Abstract: An improved conduit box assembly for a large electric motor permits placement of busbar units and other such components at various locations therein. The conduit box has a main box in which fixed mounting bases are installed. Preferably, four L-shaped mounting bases are provided, one located in each of the respective corners. The mounting bases are configured to permit attachment of removable terminal support members on which the busbar units or other components are carried. Each terminal support member is mounted in a desired location within the main box across a pair of opposed base elements. Preferably, the support members can be placed in any one of a plurality of rotational and axial positions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transparent substrate element for electronic displays that includes a transparent base layer, a plurality of independently addressable transparent electrodes disposed on the base layer, and a contiguous metallic coating associated with each transparent conductive electrode to increase the conductivity of the associated transparent conductive electrode, wherein the contiguous metallic coating comprises a periodic array of holes arranged to allow a significant amount of visible light to be transmitted through the substrate element.

Abstract: In a circuit board with a conductor circuit formed on an insulating layer, a covering is formed on the conductor circuit and a terminal is connected to the conductor circuit penetrating through the covering to obtain high reliability for the connection between the terminal of the electronic component mounted on the circuit board and that of the circuit board. There is provided a level difference of 3 &mgr;m or less between the surface of the covering and that of the terminal.

Abstract: An improved foldable pushbutton-input device conformable to human body mechanism, wherein a plurality of assembly-jointing sections is defined by a plurality of properly spaced predetermined cutting lines on a baseboard; a circuit board made of a flexible material having a plurality of pushbutton-input circuit sections in positions corresponding with the assembly-jointing sections and also defined by the same cutting lines is attached on the baseboard; a signal-output circuit section is formed by extending the lateral edges of the pushbutton-input circuit sections and connected therewith; and a plurality of amount predetermined key sets is disposed on the circuit board or on the baseboard in virtue of the division cutting lines to thereby construct the foldable pushbutton-input device with a considerably reduced volume.

Abstract: A switch arrangement with multiple switches that can be selectively actuated by operation of a single lever, is of simple construction and occupies a minimum of space on a circuit board. The arrangement includes a housing (100) with a vertical axis (V) and an actuating lever (50) lying along the axis and pivotable about horizontal axes (102, 104). Upper and lower West switches (114, 116) that lie West of the axis, are actuated, one when the lever top is moved West and the other when the lever top is moved East. Similarly, upper and lower South switches (117, 118) are actuated, one when the lever top is moved South and the other when the lever top is moved North. Each pair of switches includes a pair of resilient trip members (32W, 33W and 32S, 33S), and with an arm (68W, 68S) extending horizontally from the middle of the lever and lying between the centers of the trip members.

Abstract: A manually movable switch selector (14) includes a rotary knob (16) and a thumb wheel (18). The rotary knob (16) is configured for rotation about a first axis (19). The thumb wheel (18) is supported on the rotary knob (16) for rotation relative to the rotary knob (16) about a second axis (29) perpendicular to the first axis (19).

Abstract: A circuit disrupter having a first conductor and a second conductor partially disposed in an enclosure. A connector is biased to an open position by a spring, but is held in an engaged position by a tab to connect first conductor to second conductor. When an operator removes tab, connector moves to the open position, thereby disconnecting first circuit element from second circuit element. Because the operator does not have access to the interior of enclosure, the first and second circuit elements will remain disconnected until appropriate maintenance activity is undertaken. The absence of tab from the circuit disrupter is a signal that such maintenance activity is required.

Abstract: A rotary operating-type electronic device used mainly in a peripheral apparatus such as a mouse for computers, portable telephones, an electronic device mounted on an automobile, and the like, in which a rotary type component and a linearly-driven type component are operated by a rotating manipulation of an operating knob attached to an operating axle and a tilting manipulation of the same knob in a direction orthogonal to an axis of the operating axle. The device is so constructed that the operating axle is supported to be rotatable together with a rotary encoder unit and also tiltable, by fitting an end of the operating axle in an axle-supporting portion having a non-circular center hole of a rotor of the rotary encoder. An operating knob of either a discal shape or a polygonal shape having a predetermined width is attached to an intermediate portion of the operating axle that protrudes from the rotor, and a push switch is disposed in a position to be in contact with another end of the operating axle.

Abstract: A switch assembly is provided that comprises a switch having a normally open contact and a normally closed contact which is electrically connected to the normally open contact and which is located either within the same housing as the normally open contact or a separate housing. The housing(s) may be mounted onto a latch assembly which, in turn, is mounted onto a switch operator, thereby closing the normally open contact. If the latch assembly becomes mechanically disengaged from the switch operator, thereby rendering the normally closed contact non-operational, the normally open contact will open, thereby opening the circuit to a machine performing a controlled function. The user, noticing the stoppage of operation, will then be alerted of a malfunction within the switch assembly.

Abstract: A tilt switch includes an insulating housing with two first insert holes proximate to a bottom wall and aligned with each other and defining a first distance, and a second insert hole proximate to a top wall. Two first and one second electric contact members include first and second insert end portions press fitted within the first and second insert holes and extending into the housing, and first and second electric contact terminals extending outwardly of the housing. The second insert end portion is spaced apart from the first insert end portions with a second distance.

Abstract: An EL-combined sheet switch including a circuit board having a driving circuit mounted on its back surface and having a switch pattern formed on its front surface in combination with a contact sheet having a counter electrode on its back surface in such a manner that the counter electrode faces the switch pattern to construct a switch mechanism. On the front surface of the contact sheet is attached an EL sheet and a shield layer is provided between the contact sheet and the EL sheet. In the EL-combined sheet switch, as described, the electromagnetic noise from the EL sheet which might otherwise affect the operation of an electronic device is blocked by the shield layer. The shield layer is preferably connected with a ground electrode formed on the circuit board.

Abstract: A switch device is provided, in which a transparent key-top is arranged over a screen of a display unit so that information displayed on the screen of the display unit is seen through the key-top. The switch device is characterized by containing a shaft supporter provided in a space formed at both sides of the key-top for allowing the key-top to perform a seesaw-movement, wherein the space is formed by cutting off both sides of the key-top in an oblique direction so as to make an area of a face of the key-top larger than an area of a back of the key-top. Thus, the switch device achieves a seesaw-type key-top enabling a multiple display and improves visibility and operability for the seesaw-type key-top.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a recloser assembly including three modular recloser units operating under the control of a controller. The recloser units are interchangeable and are suitable for use in a three phase power distribution system where three phase tripping is desired or each recloser unit may be operated independently as in a single phase power distribution system. For use in a three phase system, a gang rod mechanically couples pivoting actuation levers extending from a solenoid switching assembly of each of the recloser units. The gang rod insures that all three switching assemblies open and close in unison, thus, each power is transmitted by all three recloser units or power is not transmitted by any of the three recloser units. For single phase power distribution operation, the gang rod is removed and the recloser units operate independently. Each recloser unit includes a cube shaped base, a tapered cylindrical support affixed to an upper surface of the base.

Abstract: A multi-phase circuit breaker assembly 10 includes a circuit breaker 12 having a housing 13 containing circuit breaker operating components and having a gas venting chamber 22 associated with each phase of the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker has a plurality of line wiring terminals 26 at a first end 14 of the housing. Each line wiring terminal corresponds to a phase of the circuit breaker. A terminal cover 30 is removably coupled to the first end of the housing so as to cover the line wiring terminals and prevent access to the line wiring terminals when coupled to the first end of the housing, and to gain access to the line wiring terminals only when removed from the first end of the housing. The terminal cover 30 includes a plurality of vent structures 38 integrally formed therewith.

Abstract: A pad piece is unitedly formed on a wrapping terminal to be contacted by an electrode probe and positioned to be opposed to a welding torch, and the electrode probe is held by the welding torch to approach a wrapping terminal, whereby the electrode probe held by the welding torch is automatically brought into contact with the pad piece of the wrapping terminal as the welding torch approaches the wrapping terminal to complete potential fixing.

Abstract: A resistance welding process in which the welding electrodes are moved at least via a wording piston-cylinder unit, wherein before the start of the welding process, the welding electrode is in a ready position in which it gently touches the workpiece or there is a gap in the tenth of a millimeter range between the welding electrode and the workpiece, and during the subsequent welding process pneumatic force is applied to the working piston-cylinder unit, where the maximum possible stroke of the working piston-cylinder from the position of readiness corresponds to 1 to 40 times the travel of collapsing bulges in projection welding or 1 to 120 times the penetration distance of the welding electrode in an originally hard material becoming pasty during the welding process in spot welding, or 1 to 60 times the penetration distance of the welding electrode in an originally soft material becoming pasty during the welding process in spot welding. The invention also relates to a device for implementing the process.

Abstract: A method for treating the surface of a golf club part having a non-smooth surface such as a part which has been cast. Preferably, in those instances where the part is cast, the part is abraded for example by tumbling or by directing a light sandblast against the part to create a low reflectivity surface. Such abrading roughens the golf club part so that greater contrast can be obtained using radiated beam treatment. Surface roughening can also be created by acid etch or other suitable method. The club part is mounted in a beam treatment station to permit projecting a radiated beam on selected areas of the part's surface resulting in the momentary and superficial melting or fusing of the surface which makes such areas less rough and more light reflective than adjacent surface areas. Patterns are formed by causing relative movement between the part and a high energy heat source such as a radiated beam. Preferably the heat source or beam is held fixed and the part mounted on a movable table.

Abstract: Many boards 7 to be processed are disposed within a metal chamber 1 in an isolated state, and many ground electrode plates 9 are disposed near by both surfaces of the boards 7 so as to be at the same potential as the chamber 1. While a microwave generated by a magnetron 3 from an upper portion of the chamber 1 is applied in the chamber 1, both surfaces of the boards 7 are processed at a time with plasma by using glow discharges produced between the boards 7 and plates 9 due to a difference in high-frequency potential between the boards 7 and plates 9 under presence of reaction gas.

Abstract: A method of brazing, with the use of a plasma forming device (1) having a non-consumable electrode (2), comprises the following steps of operation. A first gas is supplied to said plasma forming device (1). A plasma flow is formed of said first gas by applying a voltage between said electrode (2) and an electrical terminal (7). The plasma flow is directed towards a work piece (7). Braze material (10) to be melted by said plasma flow is provided. Furthermore, a second gas may be supplied for shielding said plasma flow from the surrounding atmosphere. At least one of said first and second gas comprises a principal inert component including at least argon and in a minor amount an active component.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for formatting laser pulse spatial shape and for effectively and efficiently delivering the laser energy to a work surface in the laser shock process. An appropriately formatted pulse helps to eliminate breakdown and generate uniform shocks. The invention uses a high power laser technology capable of meeting the laser requirements for a high throughput process, that is, a laser which can treat many square centimeters of surface area per second. The shock process has a broad range of applications, especially in the aerospace industry, where treating parts to reduce or eliminate corrosion failure is very important. The invention may be used for treating metal components to improve strength and corrosion resistance. The invention has a broad range of applications for parts that are currently shot peened and/or require peening by means other than shot peening.

Abstract: A laser beam machining method includes the steps of, irradiating a laser beam on a machining portion of a workpiece for the machining thereof, blowing out an assist gas toward the machining portion of the workpiece continuously during the irradiating step, and blowing out a blow gas toward the machining portion intermittently during the irradiating step.

Abstract: A system for recording a welding situation and a welding state includes an acoustical input means 2, a welding state detecting means 3, and a data recording means 4. A situation information indicating a welding situation is input by voice of an operator by the acoustical input means 2, and a welding information indicating a welding state at that time is detected by the welding state detecting means 3. The acoustical information and the welding information are recorded as regeneratable date by the date recording means 4.

Abstract: A shunt controlled welding machine has a regulator handle and a scale that indicates output amperage on the same panel of the welding machine case. The handle attaches to a shaft that rotates about an axis of rotation to move a shunt into and out of a transformer. The handle is part of a planocentric gear. Teeth on an indicator mesh with teeth on a pinion that is fixed to the case panel. By turning the handle, the indicator orbits and slowly revolves about the shaft axis of rotation. The indicator has a pointer that indicates the welding machine output amperage on the scale.

Abstract: A deposit (1) or a conventional radiator (1′), duly connected to the hot water system of the space housing mirror (8), a deposit which is flat and adapted in shape and size to mirror (8), and attached to its rear surface either by the cover of deposit (1) itself or through a plate (9) which replaces cover and in any case acts as a damper and diffuser of the heat reaching mirror (8), so that the thermal intensity is suitable and it is evenly distributed throughout the entire surface of the mirror, thus adequately heating it preventing the known fogging due to the humidity saturated atmosphere caused by a shower or bath.

Abstract: A system and method for thermally processing a substrate. A substrate is heated to a processing temperature at which the substrate is susceptible to plastic deformation or slip. An insulating cover may be removed to initially cool the substrate below such temperature before removal from the system. Gas pressure may also be adjusted to enhance heat transfer during processing and decrease heat transfer prior to removal of the substrate. Susceptors or surfaces for cooling the substrate may also be included in the system. The substrate may be transferred from a heating surface to a cooling surface by moving or rotating the substrate through warm transitional regions to avoid slip.

Abstract: An oven for processing semiconductor wafers comprised of a first cylindrical canister, a second cylindrical canister that surrounds the first canister, and a third cylindrical canister that surrounds the second canister. The first canister is comprised of thin stainless steel so that it can be heated and cooled rapidly by band heaters positioned around its exterior. The second canister is comprised of stainless that it thermally insulates the first canister. The third canister is comprised of stainless steel that is thicker than the second canister so that the third canister can hold a sufficient vacuum for processing the wafers.

Abstract: A non-recirculating convection oven includes an upper housing portion defining a food heating chamber. The upper housing portion includes a removable lid, to access the food heating chamber. At least one exhaust air outlet allows air to exhaust to an exterior of the upper housing portion. A food supporting tray is positioned in the food heating chamber, with the tray including a solid food supporting portion. A lower housing portion below the upper housing portion includes an intake air inlet for intake air, and a blower assembly for heating the intake air and delivering it to the food heating chamber wherein the intake air enters the lower housing portion at the intake air inlet, and the intake air is then heated to a temperature of at least 250° F. The heated air exits the food heating chamber at the at least one exhaust air outlet, wherein none of the heated air is recirculated within the oven to the blower assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a temperature compensated timer for a heating appliance that heats a food item during a heating cycle. The timer includes a coil having first and second terminals and presenting a resistance between the terminals that is a function of temperature changes of the coil. A timing circuit is coupled to the first and second terminals of the coil. The timing circuit operates to drive a current through the coil to maintain a heating cycle and to generate a delay signal a delay time after the heating cycle is initiated. The delay time has a value that is a function of the resistance of the coil. The delay signal is operable to remove the current from the coil to terminate the heating cycle.

Abstract: A toaster broiler oven with an NTC temperature probe located within the oven chamber and a controller that controls the heater of the oven in a thermostat operation for non-toasting modes and in a variable toasting interval length operation in the toasting mode. When the toaster start switch is activated in the toast mode, the controller determines if the oven chamber temperature is greater than a predetermined temperature, such as room temperature. If not, a first toast interval is selected. If so, a second shorter toast interval is selected. The length of the second interval is chosen so that the toaster oven consistently produces toast of a selected color from one toast cycle to the next, regardless of the elapsed time between consecutive toast cycles.

Abstract: The invention provides a control (15) for an electrical appliance (11) with at least one electrical operating device (13) contained in the appliance (11), the control (15) containing at least one power switching device (17). According to the invention the control (15) has a control unit (21) separate from the electrical appliance (11) and which is connected to the latter in wireless, signal-transmitting manner and essentially contains the control and regulating part for the electrical appliance. In this way an operating and control unit (21) separate or separable from the electrical appliance (11) is obtained and which when necessary can be easily inter-changed as a separate part. A basic version of an electrical appliance (11) can be upgraded with different control units (21) to a final appliance with differing operational scope. Preferably the electrical appliance is an electric cooker, particularly a hob.

Abstract: A control system for a glass touch cooktop includes a control panel including a plurality of touch control areas with touch toggle controls that correspond to a plurality of surface heater elements, and a toggle lock control that disables the touch controls areas when activated. The toggle lock control is separated from the touch control, identified with a conspicuous icon, and includes an integral indicator to readily alert a user that the system is locked. Graphical icons and integral indicators are incorporated into touch controls for user-friendly operation of the heating elements.

Abstract: A shaped part formed as a welding sleeve, consisting of thermoplastic material with a resistance wire winding arranged on its inner circumference, having at least one weld indicator. The indicator consists of a stem which is formed from the material of the body of the shaped part or sleeve. The stem prevents the material which comes under increased pressure upon the welding operation, and is urged towards the surface of the sleeve, from passing into the free space, by the resting against a corresponding surface of the sleeve recess.

Abstract: A process for heat treating steel wires in which the wires are passed through an induction furnace with induction coils connected in series to a common power supply. No more than one wire passes through any one of the induction coils. The wires are heated to their Curie temperature, where the wires become non-magnetic. This makes the process substantially self-regulating. If one or more wires are heated more rapidly than others, little if any heating of the more rapidly heated wires will occur after they reach their Curie temperature, and all wires will leave the inductive heating furnace at or near their Curie temperature. The system will operate satisfactorily with one or more wires missing. When this happens, for loading purposes or other reasons, the efficiency of the unit degrades but sufficient excess power remains such that heating of the wires that are passing through the system will be relatively unaffected at the design mass flow rate.

Abstract: Defrost method for accurately defrosting food to be defrosted, regardless of frozen degree and presence/absence of receptacle for food to be defrosted. The defrosting method includes the steps of: determining an initial value by detecting a surface temperature of food to defrost; determining a defrost completion value in accordance with the initial value which is determined in the step of determining the initial value; detecting a current value of an infrared sensor at a regular time basis while driving a magnetron; and completing the defrosting process if the current value reaches the completion value. An output value of the infrared sensor is detected at a predetermined regular time basis while a rotatable tray for placing the food is rotated, and the initial value is obtained from the lowest output value among a plurality of output values which are detected.

Abstract: A repeat control apparatus is installed in an information reproducing apparatus. The repeat control apparatus performs a repeat control on a control signal. The control signal includes control information to be used for controlling reproduction of recording information from a recording medium. The control signal is generated by using a light beam reflected by the recording medium. The repeat control apparatus has: a storage device for storing the control signal; a detecting device for detecting a damaged part of the control signal; a generating device for generating a compensation signal to compensate the damaged part of the control signal; a storing control device for storing the compensation signal, instead of the damaged part of the control signal, into the storage device; and a repeat control device for performing the repeat control by using the control signal and the compensation signal stored in the storage device.

Abstract: In a method for detecting an image signal by means of an array (30) of photosensitive devices (10) with each of which the charge of a capacitance (12) can be altered, an optical signal (20) of each photosensitive device is first detected by means of the following substeps: creating a charge condition of the capacitance with a predetermined voltage (+U_DD), changing the charge of the capacitance (12) either with a photocurrent generated in the photosensitive device (10) by the optical signal (20) or with a quantity derived from the same and detecting the voltage across the capacitance (12) after a predetermined time period, deciding whether the detected voltage lies within a valid range and, if this is so, determining on the basis of the detected voltage a valid signal which characterizes the detected optical signal, and, if this is not so, repeating the cited steps with a time period which differs from the predetermined time period either a predetermined number of times or until it is determined that the

Abstract: Improved imaging system includes a CMOS imaging chip with a light blocking layer configured so as to block incident light from a portion of the readout circuitry sensitive to light. The light blocking layer may be positioned on top of a glass package housing the imaging chip or may be incorporated in the manufacture of the chip itself. Distortions in image data due to lighting conditions in outdoor applications are avoided by the presence of the light blocking layer resulting in improved image quality under such conditions.

Abstract: A platen cover assembly of an image processor includes a light source array that has a plurality of light sources arranged in a two-dimensional light source array, and a translucent white material covering at least a side of the light source array that faces a platen of the image processor. When a document is placed on a platen and covered by the platen cover assembly, a first scan of the platen is performed with a document illuminator of the digital image processor deactivated to sense light from exposed light sources of the light source array. The document illuminator is then activated, and a second scan is performed to obtain image data from the document. The obtained image data is then processed based on the size, location and/or orientation of the document, as determined from positions of the light sources detected during the first scan.

Abstract: A circuit architecture for computing the outputs of odd and even symmetric spatial filters simultaneously comprises at least two resistive networks interconnected by at least one controlled current source. In one embodiment the nodes of the resistive network are arranged in a two-dimensional array to allow filtering of two-dimensional signals such as images. The resulting filters are orientation selective. The spatial orientation and the scale of the filter can be selected by appropriately tuning the resistive elements forming the resistive networks and the gains of the controlled sources. The controlled sources may be voltage controlled (eg transconductance amplifiers) or current controlled. This circuit architecture may be implemented in VLSI to incorporate both image sensing and orientation selective filtering on the same chip.

Abstract: A night vision device (10) with an image intensifier tube (14) includes an improved microchannel plate (22) which has an extraordinarily low indigenous population of gas molecules. Because of this low population of gas molecules, positive ions produced from these gas molecules in the high voltage operating environment of the image intensifier tube (14) are of such a low number that the image intensifier tube (14) will operate for a satisfactory service life even though the microchannel plate (22) has no ion barrier film. The microchannel plate (22) is also spaced much closer to a photocathode (20) of the image intensifier tube (14) than has heretofore been possible. Thus, improved gain and reduction or elimination of image halo also results from the present invention.

Abstract: A stacked organic photosensitive optoelectronic device optimized to enhance desired characteristics such as external quantum efficiency, current and voltage. The photosensitive optoelectronic device has a plurality of photosensitive optoelectronic subcells electrically configured in subassemblies of two or more subcells electrically configured in series or in parallel. The subassemblies may be electrically configured in series or parallel. The substrate may be the bottom electrode or there may be a bottom electrode distinct from the substrate. Each subcell comprises one or more organic photoconductive layers between electrode layers or charge transfer layers. In one embodiment the top electrode is transparent. In other embodiments two or more electrodes are tarnsparent. In other embodiments photosensitive optoelectronic devices with multilayer photoconductive structures and photosensitive optoelectronic devices with a reflective layer or a reflective substrate are disclosed.

Abstract: A stacked organic photosensitive optoelectronic device optimized to enhance desired characteristics such as external quantum efficiency and current. The photosensitive optoelectronic device has a plurality of photosensitive optoelectronic subcells electrically configured in parallel. The substrate may be the bottom electrode or there may be a bottom electrode distinct from the substrate. Each subcell comprises one or more organic photoconductive layers between electrode layers. The thicknesses of the subcells and the total number of subcells may be selected, for example, so as to maximize the external quantum efficiency of a stacked solar cell. In one embodiment the top electrode is transparent. In other embodiments two or more electrodes are transparent. In other embodiments photosensitive optoelectronic devices with multilayer photoconductive structures and photosensitive optoelectronic devices with a reflective layer or a reflective substrate are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to semiconductor devices with a reduced filter thinning of outer photosites and a method for reducing the thinning of filter layers of the outer photosites. A semiconductor device includes a main surface including a plurality of photosites and bonding pads defined in the main surface, wherein the photosites include inner photosites and outer photosites. The semiconductor device further includes a clear layer deposited over the main surface exclusive of the bonding pads and outer photosites, and a first primary color filter layer deposited over at least first inner photosite and first outer photosite, the first primary color filter transmitting a primary color.

Abstract: A nested fiber optic gyro system includes at least a first fiber optic coil having a predetermined shape and size and at least a second fiber optic coil having the same shape and size as the first coil and nested within and transversely to the first coil.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for imaging on a detector a particle beam of charged particles having a distinct energy distribution and a distinct angle distribution. The apparatus has deflectors which are provided to create in the particle beam essentially parallel particle paths spaced to correspond to their original angle distribution. The deflectors also direct the particle beam to semi-transmissive, aligned filter electrodes, which produce a potential difference to create a deceleration field to allow the particles to pass through by means of energy selectivity.

Abstract: A technique for analyzing ions by determining the time of flight of the ions from a source before detection at a detector. In the technique a series of pulses is generated according to an encoded sequence. Pulses from the series of pulses are selected to launch a plurality of packets of ions from the source, each of the selected pulses launching a packet of ions such that ions launched in the adjacent packets overlap prior to reaching the detector. At the end of the series another cycle of the series is generated again and some of the pulses in the series are selected in the another cycle to launch a plurality of packets of ions from the source. The cycles of pulse generation and selection to launch ions are repeated. The time of arrival of the ions of each packet in the detector is determined to obtain signals corresponding to overlapping spectra of the time of arrival of the packets of ions.

Abstract: An apparatus and/or system is described which uses the photocharge voltage concept in lieu of optical scattering techniques to measure surface topology and properties of materials. The system is based on the measurement of a small electrical potential difference which appears on any solid body when subjected to illumination by a modulated laser light. This voltage is proportional to the induced change in the surface electrical charge and is capacitively measured on various materials. The characterization of coatings to be used inside the base of guns is just one possible application for use by the U. S. Army.

Abstract: Microstructure for bolometer for high infrared sensitivity and detectivity having a corrugated air bridge microstructure which provides a large area, low infrared reflection and large infrared absorption so as to increase the sensitivity and detectivity.

Abstract: A infra-red bolometer includes an active matrix level, a support level, a pair of posts and an absorption level. The active matrix level includes a substrate having a pair of connecting terminals. The support level includes a pair of bridges, each of the bridges being provided with a conduction line formed on top thereof, wherein one end of the conduction line is electrically connected to the respective connecting terminal. The absorption level includes an absorber with a reflective layer positioned at bottom surface thereof, a serpentine bolometer element surrounded by the absorber and an IR absorber coating formed top of the absorber. Since the reflective layer is attached at the bottom surface of the absorber, which will, in turn, eliminate the need for controlling the vertical distance between the absorption level and the active matrix level.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an infrared radiation detector is disclosed. The detector utilizes photosensitive segments which are included within elongate members disposed on surface of a dielectric substrate. The elongate members comprise photosensitive detector segments which are located between and contact non-photosensitive segments and the entirety of each elongate member is electrically conductive. The elongate members are preferably offset from each other by less than the wavelength of the radiation and the photosensitive segments within the strips are also preferably spaced apart by less than the wavelength of the radiation. A reflective plane, typically an aluminum layer, is offset from the plane of the detector segments by less than the wavelength of the radiation. Incident radiation is captured by the overall detector structure which includes the reflective plane and the elongate members which include both photosensitive and non-photosensitive segments.