Abstract: The invention provides for a fuel injection valve for a direct gasoline injection engine, a direct injection engine and an automobile using the same, which can prevent the deposits produced during combustion of gasoline from accumulating on the surface of the fuel injection valve, or easily remove the deposits therefrom. A reaction-bonded layer of perfluoropolyether compounds having alkoxy silane as its terminal group is provided on the surface of the fuel injection valve of the invention.

Abstract: In an electrostatic sprayer, a pulsating voltage developed using a battery or a generator as a power supply is stepped up using a step-up transformer. A resultant high-voltage pulse is rectified and applied to an electrostatic electrode. A spray jetted from a spray nozzle is thus electrified. Herein, the step-up transformer is located near the spray nozzle. Owing to this structure, a high voltage produced by the step-up transformer can be applied to the electrostatic electrode with a loss minimized.

Abstract: This invention relates to a refiner force sensor for refiners used in the pulp and paper industry, to a refining apparatus, and to a method of measuring force acting on a refiner bar in a refiner.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving wood scraps from a work area and reducing the scraps to wood chips having a saleable consistency and size. The apparatus includes a combined chipper and a blower section, the chipper section being mounted on the intake side of the blower section so that the blower section draws the wood scraps into the chipper section, and then draws the resulting chips from the chipper section and discharges them to a predetermined collection area. The chipper section includes a grate having a plurality of through openings, and a rotating chipper blade that is positioned in front of the grate. The blower fan is mounted behind the grate so as to receive the chips passing therethrough, and discharges the chips through an opening in the surrounding housing. A flexible hose or other conduit may be mounted to the intake opening of the chipper section for vacuuming up and collecting wood scraps from the work area.

Abstract: A device for storing, transporting and feeding a roll-forming web of printing material for a machine for processing it, includes a receptacle for the roll, and a housing manipulatable in a manner analogous for a pallet, the housing being disposed for receiving and surrounding the roll, from which the web of printing material is unwindable.

Abstract: Bail tripping device, for stably braking spinning reel rotors regardless of fluctuations in the shifting of the shifting member. The bail tripping device (18) returns the bail arm (17) from its line-releasing posture to the line-winding posture in cooperation with the rotor (3) rotating in the line-winding direction, and includes a shifting mechanism, a switching member (52), and a braking member (65). The shifting mechanism includes a shifting member (51) that is provided in the rotor and shifts, when the bail arm pivots, between a first position a second position, the shifting member having a first end turnably interlocked with the bail arm in a position neighboring its pivotal center, and a second end that protrudes toward a front portion of the reel body facing the rotor when the shifting member is in the second position. When the rotor rotates in line-winding direction, the switching member contacts the second end of the shifting member and shifts the shifting member toward the first position.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor has a belt reel that is rotatably mounted on a frame and on which a seat belt can be wound and unwound. A motive spring biases the belt reel in the winding direction. An electric motor adjusts the spring force of the motive spring can be adjusted and/or a torque produced for tightening the seat belt. The torque can be transmitted to the belt reel by a clutch. The deformation of a deformable spring element brings the clutch into an engaged state. The spring element is held on one end of the spring by a holding device actuated by inertial force, at least for initiating its deformation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for unwinding a web material that defines a plurality of integral lanes with separators disposed between the lanes. At least one lane of the web material can be torn along a separator without using a cutting or slitting device while maintaining one or more other lanes on the roll.

Abstract: A roll core supporting apparatus comprises a pair of cylindrical handles. Each of the handles provides a generally circular side wall having a plurality of arcuate side wall segments adapted for compressive constraint within the roll core and outward spring bias deflection for gripping the roll core interiorly at one end. The pair of handles, then, are placed in each end of the roll core. The arcuate side wall segments may be axially oriented or circumferentially oriented. The side wall further provides a plurality of spaced-apart, axially-directed stiffening ribs. The roll core is supported by the two handles which allows the film to be dispensed from the roll as it rotates about the handles.

Abstract: A new method is described to produce directional currents in the space lattice, the fundamental fabric of the universe. The currents may be unidirectional or vortexual in nature and are suitable for propulsion or the generation of electric power. For propulsion, the unidirectional currents are induced by charging capacitors possessing suitable geometries. This will allow the manufacture of vehicles capable of levitation and flight. The vortexual space lattice currents are produced in a suitable pyramid when electrostatic and magnetic fields interact transversally. The vortex causes charge separation and current in the coil wrapped around the pyramid.

Abstract: An access platform comprising a series of stackable polyurethane foam block assemblies that when properly secured to each other creates a set of steps and handholds similar to a ladder. At the top of the platform a maintenance person can stand on a nonskid surface and perform the work needed at any required height. The ladder is radially curved to fit between the thrust reverser sleeve (deployed) and the inner fan duct wall. This radial diameter between the GE, Rolls Royce and Pratt Whitney engines varies within inches. The main access blocks of the access platform can be used on all three engines by using different foam wedges and wall blocks to secure the assembly tightly in place. Over 70% of the blocks are useable on all three engine types, thus reducing the number of overall parts required.

Abstract: Vortex generators are arranged on the edges of aircraft wing control surfaces to generate smaller vortices that weaken the main vortex that would otherwise be generated at these areas, and thereby reduce the aerodynamic generation of noise. Each vortex generator includes plural elongated elements in the form of rigid rods or flexible bristles protruding laterally outwardly from the respective edge of the control surface. The vortex generators are preferably arranged on the inboard and outboard edges of high lift flaps and slats.

Abstract: An automated railroad crossing warning system includes a controller for servicing the intersection of a railroad track and a roadway with directional horns oriented in opposite directions to direct horn blasts along the roadway is disclosed. A controller detects the presence of a train approaching the intersection and transmits a signal to the horns to activate the horns. A horn detector transmits a signal to the controller upon activation of the horns at a predetermined decibel level. The controller then activates the light such that the railroad engineer can visually determine that the horns at the intersection are being activated. The controller includes an electronic circuit which causes the horns to produce blasts in a predetermined sequence which matches the conventional signal produced by a train engine upon approaching such a crossing.

Abstract: A universal mounting assembly for mounting exhaust pipe components to several different types of motor vehicles includes a bracket body having a mounting portion, an intermediate portion, and a support portion. The mounting portion has a first aperture and a second aperture spaced from the first aperture. The support portion includes a planar member, a first aperture located in the planar member, and a second aperture located in the planar member with the second aperture being spaced from the first aperture. First and second fasteners extend through the first and second apertures of the mounting portion for securing the mounting portion to a structural portion of an associated vehicle. The mounting portion is located in a first plane with the support portion being located in a second plane spaced from the first plane. The first and second planes are approximately aligned with the second plane being oriented at, at most, an acute angle in relation to the first plane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unitary hose support comprising a curved, essentially rectangular bearing surface; an attachment tab projecting upwardly from a longer side of the bearing surface, for attachment to a support structure; a pair of restraining tabs projecting upward at the opposite side of the bearing surface; and reinforcement dimples imposed into the junction of each restraining tab and the bearing surface, at the lower portion thereof. Also disclosed is an embodiment of this structure having rib stiffeners running along the longitudinal axis of the bearing surface.

Abstract: A continuous band is provided for insertion into the mouth of a yard waste bag. The band is formed from a flexible material that permits it to be gripped at its center and squeezed into a collapsed position with two end loops having curved ends that will engage opposing sidewalls of the bag. In the collapsed position, the band presents a configuration of a partial lemniscate. The band is formed from an elongated strip with two opposite ends. Each end includes an engagement means formed therewith which may be selectively engaged by a user to form different diameters of the band.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a storage device including a container having a first opening. An optional cover is in releasable engagement with a container to cover the first opening. The storage device additionally includes a base having a target for receiving an object and a member having a first end attached to the container and a second end attached to the base.

Abstract: A furniture leg wire management apparatus is configured for use with a furniture leg formed by opposite leg posts separated by a gap. The apparatus includes a legway defined by an elongated tubular body. The body includes a forward portion and opposite clamping arms that are resiliently deflectable toward each other. The clamping arms are deflected when the legway is pushed into the gap between the leg posts and provide an outwardly directed force to clamp the legway in this operative position. The tubular body further includes a central rib terminated in a rear flange. The central rib divides the legway into two wire/cable channels, while the rear flange cooperates with the clamping arms to define opposite elongated slots. The slots communicate with the two cable channels to provide an avenue to feed the wires/cables into a corresponding channel. The wire management apparatus further includes a decorative cover plate that is removably mounted on the legway to improve its aesthetics.

Abstract: A universal mudflap bracket mount for mounting a mudflap bracket to a vehicle frame, the bracket mount comprising a frame-mounting block having two opposing surfaces and a frame-mounting opening passing through the frame-mounting block transverse to the surfaces, a bracket-mounting plate having opposing faces, the bracket-mounting plate faces being parallel, at least one of the block surfaces being spaced outwardly from one of the plate faces to accommodate a bolt head, and openings in the bracket-mounting plate for receiving two fasteners of a mudflap bracket, at least one of the openings being arcuate in shape for adjustment of the angular position of the bracket mount with respect to the mudflap bracket.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combined beverage container holder and other container support, which combination clamps to a table desk or counter. The preferred device includes a cylinder for retaining a handled beverage container that attaches with a clamp on one side to an affixation point in an office, home or vehicular environment. On the other side of the holder, a preferably pivotal and removable support device provides support for a readily-removable trash container, tray or plant potter. The invented combination holder provides easy access to a beverage and to a trash container or other receptacle, so that a crafter or hobbyist, for example, need not clutter his/her work table with these objects or risk spilling a beverage on the work table.

Abstract: The present invention is a wheelchair swivel platform that allows a standard, unmodified wheelchair or other non-swiveling chair and an occupant to swivel about an area of a workstation, in much the same way as a modem swivel office chair. The wheelchair swivel platform includes a top plate 16 and a bottom plate. The bottom plate serves as a base for the platform which lies on the floor to support the top plate 16. The top plate 16 swivels about the bottom plate while supporting the wheelchair. A rotation locking device prevents rotation of the platform during positioning of the wheelchair on and off the platform.

Abstract: A device for vertically clamping rod-like objects, such as stems, bars or poles, includes a support member with a receiving opening arranged in a housing and at least three clamping levers each mounted in the support body on a vertical axle so as to be pivotable laterally into the receiving opening. Each clamping lever is provided in a middle portion thereof with a clamping prism and the bottom of the housing has in the center thereof a guide element.

Abstract: A breakaway sign post assembly (30) is disclosed as including a sign support post (32), an anchoring post (34) and a breakaway collar (100). The breakaway collar (100) includes a sidewall (102) which surrounds the sign support post (32). The sidewall (102) includes at least one substantially vertical line of weakness (120) configured to facilitate a portion of the sidewall (102) to give way. The sidewall (102) retains the sign support post (32) in a manner to define a fulcrum (134) about which the sign support post (32) turns when a vehicle impacts and exerts a lateral force at an impact location, with the fulcrum (134) being positioned below the impact location so that the support post (32) will swing generally away from the vehicle.

Abstract: A fluid-filled elastic engine mount including an elastic body elastically connecting two mutually spaced-apart first and second mounting members and partially defining a pressure-receiving chamber filled with a non-compressible fluid, a flexible diaphragm partially defining an equilibrium chamber whose volume is variable, a movable oscillating plate partially defining the pressure-receiving chamber, an oscillating device for oscillating the movable oscillating plate for controlling pressure of the fluid in the pressure-receiving chamber, a first and a second orifice passage for effecting fluid communication between the pressure-receiving and equilibrium chambers. The first and second orifice passages are tuned to a low frequency band corresponding to an engine shake vibration and a medium-frequency range corresponding to an engine idling vibration, while the first and second orifice passages are disposed parallel to each other.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image reading apparatus constructed by an illuminating unit for illuminating an object in a line shape, an image forming optical system for forming a light, as an image, from the object illuminated by the illuminating unit, a line sensor for converting the light formed as an image by the image forming optical system into an image signal, and a frame for holding the illuminating unit and the line sensor, wherein a shape in which vertices of at least a part of the cross section of the illuminating unit are connected by straight lines is set to a polygon of a pentagon or more, so that an image can be stably read at a high quality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for biasing a photodiode (1) with a bias voltage (UB) and to a photodiode bias circuit performing said method. The photodiode (1) is producing a photocurrent (IP). According to the invention the following steps are performed: Reading a measurand (U1) related to the photocurrent (IP). Comparing the measurand (U1) with a threshold (Uth). Giving the bias voltage (UB) a magnitude depending on whether the measurand (U1) is larger than the threshold (Uth) or smaller.

Abstract: A noise reducing thermal-electrically cooled photodetector for an Interferrometric Fiber Optic Gyro (IFOG) includes a photodiode that converts an optical power signal received from a coupler of the IFOG to an electrical compensation signal. The photodiode is in mechanical contact with one or more thermoelectric coolers (TEC) to lower an operating temperature of the photodiode. The photodetector also includes an amplifier circuit to amplify the electrical compensation signal. The amplifier circuit includes an operational amplifier having an input and an output, with a feedback resistor interposed between the input and output. The feedback resistor is also in mechanical contact with a TEC to lower an operating temperature of the feedback resistor. By reducing the operating temperature of the feedback resistor and the photodiode the thermal noise of the IFOG is reduced.

Abstract: As for the specific analyzed object, the spectral profile is prepared. The spectral profile is differentiated and the two-dimensional derivative plot wherein at least one axis denotes the differentiated value is prepared, and at least one component band is estimated based on the characteristic information including the local minimum and the local maximum in the said two-dimensional derivative plot.

Abstract: A composite-construction roll, includes a roll frame reinforced with reinforcing fibers, and a method for manufacturing such a roll. There is at least one optical fiber among the reinforcing fibers and the roll includes terminals arranged in this optical fiber for a transmitter and a receiver for measuring a selected optical quantity from the fiber.

Abstract: A scanning imaging optical component is used in an optical scanning device which deflects a beam from a light source by a light deflector, condenses the deflected beam toward a surface to be scanned by a scanning imaging optical system, forms a beam spot on the surface to be scanned, and performs optical scanning of the surface to be scanned. The optical component forms at least a part of the scanning imaging optical system, and at least a part of a surface of the optical component other than an effective optical surface is made to be a roughened surface, and roughness thereof is such that: Rmax>0.5 (&mgr;m).

Abstract: An optical scanning device of a type having a scanning optical system for deflecting scanning beams bearing image information of a common subject image which includes a polygon mirror and an ƒ&thgr; lens comprises a scanning beam separation mirror for separating the scanning beams in different directions and a pair of first and second reflection mirrors provided for each scanning beam, the first and second reflection mirrors being disposed on opposite sides, respectively so that the scanning beam travels across an axis of the scanning optical system. The optical scanning device is additionally provided with a scanning beam detector which provides a start signal for commencement of a scan timely when detecting the scanning beam directed toward a position immediately before a given scanning area.

Abstract: A scanner head cartridge is constituted by a lower case which houses optical parts required for reading and electrical parts required for image processing, and an upper case which can engage with the lower case to cover the open surface of the lower case, and a positioning guide means used upon inserting the cartridge into the carriage is formed on the surface of the upper case, that is opposite to the lower case. A scanner head cartridge is held on a carriage that moves an ink head cartridge of an ink-jet printer for performing recording on a recording medium, in place of the ink head cartridge, and can be commonly used using a common base unit even in carriages which mount different ink head cartridges and have different shapes. In addition, the scanner head cartridge allows easy adjustment of the optical system.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a radiological survey to identify subterranean hydrocarbon reserves. In one embodiment, the system includes a vehicle which serves as a platform for a radiation detector and a position sensing system. The radiation detector takes continuous measurements of surface radiation as the vehicle traverses the survey area, thereby measuring an average of the radiation over a portion of the vehicle's path. As each radiation measurement is taken, corresponding position information is generated by the position sensing system and recorded. In one embodiment, the position sensing system comprises a global positioning system which produces coordinates corresponding to the radiation measurements. The data generated by the system can be used to produce radiological maps of the survey area. The data can also be used to calculate the volume of hydrocarbon reserves underlying the survey area. Generally speaking, low radiation levels indicate the presence of hydrocarbon reserves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved ion mobility spectrometer and method for the analysis of chemical samples. The improvements are realized in the optimization of resolution and sensitivity. Increases in sensitivity are realized by preserving a narrow spatial distribution of migrating ions through the use of periodic/hyperbolic field focusing. Additionally, novel combinations and configurations of components are used to simultaneously maintain a well defined ion packet and preserve sample throughput to the detector.

Abstract: This invention is generally in the field of improved ion mobility spectrometry. The improvement lies in the use of periodic focusing electric fields that minimize the spatial spread of the migrating ions by keeping them in a tight radius about the axis of travel. The resulting enhancement in sensitivity is accomplished without a concomitant loss in resolution as would normally be expected when non-linear fields are used.

Abstract: A charged particle beam instrument capable of reducing the spread of the probe diameter while maintaining the probe current constant. An electrical current Id is detected by a detection aperture to create a feedback signal. The feedback signal is supplied to a condenser lens control and to an objective lens control via a signal adjuster. The objective lens control portion controls the objective lens such that the charged particle probe is in focus.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for providing codings on (cigarette) packs.

Abstract: In a dosimeter probe comprising a semiconductor diode or a field effect transistor for monitoring levels of radiation during medical procedures, such as the treatment of tumors, the transistor or diode is fabricated epitaxially upon a surface of a substrate and a dummy die, i.e., a slab of material similar to that of the substrate, is positioned adjacent the substrate surface so as to overlie an active region of the transistor or diode and a relatively large area of the substrate surrounding the active region. The arrangement is such that, whatever the direction from which the radiation is incident upon the active region, its path through the device before arriving at the active region will have similar characteristics to the path the radiation takes upon leaving the active region.

Abstract: A flat panel x-ray imager includes a gain layer (charge multiplication layer) that facilitates imaging at low x-ray exposure levels. The gain layer can be a gas chamber or a solid state material operating in an avalanche mode.

Abstract: A microstrip gas chamber comprises a gas volume, an electrically insulating substrate having a surface exposed to the gas volume, a set of alternating cathode strips and anode strips on the surface of substrate, a high voltage source for establishing a potential difference between the anode and cathode strips to thereby produce an electric field sufficient for avalanche multiplication in said gas medium in a region near the anode strips, and grid electrodes provided on the surface at each gap between the cathode strip and anode strip. The multi-grid type MSGC can offer very narrow gap between neighboring electrodes that might reduce a surface charge effect considerably. The present MSGC may be applied to the field where both the high gain and the stable operation are required.

Abstract: The present invention provides a focused ion beam method in which positional correction is performed with reference to reference points on a sample and for carrying out processing using an ion beam, in which reference point conformation does not take up a lot of time, and which is capable of accurate fine processing.

Abstract: A method is provided for uniformly implanting a wafer with an ion beam. The wafer is generally of the type with a surface area in the form of a disk with a diameter and center. The ion beam is first formed as an elongated shape incident on the wafer, the shape having a length along a first axis smaller than the diameter, and a width shorter than the length along a second axis. Next, the wafer is translated at a variable translational velocity in a direction substantially parallel with the second axis. The wafer is also rotated substantially about the center at a rotational velocity. These movements are made such that the ion beam implants the wafer with substantially uniform dose across the surface area of the wafer. The wafer is preferably translated such that the ion beam implants the wafer from one side of the wafer, across the surface area of the wafer, and through another side of the wafer, in a selected velocity versus position profile.

Abstract: Secondary particles are collected along the optical axis of a focused ion beam system, thereby eliminating the need for side-mounted detectors that make close packing of multiple columns difficult and that require the final lens to be spaced further away from the target. Secondary particles can be collected through the lens and then diverted away from the optical axis of the ion column for detection without significantly degrading the resolution of the focused ion beam. Secondary particles can also be collected using a conductive plate connected to an amplifier to detect the electrical current caused by the secondary particles.

Abstract: A multi-gun FIB system for nanofabrication provides increased throughput at reduced cost while maintaining resolution. Multiple guns are maintained in modular gun chambers that can be vacuum isolated from the primary vacuum chamber containing the targets. A system can include multiple gun chambers, each of which can include multiple guns, with each gun chamber being capable of being vacuum isolated, so that each gun chamber can be removed and replaced without disturbing the vacuum in other gun chambers or in the main chamber.

Abstract: A composite optical element comprising a Faraday rotator, a first and a second birefringent regions, and a fifth region, all said three regions being joined to one plane of said rotator, and a third and a fourth birefringent regions, and a six region, all said three regions being joined to the opposite plane of said rotator,

Abstract: A method for determining the particle concentration of a continuous medium in a receptacle, in which, a light beam from a light source is first directed through a particle-loaded, continuous medium, to the light-sensitive surface of a position-sensitive sensor, the light beam being so directed at the light-sensitive surface that the light scattered by the particles assuming, on the average, a different position than the unscattered light. The deviation of the midpoint of the scattered light on the light-sensitive surface from the midpoint of the unscattered light is subsequently determined, and this deviation is correlated to a specific particle concentration.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to improve the quality of images obtained by an X-ray detector.

Abstract: Stimulating rays produced by a line light source are linearly irradiated onto an area of a stimulable phosphor sheet, on which a radiation image-has been stored, the stimulating rays causing the sheet to emit light in proportion to an amount of energy stored thereon during its exposure to radiation. Light emitted from the exposed linear area of the sheet is received with a line sensor comprising photoelectric conversion devices arrayed along each of a length direction of the linear area of the stimulable phosphor sheet and a direction normal to the length direction. The sheet is moved with respect to the line light source and the line sensor and in a direction different from the length direction of the linear area of the sheet. Operation processing is performed on outputs of the photoelectric conversion devices, which outputs have been obtained at respective positions of movement and correspond to an identical site on the sheet.

Abstract: Stimulating rays produced by a line light source are linearly irradiated onto an area of a stimulable phosphor sheet, on which a radiation image-has been stored, the stimulating rays causing the sheet to emit light in proportion to an amount of energy stored thereon during its exposure to radiation. Light emitted from the exposed linear area of the sheet is received with a line sensor comprising photoelectric conversion devices arrayed along each of a length direction of the linear area of the stimulable phosphor sheet and a direction normal to the length direction. The sheet is moved with respect to the line light source and the line sensor and in a direction different from the length direction of the linear area of the sheet. Operation processing is performed on outputs of the photoelectric conversion devices, which outputs have been obtained at respective positions of movement and correspond to an identical site on the sheet.

Abstract: A radiation image readout apparatus which provides the option of selecting whether or not radiation energy is to be erased after readout thereof has been performed, which is provided with a readout portion for reading out the image data of a radiation image from a stimulable phosphor sheet, and an erasing means for erasing the radiation energy remaining on the stimulable phosphor sheet after readout therefrom has been performed. The apparatus also has a mode input switch for selecting and inputting the desired readout mode from among the three choices of readout-and-erase mode, readout only mode, and erase only mode, and a control means for controlling the readout means and the erasing means according to the mode that has been selected and input.