Abstract: The invention relates to precision measurement technology, specifically a high-sensitivity three-dimensional topography recovery method using dual-channel differentiation. Enhancing a traditional microscopic imaging system, a beam splitter is added between the objective lens and tube lens. This creates an additional light path equipped with a tube lens and camera identical to the original but with a slightly different distance to the camera. During axial scanning of the object, focusing evaluation function curves for each pixel are calculated from images captured by both cameras. The curves from the two cameras show more significant changes near the optimal focusing depth, improving system sensitivity. This method enhances sensitivity by hardware-fixed differentiation of the focusing evaluation function, while maintaining high scanning efficiency and flexible configuration.

Abstract: Pigment compositions are described that advantageously increase total solar reflectance. Also described are methods of making pigment compositions. The pigment compositions can contain copper oxide; copper antimony oxides, copper bismuth oxides, or combinations thereof; and alkaline earth metal oxides, early-transition metal oxides, post-transition metal oxides, metalloid (semi-metal) oxides, rare-earth metal oxides, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: 2-Aminopropane is used as the amine donor in the stereoselective synthesis of a chiral amine from a ketone with a transaminase. In a typical embodiment, (S)-1-methoxy-2-aminopropane is prepared by bringing methoxyacetone into contact with a transaminase in the presence of 2-aminopropane as an amine donor until a substantial amount of methoxyacetone is converted to (S)-1-methoxy-2-aminopropane and 2-aminopropane is converted to acetone. In a second embodiment, L-alanine is prepared by bringing pyruvic acid into contact with a transaminase in the presence of 2-aminopropane as an amine donor.

Abstract: This invention is for a pump having a series of chambers in a stack wherein electrodeformable material is used to deform a diaphragm to change the volume in the chambers. The architecture of the pump features stacks of chambers having a common diaphragm between adjacent chambers such that when a diaphragm is deformed to increase the volume in one chamber it simultaneously decreases the volume in the adjoining chamber. In one embodiment the stacks of chambers can be combined with other stacks to increase the head pressure in stages. In a second embodiment the stages can be in the same stack.

Abstract: Adjustable gap hydrostatic bearings and adjustable gap seals wherein the adjustable gaps are useful to compensate for wear, thermal expansion, journal speed, and radial deflection of the journal. A housing 10 is adjacent to a journal 2. The housing contains an annular electrodeformable material 5 which will expand or contract radially with the application of voltage and thus adjust the gap between the liner material 3 and the journal.