Abstract: An autoclave may be reconfigured to accommodate differently shaped parts by relatively rotating portions of the autoclave.

Abstract: A nanoscale electron shuttle with two elastically mounted conductors positioned within a gap between conductors produces asymmetrical electron conduction between the conductors when the conductors receive an AC signal to provide for rectification, detection and/or power harvesting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a buffer circuit for a load (LAS) to be supplied by the supply DC voltage (Uv), comprising a buffer capacitor (Cp), which may be charged to a voltage (UH) by means of a charging circuit (HSS). Said voltage is higher than the supply voltage and may be brought in for supply of the load by means of a step-down controller (TSS). An input of a step-down controller (TSS) is connected to the buffer capacitor (Cp) and the output thereof to the load (LAS), whereby a trigger circuit (TRI) is provided to activate the step-down controller on drop-out of the voltage (Uv) at the load.

Abstract: Multiple element laser diode assembly incorporating a cylindrical microlens and at least one of an astigmatism correcting element and a collimating element. The use of a single purpose cylindrical microlens, for instance for circularizing a beam of laser light output from said diode, in operative combination with at least one additional optical element for correcting astigmatism and for collimating the beam enables the passive mounting of the several optical elements of the assembly without an active alignment step. The cylindrical microlens may incorporate as single powered surface, as may the astigmatism correction element. Alternatively, the astigmatism correction element may comprise a tilted optical plate. The collimating lens may be a spherical lens.

Abstract: A pulse charging apparatus includes a DC high-voltage generator, a capacitor that is charged by a DC high voltage output from the DC high-voltage generator, a switching unit for switching charges stored on the capacitor to provide a pulse-like high voltage to a load, and a control unit for controlling the operation of the switching unit. The switching unit consists of a series combination of an electron tube and a stationary gap. The control unit controls the operation of the electron tube.

Abstract: A self contained, replaceable diode laser module for providing a fully collimated, de-astigmatized, and circular cross-sectioned beam. In the preferred embodiment a first compound spherical lens partially collimates the beam. An in-line combined cross-section modifier system then de-astigmatizes and modifies the cross-section of the beam. The beam modifier system is comprised of first and second triangular prisms oriented at non-normal angles to the path of the beam. This allows both the cross-section and the astigmatism of the beam to be corrected. A planar mirror between the first and second prisms directs the beam from the first prism to the second prism, so that the beam can exit the second prism co-axial with the incident beam path. The beam then enters the second collimating subsystem.