Abstract: A high temperature and high pressure process utilizes dehaloganation, oxidation, or similar reactions to chemically alter hazardous organic chemicals to render them non-hazardous. The method is particularly adaptable to the treatment of sediments in bodies of water and includes process steps to destroy contaminants such as PCBs in one product stream and to capture heavy metals for disposal in a smaller second product stream.

Abstract: Cells and non-human transgenic animals have been engineered to be deficient in the gene encoding the melcanocortin-3 receptor protein (MC-3R). MC-3R deficient transgenic animals have increased fatmass and reduced lean body mass, showing that the MC-3R protein is involved in the regulation of body fat and muscle mass. These MC-3R deficient transgenic animals can be used to select for and test potential modulators of MC-3R. This data allows for methods of screening for MC-3R modulators which effect body weight and associated methods of treating various disorders associated with inappropriate regulation of body weight. The disclosure also relates to a MC-3R/MC-4R double knockout mouse which can be used to select for and test potential modulators (e.g., agonists or antagonists) of MC-3R and/or MC-4R. It is shown that MC-3R serves a non-redundant role, when compared to MC-4R, in the regulation of energy homeostasis.

Abstract: A method of reconstituting an animal embryo involves transferring a diploid nucleus into an oocyte which is arrested in the metaphase of the second meiotic division. The oocyte is not activated at the time of transfer, so that the donor nucleus is kept exposed to the recipient cytoplasm for a period of time. The diploid nucleus can be donated by a cell in either the G0 or G1 phase of the cell cycle at the time of transfer. Subsequently, the reconstituted embryo is activated. Correct ploidy is maintained during activation, for example, by incubating the reconstituted embryo in the presence of a microtubule inhibitor such as nocodazole. The reconstituted embryo may then give rise to one or more live animal births. The invention is useful in the production of transgenic animals as well as non-transgenics of high genetic merit.

Abstract: A method of reconstituting an animal embryo involves transferring a diploid nucleus into an oocyte which is arrested in the metaphase of the second meiotic division. The oocyte is not activated at the time of transfer, so that the donor nucleus is kept exposed to the recipient cytoplasm for a period of time. The diploid nucleus can be donated by a cell in either the G0 or G1 phase of the cell cycle at the time of transfer. Subsequently, the reconstituted embryo is activated. Correct ploidy is maintained during activation, for example, by incubating the reconstituted embryo in the presence of a microtubule inhibitor such as nocodazole. The reconstituted embryo may then give rise to one or more live animal births. The invention is useful in the production of transgenic animals as well as non-transgenics of high genetic merit.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for selectively controlling the transcription of a gene of interest, comprising producing one or more plants that express either a first, a second, or both the first and second genetic constructs. The first genetic construct comprises a first regulator region operatively linked to a gene of interest and at least one repressor sequence capable of controlling the activity of the first regulatory region. The second genetic construct comprises a second regulator region in operative association with a nucleic acid molecule, or a derivative thereof, encoding a repressor protein, the repressor protein exhibiting both repressor operator sequence binding activity and repressor activity. The first and second genetic constructs may reside on separate vectors, or the vector may comprise both the first and second genetic constructs comprised as just defined.

Abstract: A lettuce cultivar, designated 22-0405016-B, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of lettuce cultivar 22-0405016-B, to the plants of lettuce cultivar 22-0405016-B and to methods for producing a lettuce plant by crossing the cultivar 22-0405016-B with itself or another lettuce cultivar. The invention further relates to methods for producing a lettuce plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic lettuce plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to lettuce cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from lettuce cultivar 22-0405016-B, to methods for producing other lettuce cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from lettuce cultivar 22-0405016-B and to the lettuce plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid lettuce seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 22-0405016-B with another lettuce cultivar.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 5733056 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 5733056, to the plants of soybean 5733056, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 5733056 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 5733056 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from soybean variety 5733056, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 5733056 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 5733056 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 4183026 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 4183026, to the plants of soybean 4183026, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 4183026 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 4183026 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from soybean variety 4183026, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 4183026 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 4183026 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 3233021 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 3233021, to the plants of soybean 3233021, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 3233021 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 3233021 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from soybean variety 3233021, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 3233021 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 3233021 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 4353363. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 4353363. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 4353363 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 4353363 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.

Abstract: An inbred maize line, designated PH3AV, the plants and seeds of inbred maize line PH3AV, methods for producing a maize plant, either inbred or hybrid, produced by crossing the inbred maize line PH3AV with itself or with another maize plant, and hybrid maize seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line PH3AV with another maize line or plant and to methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic maize plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PH3AV, to methods for producing other inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PH3AV and to the inbred maize lines derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated I062696. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety I062696, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety I062696 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety I062696 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety I062696.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated I211988. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety I211988, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety I211988 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety I211988 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety I211988.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV581832. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV581832, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV581832 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV581832 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV581832.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated I208993. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety I208993, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety I208993 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety I208993 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety I208993.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated I090378. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety I090378, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety I090378 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety I090378 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety I090378.

Abstract: A novel inbred maize line designated PHDRW and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing inbred maize line PHDRW with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHDRW through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the inbred line PHDRW or a trait conversion of PHDRW with another maize line. Inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PHDRW, methods for producing other inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PHDRW and the inbred maize lines and their parts derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: An automatic musical instrument includes a tine, a rotor, an actuatable arm, and a rotatable cam. The tine emits an audible sound when vibrated. The rotor has plural picks extending radially outwardly therefrom, and the actuatable arm is disposed to displace the rotor when the actuator arm is pivoted between a normal position and an actuated position. The rotatable cam has at least one protrusion extending outwardly from a surface thereof, and is disposed to contact a pick on the rotor when the rotor is displaced by the actuatable arm. The contact of the rotating cam with the pick of the rotor further displaces the rotor, causing a pick on the rotor to vibrate the tine, emitting the audible sound.

Abstract: A supporting stand includes a base, a connection joint having a connection hole, a supporting rod connected to the connection joint, a compressible spring mounted on a free end of the supporting rod and a conical covering movably mounted on top of the supporting rod to sandwich the compressible spring therebetween such that the conical covering is able to adapt to and extend into musical instrument of different dimensions.

Abstract: A dual foot pedal system operates on a bass drum with a beat having a different rhythm. The first foot pedal operates on the drum by a direct transmission from the pedal to the surface of the drum. The second foot pedal has a mechanism thereon that changes the relative position of the travel between the cantilevered hammer heads to obtain a difference of a beat on the drum. The difference is achieved by a driven disc which is operated by the second foot pedal stepped upon by the individual drummer. There is a floating disc adjacent to the driven disc adjustably connected to the driven disc which changes the length of time of the second cantilevered hammer head to travel to an impact on the drum relative to the impact obtained by the first foot pedal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a user configurable computer interface for managing inventory. The interface provides a list, generated according to a user-defined organization. The list includes both owned and un-owned items and provides a means for sampling and purchasing the un-owned items directly from the list. The present invention contemplates a user interface for managing an entertainment play lists such as music play lists, video play lists etc. In addition the present invention contemplates management of vehicle maintenance and goods such as groceries, toys, or books.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument internally stores automatic performance data. The electronic musical instrument reads automatic performance data to perform an automatic performance, while incrementing melody tone pitch data contained in the automatic performance data. The electronic musical instrument obtains a valve state signal from an operated state of a plurality of performance operators. The electronic musical instrument automatically generates pitch data corresponding to a pitch of a voice on the basis of the melody tone pitch data. The electronic musical instrument extracts tone pitch candidates on the basis of the valve state signal, and determines a tone pitch in accordance with the automatically generated pitch data and the tone pitch candidates. The timing at which the determined tone pitch matches the melody tone pitch data is regarded as the timing to increment the melody tone pitch data.

Abstract: A solar generator panel includes at least one reflector for reflecting solar radiation onto at least one photovoltaic cell. The reflector takes the form of a flexible material blade, a first end of which is fixed to the panel and a second end of which remains free. The material has mechanical properties such that, in a first position, in the absence of vertical pressure, it maintains itself erect so that its free end points to outer space, thereby defining an upper face that faces outer space and an opposite lower face that faces the panel, and, in a second position, in response to vertical pressure, it orients its upper face toward the plane of the panel. One particular application is to high-power solar panels for satellites.

Abstract: A shell body assembly structure includes a first shell body, a second shell body and a frame. A plurality of fixing portions is projectively disposed at the peripheral edge of the first shell body. A locking point is formed on each of the fixing portions. The second shell body has a plurality of holes corresponding to the locking points to lock the locking points so that the first shell body and the second shell body can be locked together. A plurality of openings corresponding to the fixing portions is disposed at the peripheral edge of the frame. A locking hook is formed on each of the opening. When the locking point is pressed down, the fixing portion can be pushed away and then locked with the locking hook, thereby separating the first shell body and the second shell body.

Abstract: The invention provides in a preferred embodiment an electronic component comprising a first conductive layer, a non-conductive layer and a second conductive layer. A hole is etched through the non-conductive layer. A nanotube, which is provided in said hole, links the first conductive layer to the second conductive layer in a conductive manner.

Abstract: A circuit board assembly that makes use of a low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) substrate, and a process for producing the assembly. The substrate contains at least first and second regions formed by a plurality of first ceramic layers and at least one second ceramic layer, respectively, that are superimposed and bonded to each other. Conductor lines are present on at least some of the first ceramic layers so as to be between adjacent pairs of the layers. Electrically-conductive vias electrically interconnect the conductor lines on different first ceramic layers, and a surface-mount IC device is mounted to the substrate. The first ceramic layers are formed of electrically-nonconductive materials, while the one or more second ceramic layers contain thermally-conductive particles dispersed in a matrix of electrically-non-conductive materials, such that the one or more second ceramic layers are more thermally conductive than the first ceramic layers.

Abstract: To provide a component mounting substrate and a component mounting structure which absorb stresses caused by impact or by the difference in the thermal extension coefficient between substrate and component, without increasing the required accuracy in soldering the substrate and the component together. The substrate, which is to be mounted with a component having one or more solder joints via which the component is connected to the substrate, has a depressed part thereof formed on its component side, on which one or more electrodes are provided to be closely joined with the solder joints. The depressed part is filled with a filling material with rigidity different from that of a material making up the substrate body, such that the filling material is flush or almost flush with the surface of the component side of the substrate.

Abstract: A system and method for placing an electro-optical assembly inside a panel. In accordance with various embodiments of the invention, the system includes a housing to house the electro-optical assembly. The housing comprises a top section, a bottom section, a front element, an attachment module, and a metallic plate. A latching unlatching mechanism facilitates removal of the hosing from the panel. The electro-optical assembly provides EMI shielding.

Abstract: A switch device includes a operation body, a membrane switch pushed by the operation body, and plural push switches activated by pushing the operation body via the membrane switch. The membrane switch includes plural contact switches electrically connected upon being pushed by the operation body. The switch device is activated easily without operating errors.

Abstract: A float switch system for limiting to desirable levels current and energy entering a tank of combustible liquid comprises: a float switch disposed within the tank; an interface circuit external to the tank and coupled through wiring to the float switch; a passive transient suppression circuit coupled to the wiring external and in proximity to the tank, and operative to limit current and energy entering the tank over the wiring to the desirable levels; and a control circuit coupled to the float switch through the transient suppression circuit and to the interface circuit, the control circuit operative to monitor the status of the float switch with current within the desirable current level and to energize the interface circuit based on the switch status.

Abstract: As a key sheet for fixing a base sheet and key tops to be arranged on the base sheet using adhesive layers, a key sheet where the key tops and the base sheet are fixed, is obtained by forming printed adhesive layers of the key tops on facing surfaces of at least either of the key tops or the base sheet by means of printing, and then bringing the printed adhesive layer into contact with the other facing surfaces in a softened or molten state, and by curing the printed adhesive layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for the removal of waste heat and material during laser cutting of a hollow workpiece by a laser beam includes a duct with external dimensions that permit insertion of at least a portion of the duct within the hollow workpiece, a chamber within the duct for receiving the laser beam, and an opening in an outer surface of the duct for admitting the laser beam into the chamber. The apparatus further includes a first inlet in the duct for supplying a liquid to the chamber, a second inlet in the duct for supplying a gas to the chamber, and a nozzle adapted for supplying a mixture of the liquid and the gas to the chamber.

Abstract: A laser peening apparatus is available for laser peening a hidden surface of a workpiece, the hidden surface not being line-of-sight accessible to laser energy for treatment thereof. The apparatus includes a pulsed laser system and a laser directing unit. The pulsed laser system is configured for generating the laser energy used for laser peening. The laser directing unit operatively receives and channels the laser energy generated by the pulsed laser system. The laser directing unit includes a laser transmission end and is capable of variably and selectively positioning that laser transmission end. The laser directing unit is thereby configured for variably and selectively directing laser energy upon the hidden surface via the laser transmission end.

Abstract: An improved TIG welding torch with a gas nozzle surrounding the fixed electrode and using a high frequency generator remote from the torch to selectively create a short burst of high frequency, high voltage to start or sustain an arc wherein a conductive layer is affixed to the gas nozzle and a conductor grounds the layer and provides shielding that drastically reduces high frequency radiation.

Abstract: A heat transfer material comprised of a polymeric material and a nitride or oxide is provided and is thermally conductive, but electrically non-conductive. The polymeric material may be silicone rubber, and the nitride or oxide may be aluminum nitride, boron nitride, silicon nitride, aluminum oxide or beryllium oxide. The material is made flexible by adding plasticizer and remains flexible after an extended period of use. A dielectric jacket for an electrical heating cable is thermally conductive and remains flexible so that it can be reused. The heat transfer material can be used on heating devices such as steam tubes and panels, where the heat transfer material does not bond to or adhere to the heated surface, which allows the heating device to be reused.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamically focusing an imaging mechanism on a moving target surface having a variable geometry is herein disclosed. Apparatus for focusing an imaging mechanism may include an objective, a prism, or another optical device that forms part of an optical train of an imaging mechanism, a sensor for measuring a distance to the target surface, and a mechanism for modifying the depth of focus of the objective, prism or other optical device. Data from the sensor may be used to create a predictive model of the target surface. Data from the sensor is also used to fit or correlate the generated model to an exemplary target. Data from the correlated model is used to drive the mechanism for modifying the depth of focus of the objective, prism, or other optical device to maintain the surface of the exemplary target in focus.

Abstract: Method and system for generating electromagnetic radiation wherein one or more attributes of the electromagnetic radiation are adjusted based on a characteristic of the object being illuminated. The object characteristic can be obtained based on a sensed property of the object and used to adjust the attribute(s) of the electromagnetic radiation accordingly.

Abstract: An solid state image pickup device including a plurality of photoelectric conversion regions (PD1, PD2) for generating carriers by photoelectric conversions to accumulate the generated carriers, an amplifying unit for amplifying the carriers, being commonly provided to at least two photoelectric conversion regions, a first and a second transfer units (Tx-MOS1, Tx-MOS2) for transferring the carriers accumulated in the first and the second photoelectric conversion regions, respectively, a first and a second carrier accumulating units (Cs1, Cs2) for accumulating the carriers flowing out from the first and the second photoelectric conversion regions through a first and a second fixed potential barriers, respectively, and a third and a fourth transfer units (Cs-MOS1, Cs-MOS2) for transferring the carriers accumulated in the first and the second carrier accumulating units to the amplifying unit, respectively.

Abstract: Dynamic range of a differential pixel is enhanced by injecting, synchronously or asynchronously, a compensating offset (?COMP) into a differential signal capacitor whenever magnitude of the differential signal across the capacitor exceeds a predetermined value. Positive and negative magnitudes of ?COMP need not be equal. The number (N) of ?COMP offsets made is counted. Effective differential signal capacitor voltage V(t)=Vo±N·?COMP, where Vo is capacitor voltage. In other embodiments magnitude of ?COMP in a sequence of compensations can differ, and the sum total of compensations in recorded. Differential pixel signal/noise ratio is increased by dynamically maximizing operational amplifier gain AG for each differential pixel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to various optical elements, related manufacturing methods and systems incorporating the optical elements. In at least one embodiment an optical element is provided that improves a vision systems capability to accurately measure a spectral characteristic of a distant light source.

Abstract: An absolute encoder employs multiple sub-encoders of different resolutions and a linking algorithm for combining the sub-encoder outputs to form an accurate, high-resolution position estimate. The sub-encoders can utilize edge modulation of a main grating track, sloped patterns of successively higher periods, and other types of scale patterns. The sub-encoders can also use a variety of detector types suitable for the patterns being used. In one linking approach, pairs of tracks are linked together successively by applying a phase shift to the coarser track and then combining it with the finer track such that the transitions of the coarse track estimates become aligned with those of the finer track, whereupon the values can be combined to form a linked position estimate. In another approach, beat tracks are calculated from physical tracks of similar period, and the beat tracks are used as the coarser tracks in the linking process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maintaining a desired position of a collimated light beam are provided. An optical system includes one or more passive optical elements movably positioned in the beam path. Beam position is responsive to movement of at least one of the passive optical elements. The actual position of the beam is detected and compared with the desired beam position. An error signal is generated and the beam path is altered responsive to movement of one or more of the passive optical elements. In further aspects, beam shaping optics, such diffractive optics, are provided to shape the sensed beam portion. In still other aspects, thermal conditions of the laser may be monitored and a thermal map is provided to automatically compensate for estimated beam drift due to thermal conditions.

Abstract: A housing 200 for securing a photo sensor 405 where the housing includes a lower body 211 configured to selectively engage a base 203 at one of a multiplicity of angular rotations relative to the base and an upper body 209 configured to hold the photo sensor. In various embodiments, a locking member 205 is disposed, e.g., within a slot 417 in the lower body, and configured to secure the housing to the base in the one of the multiplicity of angular rotations. A corresponding method of providing and aligning a sensor housing is described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for regenerating ion samples for a mass spectrometer are provided. Source samples are loaded on a support which is heated by a laser beam, desorbing the sample without ionization. The desorbed sample is carried by a carrier gas flow through a transfer tube, at the output of which it is ionized by corona discharge or photo-ionization. The obtained ionized sample may be analyzed in a mass spectrometer or used to serve any other appropriate purpose.

Abstract: An oil quality sensor apparatus includes a housing that includes an oil flow path through which oil flows through the housing. One or more photo-detectors can be provided in association and a plurality of light-emitting devices located within the housing and proximate to the oil flow path. At least one light-emitting device among the plurality of light-emitting devices is sensitive to large particulates associated with the oil and at least one other light-emitting device among the plurality of light-emitting devices is sensitive to small particulates associated with the oil to thereby provide an indication of differences among particulates associated with the oil.

Abstract: Scanning Transmission Ion Microscope. The microscope includes a bright helium ion source to generate an ion beam and a focusing electrostatic optical column to focus the ion beam. A translation stage supports a sample to receive the focused ion beam and a detector responds to ions transmitted through the sample to generate a signal from which properties of the sample may be displayed.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for operating a thermal imaging camera for selective temperature imaging, and a thermal imaging system having a selective temperature imaging mode. When first entering the selective temperature imaging mode of operation, the system and method automatically determine the hottest area in a scene and display it in a predetermined hue. The remainder of the scene is displayed in grayscale. The method and system allow further adjustment of the set point of the selective temperature imaging mode, and display portions of the scene as hot as or hotter than the set point value in gradient shades of the predetermined hue.

Abstract: A motion detector comprises a housing having a front side and a back side. Conductors are disposed on the back side so as to electrically connect to a wiring module installed within an electrical box. An infrared (IR) sensor is mounted within the housing and configured to receive IR radiation focused from a lens disposed on the front side. The IR sensor generates a sensor signal in response to motion across the field-of-view of the lens. A controller is responsive to the sensor signal so as to generate a switch signal. A relay is responsive to the switch signal so as to switch an electrical power source connecting to an electrical power load via the conductors and the wiring module.

Abstract: A radiation detection device, system, and method for use in homeland security is disclosed. The device is portable and includes a photomultiplier tube (PMT) connected to an end of a substantially rigid thin-walled aluminum tube. Inside the aluminum tube, a substantially straight scintillating fiber is disposed (so as to be shielded from ambient light), and an end of the scintillating fiber is optically coupled to the PMT. A voltage output signal from the PMT is signal-processed with a filter to remove high-frequency noise (which may arise from solar radiation spikes) and fed to a voltage-responsive alarm or signalling device. The portable device is employed, for example, by responders to nuclear incidents and is packaged as a small wearable hands-free and eyes-free unit with a continuous in-use self-testing feature.

Abstract: Provided are new methods for enhancing the selection of true (T) annihilation events relative to the inclusion of true scattered (TS) and random (R) annihilation events in PET tomographs and thereby improving the sensitivity and/or resolution of PET scanners. The methods include reconstruction of Compton scattering interactions in the ?-ray detectors for determining the angles of incidence of the ?-rays received at the detectors and may utilize ?-ray polarization effects and electron recoil data associated with positron annihilation and Compton scattering. The use of the ?-ray polarization effects provides an improved ability for selecting data corresponding to T events while simultaneously suppressing data corresponding to TS and R events during PET applications.