Abstract: A multiple working range scanner includes a collection mirror which is segmented, with each segment having differing optical properties, such as focal length, optical axis, and so on. Differing segments or combinations of segments deal with reflected light received at differing working ranges, and direct it to a photodetector. In another embodiment, beam shaping may be applied to an astigmatic laser beam, for example by means of a part-concave mirror, to create an x waist in the beam which is further from the scanner than the y waist. This provides enhanced performance when the scanner is used on a bar code symbol which is not accurately aligned. In order to provide improved optical alignment within a bar code scanner, the collection mirror may be adjustable both in the x direction and in the y direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the measurement of force variation in a tire (20) being tested on a tire uniformity machine. The apparatus includes a loadwheel assembly (500) including a rotatable loadwheel (510) connected to load sensors (530, 540) for detecting forces imposed on the loadwheel (510) by a tire (20) being tested. Vibration sensors (700, 702, 704) are associated with the loadwheel assembly (500) for detecting vibrations in the loadwheel (510) caused by forces other than the forces applied by the tire (20). Means is provided for subtracting the vibration induced forces from the tire (20) imposed forces in order to provide more precise tire uniformity data. The vibration sensors (700, 702, 704) which comprise accelerometers are used to determine vibration induced forces in the lateral and radial direction with respect to the loadwheel (510).

Abstract: An ion beam implanter includes an ion beam source for generating an ion beam moving along a beam line and a vacuum implantation chamber wherein a workpiece is positioned to intersect the ion beam for ion implantation of a surface of the workpiece by the ion beam. The ion beam implanter further includes a workpiece support structure coupled to the implantation chamber and supporting the workpiece. The workpiece support structure includes a chuck including a rotatable pedestal for supporting the workpiece.

Abstract: An ion beam implanter includes an ion beam source for generating an ion beam moving along a beam line and an implantation chamber wherein a workpiece is positioned to intersect the ion beam for ion implantation of a surface of the workpiece by the ion beam. The ion beam implanter further includes a workpiece support structure coupled to the implantation chamber and supporting the workpiece. The workpiece support structure includes a first rotation member rotatably coupled to the implantation chamber and including an opening extending through the rotation member and aligned with an opening in a wall of the implantation chamber. The workpiece support structure further includes a second rotation member rotatably coupled to the first rotation member and having an axis of rotation offset from an axis of rotation of the first rotation member, the second rotation member overlying the opening of the first rotation member.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of tuning a plurality of electrostatic quadrupoles used for focusing an ion beam implanter. The steps of the method include: classifying the plurality of electrostatic quadrupoles into one of a predetermined number of groups, and for each of the predetermined number of groups, tuning the quadrupoles in the group by iteratively substituting values for a voltage ton be applied to each of the quadrupoles in the group using a multi-variable heuristic algorithm and concurrently measuring final beam current measured downstream of the ion accelerator to determine a set of applied voltage values that maximize the final beam current among those applied voltage values tested and utilizing the set of applied voltage values to tune the quadrupoles in the group. If the resulting ion beam is suitable, utilizing the determined applied voltages to tune the quadrupoles.

Abstract: A power operated knife including a blade supporting structure supporting an annular blade for rotation about a central axis. The blade and blade supporting structure are engagable along bearing contact locations that are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the axis so that the blade is stabilized both radially and axially as the knife operates. The blade supporting structure comprises a split blade housing member that is radially expandible and contractible to receive the blade. The split blade housing member and blade engage along relatively short lines of bearing contact that serve to minimize friction and blade heating when the knife operates. The bearing locations are spaced apart both circumferentially around the blade perimeter and in the direction of the axis so that the blade position is stabilized during operation of the knife.

Abstract: A water treatment system having a reverse osmosis unit (14) includes a storage tank (40) having an outer tank housing (42) that encloses an expandable bladder (50). A pressurized region (62) is defined between the outside of the bladder (50) and inside of the housing(42). A control valve assembly (44) controls communication of source water under pressure to pressurizing region (62) and communicates the region (62) with a drain (22). The assembly (44) includes a pilot valve (70) that is responsive to a state of dispensing and includes a valve element (76) that moves between a first dispensing position and a second non-dispensing position.

Abstract: A disclosed storage apparatus comprises a cupboard body and a lifting arrangement. The lifting arrangement is mounted on a wall or other fixture and selectively moves the cupboard body between a raised position adjacent the wall or fixture and a lowered position outward from the wall or fixture. Shelves are arranged in the storage cupboard to remain at a constant alignment irrespective of the alignment of the cupboard body.

Abstract: A keyboard and mouse support includes a keyboard support body and a mouse support. The keyboard support body includes a throughpassage that passes through the support body and opens on opposite sides of the support body. The keyboard support body also defines a support surface configured to accommodate a keyboard. A back side of the keyboard support includes a back wall defining an arcuate slotted document holder and a pair of passageways for receiving a keyboard cord. A moveable mouse support fits within a portion of the throughpassage of the support and extends outwardly from the support to define left and right hand mouse support surfaces. The mouse support includes an upwardly protruding elongated bead spaced inwardly from a rearward edge of the mouse support. The bead prevents a mouse placed on either of the two mouse support surfaces from sliding off the back edge of the mouse support if the mouse support is inclined at a negative angle.

Abstract: An ion beam implanter includes an ion beam source for generating an ion beam moving along a beam line and a vacuum or implantation chamber wherein a workpiece is positioned to intersect the ion beam for ion implantation of a surface of the workpiece by the ion beam. The ion beam implanter further includes a workpiece support structure coupled to the implantation chamber and supporting the workpiece. The workpiece support structure includes a rotation member rotatably affixed to the implantation chamber. Rotation of the rotation member with respect to the implantation chamber changes an implantation angle of the workpiece with respect to the portion of the ion beam beam line within the implantation chamber. The workpiece support structure further includes a translation member disposed within the implantation chamber, movably coupled to the rotation member and supporting the workpiece for linear movement along a path of travel. The translation member includes a linear motor.

Abstract: A dual scale gauge, such as a speedometer, for a motor vehicle. The gauge includes a mechanical indicator, an overlay, a first light source, and a second light source. The mechanical indicator moves in response to a sensed condition of the motor vehicle. The overlay is positioned behind the indicator. The overlay includes first and second scales that are only visible when illuminated. The first light source illuminates the first scale when the gauge is operated in a first mode. The second light source illuminates the second scale when the gauge is operated in a second mode.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing alternate current paths to a junction through different sets of gate controlled SCRs coupled to the junction. The method starts with the step of initiating a switch from an active set of SCRs to an inactive set by removing a gate signal from two parallel connected, opposite sense current carrying SCRs which in combination carry AC current in either direction. Removal of the gating signal is often initiated, for example, in response to an indication that one alternating current source is faulty so that a switch to a second source is initiated. Current is then sensed through the two SCRs of the active set to determine a current carrying state for each of those two SCRs. After the state of the current carrying SCRs is determined the current carrying state of the SCRs is confirmed during a delay time period.