Abstract: A method for characterizing a lithography apparatus, in particular, a method for characterizing a lithography apparatus configured to cause an obscuration of radiation, as well as a lithography apparatus and a computer program product configured to carry out the methods. A method for characterizing a lithography apparatus; detecting first diffracted radiation of the lithography apparatus, wherein the first diffracted radiation was diffracted at a characterization element; determining a diffraction property of the characterization element based on at least in part the first substantially undiffracted radiation and the first diffracted radiation.

Abstract: A multi-functional scanning probe microscopy nanoprobe may include a cantilever, a tapered structure formed on a surface of the cantilever from a first material, and a nanopillar formed on an apex of the tapered structure from a second material. One of the first and second materials may exhibit ferromagnetism and the other may have greater electrical conductivity. A method of simultaneous multi-mode operation during scanning probe microscopy may include scanning a sample with the nanoprobe in contact with the sample to produce a current measurement indicative of an electric current flowing through the sample and a height measurement indicative of a topography of the sample and, thereafter, scanning the sample with the nanoprobe oscillating about a lift height derived from the height measurement to produce a deflection measurement (e.g. phase shift) indicative of a magnetic force between the sample and the nanoprobe.

Abstract: A multi-functional scanning probe microscopy nanoprobe may include a cantilever, a tapered structure formed on a surface of the cantilever from a first material, and a nanopillar formed on an apex of the tapered structure from a second material. One of the first and second materials may exhibit ferromagnetism and the other may have greater electrical conductivity. A method of simultaneous multi-mode operation during scanning probe microscopy may include scanning a sample with the nanoprobe in contact with the sample to produce a current measurement indicative of an electric current flowing through the sample and a height measurement indicative of a topography of the sample and, thereafter, scanning the sample with the nanoprobe oscillating about a lift height derived from the height measurement to produce a deflection measurement (e.g. phase shift) indicative of a magnetic force between the sample and the nanoprobe.

Abstract: A lens housing includes a main housing, a lens array, a lens housing, and an athermalization bushing. The lens array has a thermally variable focal length that determines a focal point along a focal axis. The lens housing contains the lens array and is situated within the main housing, and is capable of translating relative to the main housing along the focal axis. The athermalization bushing is situated axially between the lens housing and the main housing, such that thermal expansion of the athermalization bushing translates the lens housing along the focal axis. This translation causes the focal point to remain substantially fixed relative to the main housing as the focal length of the lens array varies across an operational temperature range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-thermal plasma jet device as spatial ionization source for ambient mass spectrometry of the type which allows a free adjustment of the geometry of the plasma beam, wherein the device comprises a double dielectric barrier probe of non-thermal plasma or NTP probe, which generates a non-thermal plasma jet; a high voltage and high frequency transformer circuit that connects an outer electrode through which it is possible to perform a discharge for the ionization of a gas which produces plasma, and wherein said plasma generator circuit is in turn connected to a source of AC power; an inner electrode which is grounded and allows to perform the discharge for the production of plasma; a storage tank of a gas serving as discharge gas; a test sample on which the non-thermal plasma jet is applied; and a ion transfer adapter to direct the ions produced by the device from the vacuum-free sample into a mass analyzer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-thermal plasma jet device as spatial ionization source for ambient mass spectrometry of the type which allows a free adjustment of the geometry of the plasma beam, wherein the device comprises a double dielectric barrier probe of non-thermal plasma or NTP probe, which generates a non-thermal plasma jet; a high voltage and high frequency transformer circuit that connects an outer electrode through which it is possible to perform a discharge for the ionization of a gas which produces plasma, and wherein said plasma generator circuit is in turn connected to a source of AC power; an inner electrode which is grounded and allows to perform the discharge for the production of plasma; a storage tank of a gas serving as discharge gas; a test sample on which the non-thermal plasma jet is applied; and a ion transfer adapter to direct the ions produced by the device from the vacuum-free sample into a mass analyzer.

Abstract: A low cost, lightweight frangible wing slot seal can be applied to a guidance wing slot of a folding fin aerial rocket or missile, providing a barrier against exposure of internal missile components to external contaminants, while allowing unhindered deployment of missile guidance wings simply by bursting through the seals. The simple design is nearly foolproof, and has no impact the likelihood of weapon failure. The seal is a flexible sheet which is sufficiently thin so as not to exceed the required volume envelope of the missile. The sheet includes a burst seam, which is breached when impacted by the leading edge of a deploying wing. No additional wing deployment force is required, and after deployment the seal has minimal impact on the aerodynamic performance of the wing.

Abstract: A low cost, lightweight frangible wing slot seal can be applied to a guidance wing slot of a folding fin aerial rocket or missile, providing a barrier against exposure of internal missile components to external contaminants, while allowing unhindered deployment of missile guidance wings simply by bursting through the seals. The simple design is nearly foolproof, and has no impact the likelihood of weapon. failure. The seal is a flexible sheet which is sufficiently thin so as not to exceed the required volume envelope of the missile. The sheet includes a burst seam, which is breached when impacted by the leading edge of a deploying wing. No additional wing deployment force is required, and after deployment the seal has minimal impact on the aerodynamic performance of the wing.

Abstract: A detection system comprising a plurality of taut wire panels having vertical detection/sensor wires. The sensor wires are tensioned to position trigger plates associated one or more of the wires. Trigger plate movement causes an actuating means to indicate a sensor wire has been moved. In one embodiment, sensor wires and portions of the panel frame have similar coefficients of thermal expansion to substantially eliminate environmental expansion effects that may result in false alarms. Linked sensor wires on adjacent panel may signal movement of entire panels. Panels are monitored by panel controllers reporting to sector controllers that report to a central command computer that automatically numbers sector and panel controllers at start-up. Bi-directional communication enables alarms and system faults to be precisely located.

Abstract: The invention relates to a weighing system with a Client-Server architecture, wherein the server is designed to provide services to a client on request a Client-Server communication provider being provided, wherein the services are registered and which is designed to deliver a service requested by the client. Delivery of the service is provided directly between the client and a dedicated server.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for configuring the interaction between a balance and input and output devices communicating therewith, comprising a user module for controlling the output devices and interrogating input devices, wherein the interaction functionalities of the balance are defined by the user module. The profile module is automatically coupled to the user module depending data received by the user module. The invention further relates to a balance wherein the above method is used.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are passive and active vehicle arresting barrier systems that may be combined to provide anti-ram protection along an entire perimeter of a secured area including vehicle access points. A perimeter fence portion is a passive barrier system that stops an attacking vehicle within a predetermined penetration distance and may blend into an existing perimeter fence structure to provide an architecturally hidden structure. The access opening portion utilizes a collapsible road deck and an underlying pit that does not require hydraulic or electrical means to deploy.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are passive and active vehicle arresting barrier systems that may be combined to provide anti-ram protection along an entire perimeter of a secured area including vehicle access points. A perimeter fence portion is a passive barrier system that stops an attacking vehicle within a predetermined penetration distance and may blend into an existing perimeter fence structure to provide an architecturally hidden structure. The access opening portion utilizes a collapsible road deck and an underlying pit that does not require hydraulic or electrical means to deploy.

Abstract: Vehicle mountable refuse container transport device consisting of a carrier component that attaches to a refuse container, and a receiver component that attaches to a vehicle. When coupled, the carrier and receiver act together to hold the refuse container off the ground during transport.

Abstract: A high pressure evaporation vessel which is operated at a predeterminate pressure above atmospheric pressure, is connected to a low pressure expansion vessel which is operated at a predeterminate pressure below the pressure prevailing in the high pressure evaporation vessel, through a U-shaped siphon tube. The U-shaped siphon tube contains a liquid column absorbing the pressure difference existing between the high pressure evaporation vessel and the low pressure expansion vessel.

Abstract: A caustic alkali solution is concentrated to high density or high caustic alkali concentration by evaporation under high pressure at elevated temperature and expansion of the thus obtained concentrated caustic alkali solution to low pressure, preferably below atmospheric pressure. The pressure difference between the high pressure evaporator and the low pressure expansion vessel is absorbed gradually by a pressure difference absorber, preferably comprising a liquid column in a U-shaped siphon tube, so that corrosion and erosion are reduced considerably.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment of brine and more particularly the treatment of the brine elutriate drawn off after evaporation of the brine at an elevated temperature to separate some of the sodium chloride thereon. The crude brine normally contains sodium sulphate and potassium chloride, sometimes to relatively high levels, and the invention is directed primarily at the separation out of these salts. To achieve this, the brine elutriate is cooled, in chamber (12) whereby an NaCl--/KCl--/Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4 -- salt mixture is separated off by crystallization. The remaining parent solution can be returned to the evaporation stage (10), without disturbing the equalized balance of the secondary salts in the brine to be processed. The NaCl present in the salt mixture can be recovered by deposition with refrigerated water and separation of the Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4.

Abstract: In the absorption of an acid gas by an aqueous alkaline solution under gas-liquid absorption conditions, undesirable foaming is reduced by contacting the aqueous solution in a separate contact zone with a hydrocarbon solvent containing an effective amount of an extraction adjuvant.

Abstract: Method of dissolving out a sodium sulphate component of a residual product obtained upon evaporation and cooling of a sodium hydroxide solution originating from a diaphragm electrolysis, the product occuring in form of a crystallized salt mixture containing sodium chloride and sodium sulphate. First of all residues of the sodium hydroxide are removed from the product. Thereafter the mixture of sodium chloride and sodium sulphate is so slurried in water and treated that a maximum of the sodium chloride and a first part of the sodium sulphate are dissolved up to a solution being saturated of said two components while a second part of the sodium sulphate and a possible rest of the sodium chloride remain suspended. Whereafter the suspended solid substance is then separated from the sodium chloride-sodium sulphate mother brine.

Abstract: Method of concentrating sodium or potassium hydroxide liquids by means of a heated evaporator whereby for a preliminary pre-evaporation of the liquid to be concentrated the liquid is first of all heated by direct contact with the superheated evaporation vapors issuing from the evaporator; a suitable apparatus for this method is disclosed which comprises an evaporator and a pre-evaporator this arranged at the upstream side of the evaporator and heated by direct contact with the evaporation vapors issuing from the evaporator.