Abstract: A probe assembly for use with a charged particle instrument includes an elongate body having a proximal end for positioning outside of a charged particle instrument enclosed environment, a distal end for positioning within the enclosed environment and a longitudinal axis. A port interface is located on the body between the proximal and distal ends, and is coupleable to a nanomanipulator system of the charged particle instrument. A probe needle is positioned at a distal end of the body and is selectively positionable from outside the enclosed environment to contact a specimen within the enclosed environment. At least one gas injection needle is adjustably positioned near the probe needle. The gas injection needle is connectable to a source of pressurized gas to selectively inject gas in the area of the probe needle within the enclosed environment.

Abstract: A probe assembly for use with a charged particle instrument includes an elongate body having a proximal end for positioning outside of a charged particle instrument enclosed environment, a distal end for positioning within the enclosed environment and a longitudinal axis. A port interface is located on the body between the proximal and distal ends, and is coupleable to a nanomanipulator system of the charged particle instrument. A probe needle is positioned at a distal end of the body and is selectively positionable from outside the enclosed environment to contact a specimen within the enclosed environment. At least one gas injection needle is adjustably positioned near the probe needle. The gas injection needle is connectable to a source of pressurized gas to selectively inject gas in the area of the probe needle within the enclosed environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image enhancer that can be applied to various materials during quality testing. The image enhancer is adapted to infiltrate cracks, crevices, fractures, fissures, and other faults, defects, or flaws in the material and provide an increased contrast for images taken by, for example, an X-ray imaging device.

Abstract: The offshore apparatus in preferred form comprises a structure mounted on the ocean floor and terminating in a platform located beneath the surface of the water to carry loads extending above the surface. A plurality of legs extend generally vertically through a template base resting on the ocean floor and are anchored in the ocean bed below the base. A load platform is connected to the upper portions of the legs and is buoyant enough to maintain the legs in tension and to support the load which it carries. A stabilizer member is connected to the legs intermediate their length and is also buoyant to apply additional tension to the legs, and a series of mooring members are connected to the stabilizer member to minimize side sway in response to ocean currents. In the preferred method of installation, all three components are buoyant and are towed to the site of operations as a unit, and lowered to the ocean floor by ballasting them with sea water.