Abstract: A method of determining the position of a probe tip. An evanescent electromagnetic field is generated extending beyond an interface boundary between a first medium, having a first refractive index, and a second medium, having a second refractive index which is greater than the first refractive index, the interface boundary extending in a plane. A probe tip is positioned in the evanescent field in the first medium thereby causing propagating electromagnetic radiation to be produced as a result of the disruption of the evanescent field by the probe tip, and at least a portion of the propagating electromagnetic radiation is collected. The spatial intensity distribution of the collected radiation is detected with respect to an image plane. An at least one dimensional position of the probe tip in a probe tip plane is determined from the detected spatial intensity distribution, the probe tip plane being a plane which contains the probe tip and which is substantially parallel to the plane of the interface boundary.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ink stick provides the ink stick with a coded mark. The method includes forming an ink stick body of a phase change ink composition, and applying a marking composition to a surface of the ink stick body to form a coded mark on the surface of the ink stick body at the marking station, the marking composition being composed of the same phase change ink composition used to form the ink stick body.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ink stick is provided. The method comprises forming an ink stick body of a phase change ink composition. Once formed, the ink stick body is then transported to a marking station. At the marking station, a marking composition is applied to a surface of the ink stick body to form a coded mark on the surface of the ink stick body. The marking composition is composed of the same phase change ink composition used to form the ink stick body.

Abstract: A method for releasing flowable material via an automated means from a receptacle which has at least one closed end, characterised by the steps of locating the receptacle in a defined position relative to a receptacle opening mechanism, and opening the receptacle with the receptacle opening mechanism, the method characterised in that the receptacle is positioned such that it is opened substantially below the bulk of the material in the receptacle. Also disclosed is a method of releasing flowable material via an automated means from a receptacle which has at least one closed end, characterised by the steps of locating the receptacle in a defined position relative to a receptacle opening mechanism, and opening the receptacle with the receptacle opening mechanism, the method characterised in that the flowable material within the receptacle is fluidised.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention includes a fluid tubing connection system comprising a nut component, an anti-seize ring component, and a ferrule component. In assembly, the nut component slides onto an exterior of the tubing, followed by the ring component. The ferrule component is then coupled to an end of the tubing and has an interior diameter that matches an interior fluid diameter of the tubing. When connected to a fluid device, the anti-seize ring component isolates the tubing from any rotational motion of the nut component, which prevents damage of the tubing caused by seizing or twisting. Further, the connection system conforms the tubing such that the internal fluid path is continuous with substantially zero unswept volume.

Abstract: A probe for an atomic force microscope is adapted such that, as a sample is scanned, it experiences a biasing force urging the probe towards the sample. This improves probe tracking of the sample surface and faster scans are possible. This is achieved by either including a biasing element, which is responsive to an externally applied force, on the probe and/or reducing the quality factor of a supporting beam. This biasing element may, for example, be a magnet or an electrically-conducting element. The quality factor may be reduced by coating the beam with a mechanical-energy dissipating material.

Abstract: A scanning near-field optical microscope detects the evanescent field formed about an illuminated sample 14 via an interaction between the field and a local probe 20.The probe 20 is scanned across the sample surface in order to collect a complete image as a succession of scan lines. In the microscope of this invention, image collection is more rapidly performed by translating the probe 20 whilst it is oscillated at or near its resonance frequency. In this way a series of scan lines covering an area of the sample surface are rapidly collected, the length of each scan line being determined by oscillation amplitude.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope detects or induces changes in a probe-sample interaction. In imaging mode, the probe 54 is brought into a contact distance of the sample 12 and the strength of the interaction measured as the probe 54 and sample surface are scanned relative to each other. Image collection is rapidly performed by carrying out a relative translation of the sample 12 and probe 54 whilst one or other is oscillated at or near its resonant frequency. In a preferred embodiment the interaction is monitored by means of capacitance developed at an interface between a metallic probe and the sample. In lithographic mode, an atomic force microscope is adapted to write information to a sample surface.

Abstract: An un-manned airborne vehicle (UAV), for acquiring aeromagnetic data for geophysical surveying at low altitude on land or over water, comprising an extended fuselage that is adapted to hold and maintain magnetometer and a magnetic compensation magnetometer at a minimum distance from the avionics and propulsion systems of the UAV. The magnetometer measures magnetic anomalies and the magnetic compensation magnetometer measures magnetic responses corresponding to the pitch, yaw and roll of the UAV. A data acquisition system stores and removes the magnetic response measurements from the magnetic anomaly measurements. The data acquisition system also stores a survey flight plan and transmits the same to the avionics system. The generator of the UAV is shielded and the propulsion system is stabilized to reduce magnetic and vibrational noises that can interfere with the operation of the magnetometer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ink stick is provided. The method comprises forming an ink stick body of a phase change ink composition. Once formed, the ink stick body is then transported to a marking station. At the marking station, a marking composition is applied to a surface of the ink stick body to form a coded mark on the surface of the ink stick body. The marking composition is composed of the same phase change ink composition used to form the ink stick body.

Abstract: A drive system is provided for a resonating probe device, such as a scanning probe microscope, wherein the amplitude of the drive signal is controlled by feeding back a phase shifted and amplified component of the amplitude of oscillation of the resonating element. Means are provided for electronically enhancing the quality factor of a resonating probe device when operated in a liquid environment. Such enhancement of the quality factor improves the sensitivity of the probe device.

Abstract: A scanning near-field optical microscope detects the evanescent field formed about an illuminated sample 14 via an interaction between the field and a local probe 20. The probe 20 is scanned across the sample surface in order to collect a complete image as a succession of scan lines. In the microscope of this invention, image collection is more rapidly performed by translating the probe 20 whilst it is oscillated at or near its resonance frequency. In this way a series of scan lines covering an area of the sample surface are rapidly collected, the length of each scan line being determined by oscillation amplitude.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus of forming a row of sliced product, which has a lateral dimension when aligned in a row. The apparatus 10 includes a row former, generally indicated at 13 and a pattern former generally indicated at 14. The row former forms rows of, for example, tomato slices 16, which are delivered onto a receiving surface, formed by the belt of a conveyor 17. The conveyor 17 is driven intermittently to deliver slices 16 in their row 15 onto the first conveyor 18 of the pattern former 14. The row former 13 includes an inclined conveyor belt 31, which has slats 32 spaced along its length, the spacing being dictated by the lateral dimension of the sliced product to be handled. A series of wiper blades 33 are spaced along the conveyor 31, along the direction of travel. As the belt 31 is driven intermittently the slices are elevated and wiped into the spaces between the slats until rows are formed.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope detects or induces changes in a probe-sample interaction. In imaging mode, the probe 54 is brought into a contact distance of the sample 12 and the strength of the interaction measured as the probe 54 and sample surface are scanned relative to each other. Image collection is rapidly performed by carrying out a relative translation of the sample 12 and probe 54 whilst one or other is oscillated at or near its resonant frequency. In a preferred embodiment the interaction is monitored by means of capacitance developed at an interface between a metallic probe and the sample. In lithographic mode, an atomic force microscope is adapted to write information to a sample surface.

Abstract: A drive system is provided for a resonating probe device, such as a scanning probe microscope, wherein the amplitude of the drive signal is controlled by feeding back a phase shifted and amplified component of the amplitude of oscillation of the resonating element. Means are provided for electronically enhancing the quality factor of a resonating probe device when operated in a liquid environment. Such enhancement of the quality factor improves the sensitivity of the probe device.

Abstract: A mixture of a binder and a particle material, the mixture having 50 to 90 volume percent of the particle material. The binder is curable in a temperature range of 50° F. to 90° F. The volume percent of the present composition provides an inherent permeability in any conventional application method. It can be sprayed or applied by hand and yet it still maintains an intrinsic permeability.

Abstract: A mixture of a binder and a particle material, the mixture having 50 to 90 volume percent of the particle material. The binder is curable in a temperature range of 50° F. to 90° F. The volume percent of the present composition provides an inherent permeability in any conventional application method. It can be sprayed or applied by hand and yet it still maintains an intrinsic permeability.

Abstract: A solar thermal rocket that includes a thermal energy storage section, a radiant inter-heater, a primary solar concentrator, and a propulsion nozzle. The primary solar concentrator is selectively movable to direct solar energy to either the thermal energy storage section or to the radiant inter-heater. The thermal energy storage section, along with insulation, is arranged to define a cavity such that a focused beam of solar rays can enter the cavity through an aperture in the insulation. The thermal energy storage section typically absorbs and stores solar energy during the non-propulsion portion of the orbital period. The solar rays are captured and absorbed and thereby heat the thermal energy storage section to very high temperatures. A radiant inter-heater directly receives concentrated solar rays and transfers the heat to the propellant during the propulsion phase.

Abstract: A system for determining whether items of evidence prove a conclusion based upon user input data. The software of the present invention interrogates a user to receive characteristic information about the user and for information about the items of evidence in a trial. In accordance with the present invention, a user inputs a probability for each item of evidence that the item of evidence is true and a probability that the item of evidence proves a conclusion. The software of the present invention then calculates the probability that each item of evidence individually proves the conclusion and the probability that all of the items of evidence combined prove the conclusion. The software of the present invention than performs statistical analysis of the data receive from several users to determine trends about the evidence and to model a jury or to select a jury from a pool of potential jurors.

Abstract: A timing circuit, for use in an integrated circuit, generates relatively long time periods. The electrical properties (for example the resistance) of a pair of matched components are measured while heat is supplied to one of the components. When the values of the thermally dependent properties of the components differ by a certain amount, the timed period is over. The pair of matched components are located within thermally insulating structures within the IC.