Abstract: The present invention provides a model train operating, sound and control system that provides a user with increased operating realism. Disclosed is a novel remote control communication capability between the user and the model trains. This feature is accomplished by using a handheld remote control on which various commands may be entered, and a Track Interface Unit that retrieves and processes the commands. The Track Interface Unit converts the commands to modulated signals (preferably spread spectrum signals) which are sent down the track rails. The model train picks up the modulated signals, retrieves the entered command, and executes it through use of a processor and associated control and driver circuitry. Another novel feature disclosed is a speed control circuit located inside the model train that is capable of continuously monitoring the operating speed of the train and making adjustments to a motor drive circuit.

Abstract: A free size automatic watch display holder includes an upper holder providing an arc shaped upper supporting surface, a lower holder providing an arc shaped lower supporting surface, and an extendable supporting frame mounted between the upper and lower holders. The supporting frame includes an upper support member transversely extended from an inner surface of the upper holder, a lower support member transversely extended from an inner surface of the lower holder, and a movable operating frame including a base, having a slider slot, upwardly extended from the lower support member and a slider arm which is downwardly extended from the upper support member and arranged to slidably insert into the slider slot such that by frictionally sliding the slider arm along the slider slot so as to selectively adjust a distance between the upper and lower holders.

Abstract: A stand fixing structure of a LCD monitor is disclosed.

Abstract: The mounting device releasably mounts an accessory, such as a microphone, to a lug of a musical instrument such as a drum. The device includes a base, a lug-engaging connector mounted on the base and an accessory support mounted on the base. The accessory releasably attaches to the accessory support.

Abstract: A bracket assembly system is provided to hold side and center channel speakers. The assembly system may be positioned on a base support structure such as a television or cabinet. In a typical arrangement, left and right satellite speakers are positioned such that the center of gravity is approximately aligned with the pivot axis of the side arms. In addition, additional speakers may be positioned along the support arms and the speakers may be rotated adjusting to desired speaker angles to accommodate for various room acoustics.

Abstract: The invention relates to an articulated arm system (20) for attaching different medical imaging devices (11) to support structures (14) in an articulated manner. The articulated arm comprises at least one parallelogram device (15a, 15b) including a counterbalancing mechanism for holding the articulated arm and the device (11) supported by it in place when the device is located in the desired imaging position. The system further comprises braking and/or locking means (2: 22) which act on at least one strut bar (6, 7) of the said at least one parallelogram device (15a, 15b) and/or on the at least one additional strut bar (1) in order to prevent mutual linear movement of the strut bars (6, 7) of the parallelogram device, and which braking and/or locking means comprise actuators (3-5; 23; 24).

Abstract: Multi-jointed and pivoted mounting systems for support of a flat panel video display and/or keyboard tray, incorporating a plurality of pivot points providing for pivotal motion of one or more components about a plurality of vertical and horizontal axes. Support arms having elevational pivot assemblies, including plastic friction washers and gas springs, offer elevational arm control requiring constant and predetermined positioning effort on the part of the video display operator and keyboard operator.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems for mounting an adjustable arm for a peripheral device. The systems are configurable mounting systems for mounting an arm device. The systems comprise a set of components which may be configured to create a clamp mount, a wall mount, a “reverse” wall mount, or table or “flat” mount, a panel mount, and a slat mount. The components of the mounting apparatuses and systems all include a shaft holder for receiving the shaft of the arm apparatus. A variety of attachment configurations are provided to attach the shaft holder to a surface.

Abstract: A fuel tank cradle device for forklift trucks is swingable to the lateral side and then foldable into a substantially vertical position, thereby assuring easy and safe change of a used fuel tank with a new one. The cradle device includes a counterweight, a cradle provided with a first body and a second body, the first body pivotally mounted to the counterweight for rotation between a home position above the counterweight and a rotated position outside of the counterweight, the second body capable of replaceably supporting a fuel tank and foldably connected to the first body so that the second body can be moved between an unfolded position and a downwardly folded position with respect to first body, and a locking arrangement for locking the cradle to the counterweight while the first body of the cradle is at the home position.

Abstract: A mounting system for detachably mounting an item (10) to a base. The mounting system includes a first engaging portion on the item (10) and a second engaging portion on the base. The first engaging portion includes a first flange portion (24) adapted to engage with a second flange portion (50) on the second engaging portion. The item includes a locking member (28) which is moveable between a first position in which it engages with the second flange portion (50) and prevents detachment of the item (10) from the base and a second position in which the locking member (28) does not engage with the second flange portion (50) and the item (10) is removable from the base.

Abstract: The invention is a turning coaster consisted by two disks folding together, which offers the brainstorming game for entertainment. The patterned stickers on each surface of the disks may form various patterns by turning and present many kinds of look, which may improve the visual effect and reach the purpose of promotion. This design does not only make the best use of the coaster, but also produce higher added values. In addition, this invention can also used for other purposes, such as coaster, brainstorming game, stationery, etc.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for adjusting the inclination of a seat squab (12) of a vehicle seat (10), wherein the device (18) has a rocker (20) with an upper and a lower rocker element (22, 24) which are pivotably movably connected together by lateral bearing bushes (36). Fixed to the upper rocker element (22) is a toothed bridge (38) with mutually oppositely disposed bridge tooth arrangements (40) which are concentric with respect to the bearing bushes (36). Provided between the two bridge tooth arrangements (40) of the toothed bridge (38) are two toothed sliders (64) with slider tooth arrangements (66). Provided between the two toothed sliders (64) is a locking member (48) rotatable about a rotary axis (26) extending through the bearing bushes (36). The two toothed sliders (64) are linearly movably guided on the lower rocker element (24) between a locking position and a release and adjusting position.

Abstract: A book-holding device constructed from a block of semi-rigid foam, including a cut-out which forms a frontal ledge. A wire runs horizontally through a back section of the foam structure, extending outwardly from both sides in an arm-like fashion. When an open book is placed upon the frontal ledge, the wires bend or adjust forwardly to hold the book in place upon the foam structure. Importantly, the wire may be coated with vinyl or the like to prevent damage to the pages, and to allow the pages to turn with ease. Thus, the present invention allows for hands-free reading in an effective and convenient manner. Such is particularly helpful to persons with an impaired arm or wrist. In addition, the present invention is effective for persons who are utilizing their hands for other applications, such as cooking or typing. Finally, the present invention may also be used to display an open book for the purposes of decoration or design.

Abstract: A compact collapsible document holder includes a base and a back support coupled to the base. The back support includes a clip portion positioned between two leg portions. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of support members is received in the base, each of the support members being extendible for holding the back support in an extended position relative to the base. A securing clip is also storable in the base and is used for anchoring the holder onto an object. When opened from its collapsed configuration to an open or extended position, the holder supports a document between the leg portions and the clip portion of the back support.

Abstract: A book rest includes a primary frame having bottom and top bars connected by opposite side bars for supporting a book thereon and a secondary frame pivoted to the side bars of the primary frame to be movable with respect to the primary frame between a folded position and an expanded position where an included angle is formed between the primary frame and the secondary frame for supporting the book at a corresponding angular position. A Velcro strip has first and second end sections on which hooks and loops are respectively formed. The first end of the Velcro strip is fixed to the bottom bar of the primary frame and the second end of the Velcro is folded over a bar of the secondary frame and overlaps the first end section to releasably fix the included angle between the primary and secondary frame whereby the angular position of the primary frame and thus that of the book supported on the book rest can be adjusted.

Abstract: A positioning mechanism is comprised of a first member having a plurality of notches, a second member having a hole that can slide within the first member, and an engagement member provided in the second member having a latched member and a flexible member, wherein the latched member is passed through the hole of the second member to engage with one of the notches of the first member in a locked position. When the engagement member is activated to compress the flexible member, which in turn moves the latched member inward, the latched member moves from the notch of the first member and the hole of the second member, thus unlocking the second member. By utilizing this, a relative positioning of telescopic members is achieved.

Abstract: A vibration isolator that has an elastomer which couples a support plate to a piston. The elastomer can provide horizontal damping of a payload that is coupled to the support plate. The piston can move within a first housing inner chamber that is in fluid communication with a second housing inner chamber. The chambers are pressurized with air that can flow to dampen vertical movement of the piston. The vibration isolator of the present invention thus provides both vertical and horizontal damping without using any oils.

Abstract: An article for holding freezable substances includes an individual disposable package for holding the frozen substance and a container therefore. The package is comprised of a bottom portion and a top portion. The frozen substance is placed in the bottom portion and the top portion is placed over the bottom portion to seal the package and prevent spillage of the freezable substance prior to its freezing. The package has a maximum inner width Wm, with Wm being less than or equal to 0.875 inches (22.23 mm). The width Wm is chosen so that a long, cylindrical ice cube is formed by the package. The ice cube so formed fits easily into original containers of beverages, such as soda cans and bottles, so that the beverages are cooled in their original containers.

Abstract: A molding die having satisfactory releasability, a sol-gel composition produced using the molding die, and a process for producing a sol-gel composition. The molding die which is to be pressed against a sol-gel material for producing a sol-gel composition has a release film, e.g., a thin gold (Au) film, formed on the molding surface of the molding die through a buffer layer made of metals and/or inorganic oxides.

Abstract: A self-reinforcing in-situ concrete form that receives concrete including a first panel having a first surface and a second surface positioned opposite to the first surface, and a reinforcement rib connected to the first surface of the first panel, the reinforcement rib generally including a retention surface spaced away from the first surface of the first panel, wherein the retention surface is positioned in a non-perpendicular alignment with the first surface of the first panel, and the panel and the retention surface are designed to stay attached to the concrete after the concrete cures.

Abstract: This invention provides an angled-dual-axis optical coherence scanning microscope comprising a fiber-coupled, high-speed angled-dual-axis confocal scanning head and a vertical scanning unit. The angled-dual-axis confocal scanning head is configured such that an illumination beam and an observation beam intersect optimally at an angle &thgr; within an object and the scanning is achieved by pivoting the illumination and observation beams jointly using a high-speed scanning element. The vertical scanning unit causes the angled-dual-axis confocal scanning head to move towards or away from the object, thereby yielding a vertical cross-section scan of the object, while keeping the optical path lengths of the illumination and observation beams unchanged. By incorporating MEMS scanning mirrors and fiber-optic components, the angled-dual-axis optical coherence scanning microscope of the present invention can be miniaturized to provide a particularly powerful tool for in vivo medical imaging applications.

Abstract: A laser generates a collimated laser beam which passes through a lens off-axis. The beam is focused at a focal plane on a substrate surface. A first position sensitive detector receives the laser beam reflected from the substrate surface through the lens to generate a first signal proportional to lateral beam offset. A beam splitter may be provided to direct a portion of the laser beam before passing through the lens toward a second position sensitive detector to generate a second signal proportional to laser beam pointing instability. Apparatus computes the difference between the first and second signals, the difference being a defocused error signal. It is preferred that the first position sensitive detector be located at a distance from the lens that is at least twice the lens focal length.

Abstract: A free space optical communication system is disclosed whereby the optics of a receive telescope are manipulated using adaptive optics to compensate for wave front distortion of a light beam transmitted by a transmit telescope. Wave front distortion is manifested at the receive telescope as a deviation from the normal, orthogonal orientation of the wave front of the transmitted light beam relative to its line of travel. This deviation may be detected, for example, by a wave front sensor, such as a Shack-Hartman sensor, which identifies the slope, or beam tilt, of discrete sections of the transmitted beam. The optics of the receive telescope can then be deformed in such a way as to cancel the wave front distortion and correspondingly reduce the resulting distortion of the received signal.

Abstract: A dual-channel sunload sensor capable of sensing the intensity and directionality of the solar radiative power entering the cabin of a car through the windshield, for the purpose of providing information to the data processing system of the car that enables a control of the air conditioning system that optimizes the comfort of the driver and of the front passenger. Signals from the sensor offer reliable indications of the solar load power and directionality for a wide range of angular positions of the sun. The sensor includes two convex transparent parts collecting light each toward a respective photodiode, the transparent parts being separated by an opaque portion.

Abstract: An analog circuit 20 includes an amplifier 30 with a positive input node, a negative input node, a positive output node and a negative output node. A first capacitor 32 is coupled between the negative input node and an analog signal node. A second capacitor 34 is coupled between the positive input node and a reference voltage node. In addition, a third capacitor 36 is coupled between the positive input node and the negative output node and a fourth capacitor 38 is coupled between the negative input node and the positive output node. A first switch 40 is coupled between the third capacitor 36 and the negative output node and a second switch 42 is coupled between the fourth capacitor 38 and the positive output node.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and methodology in which the stepper motor (or a DC motor/encoder combination) of an optical scanning device is replaced by a DC motor which receives feedback information from an extended photodetector used in the scanner, or a proximately close second photodetector. The photodetector of current scanners may be extended (or a second photodetector may be incorporated) to read a margin marking located on, or attached to, the scanner body and the resolution of the extended portion, or separate photodetector, may be increased to accurately capture positioning information. The photodetector of the present invention detects the margin marking, typically located outside of the document scanning area, to determine positional information which is used by the processor to accurately determine position.

Abstract: In a photosensitive scanning apparatus, in which a plurality of chips are aligned to form a single linear array of photosensors, gaps of unknown width between photosensors on adjacent chips may have an effect on resulting image quality. A set of simple strategies can be used to overcome the problem. In a first strategy, for each chip, interpolation of output values of the photosensors is used to in effect displace the outputs of the photosensors by a predetermined amount toward a gap; within constraints, the predetermined displacement can be used without actual measurement of any gap width. In a second strategy, an interpolated output of a theoretical “phantom photosensor” disposed toward the gap is added to the output stream from each chip.

Abstract: A sensor includes an array of photodetectors each generating an output signal of pixel data indicative of incident light intensity. This pixel data is read out from the array one line at a time and stored in a line buffer. A bad pixel processor includes a first buffer that stores pixel data obtained from the line buffer for a certain pixel in a currently read out line and pixel signal light data for pixels adjacent to the certain pixel. An included second buffer stores features that are indicative of whether the pixels in a previously read out line were identified as bad pixels. Using the information in the first and second buffers, the processor identifies whether the certain pixel is a bad pixel. In one operation, the processor precludes any finding of the certain pixel as being a bad pixel if the features in the second buffer indicate that a pixel in the previous line that is adjacent to the certain pixel in the current line was identified as a bad pixel.

Abstract: In a current mode pixel readout structure, a pixel diode is kept at a constant voltage and the current charges an integrator to minimize dark current, minimize pixel to pixel variations, eliminate KTC noise, and to minimize the signal noise bandwidth.

Abstract: A photodiode sensor (25) has a photodiode (30) with an associated capacitance (34), which may be a parasitic capacitance of the photodiode (30). A switch (36) is provided for charging the capacitance (34) to a predetermined reset voltage (Vreset) such that when light impinges upon the photodiode (30), the voltage on the capacitance (34) discharges in a time proportional to an intensity of the light. A circuit (42) is also provided for measuring the time for the capacitance (34) to discharge to a predetermined threshold value (33), which may be a function of time. The voltage on the output (38) of the comparator (28) may be sampled, with the sampling period also being variable as a function of time. The image may be reconstructed from time data indicating the relative times that discharge voltage of the pixels in an array cross the reference voltage (33).

Abstract: The inventive optical module has a feeder line for electrically connecting a semiconductor laser with an electric signal input/output unit of a package. The feeder line has a dielectric substrate and a conductor film formed on the dielectric substrate, which consists of a material having thermal conductivity smaller than that of aluminum oxide. Thus obtained is an optical module capable of inhibiting a semiconductor laser from wavelength change caused by heat flowing into the same in a high-density wavelength division multiplex optical transmission system multiplexing a plurality of signals in an optical wavelength region in high density and transmitting the same.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a fiber optic pressure sensor apparatus which includes a light source, a reflective sensor diaphragm movable in accordance with pressure in a medium and an optical fiber coupled to the light source for delivering a first wavefront of light to the reflective sensor diaphragm. The optical fiber has an endface which is separated from the reflective sensor diaphragm by a gap, the endface receiving a second wavefront of light reflected from the reflective sensor diaphragm. The first and second wavefronts constructively and destructively interfere to create a modulated optical signal. A spectrometer is coupled to the optical fiber for converting the optical signal into a series of digital values, and means for analyzing the digital values is provided for obtaining a measurement of the pressure in the medium. An optical coupler is preferably provided for coupling the light source, the optical fiber, and the spectrometer.

Abstract: A self contained sensing apparatus includes a housing establishing an interior compartment, the housing having a maximum thickness which is less than the size of an access portal for inserting the housing into an area for sensing. The housing includes a window extending through a principal housing surface. A sensor is provided within the housing and generally aligned with the window for sensing at least one parameter. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor is an optical sensor for sensing images through the window. A transmitter is provided within the housing and coupled with the sensor for receiving signals representative of the sensed parameter and transmitting the signals out of the housing.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising an ion mobility spectrometer in combination with a quadrupole mass filter which is scanned in synchronization with the pulsing of ions into the ion mobility spectrometer thereby enabling ions having a particular charge state to be preferentially transmitted. Another embodiment replaces the quadrupole mass filter with an axial time of flight mass filter and an injection electrode.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer includes a fragmentation cell having a plurality of ring or plate-like electrodes with apertures through which ions are transmitted. An axial DC gradient is preferably maintained along at least a portion of the length of the fragmentation cell in order to improve the transit time of ions through the device.

Abstract: A method of measuring the rate of transmission of a vapor through a test sample using a mass spectrometer. The test sample is sealed to a gas cell defining a gas chamber, covering an opening in the gas chamber. A droplet of water including isotopes of mass number placed in the gas chamber and the gas cell is introduced into a vacuum chamber adjacent a mass spectrometer. After a sufficient time for evaporation of the liquid to saturate the gas chamber with vapor and for the output of the mass spectrometer to stabilize, the partial pressure of vapor in the vacuum chamber is measured using the mass spectrometer. The measure partial pressure is used to derive the rate of transmission of the vapor through the test sample.

Abstract: Time-of-flight mass spectrometer instruments for monitoring fast processes using an interleaved timing scheme and a position sensitive detector are described. The combination of both methods is also described.

Abstract: An ion guide is disclosed wherein a travelling DC wave is passed along the length of the ion guide so that ions exit the ion guide having substantially the same velocity.

Abstract: A time-of-flight mass spectra calibration technique uses time-of-flight mass spectrometer instrument operational parameters and known mass and measured time-of-flight data pairs to optimize values of chosen ones of the instrument operational parameters. Electrostatic time-of-flight calculations are conducted in conjunction with an iterative procedure, preferably a simplex optimization procedure, to thereby minimize a residual error between the electrostatic time-of-flight calculations and the measured time-of-flight data values for each of the known mass values. While conventional curve fitting mass calibration techniques are devoid of information that describe ion behavior, the mass calibration technique of the present invention, by contrast, takes into account all of the instrument operational parameters in arriving at a final calibration.

Abstract: A high-throughput system and a method for analyzing up to hundreds of components in an sample, such as from an organism, tissue or extract is described.

Abstract: The present invention realizes a conductive probe for a scanning type microscope, to which a voltage can be applied or a current can flow.

Abstract: An entrance grid is positioned in the incident beam path of a DC beam positron lifetime spectrometer. The difference between the potentials applied to the sample and the entrance grid provides simultaneous acceleration of both the primary positrons and the secondary electrons. The result is a reduction in the time spread induced by variation of the secondary electron energy. The spectrometer also includes a means for path separation of the incoming positrons and the outgoing secondary electrons from the sample in the non-acceleration range. The result is a positron lifetime spectrometer with a wide time range representing exponential decay functions of annihilation radiation intensity, and an improved time resolution. Results to date show that a valid time range of more than 300 nsec, a time resolution of 570 psec, and a signal-to-noise ratio of 3300 have been achieved.

Abstract: A dual wavelength focal plane has a first array of infrared sensing pixel elements and a second array of visible light pixel elements adapted to be selective to colors encountered while driving an automobile. The second array is selective to the colors red, blue and green, so being selective to traffic control signals, including brake lights of other automobiles. The arrays are vertically stacked on a monolithic silicon substrate. The arrays are electrically coupled to a processor and display to integrate the infrared and color pixel elements into a view for a driver of the automobile.

Abstract: In the improved neutron image detector, MgB2 enriched in a constituent element 10B of wide energy gap is used as a neutron detection plate, which is provided at the center and the four corners with a phonon sensor comprising an insulation layer overlaid with Mg11B2 enriched in 11B of narrow energy gap in order to detect phonons resulting from the generation of &agr;-rays which occurs in the detection plate upon incidence of neutrons, and sensor's signal intensity and signal propagation time are used to detect the incident position of neutrons.

Abstract: A multi-charged particle beam tool for semiconductor wafer inspection or lithography includes an array of electron beam columns, each having its own electron or ion source. The objective lenses of the various electron beam columns, while each has its own pole piece, share a common single magnetic coil which generates a uniform magnetic field surrounding the entire array of electron beam columns. This advantageously improves the spacing between the beams while providing the superior optical properties of a strong magnetic objective lens. When used as an inspection tool, each column also has its own associated detector to detect secondary and back-scattered electrons from the wafer under inspection. In one version the gun lenses similarly have individual pole pieces for each column and share a common magnetic coil.

Abstract: A radiation detector employs a thermopile having a potentiometer for calibrating the thermopile output to best suit a particular output meter and sensing application. A thermocouple may be connected in series with the thermopile. The output of the thermopile is calibrated to best match a linear function which intersects the thermopile output function at a temperature in the center of a temperature range of interest. A total output signal of the detector is the sum of the thermopile signal and the thermocouple signal, and is indicative of the temperature of a target emitting radiation sensed by the thermopile. The series connection of the thermopile and the thermocouple allow the thermopile hot junction temperature to be referenced to the cold junction temperature of the thermocouple. Thus, the reference temperature may be remote from the thermopile sensor. A filtering lens may be used to prevent short wavelength radiation from reaching the thermopile sensor, improving the linearity of the thermopile response.

Abstract: A gamma camera is provided in which the study protocol can be modified after the study has commenced and while event data is being acquired. In such a camera, study parameters such as the duration of the study, the number of image frames acquired, or the count criterion required to produce an image may be changed dynamically as the study proceeds. Thus, a nuclear study which is seen to be leading to unsatisfactory or less than optimal results may be altered during acquisition to increase the likelihood that diagnostically useful results will be produced.

Abstract: An brain scanning apparatus having a scanner device and a host computer. The scanner radiation detectors detect radiation emitted from a desired portion, or slice, of a brain source. The scanner device contains microprocessors and code which control the movement of the radiation detectors and performs the data acquisition over a number of slices and transmits this data to the host computer. The host computer initiates a scan by sending desired setup parameters to the scanner device and instructing the scanner to begin collecting data. During the scan, acquired data is sent to the host computer and spooled to a hard disk. The computer can be instructed to perform a slice by slice reconstruction of the source brain while the scan is taking place in order to produce a 2-dimensional reconstruction of the mapped brain. A complete 3-dimensional reconstruction of all the compiled slices is performed and visually displayed after acquisition of all the required slices.

Abstract: A gamma camera system is described in which multiple simultaneous acquisitions are performed based upon different characteristics for event data acquired by a common gantry behavior. The event data from a detector is selected for different images based upon characteristics such as gating, ungated, energy windows, or zooming.

Abstract: A cover plate for a solid state radiation imager having a substrate on which are disposed a photosensor array and a scintillator optically coupled to the photosensor array. The cover plate has a lip adjacent a periphery thereof, at least a portion of the lip comprising a hermetic barrier, the cover plate and lip extending over the scintillator and photosensor array, the lip being adhered and sealed to the substrate. Methods of forming a cover plate with a lip and of assembling the cover plate having a lip with a substrate so as to enclose a photosensor array coupled to a scintillator are also disclosed.