Abstract: A vertically stacked air impingement tunnel oven including a plurality of baking cases having vertically aligned food ports; an electronically controlled heater system connected to the baking cases, the heater system being adapted for heating selected groups of baking cases, the heater system including a plurality of on/off switches which are correspondingly electrically connected for actuating the heating of the selected baking cases; an exhaust hood and exhaust fan having an inlet over the food ports; and a first electronic motor drive system connected operatively to the exhaust fan, and being adapted for rotating the exhaust fan a rotation speed among a plurality of preset rotation speeds, the drive system including the plurality of on/off switches which are further electrically connected for simultaneously actuating the exhaust fan at rotation speeds corresponding with the selected baking case group.

Abstract: A chuck for a plasma processor comprises a temperature-controlled base, a thermal insulator, a flat support, and a heater. The temperature-controlled base has a temperature below the desired temperature of a workpiece. The thermal insulator is disposed over the temperature-controlled base. The flat support holds a workpiece and is disposed over the thermal insulator. A heater is embedded within the flat support and/or disposed on an underside of the flat support. The heater includes a plurality of heating elements that heat a plurality of corresponding heating zones. The power supplied and/or temperature of each heating element is controlled independently.

Abstract: Direct current power gained by photovoltaic cells can be used for heating water in a boiler. Simple installation allows use for domestic or industrial purposes, with a minimal impact to building construction. At the time of lack of sunlight intensity, water heating is provided by gas, or other heating source, or by use of a heating coil supplied by alternating current for that heating. When sunlight intensity is high, the photovoltaic cells of the present invention can be used alone. However, the source of the direct current has to be properly dimensioned in dependence on the volume of the boiler. An output 1 kWh of the source of the direct current gained by photovoltaic cells can be used to heat water of a volume of 100 L.

Abstract: A layered heater is provided that comprises at least one resistive layer defining a circuit configuration, the circuit configuration comprising at least one resistive trace oriented relative to a heating target and comprising a material having temperature coefficient characteristics such that the resistive trace provides power commensurate with demands of the heating target. In one form, resistive traces of the resistive layer are a PTC material having a relatively high TCR and are oriented approximately perpendicular to a primary heating direction. In another form, resistive traces of the resistive layer are an NTC material having a relatively high BETA coefficient and are oriented approximately parallel to a primary heating direction.

Abstract: A method for forming a longitudinal subsurface heater includes longitudinally welding an electrically conductive sheath of an insulated conductor heater along at least one longitudinal strip of metal. The longitudinal strip is formed into a tubular around the insulated conductor heater with the insulated conductor heater welded along the inside surface of the tubular.

Abstract: An induction heating apparatus for heating a traveling metal plate includes an induction coil for surrounding the metal plate. The induction coil includes an upper induction coil for being located above the metal plate and a lower induction coil for being located below the metal plate. The upper and lower induction coils are spaced from each other in a longitudinal direction of the metal plate a constant distance across a transverse direction of the metal plate. Each of the upper induction coil and the lower induction coil is arranged obliquely at an edge area of the metal plate so as to form an oblique angle with the transverse direction of the metal plate.

Abstract: An RF generator power supply comprises a first switched mode power supply (SMPS) connected in series to a second SMPS by a DC bus. A capacitor is arranged between the outputs of the first SMPS and inputs of the second SMPS to act as a smoothing capacitor for the first SMPS and to supply pulse energy to the second SMPS. The second SMPS has an output connected to an input of a step-up transformer and an output of the step-up transformer is connected to an input of a rectifier connectable to the RF generator. An input of the first SMPS is connectable to a prime power supply to maintain a high power factor with low harmonic content while setting an operating voltage and peak current level for the RF generator. The second SMPS is arranged to feed the step-up transformer and is arranged to operate with a variable duty cycle and/or variable frequency to provide average power control of the RF generator. The second SMPS is rapidly switched off on detection of a power surge through the RF generator.

Abstract: A system and method for rapid aiming and firing of weapons and defensive countermeasures against rocket-propelled grenades or other ballistic devices suitable for use on aircraft, ground vehicles, and ships.

Abstract: The present invention provides a position control system for a remote-controlled vehicle, a vehicle operated by the control system, and a method for operating a remote-controlled vehicle. An electromagnetic energy receiver is configured to receive an electromagnetic beam. The electromagnetic energy receiver is further configured to determine a position of the remote-controlled vehicle relative to a position of the electromagnetic beam. The vehicle is directed to maneuver to track the position of the electromagnetic beam.

Abstract: A vehicle for launching from a gas gun having a housing; preferably incorporating a precessional attitude control system; and utilizing a flared base, fins, or active use of the attitude control system during passage through the atmosphere. Subtly canting the fins can produce desired spinning of the vehicle. The propulsion system can employ liquid, hybrid, or solid fuel. A removable aero-shell assists atmospheric flight with thermal protection being provided by anticipated ablation, an ablative aero-spike, or transpirational cooling. And a releasable sabot enhances the effectiveness of the launch.

Abstract: A jitter sensing mechanism for a gimbaled optical sensor system. In one example, the jitter sensing mechanism includes a faceted retro-mirror configured to allow a double-pass line-of-sight monitoring beam to sense line-of-sight jitter in a multi-axis gimbaled optical sensor system where the inner-most gimbal axis includes a 2:1 gain mirror.

Abstract: The terrestrial solar tracking photovoltaic array includes a longitudinal support that may be constructed of discrete sections. The overall length of the array may be adjusted depending upon the necessary size of the array. A drive may be configured to rotate the longitudinal support in first and second directions about a first axis. Solar cell modules are positioned along the longitudinal support and may each include a rectangular case with a plurality of lenses that are positioned over corresponding receivers. Linkages may be connected to the solar cell modules and are axially movable along the longitudinal support to rotate the solar cell modules within second planes that each orthogonal to the first plane to further track the sun during the course of the day. The array may be configured to facilitate rotation about the first axis. The array may be constructed with a center of gravity of the array to extending through the longitudinal support.

Abstract: A lighting system including fixture lamps, e.g., ceiling mounted, and movable light sources, e.g., task lamps. The task lamps include illuminance sensors arranged to detect ambient light including light emitted by one or more fixture lamps and available daylight. Control data is generated based at least in part on the illuminance data. The resulting control data is transmitted from the task lamp to a fixture lamp and a window system so that it can be used to control the amount of light emitted by the fixture lamp and amount of daylight transmitted through the window system. This arrangement allows daylight harvesting while ensuring that the amount of light provided to workspaces (at which task lamps are located) is satisfactory.

Abstract: An inspection system includes a CMOS integrated circuit having integrally formed thereon an at least two dimensional array of photosensors and providing an inspection output representing an object to be inspected. A defect analyzer is operative to receive the inspection output and to provide a defect report.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods to sense proximity and to detect light. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an emitter of electromagnetic radiation and a detector of electromagnetic radiation; the detector has a sensor to detect electromagnetic radiation from the emitter when sensing proximity, and to detect electromagnetic radiation from a source other than the emitter when sensing visible light. The emitter may be disabled at least temporarily to allow the detector to detect electromagnetic radiation from a source other than the emitter, such as ambient light. In one implementation, the ambient light is measured by measuring infrared wavelengths. Also, a fence having a non-IR transmissive material disposed between the emitter and the detector to remove electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter. Other apparatuses and methods and data processing systems and machine readable media are also described.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for a source for a heralded single photon comprising a correlated photon-pair generator that provides bursts of multiple photon pairs that may be odd or even in number of pairs, one of each pair having a first but not a second characteristic and the other of each pair having the second but not the first characteristic; a first optical path for photons of pairs having the first characteristic; a second optical path for photons of pairs having the second characteristic; a two-photon absorber in the first optical path that, for each burst of photons, reduces the number of first characteristic photons in the first path to zero or one, depending on whether the number of photon pairs in the burst is even or odd; a photon detector in the second path having a heralding signal output to indicate when the number of photons in the burst is odd; and an optical switch coupled to the output of the second optical path and connected to operate in response to the heralding signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor arrangement for scanning a scanning area (16, 36) comprising a scanner (10, 30, 42, 54) that generates a scanning field (12) which is defined between two legs spaced from each other by a scanning angle (A), and which scanner is adapted to control at least one blocking means (18, 38, 50) for a passageway (32, 56), said passageway (32, 56) being delimited at least in its horizontal extension. The invention is characterized in that a scanner (10, 30, 42, 54) is mounted at a distance, as viewed in the passage direction (14), from the passageway (32, 56) and thus also from the controlled blocking means (18, 38, 50), and that the scanning field (12) is directed towards the passageway and extends through the passageway (32, 56).

Abstract: A multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor is provided having a casing that forms an outer shape of each of a projector and an optical receiver. The casing includes a frame body having a front face and two ends opened, a pair of caps to cover both ends of the frame body, and a light transmissive plate to cover the opened front face of the frame body 3. In the inner surfaces of both side plates of the frame body, supports are formed extending along the corresponding side edges of the opening of the front face. Both side edges of the light transmissive plate 6 are supported by the supports, and both ends thereof are supported by the caps. Portions of the caps that support the light transmissive plate 6 include communication portions to communicate with the supports of the frame body 3, and a string-like elastic member is disposed around a closed loop formed by each support and each communication portion.

Abstract: A light sensing device has a first filter to block visible light in a light path. The light sensing device also has a first color sensor and a clear sensor, to detect light in the light path after the first filter. A light intensity calculator computes a measure of the intensity of visible light in the light path, based on a difference between (a) an output signal of the first color sensor, and (b) an output signal of the clear sensor. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: There is provided an opto-electronic circuit board that includes a first board, a second board coupled with the first board via solder, where the second board is mounted with an electronic circuit and a photoelectrical conversion device, and a wall disposed between an optical coupling portion and the solder. The optical coupling portion is for optically coupling an optical waveguide with the photoelectric conversion device, where the optical waveguide is formed in the first board.

Abstract: A space-saving scanner assembly and method are disclosed. The scanner assembly can be manufactured with optical scanning components typical of flatbed scanners. The scanner may be enclosed within a housing a substantially vertical source-contact surface with a channel and a flap coupled to the source-contact surface. The flap having a source-backing surface substantially parallel to the source-contact surface of the housing and arranged such that the source-contact surface, the source-backing surface, and the channel form an opening for receiving an edge of a source document to be scanned. The housing and the flap are configured with a number of features, which permit an operator to easily place a source over a platen forming a portion of the source-contact surface. A method for operating a space-saving scanner is also presented.

Abstract: A method of measuring the temperature of a sheet material in which the sheet material is arranged such that it forms at least one side of a cavity so as to enhance the effective emissivity of the sheet material in the vicinity of the cavity.

Abstract: A method for determining a radiation dose emitted by a source of fissile material in an installation comprising a set of walls perpendicular to a horizontal plane, characterized in that it comprises the determination from descriptive geometrical data of the installation, of intersection points between a calculation line and characteristic lines formed from a set of characteristic planes perpendicular to the horizontal plane and each containing a point source representative of the source and at least one junction edge between two walls perpendicular to the source plane.

Abstract: A multi-channel source assembly for downhole spectroscopy has individual sources that generate optical signals across a spectral range of wavelengths. A combining assembly optically combines the generated signals into a combined signal and a routing assembly that splits the combined signal into a reference channel and a measurement channel. Control circuitry electrically coupled to the sources modulates each of the sources at unique or independent frequencies during operation.

Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for the detection of nuclear radiation. The system can include a tool body adapted to be deployed in a wellbore and a scintillator material that intrinsically generates radiation. The scintillator material is mounted within the tool body. A photodetection system is coupled to the scintillator material, and mounted within the tool body. Features in a spectrum associated with a scintillation material's intrinsic radioactive decay are used for the determination of one or more parameter's of the response function of the radiation detector system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described herein for the interface of an ion mobility spectrometer (IMS) to a mass spectrometer (MS) that utilizes collisional focusing, through internal modification. Commercial standalone IMS instrumentation cannot be combined in tandem with a commercially available MS that utilizes collisional focusing due to the physics of the differentially pumped interface of the MS being an unsuitable environment for an IMS measurement. The invention provides for transfer of the ion beam from the IMS to the MS without distortion of the chemical species or temporal profile due to large scale collisions in the differentially pumped interface, by increasing the electric field strength between the orifice and skimmer, and decreasing the pressure in the differentially pumped interface, thereby reducing the number of background gas collisions encountered by the ion beam during transit from the IMS to the MS.

Abstract: The amplification of secondary-electron multipliers in mass spectrometers is automatically adjusted by generating mass spectra with single ion signals, determining the average value of the peak heights of these single ion signals, and setting the amplification so that the average peak height assumes a desired nominal value. The amplification may be set via the supply voltage of the secondary-electron multiplier and can be increased or decreased by a desired factor using the known characteristic of the secondary-electron multiplier.

Abstract: A method for identifying a biological analyte that is affected by a stressor is disclosed in which two substantially identical biological samples are provided, with a first sample being a control sample and a second sample being an experimental sample. The control sample is grown with a nutrient having an isotope of a first atom, whereas the experimental sample is grown with a nutrient having a second isotope of the first atom. The experimental sample is grown with a stressing agent and regimen. The samples are admixed, and the formed composite is mass spectroscopically assayed for analyte peaks. The ratio of first isotope to second isotope is determined for the peaks, as is a sample median isotopic ratio. The ratio for assayed analyte peaks is compared with the median ratio. An analyte whose isotopic ratio significantly deviates from the median ratio is an analyte affected by the stressing agent.

Abstract: Described herein are methods that may be used related to mass spectrometry, such as mass spectrometry analysis, mass spectrometry calibration, identification of proteins/peptides by mass spectrometry and/or mass spectrometry data collection strategies. In one embodiment, the subject matter discloses a phase-modeling analysis method for identification of proteins or peptides by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: A detachable and replaceable ion source for a mass spectrometer. The ion source comprises a housing which defines an ion source chamber, an ion source mounting means complementary to mounting means on the mass spectrometer to detachably couple with the mass spectrometer. This allows movement of the housing to bring the ion source chamber into a position of use at the inlet of said mass spectrometer and to take the ion source chamber from said position of use into a retracted position. Sealing means is provided to create an air tight seal between the housing and the mass spectrometer when the ion source chamber is in its position of use. A release mechanism is provided which cooperates with the mass spectrometer to allow the said movement of said housing.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method and a device for sequentially desorbing and ionizing mixed analytes on a solid surface with a gradual temperature scan, and continuously collecting data for multiple times in the gradual desorption and ionization process. By gradually increase the temperature of at least one part of the sample, the analytes with different thermal desorption capabilities are sequentially desorbed from surfaces of the solid sample, thereby providing a sample pre-separation scheme, so as to reduce difficulties to subsequent mass spectrum detection. Meanwhile, since mass spectrum data of the analytes with different boiling points is collected for multiple times during a temperature scan, the analytes with a low boiling point can be detected first at lower temperature in order to avoid rapid exhaustion at higher temperature, thereby improving the detection efficiency of the analytes with low boiling points.

Abstract: Systems and methods for high speed mud gas logging are described. A general workflow of mud gas logging uses tandem mass spectroscopy. The workflow involves first separating the volatile components of the hydrocarbons (typically C8 and below) from the drilling fluid using a fluid extractor (or degaser). Extracted gases are then diluted in air and transported to an analyzer, which measures the concentration of each of those gases in air. A tandem mass spectroscopy-based analyzer is used that is able to quantify each of those hydrocarbon components, including resolving isomeric species, while tolerating the presence of the non-hydrocarbons. According to some embodiments, triple quadrapole mass spectroscopy is used.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for S/TEM sample preparation and analysis. Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide improved methods for TEM sample creation, especially for small geometry (<100 nm thick) TEM lamellae. A novel sample structure and a novel use of a milling pattern allow the creation of S/TEM samples as thin as 50 nm without significant bowing or warping. Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide methods to partially or fully automate TEM sample creation, to make the process of creating and analyzing TEM samples less labor intensive, and to increase throughput and reproducibility of TEM analysis.

Abstract: Methods for nanoprobing a device structure of an integrated circuit. The method may include scanning a primary charged particle beam across a first region of the device structure with at least one probe proximate to the first region and a second region of the device structure is masked from the primary charged particle beam. The method may further include collecting secondary electrons emitted from the first region of the device structure and the at least one probe to form a secondary electron image. The secondary electron image includes the first region and the at least one probe as imaged portions and the second region as a non-imaged portion. Alternatively, the second region may be scanned by the charged particle beam at a faster scan rate than the first region so that the second region is also an imaged portion of the secondary electron image.

Abstract: Techniques, apparatus and systems for obtaining tomographic images of a volume of interest by using charged particle tomography detection systems.

Abstract: A system for supplying voltage to a downhole component is disclosed. The system includes: a pyroelectric material disposed in electrical communication with the component, the component configured to be disposed within a borehole in an earth formation; and a heating unit in operable communication with the pyroelectric material and configured to change a temperature of the pyroelectric material and cause the pyroelectric material to generate a voltage to activate the component. A method of supplying voltage to a downhole component is also disclosed.

Abstract: A surface chemistry measuring apparatus includes a processor, an array of tunable infrared laser spectrometers interfacing with the processor and configured for simultaneous measurement of surface chemistry across a surface to be measured using a range of infrared wavelengths and a display interfacing with the processor and adapted to display IR spectra of infrared wavelengths reflected from the surface to be measured.

Abstract: A terahertz wave transceiver configured to generate and detect terahertz waves based on time-domain spectroscopy includes a photoconductive device having a photoconductive film, a first electrode, and a second electrode. An excitation light illumination region is formed between the first and second electrodes. A bias applying unit applies a bias between the first electrode and the second electrode to generate the terahertz wave in the excitation light illumination region. A current detection unit detects a terahertz-wave current that is a component of a current generated in the excitation light illumination region and that is generated by an electric field of a received terahertz wave arriving from the outside. A current drawing unit draws a current originating from the bias applied by the bias applying unit. An adjustment unit determines the amount of the current drawn, based on the amount of the bias applied by the bias applying unit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a proximity sensing apparatus and a method thereof. The proximity sensing apparatus comprises a panel, a first light-emitting unit, a second light-emitting unit and a sensing unit. The panel comprises a plurality of transparent areas. The first light-emitting unit is located at one side of the panel and emits a plurality of first light signals through one of the transparent areas. The second light-emitting unit is located at the same side as the first light-emitting unit of the panel and emits a plurality of second light signals through one of the transparent areas. The sensing unit is located at the same side as the first light-emitting unit of the panel and senses the reflected first light signals or the reflected second light signals reflected by an object. Wherein, the sensing unit is closer to the first light-emitting unit than to the second light-emitting unit.

Abstract: An upconverting device for a scintillation detection system is provided. The detection system comprises a scintillator material, a sensor, a light transmission path between the scintillator material and the sensor, and a plurality of upconverting nanoparticles particles positioned in the light transmission path.

Abstract: Reflective means comprising substrates, selectively reflects electromagnetic radiation whose frequency lies between 3×109 Hz and 1013 Hz, and includes, for example, a layer of high resistivity silicon, on which the radiation is arranged to be incident, and means for selectively generating charge carriers in the layer to reflect the radiation, for example, by illuminating a face of the substrate with electromagnetic radiation whose wavelength lies between 5 ?m and 100 mn in order to generate the charge carriers. The reflective means may form part of an imaging device in which a scene to be imaged is illuminated by radiation which passes through the reflective means in a coaxial arrangement, the reflected radiation being received by the reflective element while the reflective region is scanned over its entire surface, to produce a stream of radiation reflected from the scene which can be detected and used to drive a display.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radiographic imaging including, provided at an insulating substrate, sensor portions for radiation detection that generate charges due to receive radiation or light converted from radiation, first signal lines that are connected to the sensor portions for radiation detection and through which flow electric signals that correspond to the charges generated at the sensor portions for radiation detection, and second signal lines having a substantially same wiring pattern as the first signal lines. Detection of radiation is carried out on the basis of a difference between an electric signal flowing through the first signal line and an electric signal flowing through the second signal line, or a difference between values of digital data obtained by digitally converting an electric signal flowing through the first signal line and an electric signal flowing through the second signal line, respectively.

Abstract: In a radiation image capturing system, prior to radiation image capturing operation, the radiation image capturing apparatus repeats on an alternate basis, a step of reading leak data and a step of resetting each of the radiation detection elements, wherein the step of reading leak data is performed by turning off all switch units, allowing a reading circuit to perform cyclic reading operations under this condition and converting electric charge leaking out of radiation detection elements through the switch units into the leak data, thereby detecting a start of irradiation based on the leak data having been read out. The image processing apparatus analyzes a profile of image data along the extension of signal lines of the radiation image capturing apparatus, and identifies a range of the image data where a defect has occurred, whereby the image data in the identified range is corrected.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and a system of collection and analysis for in situ determination of concentrations of minerals in granular material originating from a shaft under excavation, in a continuous, non-intrusive manner in real time. According to the present invention granular material collected passes to a granular material collector, subsequently entering a reading module which determines the concentration of different materials by spectroscopic methods. The granular material collected comes from drilling dust which rises along a boring tool of an excavating bit. The concentration data of different minerals in the granular material being analysed at a given moment may be processed and transmitted to establish and/or correct logistic and operational procedures such as, for example, in an excavation or in an overall process wherein it is set.

Abstract: A medical imaging device is provided. The medical imagining device includes an object support; a handle; a radiation source configured to emit radiation from a plurality of positions about the object support, wherein the positions are located substantially in a plane; a radiation detector configured to detect the radiation emitted by the radiation source; and displacement means configured to shift the handle relative to the radiation detector and to the radiation source.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a focused electron beam imaging apparatus. The apparatus includes an electron beam column, an electron source, a gun lens, a pre-scanning deflector, a main scanning deflector, an objective lens, and a detector. The pre-scanning deflector comprises a 12-pole electrostatic deflector which is configured to controllably deflect the electron beam away from the optical axis of the electron beam column. Another embodiment relates to a method of scanning an electron beam over a target substrate in a focused electron beam imaging instrument. The electron beam is controllably deflected, without third-order deflection aberrations, away from an optical axis of an electron beam column using a pre-scanning deflector. The electron beam is then controllably deflected back towards the optical axis using a main scanning deflector so that the electron beam passes through a center of an objective electron lens. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ion beam generator includes a discharge tank for generating plasma that includes ions. A lead-out electrode has an annular grid portion provided with openings for leading out the ions generated in the discharge tank, while accelerating the generated ions as an annular ion beam. A deflecting electrode deflects the annular ion beam, which is led out of the lead-out electrode, in an annular center direction.

Abstract: Since charging characteristics differ between the outer circumferential portion and the center portion of a sample to be inspected, equivalent inspection sensitivities cannot be obtained in the outer circumferential portion and the center portion of the sample to be inspected. A sample cover is provided in the outer circumferential portion of a sample holder on which the sample to be inspected is placed. Charging characteristics of the sample cover are changed according to charging characteristics of the sample to be inspected. Consequently, uniform charged states can be formed in the outer circumferential portion and the center portion of the sample. Inspection/observation of the outer circumferential portion of the sample can be realized at higher sensitivity than in the past.

Abstract: A device for disinfecting publicly-used equipment includes a plurality of reflective units disposed along the interior of each wall of the device. Each of the reflective units can include a reflective back section and at least three reflective sections disposed about the reflective back section. UV lamps can be disposed to extend along the walls, and at partially disposed adjacent to a one or more reflective back sections of the reflective units. The UV lamps together with the reflective units collectively direct sufficient UV light on the equipment such that the equipment can be disinfected. The walls and ceiling of the device define a tunnel into which the equipment to be disinfected is inserted. Optionally, the device can include a door to prevent children and others from entering the tunnel while the UV lamps are illuminated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for analyzing a fluid with particle analytes, where the fluid is fed through a passageway within an optical fiber and excitation light is guided by the optical fiber across the passageway and intersects the fluid therein. The optical core is made multimode and is adapted to shape the excitation light with a uniform spatial illumination over a cross-section of the optical core and the passageway is configured relative to the optical core such that the particle analytes are exposed to substantially equal excitation light while circulating in the passageway.