Abstract: A frequency measuring and control apparatus includes a plurality of synchronized oscillators integrated in parallel into one programmable logic device.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, system, and computer readable medium for configuring programmable equipment having hardware devices that can be programmatically interconnected into different hardware configurations. A graphical user interface is provided on a computer display which permits a user to iconically define both a hardware and procedural configuration of the available hardware devices. Configuration data is generated that can be used to automatically configure the programmable equipment according to the user-defined hardware and procedural configuration.

Abstract: An embodiment includes an integrated microscope including scanning probe microscopy (SPM) hardware integrated with optical microscopy hardware, and other embodiments include related methods and devices.

Abstract: A frequency measuring and control apparatus includes a plurality of synchronized oscillators integrated in parallel into one programmable logic device.

Abstract: A linear piezoelectric nano-positioner includes an armature configured to be translated along a longitudinal axis and having oppositely-disposed bearing surfaces and oppositely-disposed piezo surfaces, bearing sets engaged with the bearing surfaces of the armature to translatably support the armature, and piezoelectric elements engaged with the piezo surfaces of the armature to translate the armature along the longitude axis.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, system, and computer readable medium for configuring programmable equipment having hardware devices that can be programmatically interconnected into different hardware configurations. A graphical user interface is provided on a computer display which permits a user to iconically define both a hardware and procedural configuration of the available hardware devices. Configuration data is generated that can be used to automatically configure the programmable equipment according to the user-defined hardware and procedural configuration.

Abstract: A linear piezoelectric nano-positioner includes an armature configured to be translated along a longitudinal axis and having oppositely-disposed bearing surfaces and oppositely-disposed piezo surfaces, bearing sets engaged with the bearing surfaces of the armature to translatably support the armature, and piezoelectric elements engaged with the piezo surfaces of the armature to translate the armature along the longitude axis.

Abstract: A method of position control for scanning probe spectroscopy of a specimen. Probe positional error is determined by comparing images generated from a sequence of scans to identify differences between positions of at least a portion of a reference characteristic of the specimen in the images. A probe is moved to a target location for spectroscopic analysis, as a function of the determined probe positional error.

Abstract: A method of position control for scanning probe spectroscopy of a specimen. Probe positional error is determined by comparing images generated from a sequence of scans to identify differences between positions of at least a portion of a reference characteristic of the specimen in the images. A probe is moved to a target location for spectroscopic analysis, as a function of the determined probe positional error.

Abstract: A portable communication device alerting apparatus includes visual and/or audible and/or tactile indicators of the occurrence of remotely located events which are recognized by detectors which transmit a signal to receivers in a communication device base station or directly to a communication device. The receivers recognize the specific detector output and cause the communication device to generate visual, audible and/or tactile indicators identifying the specific detected event occurrence. The indicators on the communication device may include pre-stored audio streams mimicking the occurrence of an audio component of the detected event or the actual sounds of the event. The indicators may also be a sequence of discrete audible tones and/or tactile pulses and/or illuminatable lights on the communication device which alert the user of a detected event occurrence. The receivers can learn the identification of a receiver.

Abstract: An alarm clock controls the supply of electrical power to a first outlet mounted on the clock housing and receiving a plug-in external electrical device to periodically change the state of the electrical device in response to an alarm time signal. A second controllable outlet is also mounted on the housing for receiving a second plug-in external electrical device. Selectible steady or pulse power is provided to the second outlet. A receiver detects power line carrier signals on the incoming electrical power lines generated by a remote device in response to the occurrence of a sound producing event or other signal. The receiver causes the clock to supply power to either or both outlets depending on the position of a function switch in response to a detected power line carrier signal. An audible sound generator provides an audible alarm tone in response to an alarm signal. Frequency and volume controls selectively vary the frequency and volume of the audible alarm tone.

Abstract: A probe holder non-rotatingly mountable in a support bracket releasibly receives a scanning microscope probe. Guide rods extend outward from the probe holder on the scan head and engage bores formed in the other of the probe holder and the scan head during closure of the scan head with the probe holder to co-axially align the probe with a probe receiver in the scan head. Transversely extending arms on a spindle attached to a scan head slide along ramp surfaces in the scan head to a fixed stop to rotationally position the scan head. Complementary surfaces on the spindle and a stationarily affixed sleeve co-axially center the scan head with the scan head support structure and the probe holder. A method of co-axially and rotationally aligning a probe for exchange between a scan head and a probe holder is disclosed using the guide rods and guide bores, the spindle arms, ramp and stop surfaces and the complementary surfaces on the spindle and the stationary sleeve, and a non-rotatable probe holder mount.