Abstract: The invention includes a source stream of neutral particles (neutral atoms and neutral molecules, but not neutrons) in free molecular flow, a beam forming element disposed within the source stream having at least one small aperture located proximal to the sample allowing part of the source stream to pass through the aperture as a beam of neutral particles directed at the sample for revealing the sample, a control positioner for scanning the beam of neutral particles over or through portions of said sample surface, optionally one or more detector nozzles having an inlet positioned to collect neutral particles proceeding from or through the sample surface in free molecular flow, at least one detector, the detector arranged to sense neutral particles proceeding from the sample, and a processor connected to the detector and control positioner for generating an image of said sample.

Abstract: The invention includes a source stream of neutral particles (neutral atoms and neutral molecules, but not neutrons) in free molecular flow, a beam forming element disposed within the source stream having at least one small aperture located proximal to the sample allowing part of the source stream to pass through the aperture as a beam of neutral particles directed at the sample for revealing the sample, a control positioner for scanning the beam of neutral particles over or through portions of said sample surface, optionally one or more detector nozzles having an inlet positioned to collect neutral particles proceeding from or through the sample surface in free molecular flow, at least one detector, the detector arranged to sense neutral particles proceeding from the sample, and a processor connected to the detector and control positioner for generating an image of said sample.

Abstract: A system for playing digital video at varying playback speeds can include a fetcher module configured to retrieve encoded pictures from a data store and an allocator module configured to selectively delete encoded pictures from an input cache. The system further can include a decoder module and an output cache module. The decoder module can decode pictures received from the input cache. The output cache module can store a plurality of decoded pictures and provide selected ones of the pictures as output. Pictures are processed within each of the modules according to a priority corresponding to each picture.

Abstract: A system for playing digital video at varying playback speeds can include a fetcher module configured to retrieve encoded pictures from a data store and an allocator module configured to selectively delete encoded pictures from an input cache. The system further can include a decoder module and an output cache module. The decoder module can decode pictures received from the input cache. The output cache module can store a plurality of decoded pictures and provide selected ones of the pictures as output. Pictures are processed within each of the modules according to a priority corresponding to each picture.

Abstract: An improved optical receiver comprises a vertically lasing semiconductor optical amplifier (VLSOA) coupled to a photodetector. The VLSOA and photodetector are discrete devices or alternatively integrated onto a common substrate. The integrated optical receiver may be fabricated using a number of different methods, including based on selective area epitaxy, impurity induced disordering, etch and fill and silicon optical bench.

Abstract: A method of providing advertising is shown which utilizes a fixed water bottle and companion stand arrangement in a bottled water dispenser system. Advertising indicia is either applied directly to an exterior surface of the bottle or is applied to a substrate which is affixed to the bottle exterior surface. The water bottle, together with its companion stand, is then distributed by a sales force to a target group of end users which group is selected based upon specific market analysis criteria. The associated stand can also have an advertising message applied to an exterior surface thereof.

Abstract: A method of providing advertising is shown which utilizes an existing bottled water distribution system. A printed message may be applied directly to an exterior surface of selected bottles or a substrate bearing the advertising indicia may be affixed to an exterior surface of selected bottles being cycled within the distribution system. The bottles are delivered to a target group of end users. Periodically, the previously delivered bottles are collected for refilling. The previously applied substrate can then be removed and a new substrate can be applied containing the same or a new advertising message. The relabeled bottles are then again delivered to the target group of end users.