Abstract: A two-piece fastener plate and fastener assembly and method of securing a roof membrane to a roof deck wherein the fastener is reinforced with concentric dome-shaped ribs separated by concentric depressions or dimples. The concentric depressions or dimples are provided with pairs of barbs for gripping the roof membrane when the fastener secures the roof membrane to the roof deck.

Abstract: Two-piece fastener assembly for securing thermoplastic roof membranes to an underlying roof deck having: a batten bar coated with a thermoplastic coating on its top surface; a plurality of openings in the batten bar; and fasteners positioned in the plurality of openings for securing the batten bar and one thermoplastic roof membrane to the underlying roof deck.

Abstract: A modular dual-beam source, sample compartment and beam-combining system are provided when used with a monochromator and detector to form a spectrophotometer consisting of: (a) a source module where two ellipsoidal mirrors each produce an image of the light source, and (b) a reflecting sample-compartment module, wherein each side has two plane-mirrors, of the four plane mirrors, three are reference and one is the sample, or (c) a transmission sample-compartment module, wherein each side has two plane-mirrors, and a sample is placed between one pair of plane-mirrors, and (d) a beam-combining module wherein the source images are imaged by a second pair of ellipsoidal mirrors on a reflective chopper that combines the images at a single location that is imaged, external to the module, by another mirror, each module being kinematically located with respect to each other so the system remains optically aligned as modules are interchanged.

Abstract: A dual field of view optical system and a single, lower cost detector are utilized, rather than using a large CCD camera or multiple CCD cameras, to view a sample that has two or more small areas that need to be measured, which are too far apart to fall on the detector but are within the field of view of the objective, or to measure a long, narrow strip that is too long for the detector, but whose total area is less than the detector area. The dual field of view optical system is employed in a microscope which comprises: (1) an illuminator arm with an illumination source and a field stop, (2) a beam splitter, (3) an objective, (4) a sample plane for location of a sample to be observed, and (5) a detector arm, with the illuminator arm configured to illuminate the sample plane through the beam splitter and the objective and with the detector arm configured to receive an image of the sample and including the dual field of view optical system.

Abstract: A differential interference contrast (DIC) microscope system is provided comprising: (a) an illumination source for illuminating a sample; (b) a lens system for viewing the illuminated sample, including an objective, defining an optical axis; (c) a DIC prism having a shear angle for separating an input light beam into two, orthogonally polarized output beams that are separated by the shear angle; (d) at least one detector system for receiving a sample image; (e) a mechanism for modulating the phase of the DIC image; (f) a mechanism for selecting the wavelength of light used in acquiring at least two sets of DIC data taken in a single shear direction; and (g) a mechanism for manipulating the multiple DIC data sets to synthesize data that appear to have been taken at a longer synthetic wavelength. The various approaches disclosed and claimed herein permit the measurement of surfaces with a greater slope than is possible with a single wavelength or shear distance.

Abstract: A differential interference contrast (DIC) microscope system is provided comprising: (a) an illumination source for illuminating a sample ; (b) a lens system for viewing the illuminated sample, including an objective, defining an optical axis; (c) at least one detector system for receiving a sample image; (d) mechanisms for wavelength multiplexing the shear direction or shear magnitude or both on the sample and demultiplexing the resultant DIC images on the detector; and (e) a mechanism for modulating the phase of the interference image. Various approaches are disclosed to accomplish wavelength multiplexing of shear direction and demultiplexing the two DIC images that result. It is possible for the two, wavelength multiplexed DIC images to differ in either or both shear direction or magnitude.

Abstract: A differential interference contrast (DIC) microscope system is provided comprising: (a) an illumination source for illuminating a sample; (b) a lens system for viewing the illuminated sample, including an objective, defining an optical axis; (c) at least one detector system for receiving a sample image; (d) mechanisms for wavelength multiplexing the shear direction or shear magnitude or both on the sample and demultiplexing the resultant DIC images on the detector; and (e) a mechanism for modulating the phase of the interference image. Various approaches are disclosed to accomplish wavelength multiplexing of shear direction and demultiplexing the two DIC images that result. It is possible for the two, wavelength multiplexed DIC images to differ in either or both shear direction or magnitude.

Abstract: A point source module is provided, comprising: a Shack cube comprising a beam splitter cube with an attached spherical reference surface defining a reference arm; a test arm that is associated with transmission of optical radiation from a source to a sample; a point source of optical radiation whose emissions traverse both the reference arm and the test arm; and a detector associated with a surface of the beam splitter cube and receiving optical radiation from both the reference arm and the test arm and comprising a detector arm, an objective lens associated with the test arm, or both. Further, a method of aligning the point source module is provided, along with a method of using the point source microscope is provided. The apparatus and methods provide a compact, robust device and technique for measuring or locating optical or mechanical datum of parts that are being manufactured or assembled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for color calibrating an imager device is disclosed. The imager device is subjected to a plurality of light sources. Color channel responses are obtained from the imager device and the color calibrating coefficients are determined.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a surgical procedure on a patient is described. An incision is made into tissue of the patient to create a tissue pocket. The tissue has an anterior surface. Preferably, the tissue is corneal tissue of an eye. A reflective element is inserted into the pocket. An energy source generates a radiant energy signal, which is directed toward the reflective element. Reflected energy is received from the reflective element. A detector determines the depth of the reflective element below the anterior surface based upon the energy reflected by the reflective element. The speed of transmission of the radiant energy in the reflective element is different (preferably slower) than the speed of transmission of the radiant energy in the tissue. The reflective element may be in the form of a tool on which is disposed a biocompatible polymer layer, the layer comprising trapped air spaces, or a tool having an open space for containing trapped air.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a surgical procedure on a patient is described. An incision is made into tissue of the patient to create a tissue pocket. The tissue has an anterior surface. Preferably, the tissue is corneal tissue of an eye. A reflective element is inserted into the pocket. An energy source generates a radiant energy signal, which is directed toward the reflective element. Reflected energy is received from the reflective element. A detector determines the depth of the reflective element below the anterior surface based upon the energy reflected by the reflective element. The speed of transmission of the radiant energy in the reflective element is different (preferably slower) than the speed of transmission of the radiant energy in the tissue. The reflective element may be in the form of a tool on which is disposed a biocompatible polymer layer, the layer comprising trapped air spaces, or a tool having an open space for containing trapped air.