Abstract: A magnetic deflection amplifier implemented using a linear amplifier connected to a first side of a deflection coil and a three pole switch connected to a second side of the deflection coil. The three pole switch connects the coil to ground during the active scan and connects the coil to a positive or negative high voltage rail depending of the polarity of the retrace current resulting in fast retrace time and reduced voltage requirements on the linear amplifier.

Abstract: Very long linear large diameter rotational, and arbitrary shape conformal fiber encoders are suggested. These devices are based on detection of non-zeroth diffraction order or interference pattern of selected diffraction orders from the fiber grating. Relative and absolute position detection or movement detection can be realized. Depending on the variety of disclosed configurations of fiber encoders, fiber grating could be either a fiber Bragg grating (refractive index modulation grating), a fiber surface-relief phase grating, or fiber amplitude or amplitude phase grating. Each of these fiber gratings may have a uniform or chirped period, and the fiber grating encoders may be implemented using transmission, reflection, or Bragg angle reflection schemes. An optical fiber may be manufactured on a continuous basis by drawing it from preform. Consequently, there is really no limitation to the length of the linear fiber based encoders.

Abstract: A night vision device (NVD) includes a control circuit having an acceleration-responsive switch. When the NVD is in a generally horizontal use position, the acceleration-responsive switch enables a circuit allowing voltage to be applied to an image intensifier tube of the night vision device, so that night vision is provided. On the other hand, when the device is flipped up to a stowed position allowing the user of the device unobstructed natural vision, the acceleration-responsive switch senses the changed orientation of the gravitational acceleration vector, and turns off the image intensifier tube as well as other light-emitting sources of the night vision device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exposure apparatus having a high-performance projection optical system having a relatively large numerical aperture and achieving bitelecentricity and superior correction of aberrations, particularly distortion, in a very wide exposure area. Particularly, the protection optical system according to the present invention is composed of a first lens group G.sub.1 with a positive refracting power, a second lens group G.sub.2 with a negative refracting power, a third lens group G.sub.3 with a positive refracting power, a fourth lens group G.sub.4 with a negative refracting power, and a fifth lens group G.sub.5 with a positive refracting power in order from the side of a first object R. The present invention is directed to finding of suitable ranges of focal lengths for the first to fifth lens groups G.sub.1 -G.sub.5, based on the above arrangement.

Abstract: A system for automatic regulation of daylight admitted by a window in the presence of artificial illumination produced by a high-efficiency (e.g., fluorescent-type) electric lamp. A preferred embodiment, adaptive window covering system 10, consists of an illuminance sensor 11, a conventional control apparatus 12, and a conventional shading means 13. System 10 is used in conjunction with a conventional, high-efficiency, electric lamp 14 and a conventional window 18, in a room 19.Sensor 11 produces a signal dependent on power contained in a portion of the daylight spectrum, but substantially insensitive to power contained in the spectrum of artificial illumination produced by lamp 14. In a preferred embodiment, sensor 11 includes a silicon photodiode and optical low-pass filter to provide a spectral response which extends from approximately 800 to 1200 nanometers, which falls outside the spectrum produced by typical fluorescent lamps (e.g, 300 to 750 nanometers).

Abstract: A horizontal deflection drive circuit using a plurality of FETs is provided, which includes a base drive current supply for receiving an oscillation pulse in a low level generated by an oscillation element, to perform switching operation, a P-channel FET for receiving the oscillation pulse in a low level generated by the oscillation element, and receiving current from the base drive current supply, to perform switching operation, an N-channel FET for receiving an oscillation pulse in a high level generated by the oscillation element, to perform switching operation, and a drive transformer for inducing current supplied from a deflection current supply according to the switching operations of the P-channel FET and N-channel FET, the P-channel FET being switched by the current supplied from the base drive current supply.

Abstract: In a secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) method for analysis of a sample, in a first process step, the kinetic energy of the emitted primary ions emitted by a primary ion source (2) is set to a relatively low value, so that the surface of the sample (1) is enriched with primary ions, and erosion of the surface of the sample (1) essentially does not take place, and in a second process step, the kinetic energy of the primary ions emitted by one and the same primary ion source (2) is set to a relatively high value, so that the surface of the sample (1) can be eroded by the primary ion beam, where the formation of secondary ions in the second process step is promoted by the primary ions implanted during the first process step. Over and above this, targeted, locally differentiated enrichment of the sample surface ("chemical gating") can be carried out.

Abstract: In a dynamic focus circuit for a CRT, a first saw wave generating circuit generates a first saw wave signal in reponse to a horizontal synchronization signal, and a first amplifier amplifies the first saw wave signal with a first gain. Also, a first differential amplifier, amplifies the difference in voltage between the output signal of the first amplifier and a first reference voltage signal, and a first multiplier, calculates a square value of the output signal of the first differential amplifier to generate a horizontal parabolic signal. Similarly, a vertical parabolic signal is generated by a second saw wave circuit, a second amplifier, a second differential amplifier and a second multiplier. The horizontal parabolic signal and the vertical parabolic signal are added by an adder to generate a focus control signal.

Abstract: A process and system for flame detection includes a microprocessor-controlled detector with at least three sensors. A wide band infrared sensor is used as the primary detector, with near band and visible band sensors serving to detect false-alarm energy from nonfire sources. Digital signal processing is used to analyze sensed data and discriminate against false alarms. A multistage alarm system can be provided, which is selectively triggered by the microprocessor. Spectral recording and analysis of prefire data is provided for. The detector can be housed in an enclosed, sealed, removable, plastic horsing that may include an integral plastic window lens.

Abstract: Providing a compositional image of an object in real time is accomplished by illuminating the object with a waveform comprising pulses of electromagnetic radiation in the terahertz frequency range and measuring the relative time delays of pulses reflected by the object to determine the positions of dielectric interfaces in the object. According to a further embodiment, the waveform includes one or more pulses of terahertz radiation, each pulse having a duration in the range of approximately 10 to 10,000 femtoseconds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for confirming the presence of contact lens packages in a secondary carton is disclosed, where a sensor that detects the presence or absence of metallic lidstock of the packages through the secondary carton.

Abstract: A gamma camera is modified to perform PET studies as well as SPECT studies by utilization of the camera's SPECT electronics to likewise generate triggering pulse signals for photons indicative of a positron annihilation event which are corrected, on a bundled basis, for position, linearity and uniformity by the same digital processors used by the camera for SPECT studies. In addition the triggering pulse signals generate analog timing signals passed through a coarse coincidence circuit to establish matched pairs of timing signals which are digitally time stamped and processed along with the bundled set of pulse signals that the timing signals originated from.

Abstract: In a solid state imaging device having light receiving sections arranged in horizontal and vertical directions with different pitches, an on-chip micro-lens having a focusing efficiency optimized in both horizontal and vertical directions is formed. The solid state imaging device comprises a plurality of light receiving sections (42) arranged in horizontal and vertical directions with different pitches, a foundation layer (47) formed over the light receiving sections (42) and having convex portions on portions between the light receiving sections (42) in a fine pitch direction and having concave portions at least along a straight line connecting centers of the light receiving sections in a coarse pitch direction, and a plurality of lenses (48) formed on the concave portions so as to at least partially overlap on the convex portions in correspondence with the light receiving sections (42).

Abstract: A polymer photodetector includes a resonant wavelength controller which resonates an optical beam with a particular wavelength only from the incident optical beam received thereinto through the rear surface of the reflection layer, so as to selectively detect the optical beam with the particular wavelength. The resonant wavelength controller includes a fixed mirror layer, a movable mirror layer, and an air layer disposed therebetween. The resonant wavelength can be adjusted by varying an optical length between the movable mirror layer and the fixed mirror layer. The optical length can be adjusted by varying the thickness of the air layer between the movable mirror layer and the fixed mirror layer by way of adjusting the electrostatic force.

Abstract: An optical assembly for detecting an optical signal from a signal source in systems where the intensity of the optical signal may surpass the operational range of the optical detector being used. The optical assembly includes an optical detector for converting the optical input signal into a corresponding electrical output signal. The optical detector has a set operational range of input signal intensities. An attenuator is disposed between the optical detector and the signal source. The attenuator is capable of reducing the signal intensity of the optical signal if required so that the optical signal falls within the operational range of the optical detector. A controller is electronically coupled to both the optical detector and the attenuator. The controller controls the attenuator as a function of the output signal of the optical detector, wherein the attenuator attenuates the optical signal to fall within the operational range of the optical detector.

Abstract: A thermostat for controlling the actuation of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system includes a light discriminator that determines the occupancy of an occupancy space by sensing the presence of artificial light and adjusts the temperature set point of the thermostat accordingly. The light discriminator includes a photodetection device, such as a photodiode, that provides an output current that is proportional to the radiant flux of the ambient light of the occupancy space where it is mounted. A filter circuit cancels the undesirable frequency components of the output signal of the photodiode, such as the frequency components associated with sunlight. The filtered signal is therefore representative of the artificial light used to illuminate the occupancy space. A controller adjusts the temperature set point of the thermostat in response to the filtered signal.

Abstract: A procedure for verifying the accuracy of a non-invasive blood glucose measurement instrument utilizes in vitro or invasive measurement instruments, the accuracy of which is independently verifiable. Several glucose readings are taken with each instrument at approximately the same times. The measurement data from the in vitro instrument is transferred to the non-invasive instrument where it is compared to the data regarding the non-invasive measurements. If the difference between the measurements of the respective instruments is within a preset range, the non-invasive instrument is permitted to be used for an additional period of time. However, if the difference is beyond an acceptable limit, then the non-invasive instrument is prevented from taking any additional measurements and must be serviced or repaired.

Abstract: In a color image reading apparatus, a plurality of line sensors are arranged on a same substrate and an image of an object is formed on the sensors by an imaging optical system. A blazed diffraction grating is disposed in an optical path between the imaging optical system and the sensors so as to color-separate a light beam from the object into a plurality of color light beams. A correction element such as a plane-parallel glass, prism or the like is disposed in an optical path between the blazed diffraction grating and the sensors so as to correct different imaging positions on the surfaces of the sensors caused by different wavelengths of the plurality of color light beams color-separated by the blazed diffraction grating.

Abstract: This invention presents a method of clearing a sensor field of debris, including liquids, through the use of an air curtain. An embodiment of this invention addresses the problem of impurity buildup in the sensing field of an optical sorter. An air curtain is created which prevents film buildup between the light sensor and the light source by blowing material and impurities, which form the film as they fall off articles being sorted, out of the sensing field.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for use in optical testing of concentration in samples has been developed. The apparatus restricts the solid angle of illumination and the solid angle of detection to eliminate a high proportion of the scattered radiation while allowing the ballistic radiation and the snake-like radiation to be transmitted. In samples which contain multiple scattering centers, this allows less correction for variations in effective pathlength and allows easier calibration of the apparatus. The use of polarized radiation as a means of minimizing scattered radiation in the sample is also disclosed.