Abstract: A method for testing a surface includes finding respective first and second critical angles for total external reflection of radiation from an area of the surface at first and second wavelengths. The first and second critical angles are compared to determine an orientation of a tangent to the surface in the area.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for attachment to bone (18) comprises a plate (12) having a lower surface (28) for abutting against the bone (18) and an upper surface (30) opposite the lower surface (28). The plate (12) further includes a plurality of through-holes (32) extending between the lower and upper surfaces (28 and 30). Each through-hole (32) has an associated countersink (34). Each through-hole (32) defines a substantially square opening in the lower surface (28) of the plate (12) and each associated countersink (34) defines a circular opening in the upper surface (30) of the plate (12).

Abstract: Reflectometry apparatus includes a radiation source, adapted to irradiate a sample with radiation over a range of angles relative to a surface of the sample, and a detector assembly, positioned to receive the radiation reflected from the sample over the range of angles and to generate a signal responsive thereto. A shutter is adjustably positionable to intercept the radiation, the shutter having a blocking position, in which it blocks the radiation in a lower portion of the range of angles, thereby allowing the reflected radiation to reach the array substantially only in a higher portion of the range, and a clear position, in which the radiation in the lower portion of the range reaches the array substantially without blockage.

Abstract: A method for testing a surface includes finding respective first and second critical angles for total external reflection of radiation from an area of the surface at first and second wavelengths. The first and second critical angles are compared to determine an orientation of a tangent to the surface in the area.

Abstract: A method for measurement of critical dimensions includes irradiating a surface of a substrate with a beam of X-rays. A pattern of the X-rays scattered from the surface due to features formed on the surface is detected and analyzed to measure a dimension of the features in a direction parallel to the surface.

Abstract: Reflectometry apparatus includes a pulsed X-ray source, adapted to irradiate a sample with a sequence of pulses of radiation over a range of angles relative to a surface of the sample. An array of detector elements is positioned to receive the radiation reflected from the sample over the range of angles and to generate a signal indicative of respective charges accumulated by the detector elements due to photons of the radiation that are incident on the elements. Timing circuitry is coupled to the array so as to cause the charges to be cleared from the detector elements immediately before each of the pulses in the sequence, and to cause the signal from the elements to be sampled shortly after each of the pulses.

Abstract: An applanation tonometer, for measuring pressure within a human eye, the tonometer comprising an electrical measurement apparatus which detects the mechanical displacement of a plunger, the displacement of the plunger provided by means applied pressure to the eye, the electrical measurement apparatus converting the corresponding mechanical displacement of the plunger into an electrical signal, the electrical signal corresponding to ocular pressure within the eye and displayed on an electrical display device.

Abstract: A tool receiver or chuck is provided which may receive a cutting tool, such as a router bit or the like, therewithin and non-rotatably retain the tool relative to a rotary driving device. The tool receiver includes a plurality of blades substantially encased within a conical surface. A biasing member biases the blades toward a narrow end of the conical surface such that the blades are biased in a tool engaging or operative position. The biasing member and conical surface thus bias the blades radially inward toward the cutting tool such that the blades engage the conical surface and the cutting tool. The tool receiver preferably includes a retaining member, which retains the blades within the conical surface and biases the blades radially outwardly toward the conical surface.

Abstract: Reflectometry apparatus includes a radiation source, adapted to irradiate a sample with radiation over a range of angles relative to a surface of the sample, and a detector assembly, positioned to receive the radiation reflected from the sample over the range of angles and to generate a signal responsive thereto. A shutter is adjustably positionable to intercept the radiation, the shutter having a blocking position, in which it blocks the radiation in a lower portion of the range of angles, thereby allowing the reflected radiation to reach the array substantially only in a higher portion of the range, and a clear position, in which the radiation in the lower portion of the range reaches the array substantially without blockage.

Abstract: An acquisition unit is provided which provides a turn-key interface to the non-expert personnel who routinely attend acutely brain-injured victims, preventing change or modification of the electroencephalogram parameters by the field technician, while at the same time allowing extensive control over parameters by a remote expert EEG reader; and a method and system is provided using the template and acquisition unit of the present invention with one of a plurality of remote readers who are part of a network of trained EEG readers.

Abstract: A template for placing electrodes for electroencephalography of acute-brain-injured victims is provided which modifies the number of electrode locations from that taught by the standard 10-20 System, and which has indicia that can be quickly and easily read by non-experts during emergency application; an acquisition unit is provided which provides a turn-key interface to the non-expert personnel who routinely attend acutely brain-injured victims, preventing change or modification of the electroencephalogram parameters by the field technician, while at the same time allowing extensive control over parameters by a remote expert EEG reader; and a method and system is provided using the template and acquisition unit of the present invention with one of a plurality of remote readers who are part of a network of trained EEG readers.

Abstract: A portable hanger, for attachment to a wood structure such as a tree, supports equipment for outdoor activity such as hunting, fishing, camping, or photography. The portable hanger comprises a rigid mounting member for attachment proximate one end to a wood structure and a swing arm pivotally connected proximate one end of the swing arm to the mounting member proximate another end of the mounting member. The swing arm extends from the one end of the swing arm to another end of the swing arm and comprises at least two rigid members pivotally connected to one another. The mounting member and the at least two rigid members of the swing arm are pivotally connected such that the portable hanger is selectively arrangeable in a compact configuration, wherein the mounting member and the at least two rigid members of the swing arm are juxtaposed, and alternatively arrangeable in an expanded configuration wherein the mounting member and the at least two rigid members of the swing arm extend end-to-end.

Abstract: An implantable apparatus (10) for attaching bone fragments in a bone fracture reduction procedure comprises a bone affixation plate (12) and a polymeric applicator (18) having a deflectable portion (22) that is deflectable to engage a portion (16) of the plate to attach the applicator to the plate. The applicator (18) is thereafter deflectable to disengage from the portion (16) of the plate (12) to remove the applicator from the plate. The applicator (18), when attached to the plate (12), enables the plate to be handled and manipulated during the bone fracture reduction procedure. The applicator (18) may includes means (24) for identifying the plate (12).

Abstract: A method of X-ray analysis includes irradiating a spot on a sample with X-rays along an X-ray beam axis. X-rays emitted from the sample, responsive to irradiating the spot, are simultaneously detected at a plurality of different azimuthal angles relative to the beam axis. X-ray intensities detected at the different angles in a common energy range are compared in order to determine a property of the sample.

Abstract: According to the practice of the present invention, a toothbrush with two distinct, flexible bristle groups, a more densely packed first bristle group adjacent the toe of the toothbrush and a less densely packed second bristle group further from the brush toe, each group containing at least one radius of curvature and the second grouping containing two subsets of bristle tufts, the first subset of bristle tufts angled toward the toe of the toothbrush and the other away therefrom, which combination of features provides enhanced conformity to the curvature of the teeth and enhanced cleaning thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for X-ray analysis of a sample includes an X-ray source, which irradiates the sample, and an X-ray detector device, which receives X-rays from the sample responsive to the irradiation. The device includes an array of radiation-sensitive detectors, which generate electrical signals responsive to radiation photons incident thereon. Processing circuitry of the device includes a plurality of signal processing channels, each coupled to process the signals from a respective one of the detectors so as to generate an output dependent upon a rate of incidence of the photons on the respective detector and upon a distribution of the energy of the incident photons.

Abstract: A plug tray for growing, planting and transplanting plants includes a surface member having a plurality of rows of inner cells and a pair of rows of outer cells. Each row of outer cells is positioned proximate to an end of the surface member. A plurality of aeration apertures are formed in the surface member to thereby provide aeration to plants growing within the cells. The inner cells and outer cells are offset with respect to the major axis of the surface member to thereby provide increased strength and rigidity, allowing the tray to be manufactured using the relatively inexpensive process of thermoforming. The outer cells are configured such that the center-to-center distance between adjacent outer cells of a pair of plug trays placed end-to-end is substantially equal to the center-to-center distance between adjacent cells within a particular plug tray.

Abstract: Apparatus for X-ray microanalysis of a sample includes an X-ray source, which irradiates a spot having a dimension less than 500 &mgr;m on a surface of the sample. A first X-ray detector captures fluorescent X-rays emitted from the sample, responsive to the irradiation, at a high angle relative to the surface of the sample. A second X-ray detector captures X-rays from the spot at a grazing angle relative to the surface of the sample. Processing circuitry receives respective signals from the first and second X-ray detectors responsive to the X-rays captured thereby, and analyzes the signals in combination to determine a property of a surface layer of the sample within the area of the spot.

Abstract: A method for testing the deposition and/or the removal of a material within a recess on the surface of a sample. An excitation beam is directed onto a region of the sample in a vicinity of the recess, and an intensity of X-ray fluorescence, emitted from the region in a spectral range in which the material is known to fluoresce, is measured. A quantity of the material that is deposited within the recess is determined responsive to the measured intensity.