Abstract: According to various embodiments, systems and methods for spatial sampling in proximity to the Nyquist limit in traveling-wave antenna systems are disclosed. An apparatus can include a traveling-wave antenna array comprising a plurality of adjacent traveling-wave antennas that each include a plurality of tunable elements that are spaced at, near, or above a Nyquist limit spacing to form an array of tunable elements. The apparatus also includes a phase diversity feed coupled to the traveling-wave antenna array that is configured to provide input to the traveling-wave antenna array including phase diverse input to two or more of the plurality of adjacent traveling-wave antennas. Further, the apparatus includes a plurality of grayscale tuning elements configured to tune the plurality of tunable elements along one or more ranges of one or more tuning variables to form one or more specific output radiation patterns through the traveling-wave antenna array based on the input.

Abstract: A system and method including a wand-type ultraviolet (UV) light assembly positioned above a keyboard and other computer peripheral device(s) to be sanitized. The UV light assembly is preferably moved across the peripheral device surface to eliminate nearly all germs, bacteria, viruses, pathogens and other microorganisms that have accumulated on the surfaces of the keyboard and other peripherals. Desirably, the system operation is managed by a controller device which is in communication with a host computer. In addition, the system allows for the collection and analysis of system performance data. The invention provides an extremely effective, compact, virtually cost-free and environmentally-friendly solution to disinfecting surfaces of keyboards and other peripheral devices.

Abstract: A system that uses an essentially stationary device to scan barcodes or the like associated with items such as retail goods and services, library books, and so on. The system further includes an interactive graphical user interface that enables consumers to obtain a wealth of information about the scanned items and items similar in kind and/or different in kind but related in purpose to the scanned items, as well as promotional events and selling opportunities associated with the scanned items. The system allows a consumer to involve social knowledge in the decision making process of borrowing or purchasing a particular item. In an instant, the consumer can get a sense of an item's benefit to him or her based on the publicly available opinions of others. The system may be used to instantly check out items, communicate with staff, function as digital signage or to locate items in a facility.

Abstract: A system and method including a wand-type ultraviolet (UV) light assembly positioned above a keyboard and other computer peripheral device(s) to be sanitized. The UV light assembly is preferably moved across the peripheral device surface to eliminate nearly all germs, bacteria, viruses, pathogens and other microorganisms that have accumulated on the surfaces of the keyboard and other peripherals. Desirably, the system operation is managed by a controller device which is in communication with a host computer. In addition, the system allows for the collection and analysis of system performance data. The invention provides an extremely effective, compact, virtually cost-free and environmentally-friendly solution to disinfecting surfaces of keyboards and other peripheral devices.

Abstract: A system for managing a plurality of media includes an apparatus that houses a subset of the plurality. The apparatus may dispense media, either in raw or packaged form, and may receive media in response to customer requests and transactions, by identifying and authenticating customers and media. The apparatus may be configured to operate alone or the apparatus may interface with a host circulation system and may connect to customer and media databases within the host circulation system to manage a plurality of media greater than the subset physically housed within. Additionally, the apparatus may be used as a self check-out station for items that are not housed within. The system maintains a transactional log and may provide a transactional receipt to each customer as well as accept payment as part of a customer transaction. Additionally, the system may include a remote servicing system to maintain the apparatus.

Abstract: The improved ion source of the present invention includes upper and lower spaced apart but coaxially arranged magnetic pole rings having differing inner diameters. Because of the non-symmetry of the pole pieces or rings, the magnetic flux field created therebetween is non-symmetrical from top to bottom. This, and the arrangement and configuration of the anode ring located between the pole pieces, create an increased plasma region and higher plasma density resulting in increased thermal management, improved stoichiometry and increased density of the thin film devices being fabricated.

Abstract: The present apparatus includes a rotating table which is loaded with removable carriers, each of which holds a substrate to be coated. The carriers are advanced to a loading position and are pushed from the table thereat into a hollow cylinder. Each carrier has a pair of O-rings on its periphery which are squeezed against the inside surface of the cylinder to effect a double seal. Each carrier pushes the carrier ahead of it up through the cylinder in a train like fashion. Along the cylinder there are vacuum stations which act to pump down and degas the substrates. Apertures are provided in the vacuum stations and these apertures are formed to permit the O-rings to expand as the carriers pass by the apertures without causing the O-rings to be cut or scored. Within a vacuum chamber there is included a vapor trap which helps remove water vapor from the substrates during the degassing operation.

Abstract: The present apparatus has a movable table with apertures therein. In each aperture there is loaded a carrier device and each carrier holds a substrate to be coated. The carriers are advanced in a step-like fashion to a loading position under a vertical hollow cylinder. When a carrier is in the loading position, a piston is moved upward, passing through the aperture, pushing the carrier into the hollow cylinder. Each carrier has an O-ring on its periphery and the O-ring is squeezed against the cylinder wall to form a seal. Each carrier pushes against the one above it to advance a column of carriers upward in the hollow cylinder. In this way, the carriers, and the substrates they hold, pass through the hollow cylinder. Along the cylinder there are vacuum stations which act to pump down and degas the substrates. The degassed substrates eventually emerge from the upper end of the cylinder into a vacuum chamber, whereat they are coated by sputtering, or the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in a preferred embodiment, a cylindrical stainless steel cathode with end pieces thereon to form a cathode chamber within. In addition, in a preferred embodiment, there is a stainless steel rod which passes axially through the cathode chamber and which is electrically insulated therefrom at the end pieces. The stainless steel cathode has first and second apertures formed therein with the first to be connected to a source of ionizable gas and the second to act as the opening through which there passes a stream of ions to an ion beam target. A magnetic flux source is coupled to the cathode chamber to pass magnetic flux therethrough and a voltage source is connected between the anode and the cathode to provide an electrostatic field therebetween whereby when ionizable gas is fed into the cathode chamber, it is ionized and a stream of ions emanates from the second aperture.