Abstract: A multiple wavelength total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy system has an objective. A dispersion unit of the system comprises a high-dispersion optical element. The dispersion unit receives illumination light having at least a first wavelength ?1 and a second wavelength ?2, where ?1??2, and splits the illumination light into a first monochromatic beam having the first wavelength ?1 and a second monochromatic beam having the second wavelength ?2. The monochromatic beams are focused onto a back focal plane of the objective, near an outer edge of the objective, at different radial distances from an optical axis of the objective. The dispersion unit is rotatable in order to adjust angles of incidence of the monochromatic beams onto an interface between a substrate and a sample to be imaged, wherein the angles of incidence are greater than the critical angle of the interface.

Abstract: Where a multimode fiber is used for light delivery in a microscope system and a transverse distribution of light exiting a distal end of the fiber is substantially uniform, the distal end is imaged onto a plane of a sample to be probed by the microscope system, or at a conjugate plane. Alternatively, the distal end is imaged onto a plane sufficiently close to the sample plane or the conjugate plane such that a radiant intensity of light at the sample plane or the conjugate plane is substantially uniform. In the case of a multi-focal confocal microscope system, the distal end of the multimode fiber is imaged onto a plane of a segmented focusing array. Alternatively the distal end is imaged onto a plane sufficiently close to the segmented focusing array plane such that a radiant intensity of the light at the segmented focusing array plane is substantially uniform.

Abstract: A multiple wavelength total internal reflection fluoresence (TIRF) microscopy system has an objective. A dispersion unit of the system comprises a high-dispersion optical element. The dispersion unit receives illumination light having at least a first wavelength ?1 and a second wavelength ?2, where ?1??2, and splits the illumination light into a first monochromatic beam having the first wavelength ?1 and a second monochromatic beam having the second wavelength ?2. The monochromatic beams are focused onto a back focal plane of the objective, near an outer edge of the objective, at different radial distances from an optical axis of the objective. The dispersion unit is rotatable in order to adjust angles of incidence of the monochromatic beams onto an interface between a substrate and a sample to be imaged, wherein the angles of incidence are greater than the critical angle of the interface.

Abstract: In an episcopic multiplexed confocal scanning microscope system, a spatial filter is placed at a conjugate plane to a back aperture plane at a back aperture of an objective lens. The spatial filter is used to combine excitation light and emission light from a multiplexed confocal microscope module.

Abstract: Where a multimode fiber is used for light delivery in a microscope system and a transverse distribution of light exiting a distal end of the fiber is substantially uniform, the distal end is imaged onto a plane of a sample to be probed by the microscope system, or at a conjugate plane. Alternatively, the distal end is imaged onto a plane sufficiently close to the sample plane or the conjugate plane such that a radiant intensity of light at the sample plane or the conjugate plane is substantially uniform. In the case of a multi-focal confocal microscope system, the distal end of the multimode fiber is imaged onto a plane of a segmented focusing array. Alternatively the distal end is imaged onto a plane sufficiently close to the segmented focusing array plane such that a radiant intensity of the light at the segmented focusing array plane is substantially uniform.

Abstract: Where a multimode fiber is used for light delivery in a microscope system and a transverse distribution of light exiting a distal end of the fiber is substantially uniform, the distal end is imaged onto a plane of a sample to be probed by the microscope system, or at a conjugate plane. Alternatively, the distal end is imaged onto a plane sufficiently close to the sample plane or the conjugate plane such that a radiant intensity of light at the sample plane or the conjugate plane is substantially uniform. In the case of a multi-focal confocal microscope system, the distal end of the multimode fiber is imaged onto a plane of a segmented focusing array. Alternatively the distal end is imaged onto a plane sufficiently close to the segmented focusing array plane such that a radiant intensity of the light at the segmented focusing array plane is substantially uniform.

Abstract: A system and method for aggregating and fragmenting packets is described. Data packets containing voice data and other data that suffer significantly in quality when delayed may be aggregated together and fragmented. The aggregation and fragmentation permits networks to push these time-sensitive packets more easily through a network based on priority given to fragmented data.

Abstract: A coin handling mechanism for conveying coins to a remotely positioned coin receptor which accumulates the deposited coins. There is a water trap positioned along a back wall of the housing for diverting the flow of liquid injected through the coin entrance slot downwardly along the back of the housing to a fluid collecting chamber. The water trap comprises intersecting vertical support members and horizontal cross bars. There is also provided a coin discharge chute having an adjustment mechanism to adjust the point of discharge of the coins.

Abstract: A coin handling mechanism for conveying coins to a remotely positioned coin receptor which accumulates the deposited coins. There is a liquid diverter within the mechanism for directing the flow of liquid injected through the coin entrance slot downwardly along the back of the housing to a fluid collecting chamber. A plurality of ribs at the back of the housing form channels for directing the flow of the fluid along the back of the housing. There is also provided a coin discharge chute having an adjustment mechanism to adjust the point of discharge of the coins. This compensates for variances in various vending machines and positions the coin discharge chute properly with respect to the coin receptor.

Abstract: There is disclosed a frictionizing composition for imparting long-term anti-slip properties to the surface of a paper product comprising an aqueous sol of colloidal silica, glycerin, and at least one agent selected from the group consisting of N-methyl pyrrolidone, N,N-dimethyl acetoacetamide, urea, sorbitol, fructose and dextrose. The composition remains fluid, even after prolonged exposure to drying conditions, and thus is readily dispersible in water for easy cleanup of residue from apparatus and the work environment.

Abstract: The invention is a Weld Analysis and Control System developed for active weld system control through real time weld data acquisition. Closed-loop control is based on analysis of weld system parameters and weld geometry. The system is adapted for use with automated welding apparatus having a weld controller which is capable of active electronic control of all aspects of a welding operation. Enhanced graphics and data displays are provided for post-weld analysis.The system provides parameter acquisition, including seam location which is acquired for active torch cross-seam positioning. Torch stand-off is also monitored for control. Weld bead and parent surface geometrical parameters are acquired as an indication of weld quality. These parameters include mismatch, peaking, undercut, underfill, crown height, weld width, puddle diameter, and other measurable information about the weld puddle regions, such as puddle symmetry, etc.

Abstract: An optoelectronic sensor for measuring the profile of a weld seam or weld bead along a line perpendicular to the seam or bead. The sensor illuminates a workpiece with a pulsed and shaped laser beam which is flattened in one dimension and fan shaped in a second dimension. An image of the workpiece is transmitted optically to a CCD camera the electronic shutter of which is synchronized with the pulses of the illuminating laser beam. A signal providing data relating to the profile of the workpiece is transmitted by the CCD camera to an automated welding device for response to the data. The sensor is intended to be a part of a highly automated welding system, in which it will be used in automatic tracking of the seam or automatic profiling of the weld bead for immediate evaluation and assurance of quality during the welding process. The sensor is also used as a quality control tool in reviewing the profile of a weld after it has been formed.

Abstract: Hydrophobic particles containing polar groups on their surfaces are incorporated into a tobacco smoking article to remove deleterious chemical compounds, both polar and non-polar, from the tobacco smoke.

Abstract: A device for the generation of basic electrical signals which are supplied to a computerized processing complex for the operation of industrial robots. The system includes a stereo mirror arrangement for the projection of views from opposite sides of a visible indicia formed on a workpiece. The views are projected onto independent halves of the retina of a single camera. The camera retina is of the CCD (charge-coupled-device) type and is therefore capable of providing signals in response to the image projected thereupon. These signals are then processed for control of industrial robots or similar devices.

Abstract: A shutter for a proximity focused tube and camera comprising an array of stacked microchannel plates. An electrode is provided between each plate whereby an electrical field can be established across each plate. By applying a ramp voltage to alternate plates in the stacked array, the electric field across each plate deflects a photoelectron beam and allows a momentary period of transmission of the beam through the microchannels. The electrode on each plate is skewed with respect to the front and back faces of the plate whereby in-phase deflection of an electron beam is achieved. A plurality of proximity focused shutter tubes can be operated in an array and triggered from a common voltage pulse source whereby a pulse is applied in a time ordered sequence to develop related multiple frames.

Abstract: A streak camera electron-optical image tube having a passive microchannel plate collimation adjacent the photocathode whereby photoelectrons are accelerated by the field between the photocathode and microchannel plate, and collimated by the microchannels. Collimated electrons pass a pair of deflection plates and strike a phosphor screen. Accelerating voltage and deflection voltage are synchronized with phenomenon photographed.