Abstract: A diffraction element includes a diffraction grating for dividing a light beam, emitted from a light source along a predetermined path, into a principal light beam and at least two auxiliary light beams, and a hologram for separating the beam, which has been reflected from an optical information recording medium, from the predetermined path. The diffraction grating and the hologram are integrated together by being formed in alignment with each other in opposite portions of a block of glass or plastics. A slide is provided at at least a portion of the diffraction element and includes a peripheral wall in sliding engagement with a cylindrical surface coaxial with an optical axis of the diffraction element to permit the diffraction element to be rotatable about the optical axis.

Abstract: An optical recording medium includes in sequence a transparent substrate, a light-reflecting layer, a transparent intermediate layer and a light-absorbing layer. The light-reflecting layer, the transparent intermediate layer and the light-absorbing layer in combination constitute a multi-layer optical element showing a high reflectance with respect to a reproducing light beam having a wavelength .lambda..sub.r. The resultant high reflectance state in the non-recorded region provides a high contrast in comparison with a record pit when the high reflectance multi-layer optical element is destroyed, and also provides the record with an improved resistance to degradation due to irradiation with the reproducing light beam.

Abstract: An improved ECD employing an ECD cell having a third electrode, i.e. guard positioned between the ECD cell field electrodes. The guard electrode is physically interposed between said field electrodes to divert all leakage current in the support insulators which flow between the field electrodes. The guard electrode ECD cell provides improved linear dynamic range as well as avoiding deterioration from handling during manufacture or repair.

Abstract: Hand-held devices are provided for both scanning and decoding coded images such as two-dimensional bar codes. A linear scanning array of image sensing elements in the scanner/decoder provides image data with pixel-to-pixel synchronism, but lacking scan-to-scan synchronism as the scanning array is moved transversely across the bar code image. No tracking ball or roller is included to provide data enabling scan-to-scan synchronism. Redundant scan cancellation is employed to delete redundant image data from the stored image, with the adequate representation of coded information taking precedence over storage of a high resolution image. The stored image is sampled to correlate bar code edge pattern elements in order to identify the bounds and orientation of scanned bar code images. The redundancy-reduced stored bar code image is decoded within the hand-held unit, with use of data on bar code bounds and orientation, to provide decoded information for further use.

Abstract: A method of analysing the major and/or minor phase composition of a cement comprising a) preparing a calibration model from samples for which the phase composition has been determined and for which infra red spectra, typically Fourier transform infrared spectra, obtained by a diffuse reflectance technique, have been obtained so as to relate differences between spectra of the samples to differences in clinker phase composition of the samples; and b) obtaining the infra red spectrum of a sample of unknown phase composition and determining the phase composition of the sample from the calibration model typically using a multivariate statistical method.

Abstract: A substrate for attaching infrared detector elements to multi-layer modules has a detector interface member to which the infrared detector elements are attachable and which is attachable to the multi-layer module so as to provide electrical communication between the infrared detector elements and the multi-layer module. At least one removable tab is formed upon the detector interface member and a plurality of probing pads are formed upon each tab. Conductive conduits formed upon each tab extend from the detector interface member to the probing pads so as to facilitate electrical communication between dedicated ones of the infrared detector elements and dedicated ones of the probing pads. The probing pads facilitate electrical testing of individual infrared detector elements.

Abstract: A method for determining the elemental concentrations in an underground formation by irradiating the formation with neutrons, detecting the .gamma. ray spectrum arising from neutron capture by the formation and analyzing the spectrum to determine elemental concentrations. This method avoids the need for activation measurements or natural radiation measurements and which is made possible by modifying the detected yield of iron (Fe) in the spectrum to compensate for the absence of aluminum (Al) and for the absence of potassium (K) when not measured directly. Apparatus for performing this method can comprise a neutron source, such as a broad energy chemical source, e.g. AmBe, or a pulsed accelerator source, a .gamma. ray detector for detecting capture .gamma. rays and means for analyzing the spectra detected by the detector for determining the elemental concentrations in the formation.

Abstract: In an optical head for reading information signals out of a plurality of information tracks on an optical record medium by projecting a slit-like light spot onto the optical record medium, a laser beam having a substantially elliptical cross section is passed through a stop having an aperture to shield both edge portions of the laser beam to obtain a laser beam having a uniform distribution. Then, the laser beam emanating from the stop is made incident upon a cylindrical lens have a negative power in a direction of a major axis of the laser beam to form a laser beam having a uniform distribution in a longitudinal direction. The thus obtained laser beam is projected onto the optical record medium by an objective lens such that the longitudinal direction of the slit-shaped laser beam spot is aligned with a direction substantially perpendicular to a track direction in which information tracks extend.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing radioactive transmission measurements to form a 2-D or a 3-D image with a point source of radiation, such as required in positron emission tomography applications. This involves the passing of the point source proximate the face of a selected each of the tomograph units for the formation of a 3-D image, or a selected portion of the tomograph units for a 2-D image. As such, attenuation data, transmission data, detector performance data, etc., can be obtained. This point source of radiation is rapidly circulated through a conduit that passes across each detector face under the influence of a transport fluid in, for example, an oscillatory motion to achieve a selected radiation field whereby calculation of transmission measurements within a body positioned within the tomograph scanner is achieved. When not being circulated, the radiation source is held within a shield.

Abstract: Apparatus consisting of a flat, two-dimensional array of laser/photo diodes; an optical storage card positioned below the array; and a mechanism to move the card in both the X- and Y-directions to position the laser/photo diode array over any one particular location on the card. A further mechanism serves to move the card in the X- and Y-directions and angularly to provide an initial alignment of the card with respect to the laser/photo diode array. Yet another mechanism moves the card in the Z-direction for focusing purposes. A laser/optical interface positioned between the laser/photo diode array and the card which is formed of an array of collimating and focusing holographic micro lenses (HOE) with surface diffraction patterns. An electronic section functions as an interface between a central processing unit (CPU) and the lasers and photo diodes of the array. The optical storage card is a thin, re-writable phase-change type.

Abstract: A multi-directional infrared detector system provides multi-view or surround-view imaging which is particularly suited for use in tactical battlefield situations. The system utilizes a plurality of infrared detector arrays disposed in a generally circular configuration, each of the infrared detector arrays having a plurality of infrared detector elements formed thereon; a corresponding plurality of dedicated optics assemblies for forming images upon the infrared detector arrays; and at least one conductive conduit supporting layer having conductive conduits formed thereon. The conductive conduit support layer extends inwardly from each of the infrared detector arrays to a core defined by the infrared detector arrays. Signal conditioning circuitry is disposed generally at the core of the infrared detector arrays such that signals representative of the outputs of the infrared detector elements are communicated from the detector elements to the signal processing circuitry via the conductive conduits.

Abstract: An optical head for recording and reproducing information on and from an opto-magnetic record medium by projecting a light beam onto the record medium and introducing a return light beam reflected by the record medium onto photodetectors, including a light source for emitting a linearly polarized light beam, an objective lens for projection the light beam onto the record medium, and an optical element having a surface on which a beam splitting surface is provided in the diverging or converging return beam. Said beam splitting surface is curved such that light rays of the return light beam are made incident upon the beam splitting surface at substantially the same incident angle, so that the return light beam can be split accurately into P-polarized and S-polarized light beams.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing temperature compensation in gamma radiation detectors used in measurement-while-drilling applications in oil and gas exploration. During the initial calibration of a gamma radiation detector, a source of radiation in the form of Americium 241 provides gamma radiation narrowly centered at 60 KeV. The variation in the output signal of the detector as a function of temperature is then determined by placing the detector in close proximity to the radiation source while monitoring the variation in the magnitude of the output pulses as a function of temperature. The detector includes a temperature compensation circuit that generates a threshold voltage whose magnitude corresponds to the desired threshold energy of gamma radiation. The temperature compensation circuit uses a temperature sensor to vary the magnitude of the threshold voltage as a function of the operating temperature of the detector.

Abstract: In a radiation image read-out apparatus, a stimulable phosphor sheet, on which a radiation image has been stored, is exposed to stimulating rays, which cause the stimulable phosphor sheet to emit light in proportion to the amount of energy stored thereon during its exposure to radiation. The emitted light is detected and photoelectrically converted by a photodetector, and an image signal representing the radiation image is thereby generated by the photodetector. Information corresponding to the amount of energy stored on the stimulable phosphor sheet during its exposure to radiation is inputted from a stored energy amount input device.

Abstract: An improved monetary system using electronic media to exchange economic value securely and reliably.

Abstract: An electron beam exposure system includes a pattern memory for storing bitmap data of a pattern to be exposed, wherein the pattern memory includes a number of latch elements arranged in rows and columns such that the writing of the bitmap data is achieved line by line and such that the reading of the bitmap data is achieved column by column.

Abstract: An efficient and ultrafast sensor for X-ray and UV radiation based on doped nanocrystals. These doped nanocrystals consist preferably of impurity-activator doped wide band gap II-VI semiconductors. They yield high efficiency and short recombination time radiation-sensitive phosphors which in response to radiation emit visible light easily detected by conventional sensors such as Si sensors. The combination of pulsed UV/X-ray sources with efficient and ultrafast sensors will yield sensors with increased signal to noise ratio. In a preferred embodiment, thin films of doped nanocrystals are used for generating visible radiation, which can be imaged with a conventional Si-based camera. Other applications also include the use of doped nanocrystals of piezoelectric materials to sense pressure, of pyroelectric materials to sense heat, and of ferroelectric materials to sense electric fields.

Abstract: Multiple volume holograms are recorded by changing the incidence angle of the reference beam at one wavelength. The stored holograms are reconstructed at another wavelength by using the reference beam oriented at the proper incidence angle. The proper holographic data are retrieved by pre-formatting or post-formatting the holographic data to be recorded or reconstructed. This usage of using different wavelengths for recording and reconstruction are independent of the scanning mechanisms for the reference beam. Utilization of holographic memories for storage and retrieval of data, and correlations can make use of this invention.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for illuminating a sensing region having an object therein, comprising a reflector that is elongated in a first plane, the reflector having a width dimension that is less than a width dimension of a sensing region to be illuminated, and further having a first curved profile in the first plane about a center of curvature. In a preferred embodiment the reflector is disposed between the center of curvature and the sensing region. In a second plane which is orthogonal to the first plane and includes the center of curvature, a reflecting surface of the reflector has a second curved profile. A plurality of substantially Lambertian light sources each face the reflector for directing light thereto generally in a direction of the center of curvature for reflection toward the sensing region. The second profile preferably comprises a portion of an ellipse and a light source is disposed substantially at a primary focus thereof.

Abstract: A retail checkout station for purchaser self-checkout is coupled to a service terminal with a video monitor directed at the checkout. The service terminal preferably services a number of checkouts. Product codes can be downloaded from a remote location to a checkout presented with a product lacking a product code barcode label, such as an item of bulk produce. A product database having product price information stored in a memory is normally indexed to product codes which are scanned in, and also is at least partly indexed by product identity information. The checkout station can have an electronic scale for determining the weight of a product. A video image of an uncoded product in the security zone is captured by a camera and displayed on a video monitor which is viewable by store personnel. A keyboard associated with the video monitor permits the store personnel to enter a product code corresponding to the product displayed on the video monitor.