Methods and apparatus for reducing spectral artifacts in a computed tomography (CT) system (10) are described. In one embodiment, the CT system (10) includes a plurality of multislice detector modules (20), a detector housing (50) and a collimator (62) adjacent the detector modules (20). Each detector module (20) is mounted to the detector housing (50) and includes a scintillator array (56). The c...

Methods and apparatus for dose reduction in a computed tomography (CT) system are described. In one embodiment, the CT system includes a pre-patient collimator (52) and a configurable multislice detector array (18). The pre-patient collimator (52) includes a plurality of eccentric cams (82A and 82B) and a filtration device (86) for altering the x-ray beam (16) radiated from a x-ray source (14). Th...

The present invention, in one form, is a system (10) which, in one embodiment, utilizes signals from a detector array (18) to verify system dose. More specifically, the detector array signal intensities are used to determine image noise and a collimator aperture to verify an x-ray dosage. Particularly, in one embodiment, the signals intensities from the detector array (18) are used to determine th...

A scalable multislice system (10) configured to generate multiple streams of image data with different image quality characteristics prospectively and simultaneously is described. Such capability enables improving existing clinical diagnosis and also enables use of clinical application protocol driven method for image reconstruction and display as well as image analysis. More specifically, with th...

The present invention, in one form, is an imaging system (10) which, in one embodiment, utilizes a filter assembly (92) including a plurality of filter portions (100 and 102) for altering the intensity and quality of an x-ray beam (16). Specifically, in one embodiment, by positioning the filter assembly (92) so that the x-ray beam (16) is filtered by the first portion (100) of the filter assembly ...

Scalable multislice systems which, in one embodiment, includes a scalable multi-slice detector (16), a scalable data acquisition system (SDAS) (42), scalable scan management, control, and image reconstruction processes, and scalable image display and analysis, are described. More specifically, and in an exemplary embodiment, the system includes a host computer (24) coupled to a monitor (user inter...

The invention provides sponges (foams) produced from hydrocolloids by the expansion of gels of these. The foams have properties which can be varied, such as water absorption, biodegradibility, pore size and structure. Edible products can be produced which may contain an edible plasticizer, a sugar or sugar substitute and possibly also a flavoring agent or taste enhancer. The novel sponges are prod...

A method of determining an orientation of a body. The method includes the steps of measuring an acceleration of the body in a first direction, measuring an acceleration of the body in a second direction different from the first direction, the first direction and the second direction defining a plane. Measuring an acceleration perpendicular to the plane in a coordinate system rotating about an axis...

A POS terminal determines an upsell to offer in exchange for the change due to a customer in connection with a purchase. The point-of-sale terminal preferably maintains a database of at least one upsell price and a corresponding upsell to offer a customer in exchange for the change due to him. If the customer accepts the upsell, the cashier so indicates by pressing a selection button on the POS te...

An inexpensive processless method using a laser plotter for producing photomasks which are useful in other pre-press processes such as the preparation of offset plates and silk screens. The method provides additional uses for expensive plotters, and is useful in creating pre-press proof-reading for digitally imaged flexography plates. In a preferred embodiment, exposed conventional negative film w...

A method of evaluating optimum risk financing for risk associated contingencies. The method assembles input data relating to the contingency and processes that data to calculate by actuarial processing for any value of retained risk, a value of premium, retained risk cost and aggregate stop. The method then identifies the optimum set of values.

A sealing device for sealing non-circular, in particular polygonal, for example tetragonal, hexagonal, octagonal or elliptical, container openings comprises one or a plurality of induction loops (11, 38, 41) for sealing purposes. Containers (2) comprise joined-on closure devices (3) with sealing discs (15) joined onto a sealing edge (14) of the container opening. The induction loops (11, 38, 41) a...

A multilayer composite tubular structure for use as a stent in surgical procedures has an outer layer of biocompatible material, a middle layer of radiopaque material, and an inner layer of biocompatible material. The layers are metallurgically bonded, to form a composite stent which is ductile and permits large deformation without delamination between the biocompatible and radiopaque layers. The ...

The connecting component or the connecting fitting (1) comprises at least one locking element which can be shifted-in and shifted-out radially to the longitudinal axis (14) of the fitting (1). The locking element is, for example, connected as a wing (7) via a hinge (22) with the fitting (1) or forms an additional element. On the inside face (10) of the locking element (7) are disposed a multiplici...

An apparatus is described that includes an optical disk, adapted to be read by an optical reader, comprising a first sector having substantially self-contained assay means for localizing an analyte suspected of being in a sample to at least one, predetermined location in the first sector and a second sector containing control means for conducting the assay and analyte location information, with re...

The present invention relates to a directing and compression instrument intended to be used at hip prosthesis surgery, whereby it comprises a central, suitably cylindrical, rod (1), a directing unit (2) being arranged and lockable to said rod as well as being disposable in a longitudinal direction along said rod, a handle (5) arranged at one end of said rod (1) which handle is arranged to transmit...

The present invention relates to a directing and compression instrument intended to be used at hip prosthesis surgery, whereby it comprises a central, suitably cylindrical, rod (1), a directing unit (2) being arranged and lockable to said rod as well as being disposable in a longitudinal direction along said rod, a handle (5) arranged at one end of said rod (1) which handle is arranged to transmit...

The preferred embodiments described herein relate to a multi-purpose hand-held device. Some of the preferred embodiments describe a multipurpose hand-held implement comprising first and second members connected together to move between a first position, in which they form together an elongated body, and a second position. In one preferred embodiment, a multi-purpose hand-held device is described c...

A shaving razor is provided which comprises a handle having handle connecting structure, and a replaceable cartridge comprising a blade unit, and cartridge connecting structure connecting said blade unit to said handle connecting structure by movement along a connection axis, said blade unit being pivotally connected to said cartridge connecting structure, said cartridge connecting structure inclu...