Abstract: During vehicle travel, a container can be pushed, pressed downwards and lifted, but not rotated. As such, a holder is provided that enables the removal of a container, by rotating the container about a vertical axis. The holder comprises clamping lugs that have a rotatable part integrated into the clamping lugs and snapped into an axial bearing of the clamping lugs. The rotatable part is designed in the shape of a cylinder, and is pressed into a stable center position by means of a type of torsion spring. The rotatable part projects outwards, relative to the clamping lug at the tip and upper side of the clamping lug, so that even when the clamping lug is deflected, the part can contact any diameter container. Furthermore, when the part is in a center position, there is preferably a sprayed-on elastomer or other rubber-like material forming a contact surface.

Abstract: Article holder (10) comprises seat member (12) shaped to receive article, gate member (20) hingedly coupled to seat member (12), gate member (20) shaped to cooperate with seat member (12) in closed position so as to grasp article, rotatable handle (22) connected with gate member (20) so as to move gate member (20) between open position and closed position as handle (22) is rotated. Handle (22) has locking means (34, 36, 37, 38) for locking handle (22) when handle (22) is rotated to lock position, wherein handle (22) must be over rotated further than position where gate member (20) is closed to be positioned in lock position. Over rotation causes compressive gripping force to gate member (20) such that gate member (20) continues to grasp article while handle (22) is in lock position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat linkage assembly includes a rod. The linkage assembly has a first link with an aperture and a second link adjacent but spaced from the first link and having a slot. Additionally, a drive nut is adjacent the rod. The drive nut has a body portion, one end, another end and an aperture engaging the rod. The one end is inserted into the slot and the another end is inserted into the aperture. When the nut is disposed into the slot and aperture, the nut is rotated to engage the slot and the aperture so that the nut cannot be disengaged from the first link and the second link.

Abstract: A portable writing board presentation structure has a collapsible writing surface, such as a dry-erase or “white board” surface, and an integral, height-adjustable tripod stand. The writing board structure is defined by first and second injection molded plastic panels, each panel having a writing surface on one side thereof and a non-writing surface on an opposite side thereof. The panels are pivotally coupled to one another to define an open position and a closed position. The open position situates the writing surface sides of each panel in a co-planar relationship to provide a continuous writing surface. The closed position situates the writing surface sides of each panel in a parallel relationship to provide a portable, protected and durable writing board structure in an attache or carrying case-like manner.

Abstract: A hanger combination useful for the display of merchandise items has a base plate and a hanger rail. The hanger rail is attached to the base plate such that the hanger rail can be alternatively moved between a retracted hanger rail position wherein the hanger rail is proximal to the base plate and an extended hanger rail position wherein the hanger rail is spaced apart from the base plate.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a seat suspension that includes a first section and a second section which are moveably connected. A deformable isolator is located between the sections. The isolator is held in place by a retaining means such a ring, post and in other ways. The isolator is comprised of a plurality of gaps separating solid sections which cooperate to resist the movement of at least one of the sections. This may be accomplished by resisting the movement of the section as it is urged against the isolator.

Abstract: A device for fastening a turbocharger to a base, with a fastening foot (12) which is integrally formed in one piece on a gas outlet casing (10) of the turbocharger and which has long holes (16) spaced from one another and preferably arranged in a star-shaped manner in relation to one another. In order to fasten the turbocharger, sliding shoes (26) are capable of being inserted into the long holes (16) and have continuous orifices, through which can be led fastening elements (30, 30′) capable of being fixed in the base.

Abstract: A method and tool for removing modular concrete forms from underlying rigid concrete are disclosed. The tool includes a lever end, a fulcrum, and a claw end having a notch particularly adapted to engage a knob that protrudes from a surface of the modular concrete form. The method includes engaging the claw end of the tool with the knob, abutting the fulcrum against rigid concrete adjacent the modular form, and exerting a force on the lever end in the direction of the adjacent rigid concrete.

Abstract: The present invention provides an autofocus system for an imaging system, such as an external drum platesetter. The autofocus system automatically focuses each of a plurality of scan lines produced by an imaging system on a supply of recording material, and includes a control loop with scan line to scan line feedforward of a motor command waveform.

Abstract: A digital pen that has an ink writing tip includes a laser on a pen body that directs light toward paper across which the writing tip is stroked. A CMOS camera or CCD is also mounted on the pen body for detecting reflections of the laser light, referred to as “speckles”. A processor in the pen body determines relative pen motion based on the speckles. A contact sensor such as an FSR on the pen body senses when the tip is pressed against the paper, with positions being recorded on a flash memory in the pen body when the contact sensor indicates that the pen is against the paper. The memory can be later engaged with a handwriting recognition device to correlate the positions to alpha-numeric characters. Ordinary paper can be used, but, if desired, special bar-coded paper can also be used, so that the recorded positions can be tagged with a page number, form field, and absolute position on the page.

Abstract: A complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor image sensor structure and associated layout method. A gate polysilicon layer of a reset transistor isolates the illumination region of an optical diode from field oxide layer corners of the image sensor so that current leaks between the illumination region and field oxide layer corners are minimized. Each side of the polysilicon layer also extends to and connects with a neighboring polysilicon layer. This expands the illumination region and increases fill factor of the layout.

Abstract: A light-receiving element array is provided in which the degradation of characteristic thereof due to the crosstalk may be prevented. An n-InP layer, an i-InGaAs layer, and an n-InP layer are stacked on an n-InP substrate. Zn is diffused into the topmost n-InP layer to form a p-type diffused region, resulting in a pin-photodiode. A passivation layer is deposited on the structure to a thickness such that a nonreflective condition is satisfied. On the passivation film, a light-shielding film is provided so as to cover the area between light-receiving elements.

Abstract: A photo-detector device is arranged for in-beam monitoring of a light beam. The device absorbs a proportion of the energy of the beam whilst allowing the remainder of the energy of the beam to pass through. In this way, a sampling mirror and photo-detector arrangement can be replaced with a photo-detector which provides within its own structure the sampling function. There are a number of applications where in-line sampling is required, and the invention can be used in many such applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to an evaluation circuit for the processing of a received differential signal of an optoelectronic circuit, in particular of a light grid. The evaluation circuit has at least one differential amplifier for the amplification of the received signal. A clamping circuit, by which at least one output of the differential amplifier can be switched to a reference potential, is provided for the suppression of an offset of the differential amplifier. The invention further relates to a corresponding optoelectronic sensor and to a signal processing method.

Abstract: Wavelength multiplexed light is amplified by first and second EDFs. Gains of the first and the second EDFs are respectively held to be predetermined values by first and second AGC circuits. Between the first and the second EDFs, a variable attenuator is arranged. A loss in the variable attenuator is controlled by an ALC circuit so that output power is held to be a predetermined value instructed by a supervisory control signal. Respective time constants of the first and the second AGC circuits are sufficiently short in comparison with the response times of the first and the second EDFs. The time constant of the ALC circuit is sufficiently long in comparison with the time period required to transmit the supervisory control signal to each optical node.

Abstract: A light-detector assembly is provided for use with light-actuated, selectively operable, electronic triggering equipment for triggering a wide variety of different kinds of events, particularly performance, entertainment, advertising or information events. Said assembly comprises light-detecting means (19; 53; 80); means for locating said light-detecting means off-axis in relation to a collimated source of visible light (L; 40), light deflecting means (18; 52; 78); and positioning means (14: 46; 74) for positioning said light-detecting means on the optical axis of said collimated source; wherein said deflecting means are adapted to deflect towards said light detecting means, light, such as retro-reflected light, that is directed towards the source.

Abstract: A multi-beam photoelectric sensor (10) includes a light emitter and a photo detector each having an elongate casing (13). At least one of opposite lengthwise ends of the casing (13) is configured to receive a cable (53) for electric coupling. The casing (13) has a mount (20) located around its back surface within the length of the casing (13) to fix the casing (13) to an external structure.

Abstract: An oil sample is subjected to nuclear electromagnetic irradiation downhole, and the electron and/or mass density of the oil sample is determined by measuring the attenuation of the irradiation and relating the attenuation to the electron density. If the irradiation is high energy gamma ray irradiation, the attenuation is considered to be a function of Compton scattering only, which in turn is related to the electron density of the sample. If X-rays are utilized, attenuation is preferably measured in two energy windows. Using the two different attenuation values found in the different windows, the attenuation due to Compton scattering can be found and related to the electron and/or mass density of the sample.

Abstract: A covert mark (1) which may be applied to an article (2) comprises a fluorescent or phosphorescent material and has a unidirectionally aligned structure. Upon illumination of the mark (1) with ultraviolet radiation (3a), the mark (1) emits polarised fluorescent or phosphorescent radiation (3a) of characteristic radiation. The mark (1) may therefore be used in a system for covertly marking and checking the authenticity of a genuine article (2) whereby polarised fluorescent or phosphorescent radiation (3b) emitted from the mark (1) is incident on linearly polarising material. Detecting polarised fluorescent or phosphorescent radiation (3b) of characteristic wavelength and polarisation provides an indication of the authenticity of the article (2). By varying the orientation of the linearly polarising material, the plane of polarisation of radiation transmitted by the material is varied and a characteristic flashing effect is observed.

Abstract: A method for predicting hydrocarbon-bearing zones and estimating rock properties by analyzing fluids trapped in the pore spaces or adsorbed on the surfaces of rock samples. The trapped gases are removed under vacuum and analyzed by a mass spectrometer. Data peaks corresponding to petroleum constituent molecules provide an indication of presence and abundance of hydrocarbons. A decrease of the count rate over time is used to estimate permeability and other rock properties. Concentration ratios for selected constituents indicate oil quality and depth of the oil-water contact.

Abstract: An interface apparatus, for coupling plurality of ion source to a mass spectrometer has a plurality of ion sources for generating a plurality of ion beams. An inlet device for passing ion beams into the mass spectrometer is provided as is a device or mechanism for selecting one of the ion beams for passage through into the mass spectrometer and for blocking the other ion beams. An outlet provides a connection to a mass spectrometer. A corresponding method is provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a mass spectrometry probe including a substrate having a surface and a film that coats the surface. The film includes openings that define features for the presentation of an analyte. The film also has a lower surface tension that the surface tension of the substrate surface, and has a water contact angle between 120° and 180°.

Abstract: Macroscopically manipulable nanoscale devices made from nanotube assemblies are disclosed. The article of manufacture comprises a macroscopic mounting element capable of being manipulated or observed in a macroscale environment, and a nanoscale nanotube assembly attached to the mounting element. The article permits macroscale information to be provided to or obtained from a nanoscale environment. A method for making a macroscopically manipulable nanoscale devices comprises the steps of (1) providing a nanotube-containing material; (2) preparing a nanotube assembly device having at least one carbon nanotube for attachment; and (3) attaching said nanotube assembly to a surface of a mounting element.

Abstract: In order to accurately monitor changes in exposure conditions (changes in exposure level and focus) at a product wafer level during lithography, changes in exposure conditions can be calculated by acquiring electron beam images of a first pattern portion and a second pattern portion different from one another in terms of the tendency of the changes in dimensional characteristic quantities against the changes in exposure conditions, then calculating the respective dimensional characteristic quantities of the first pattern portion and the second pattern portion, and applying these dimensional characteristic quantities to the models which logically link the exposure conditions and the dimensional characteristic quantities. Hereby, it is possible to supply the process conditions change monitoring systems and methods that enable output of accurate changes in exposure level and focus.

Abstract: A PET apparatus (1) includes a detecting section (10). Each cylindrical detector (13n ) of the detecting section (10) has a plurality of block detectors (141 to 14M) arranged on the same circumference on a place perpendicular to a central axis (CAX) in the form of a ring. Each block detector (14m) is a two-dimensional position detector which detects the two-dimensional incident position of a photon incident on a light-receiving surface 15b. Each slice collimator (21n) extends to a rear portion of a corresponding one of cylindrical detectors (13n) through the space between adjacent cylindrical detectors (13n) and (13n+1) and is integrally fixed by a holding plate (22) at the rear portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides an X-ray detector assembly and a fabrication method, where the X-ray detector assembly comprises a scintillator material disposed on a detector matrix array disposed on a detector substrate; an encapsulating coating disposed on the scintillator material; a moisture resistant cover disposed over the detector substrate and the encapsulating coating, and an adhesive material disposed between the detector substrate and the moisture resistant cover so as to form a moisture vapor barrier. The adhesive material is disposed so that it is not in contact with the encapsulating coating. The fabrication method of the X-ray detector assembly includes the steps of disposing the encapsulating coating on the scintillator material and a portion of the detector substrate and removing the encapsulating coating from the portion of the detector substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides a direct conversion flat panel X-ray detector with automatic cancellation of ghost images due to charge trapping. The detector includes a direct X-ray to charge converter, a readout thin film transistor array supported by a glass substrate and on the rear side of the glass substrate, a layer of luminophor which automatically and instantly suppresses the ghosting effect.

Abstract: A radiation detector comprises a boron-doped diamond substrate (10) having an overlayer (12) of diamond epitaxially grown on surface (14) of the substrate (10). The top surface (16) of the layer (12) is provided with an interdigitated electrode array (18) in electrical contact therewith.

Abstract: A document (e.g. banknote) authenticating apparatus comprises a transport system (32-34, 50, 51) for transporting banknotes. An inspection device (35) is provided past which banknotes are transported by the transport system, the inspection device including a UV source (1) such as a LED and a UV detector (4, 5) arranged to irradiate a banknote and to detect reflected UV respectively. A processor (11) is responsible to the reflected UV to determine the authenticity of the banknote. The inspection device (35) includes a reference surface (3) over which the banknotes are transported in use, the reference surface being exposed to UV radiation from the source (1) in the absence of a banknote so as to generate a reference level signal, and being oriented such that the banknotes are delivered at an acute angle to the surface whereby passage of a banknote across the surface effects a cleaning action on the surface.

Abstract: A UV detector is located at an arbitrary measuring position on an object on which UV intensity and dose are measured and measures the UV intensity and dose at the measuring position. The receptor includes a UV photo-receiving device having a photosemiconductive layer containing nitrogen and at least one of elements of Al, Ga and In, and a UV untransmissive member having a function of preventing UV transmitted through the UV receiving device from being received by the object.

Abstract: A calibration pattern is drawn on a substrate using a charged particle beam. The substrate is developed, and the position of the developed calibration pattern is detected to check the relationship between the position of the stage and the reference position of the charged particle beam. On the basis of the check result, the reference position of the charged particle beam is corrected, and a pattern is drawn on the substrate on which the pattern is to be drawn.

Abstract: Current passed through a resist layer or insulating layer is controlled by changing the amplitude of an AC voltage to provide an electron exposure device or electric characteristics evaluation device using a scanning probe.

Abstract: A lithographic method by the use of a variable-area electron-beam lithography machine makes use of an electron beam having a cross section shaped into right-angled isosceles triangles. The lithography machine can shape the cross section into the right-angled isosceles triangles or a rectangle. Where a trapezoidal figure to be written has at least one leg (oblique side) making an angle of 45 degrees with the normal to the bottom base, a portion including the 45-degree leg is extracted and written by the right-angled isosceles triangles.

Abstract: An electron beam exposure apparatus characterized by comprising an electron gun producing an electron beam, a first shaping member for shaping the cross-sectional shape of the electron beam, a second shaping member serving as a splitting member having a splitting part including splitting openings for splitting the electron beam into electron beams of different shapes, and a blocking member for blocking at least one of the electron beams.

Abstract: An apparatus for expeditiously irradiating an object with ultraviolet radiation at a selected UV wavelength. The apparatus includes a plurality of ultraviolet sources, each emitting radiation at a first wave length. The UV sources are mounted within a housing that also supports one or more conversion plates that can be interposed between the UV sources and the specimen and function to convert the UV to a second wavelength.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the presence or absence of wafers in a cassette, i.e. a wafer mapper, is integrated with a door assembly in a load port interface separating a process environment from an operator environment. A port cover plate and a door are arranged in an L-shape, with both members being able to seal the port in a bulkhead of the load port interface. In one configuration, the port cover plate seals the port, while door panel members rest horizontally on the operator side of the bulkhead. In this position, a wafer stack inside of a cassette may be placed on the inside door panel, with the top of the stack being open. As the door is raised from the horizontal position to a vertical position, the wafer stack is rotated through an opening in the bulkhead so that the wafer stack is now on the process side. The wafer mapper features a moveable trolley connected to, or within, the door.

Abstract: Concentration of a solute in a solution is determined. Light from a light source is received at a chamber containing the solute and the solution. The light is transmitted along an optical path length of the chamber, through the solute and the solution, and output from the chamber. The light output from the chamber is detected by a detector. The optical path length of the chamber is selected to optimize sensitivity of the detector. The concentration of the solute in the solution is determined based on the light received by the detector.

Abstract: A variable valve with an actuator that elongates upon application of an electrically-derived field. The valve includes an actuator comprising an actuator member made of a material that is elongated by an electrically-derived field. A coil surrounding the actuator member selectively applies an electrically-derived field to the actuator member. The valve further comprises a fluid flow path, an opening in the fluid flow path defining a flow area, and a closure member movable by the actuator member from a closed or more closed position in which it is restricting some or all of the flow area, to an open or more open position in which it is restricting less of the flow area, to selectively alter the fluid flow rate through the opening.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve control arrangement is provided with a control line of a control cylinder, the control line being connected to a first oil volume, with a first control piston having a first control face and operatively connected to the first oil volume, and with a plunger piston which is arranged between the first control piston and an outlet valve and has a second control face and which is operatively connected to a second oil volume. A first control edge is provided between the control cylinder and the first control piston. The control edge switches a first throughflow connection between the first oil volume and the second oil volume operatively connected to a third control face of the first control piston.

Abstract: A method is disclosed and claimed for estimating the position and the velocity of a valve armature in an electromagnetic valve actuation system, which includes a first solenoid coil that energizes and attracts the valve armature based on a first solenoid command. The method includes obtaining a parameter for the first solenoid command, measuring a property of the first solenoid coil, and estimating the position and the velocity of the valve armature based on the obtained parameter and the measured property.

Abstract: An electromagnetically energized actuator featuring low friction, low wear, low impact and low noise attributes. The actuator includes a polymer tube, a stop fixedly disposed in the tube and composed of a highly permeable material, a plunger reciprocably disposed within the tube and composed of a highly permeable material, a spring assembly including a spring which is formed at the facing ends the stop and the plunger which spring serves to bias the plunger away from the stop, a first plate composed of a highly permeable material which is connected to a first end of the tube, and a second plate composed of a highly permeable material which is connected to a second end of the tube. The tube is composed of a polymer which (relative to a conventional brass tube) allows tighter tolerances between the plunger and the tube resulting in lower wear, less sliding noise, reduction in corrosion, and elimination of thinned end of the tube. The preferred tube polymer is VESPEL® with TEFLON mixturation.

Abstract: The electromagnetic valve actuator of the preferred embodiments include a valve head that moves between an open position, a middle position, and a closed position; a plunger coupled to the valve head; and a housing defining a cavity that surrounds the plunger and contains a fluid. The cavity cooperates with the plunger and the fluid to provide increasing resistance as the valve head moves from the middle position to the closed position. Because of the increased resistance, the valve head softly seats against a valve seat, which minimizes noise, vibration, and harshness within the vehicle.

Abstract: The microvalve comprises a drive housing (3) in which a magnetic drive is arranged that includes a solenoid (1) and an armature (6) adapted to be actuated by the solenoid. A flanged housing (2) in which two valve seats (10a, 10b) are formed is mounted against the drive housing. Arranged between the drive housing (3) and the flanged housing (2) is a diaphragm (5) which is adapted to be pressed against the valve seats by means of a commutation rocker (4) coupled to the armature. The commutation rocker (4) has a pivot bearing, the axis (13) of which, for avoiding tolerances, assumes a position which is determined by direct abutment on a seating surface of the flanged housing (2) facing the drive housing (3).

Abstract: An improved air outflow valve having a cable assembly that enhances its reliability. In a particular embodiment, the cable assembly couples the diaphragm to the control arm of the air outflow valve and includes a retainer and a cable. The retainer has a cavity to slidingly accept the end of the cable when the valve is operated in a manual mode. Thus, bending or kinking of the cable is substantially inhibited or prevented, resulting in improved valve reliability. The improved cable assembly also is available as a retrofit kit and a method of retrofitting an existing valve is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a control valve comprising a plastic injection-molded wing body and a shaft having embossed projections thereon, said shaft being positively connected to said wing body, wherein the wing body has, in the direction of an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the shaft, a maximum dimension no greater than the diameter of the shaft, said shaft having the plastic of the wing body injected-molded completely around said shaft in the region of the projections. The control valve of the present invention may, according to one embodiment, be adapted for use as an intake device for an internal combustion engine, and for use, e.g., as a resonant valve or a throttle valve.

Abstract: A normally closed, two-way ultra-high-pressure valve is comprised of a stem protruding beyond the outer surface of a valve body and extending inwardly toward and coaxially through a stationary seat therein, which separates the high-pressure inlet fluid from the low pressure outlet port, the stem beyond the seat enlarging to a diameter significantly greater than the through-hole. The conical surface is forced back against the hole in the seat by inlet fluid pressure creating the valve seal. External force exerted on the aforementioned protruding stem at the opposite end of the body separates the conical surface away from the seat thus opening the valve.

Abstract: A composition for reducing the buildup of snow and ice on a surface. The composition includes a sugar-water mixture having approximately 15 to 80 percent by weight of a sugar solid, wherein the sugar solid contains approximately 2-60 percent by weight of a monosaccharide.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an etchant for etching at least two different metal layers, the etchant comprising hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and one of carboxylic acid, carboxylate salt, and acetyl group (CH3CO—).

Abstract: The method of preparing the porous material incorporating ultrafine metal particles comprises the following steps: (1) preparing surface-protected ultrafine metal particles by reducing metal ions in the presence of molecules such as dodecanethiol molecules; (2) immersing a wet gel in a solution of the ultrafine metal particles, thus forming an ultrafine metal particle/wet gel composite in which the ultrafine metal particles are incorporated in the wet gel; and (3) drying the ultrafine metal particle/wet gel composite to form a porous body.

Abstract: The present invention is a radio wave absorber having a high absorption performance for an electromagnetic wave of a high frequency and made thinner. The radio wave absorber comprises one or more magnetic layers including a magnetic material having a micro organization structure whose particle diameter is controlled to 1 to 100 nm. A radio wave absorbing sheet (2) comprises one magnetic layer formed by preparing as such a magnetic material including Fe, Co and Ni, which are ferromagnetic elements, or a material including an alloy containing Mn, as powder, and dispersing this powder into polymeric material and the like, and it has a radio wave absorption performance for a relatively near electromagnetic field.