direction extending between a first end of the substrate and a second end of the substrate.

Abstract: A portable flood-barrier-system can include a portable block of substantial mass; and a deflatable bladder, a first portion of which is disposed on a substrate; the block being disposed at least partly on the first portion of the bladder so as to releasably compress the first portion between the block and the substrate and so releasably hold the first portion therebetween due to friction.

Abstract: A stackable rack may comprise: at least two rails, a cross-section of each rail having a shape resembling a staircase, first step portion of which represents a first surface upon which a reflector can be disposed; and a second step portion of which represents a second surface which can support another rail. A method of making a narrow band x-ray filter may comprise: providing a substrate; and stacking one or more reflection units in succession upon the substrate, each reflection unit including a rack (such as mentioned above) and a reflector held by the rack. An apparatus to produce a substantially narrow band x-ray beam may include such a filter. An apparatus to make an x-ray image of a subject may include: the apparatus to produce a substantially narrow band x-ray beam, e.g., as set forth above, and an x-ray detector arranged to receive the narrow band x-ray.

Abstract: Every year numerous people are diagnosed with cancer, many of whom are detected in the latter stages of the cancers' progression. The later the cancer is detected, the more difficult it becomes to treat the cancer. Due to inefficient technology and late diagnosises, many people lose their lives to cancer each year. If this new X-ray system is implemented and put into use by medical doctors, not only will tumors be detected earlier, but smaller tumors, which are often overlooked by conventional X-ray systems, will also be detected. In addition, due to the multiple angles provided by this system, the exact location of these cancerous tumors can be pinpointed, thereby saving time that is currently wasted in determining exact tumor locations and allowing the patient to go into surgery sooner to have the malignant tumor removed. Thus, the development and implementation of this new technology will save many cancer patients' lives through early and more precise diagnosises.

Abstract: As cars become more soundproof, it also becomes more difficult to hear the sirens of emergency vehicles, especially when music is playing. Many accidents have resulted from this difficulty, as drivers are unable to hear sirens until it is too late to move out of the path of the emergency vehicle so that it can efficiently and quickly move through traffic and reach its destination. By flashing a warning light and beep sound within the drivers' cars, the Acoustic Siren Detector System will allow drivers the advantage of being aware of the presence of an emergency vehicle at a distance where, in a normal situation, the driver would hardly be able to hear the siren. This advance notice will enable drivers to pull to the side of the road, clearing a path for the emergency vehicle.

Abstract: Every year, during the summer and fall seasons, we experience heavy rainfall and floods. Whenever we have heavy rainfalls, we worry about the streets flooding and the safety of the levees. The flooding of streets and cities results in the loss of human life, as well as a loss in millions of dollars of property. The mobile levee system will protect the streets, properties, and cities from flood. It is easy and quick to install, and it is more secure than sand bags. The mobile levee system will protect millions of dollars in property as well as save human lives.

Abstract: Due to the September 11th terrorist attacks, the United States has since had a heightened awareness of inefficient security systems. Once of these such inefficient systems are the parking lot security systems. Because safety is such an important issue concerning the restricted parking facilities of important facilities, such as government office buildings and nuclear power plants, the Vehicle Control and Security System has been designed to maximize parking security. Through a process of vehicle and driver identification to take place at both the entrances and exits of the parking lots, both the vehicle and driver would have to be recognized as authorized figures in order to enter the parking facility. If either the vehicle information or driver information comes back from the computer as an unauthorized vehicle or driver, the gate would not be lifted to allow the vehicle to enter the facility. This process would ensure maximum security.

Abstract: As cars become more soundproof, it also becomes more difficult to hear the sirens of emergency vehicles. It is even difficult to hear the sirens of emergency vehicles in the less soundproof cars, especially when music is playing. Many accidents have resulted from this difficulty, as drivers are unable to hear sirens until it is too late to move out of the path of the emergency vehicle so that it can efficiently and quickly move through traffic and reach its destination. By flashing a warning light within the drivers' cars, the RF Siren System will allow drivers the advantage of being aware of the presence of an emergency vehicle at a distance where, in a normal situation, the driver would hardly be able to hear the siren. This advance notice will enable drivers to pull to the side of the road, clearing a path for the emergency vehicle.

Abstract: When security personnel is patrolling at the airports, shopping malls or office buildings, the video images of the surveillance video cameras are most valuable and important information that they can use. Using wireless network with hand held personal computer, the mobile video security system is the most efficient way of maintaining a security in buildings, shopping malls and airports.

Abstract: When a person is having guests over, there may be some light switches that they may not want their guests to touch. The switch may turn on a light outdoors, or it may turn on another light that the host may not want turned on. If the guest forgets to turn off the light switch, the light that it turned on will be wasting electricity and it may even burn out the bulb. It is easily installed, and it sends the message that the light switch is not to be touched.

Abstract: Although water covers three-fourths of the earth's surface, it is unevenly distributed throughout. In some places, the demand for water exceeds the supply. There are several hundred desalination plants in the world, but it is very costly to produce fresh water. The Modular Clear Roof and Dark Basin Solar Still is a low-cost way to produce fresh water. The multiple modular roofs made of glass and/or clear plastic acts like a greenhouse. The sun shines through the roof creating heat. The salt water evaporates and condenses to make fresh water. This fresh water is collected in the half-pipes. Through a gravity flow, this water is collected in a water tank. This is feasible and effective in areas where the demand for water is high, especially in the equatorial or desert area.