Abstract: The invention includes an XRF analyzer with reduced x-ray attenuation between sample and target and between sample and detector. Attenuation can be reduced by removing atmospheric-air paths through which the x-rays must travel. Reduced x-ray attenuation can allow for easier detection of low-atomic-number elements. Cost saving can be achieved by reducing the number of x-ray windows.

Abstract: The invention includes a flat-panel-display (FPD) manufacturing machine which utilizes x-rays for electrostatic dissipation of a bottom side of a FPD when lifting the FPD off of a table during manufacture of the FPD. The invention also includes a method of electrostatic dissipation of a bottom side of an FPD.

Abstract: An electrostatic-dissipation device comprising an x-ray tube and an electrically-conductive shell that is electrically coupled to an anode of the x-ray tube can be used for electrostatic dissipation, especially at a bottom side of a flat-panel-display (FPD).

Abstract: The invention includes an XRF analyzer with reduced x-ray attenuation between sample and target and between sample and detector. Attenuation can be reduced by removing atmospheric-air paths through which the x-rays must travel. Reduced x-ray attenuation can allow for easier detection of low-atomic-number elements. Cost saving can be achieved by reducing the number of x-ray windows.

Abstract: The invention includes a flat-panel-display (FPD) manufacturing machine which utilizes x-rays for electrostatic dissipation of a bottom side of a FPD when lifting the FPD off of a table during manufacture of the FPD. The invention also includes a method of electrostatic dissipation of a bottom side of an FPD.

Abstract: An electrostatic-dissipation device comprising an x-ray tube and an electrically-conductive shell that is electrically coupled to an anode of the x-ray tube can be used for electrostatic dissipation, especially at a bottom side of a flat-panel-display (FPD).

Abstract: An elongated x-ray tube that can emit a linear curtain of x-rays along its length. Methods of using an elongated curtain of x-rays.

Abstract: A method of detecting the presence of a substance being monitored in a medium, selected from the group of substances including organophosphorus compounds and the metal ions Zn, Be and Bi, including the steps of: providing a 1,2-dioxetane phenyl phosphate compound; providing a phosphatase that catalytically degrades the 1,2-dioxetane phenyl phosphate compound to produce light, the catalytic activity of the phosphatase toward 1,2-dioxetane phenyl phosphate compound being altered by the substance being monitored; exposing the 1,2-dioxetane phenyl phosphate compound and the phosphatase together to a medium which may contain the substance being monitored; detecting light produced after the exposing step; and determining, from the detected light, the presence and concentration in the medium of the substance being monitored.