Abstract: A structure is described having an optical element having a cylindrical shape adapted for rolling in contact with a surface of a material, a source of electromagnetic radiation coupled into one portion of the cylinder to interact with the surface, and exiting at another portion of the optical element for detection. An apparatus is described for applying electromagnetic radiation to a surface having a cylindrical roller formed from a material transmissive to the electromagnetic radiation; the cylindrical roller adapted for rolling on the surface; and the cylindrical roller adapted for receiving the electromagnetic radiation for reflecting the electromagnetic radiation therein and for directing the electromagnetic radiation towards a detector for detection. The structure and apparatus is directed for use with in-line or real-time process monitoring technology.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus heat extraction packaging feature wherein in the transfer of locally generated heat at a component of an electronic apparatus, the heat is stored in a buffering reservoir in the apparatus housing with a Peltier effect transfer control device being mounted external to the housing and interfaced with the thermal reservoir at the housing surface. The packaging interface permits the use of larger Peltier effect devices, greater freedom in precooling of the thermal reservoir and lighter weight portable computers where the Peltier effect devices are positioned in a docking station. In a portable computer with a battery power supply, the thermal reservoir can be independent or the battery can be employed in the thermal reservoir functions.

Abstract: Heat transfer out of a housing for a locallized source of heat such as that produced by a semiconductor chip of electronic apparatus is provided by a low thermal impedance heat transfer member such as a heat pipe, a thermal reservoir or heat transfer buffering member and a Peltier effect device interfaced with the thermal reservoir and the ambient surrounding the housing so as to provide a refrigeration function for the thermal reservoir. A high heat capacity or high latent heat of phase transition material can be used for the thermal reservoir. In a portable computer with a battery power supply, the thermal reservoir can be independent or the battery can be employed in the thermal reservoir functions.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring the dielectric constant of samples with complex or uncertain geometries that can include unusually shaped single sample pieces or collections of differently shaped sample pieces such as powders. The premise of the measurement technique is that a reference capacitor plate and a sample capacitor plate are exposed to a dynamically-changing solvent mixture. When the capacitance of these two fixtures become equal at the point at which a particular solvent mixture is reached, the dielectric constant of the sample is then known.

Abstract: An electrochromic display and a method for making thereof are disclosed. The display has isolated and perforated reflectors separating an electrolyte confined between two electrodes. The front electrode is transparent. The reflector eliminates the need to include pigment particles in the electrolyte to mask the black rear electrode and to provide a desired color background. The pigment free electrolyte is thinner than a pigmented electrolyte. The reflector reflects light back to the transparent electrode thus masking the rear electrode and providing a background color other than black. When the rear electrode is driven by a drive circuit, ions of the electrolyte and current pass through the reflector towards the front electrode, where a coloration reaction occurs to form an image. The electrochromic display is thin, has high resolution, and does not exhibit image spreading and distortion.