Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to obtain an image which is focused on all portions of a sample and to provide a charged particle beam apparatus capable of obtaining a two-dimensional image which has no blurred part over an entire sample. In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises means for changing a focus of a charged particle beam emitted from a charged particle source, a charged particle detector for detecting charged particles obtained at a portion of said sample irradiated with the charged particle beam, and means for composing a two-dimensional image of the sample as viewed from a direction of said charged particle beam source, based on signals on which said charged particle beam is focused, said signals being among signals output from the charged particle detector.

Abstract: A passive infrared detector has a first sensor (1) for generating an infrared signal, representative of the difference in temperature between a heat source and the background environment of the detector, a second sensor (3), influenced by the ambient temperature in the detector, and an evaluation circuit (2) for processing the infrared signal. The evaluation circuit contains a temperature compensation (4) for influencing the sensitivity of the detector as a function of the ambient temperature. The temperature compensation (4) is designed in such a way that the sensitivity of the detector is not directly influenced by changes in the ambient temperature. Influencing of the sensitivity of the detector takes place with delay and/or as a function of the speed of the change in the ambient temperature.

Abstract: A special infrared photodetector is operable at high temperatures. The detector is a very wideband detector which may be operated in a direct detection mode or in a heterodyne mode. A multiple quantum well photodetector includes a plurality of wells and a plurality of barriers formed of alternating layers of gallium-arsenide and aluminum-gallium-arsenide material respectively. The gallium-arsenide layers are highly doped with an n-type dopant such as silicon atoms. The high doping produces an unexpected result of improved operational efficiency at elevated temperatures. Photodetectors of these inventions have a large number of quantum well structures to improve absorption or interaction cross section. In all versions, the middle portion of wells include a special region of a highly doped gallium arsenide material in a density of about one to three trillion silicon atoms per square centimeter.

Abstract: Radiation falling on a two dimensional detector array is analysed with respect to two perpendicular directions whereby two different characteristics can be analysed with one array. Possible characteristics include the variation intensity with wavelength, spatial position or path length through a sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas cell (1) adapted for carbon dioxide and including a cavity (10) which is adapted for a chosen gas volume, a light source (11) and a light-bundle receiving unit (12). The light source (11) is placed in a focal point (F) associated with a partially elliptical mirror surface (13) forming a reflector for the light source (11) and a first defining surface of the cavity (10). Two other cavity-defining surfaces are comprised of gas-conducting surfaces (14a, 14b) orientated from the end-parts (13a′, 13b′) of the mirror surfaces (13a, 13b). The light-bundle receiving unit (12) is placed in a second focal point (F′) associated with the partially elliptical mirror surfaces (13a, 13b).

Abstract: A single photon emission computed tomography system produces multiple tomographic images of the type representing a three-dimensional distribution of a photon-emitting radioisotope. The system has a base including a patient support for supporting a patient such that a portion of the patient is located in a field of view. A longitudinal axis is defined through the field of view. A detector module is adjacent the field of view and includes a photon-responsive detector. The detector is operable to detect if a photon strikes the detector. A photon-blocking member is positioned between the field of view and the detector. The blocking member has an aperture slot for passage of photons aligned with the aperture slot. A line of response is defined from the detector through the aperture. A collimating assembly includes a plurality of generally parallel collimating vanes formed of a photon attenuating material. The vanes are spaced apart so as to find a plurality of gaps, with the gaps each having a height.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radiation detector for detecting radiation impinging in a detection zone, having detector elements which are arranged in the form of a preferably two-dimensional array in rows and columns running orthogonally with respect to one another and each have a scintillator and a photodiode interacting with the latter. In this case, detector elements arranged at the edge of array are provided, whose scintillators have an extent transversely with respect to the edge of the array which is larger than is necessary for encompassing the detection zone.

Abstract: A solid-state detector is accommodated within a case housing. The solid-state detector is provided with a layer containing amorphous selenium as a principal constituent and operates such that the solid-state detector records image information as an electrostatic latent image, and such that the solid-state detector generates electric currents in accordance with the electrostatic latent image when the solid-state detector is scanned with reading light. A heat discharging device discharges heat within the case housing to the exterior of the case housing, such that a temperature of the layer containing the amorphous selenium as the principal constituent is kept at a temperature lower than 40° C.

Abstract: A photoelectric semiconductor light-detection system with programmable dynamic performance includes a semiconductor photocell, preferably a photodiode, by which the impinging light intensity can be converted into a proportional photoelectric current. Thc drain of a first MOS FET of corresponding channel-type operated to saturation is coupled to the semiconductor photocell, e.g., the cathode or anode of the photodiode, and its source is maintained at a constant potential. A second MOS FET applies a predetermined variable charge amount to the gate of the first MOS FET. A capacitor is provided at the gate of the first MOS FET. The difference between the offset current and the photoelectric current can be integrated by an integration device. A third MOS FET can be operated as a switch to read the integration device and to reset it at a given value.

Abstract: A method, system and a radiation detector system for use therein are provided for determining the depth distribution of radiation-emitting material distributed in a source medium, such as a contaminated field, without the need to take samples, such as extensive soil samples, to determine the depth distribution. The system includes a portable detector assembly with an x-ray or gamma-ray detector having a detector axis for detecting the emitted radiation. The radiation may be naturally-emitted by the material, such as gamma-ray-emitting radionuclides, or emitted when the material is struck by other radiation. The assembly also includes a hollow collimator in which the detector is positioned. The collimator causes the emitted radiation to bend toward the detector as rays parallel to the detector axis of the detector. The collimator may be a hollow cylinder positioned so that its central axis is perpendicular to the upper surface of the large area source when positioned thereon.

Abstract: A beam delivery system uses a set of electronically controlled magnets with a common magnetic yoke to steer the beam directly onto the products being irradiated with a very short distance between the magnets and the products.

Abstract: A soft ionization device is disclosed that comprises a series of electrodes having spacing less than the means free path of the molecules to be ionized. In some embodiments, the soft ionization device is used in various applications that require ion or electron sources such as biological or chemical reactors, ion milling, and numerous replacements for conventional hot cathode systems. In another embodiment, a valence spectrometer is disclosed that is configured to variably ionize molecules by their valiancy. In other embodiments, the ionization device is coupled to a spectrometer for the characterization of biological matter. Also disclosed is a preconditioner for preparing biological matter to be ionized.

Abstract: A germicidal mailbox receives mail in an internal, rotatable cage, and tumbles such mail while irradiating it with ultraviolet light at a wavelength of 254 nanometers to kill or render inert microbes on the mail that could carry diseases to which humans are susceptible. After the mail has been tumbled and irradiated, it is safe for handling by humans without the danger of infection and disease from microbes that may purposefully, through terrorism, or accidentally have become attached to the mail.

Abstract: A comprehensive system and method of rendering the mail safe for handling and for detecting and containing suspect pieces and which can be fitted or retrofitted into mail and package processing facilities with relative ease. The system of the present invention includes a mail tray initial neutralizing sub-system, a subsequent neutralizing sub-system, an analyzing (potentially hazardous material detection) sub-system, a diverting mechanism, and a receiving and holding sub-system (secure out-sort pocket). All components can be controlled or operate in conjunction with a processing/computing sub-system. A feeder sub-system provides the mail from trays, after initial neutralization by the initial neutralizing sub-system, to the mail transport system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the excitation of a fluorescent sample and the measurement of the fluorescent emission. The method of the present invention has the advantage of significantly reducing the amount of background fluorescence. The method includes the steps of exciting a sample in a substrate with a beam of light that enters the substrate at an angle less than or equal to 45° C., and preferably, less than or equal to 20°, and then collecting the fluorescent emission form the sample with a lens system which focuses the emitted light onto a CCD for detection. Although the following description of the present invention uses a scanning system using channel plates by way of illustration, the method described herein may also be used with non-scanning systems as well as capillary systems.

Abstract: Projection-exposure apparatus and methods are disclosed that exhibit increased throughput by providing improved schemes by which the reticle stage and wafer stage move to accomplish exposure. Portions of a die pattern on a “pattern original” (e.g., reticle) are sequentially illuminated by an energy beam (e.g., beam of electromagnetic radiation or charged particles). The energy beam passes through the pattern portions and forms a demagnified image on a substrate through a projection-optical system. While moving the pattern original and the substrate, the entire die pattern is sequentially illuminated according to an exposure order, and the die pattern is demagnifyingly transferred to the substrate on which the images of the illuminated pattern portions are stitched together. When transferring and exposing the die pattern to multiple locations on the substrate, the exposure order is reversed after exposing each die pattern.

Abstract: The invention comprises methods and apparatus for cooling electrical leads in an electron beam lithography system. In one embodiment the invention comprises an electron beam projection system including at least one process chamber, containing therein, at least one movable stage and at least one electric stage motor for moving the stage, wherein the electrical stage motor includes magnetic coils encased in a coolant jacket which encloses the coils and encloses a coolant material. The coolant jacket includes coolant input lines for supplying coolant to the coolant jacket and includes coolant return lines for allowing the coolant to flow out of the coolant jacket. The process chamber includes electrical leads for supplying electrical current to systems contained within the process chamber and the electrical leads are cooled by passing them through the coolant lines.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for irradiating tumour tissue (3) of a patient (10) by means of an ion beam (2). For that purpose, the apparatus has a deflecting device (1) for the ion beam (2) for slice-wise and area-wise scanning of the tumour tissue (3) and an ion beam energy control device for slice-wise and depth-wise scanning of the ion beam (2). An electromechanically driven ion-braking device (11, 12) is provided as a depth-wise scanning adaptation apparatus (5) for adapting the range of the ion beam (2) and has faster depth-wise adaptation than the energy control device of an accelerator. The movement of a patient is monitored by means of a movement detection device (7) for detecting a temporal and positional change in the location of the tumour tissue (3) in a treatment space (8).

Abstract: Method and device to detect defects (11a, 11b, 11c) in the section shape of a product (10), wherein the following steps are provided:

Abstract: A microvalve device for controlling fluid flow in a fluid circuit. The microvalve device comprises a body having a cavity formed therein. A pilot valve supported by the body is movably disposed in the cavity for opening and closing pilot ports formed in the body. A pilot operated microvalve is positioned by the pressure of the fluid controlled by the pilot valve.

Abstract: A choke or kill line connector for a subsea blowout preventer stack which is slide member operated to provide pressure balanced design to eliminate the potentially high forces associated with connectors which do not have the complication of a locking connector and provide integral valving capability to allow for testing and to retain drilling mud in the choke or kill lines upon disconnection.

Abstract: A solenoid valve, in particular, for a refrigerating machine, includes a valve body with an inlet and two outlets, a valve element that can be moved in the valve body between two end positions corresponding respectively to different switching positions of the solenoid valve, at least one permanent magnet for holding the valve element in the respectively assumed end position, and a magnet coil for exerting on the valve element a magnetic force effecting a shift into the respective other end position. The valve body and the magnet coil are accommodated in two compartments of a housing, and the at least one permanent magnet is held in a receptacle on a wall of the housing in a fashion facing a middle position of the valve element situated between the two end positions.

Abstract: A positioner for a valve that is actuated by means of a drive. The positioner includes a locator (9) and a control unit (13). The locator (9) detects the actual position of an actuator (7). The control unit (13) compares the actual position with a predefined desired position, and generates an actuating signal. A magnet (18) having a magnetoresistive sensor, preferably a GMR sensor, is provided as the locator. The locator (9) is less susceptible to dirt and less prone to wear and tear than a conventional slide potentiometer. The positioner is thus less fault-prone.

Abstract: An amplifying linkage for rotational actuation between a driving shaft and a driven shaft wherein the driving shaft rotates through a first rotary angle and the driven shaft rotates through a second and different rotary angle. The driven shaft is provided with a first lever arm having a slot formed in its distal end, and the driving shaft is provided with a second lever arm having a pin protruding in a direction parallel to the axis of the driven shaft. The shafts are offset such that the pin is receivable and slidable in the slot. Rotation of the driving shaft through a first angle causes the driven shaft to be rotated through a second angle. The first lever arm is shorter than the second lever arm, so that the second angle is always greater than the first (angular rotation is amplified). The invention is particularly useful in adapting a four-pole torque motor to the actuation of an Electric Throttle Control throttle valve for an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solenoid of superior quality in which an improvement has been achieved in terms of abrasion resistance. A fluid accumulating chamber Q is formed substantially coaxially with a plunger chamber P and on the opposite side of a center post 4 through the intermediation of the plunger chamber P. On the outer peripheral side of the rod 6, there is provided a first bearing for separating the plunger chamber P and the fluid accumulating chamber Q from each other.

Abstract: A male luer connector device that attaches to any standard female luer valve to open a flow channel between the two luers. The male luer is comprised of a tubular housing element, a resilient member contained within the housing and extending within an inner tubular portion defined in the housing, a resilient member that extends within the inner tubular portion of the housing, and a valve member attached to the resilient member that seals the tubular portion. When the male luer is engaged with any standard female luer, a female luer connector device drives the resilient member of the male luer into a compressed position to open the forward end of the male luer and permit liquid flow between the luers.

Abstract: A ball valve is made of a body (1) of a stem (3) and a ball closing component (2) with a main hole (8) and additional passage holes (9) characterised in that it has a spanner (7) made of a root (10) and a handle (11). The root (10) contains a base (12) with a sediment hole (13) and it is equipped with a latch (14) with an elastic pressure element (15) located slidably in the base (12). In the body (1) there is a recess (18) opened from the root (10) in which the latch (14) is placed with its end. The spanner (7) is connected with the stem (3) by means of a screw (17) screwed in a stem axis. The spanner for the ball valve is made of a root (24) and a handle (25). In the base (26) of the root (24) there is a sediment hole (27) and a latch (28) with an elastic pressure element (29). The latch (28) has a shape of a pin element having a sediment end (30) on one side and a flange (31) located nearby, and a handle (32) on second side.

Abstract: A tub/shower valve assembly includes a three-position valve stem adapter for varying the depth dimension of the assembly. The stem adapter has a splined bore with stop members located at a position skewed towards one end of the stem adapter. The stem adapter can thus be pushed onto the valve stem different distances depending on which is the leading end. The stem adapter can be disposed onto the valve stem a further distance by pushing the stop members past the end of the valve stem, allowed by outward expansion of the sides of the stem adapter.

Abstract: A servo motor operated rotary air throttle has a driving member connected to the throttle shaft. The motor rotor is connected to the driving member in a lost motion connection. If the throttle is lodged due to ice formation, the motor rotor acquires rotary momentum relative to the driving member during the lost motion rotation and a projection on the rotor impacts the end of a slot in the driving member to impart a momentum pulse to the driving member and throttle shaft and dislodge the throttle.

Abstract: An assembly consists of a housing and a flap unit. The housing and the flap unit are each one-piece injection-molded parts and the flap unit is mounted in the housing. The flap unit has at least two flap elements and a connection section arranged between each two flap elements. The connection section has a compensation element that can compensate for shrinkage-related length changes, in particular of the connection section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid finishing composition for textile products comprising (A) a specific modified silicone, (B) a product prepared by quaternizing a specific amine compound into a quaternary derivative thereof with methyl chloride and (C) pentaerythritol monostearate in such amounts that the ratio of (A)/(B) is equal to 30/70 (weight ratio) and which shows such effects that the composition can impart favorable softness to fibrous goods such as fibers and clothes, that it can maintain the HARI and KOSHI of the fibrous goods and which can reduce wrinkles formed due to washing.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions for treating fibrous substrates to render those substrates durably repellent to water and oil and durably resistant to dry soil comprising a fluorochemical urethane formed by reacting a tri- or higher order isocyanate with a fluorochemical monofunctional compound; and optionally a non-fluorinated aliphatic monofunctional compound.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to piezoelectric rare earth doped Pb(Zr,Ti)O3—Pb(Mn,Sb)O3 compounds including (zPb(ZrwTi(1−w))O3−(1−z)Pb(Mn1/3Sb2/3)O3+REx) where z is ≦0.95, 0.40<w<0.60, and where RE is a rare earth cation dopant, and 0<x<5.0%. The doped compounds have both improved Qm and (k). The RE dopants employed advantageously generate both “hardening” and “softening” effects in doped Pb(Zr,Ti)O3—Pb(Mn,Sb)O3 compounds. The RE doped Pb(Zr,Ti)O3—Pb(Mn,Sb)O3 compounds have advantageously high vibrational velocity compared to pure Pb(Zr,Ti)O3—Pb(Mn,Sb)O3 compounds and commercialized hard PZT. The disclosed invention also relates to piezoelectric devices which include the doped piezoelectric ceramic compounds.

Abstract: Deicing compositions comprised of hydroxyl-containing organic compounds and/or organic acid salts are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-hazardous brominating reagent from an aqueous alkaline bromine byproduct solution obtained from bromine recovery plant and containing 25 to 35% bromine dissolved in aqueous lime or sodium hydroxide containing alkali bromide and alkali bromate mixture having bromide to bromate stoichiometric ratio in the range of 5:1 to 5.1:1 or 2:1 to 2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions including a combination of builders that stabilizes active oxygen compounds when the composition is formulated as an alkaline liquid.

Abstract: Semiconductor liquid crystal compositions and methods for making such compositions are disclosed. One embodiment of the invention is directed to a liquid crystal composition including a solvent and semiconductor particles in the solvent. The solvent and the semiconductor particles are in an effective amount in the liquid crystal composition to form a liquid crystal phase.

Abstract: Disclosed in a novel liquid-crystalline compound which is a naphthalene derivative useful as an electro-optical liquid crystal display material, a liquid crystal composition containing such naphthalene derivatives and a liquid crystal display device comprising the same. The naphthalene derivative provided by the present invention exhibits an excellent liquid-crystallinity and miscibility with currently widely used liquid crystal compositions or compositions. The addition of the naphthalene derivative makes it possible to drastically lower the threshold voltage of the liquid crystal composition while maintaining its high response. The naphthalene derivative of the present invention is characterized by a large birefringence index. Further, most of the naphthalene derivative of the present invention has no strongly polar group in its molecule and thus can also be used for active matrix driving.

Abstract: The invention relates to nematic liquid-crystal compositions comprising bisalkenyl compounds of the formula I 1

Abstract: Polymeric-based nanocomposites with different structures using core-shell particles. The present invention provides a method for producing polymer-based core-shell nanocomposite structures. The nanocomposite materials may be produced with voids in them which may be partially or completely filled with other materials. The core and shell materials may be formed from multicomponent materials, in the case of the coresthese may be for example multiple oxides, semiconductors and in the case of the polymer shell material multiple polymers in blends or copolymers.

Abstract: A method of the invention manufactures a conductive resin composition having powdered silver and a reinforcing agent of the Mohs hardness 3.5 to 4.5 contained in binder resin, and forms an electrode substrate by use of the conductive resin composition. Thereby, hardness balance between phosphor copper and an electrode is regulated into the most appropriate state, and a wear resistance of both can be enhanced.

Abstract: Described is a polymerizable composition of a photochromic amount of at least one photochromic compound, at least one material having at least one carbonate group and at least one hydroxyl group, and at least one monoisocyanate containing material having at least one unsaturated group. The polymerizable composition optionally contains copolymerizable monomers. Also described are photochromic polymerizates, e.g., photochromic optical elements such as ophthalmic lenses, prepared from the polymerizable composition of the present invention.

Abstract: Novel ultraviolet absorbing compounds that are liquid in nature, are extremely low in color (and thus permit use without the concomitant necessity of adding large amounts of other coloring agents to combat such discoloring), and are highly effective in providing protection in wavelength ranges for which previous attempts at low-color ultraviolet absorbers have failed are provided herein. Such compounds provide such excellent, inexpensive, and beneficial protection from ultraviolet exposure within various media, including, but not limited to, clear thermoplastics. The particular compounds are generally polymeric in nature including various chain lengths of polyoxyalkylenes thereon and are liquid in nature to facilitate handling and introduction within the target media. In addition, such ultraviolet absorbers also exhibit extremely low migratory properties thereby providing long-term protective benefits to the target media as well.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method of manufacturing fuel by blending fuel from different sources in a way which accounts for the isotopic variation in the fuel from different sources. In particular, the invention provides a method for producing nuclear fuel, the method comprising defining one or more reference composition for fuel to be produced; providing two or more amounts of feed fuel material from which to produce the fuel, defining the deviation of each of the amounts of feed fuel material from a reference composition; selecting and mixing masses of feed fuel material from two or more of the amounts of feed fuel material, the masses being selected to give a lower deviation between the mixed feed fuel material and the selected reference composition than between the feed fuel material amounts, and the selected reference composition, the deviation being defined by a function based on the isotopic composition of the feed fuel material amounts.

Abstract: A hydraulic lifting device capable of being rapidly raised in a mechanical movement by use of a linkage mechanism that comprises a lifting device, a rotating shaft and a linkage. The lifting device has a basic construction of two vertical side plates, a lifting arm, and a saddle support plate at the front end of the lifting arm. An outer end of the saddle support plate has an axial rod at a predetermined position. The rotating shaft extends through a clearance hole in the vertical side plate of the lifting device. The rotating shaft is integrally attached to the linkage, and the linkage has two extreme ends which are integrally attached to both the rotating shaft and the axial rod in the saddle support arm.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for installing and/or removing a cable (300) in conduits (500) for passage of cables. The device includes a thrust means to provide for progression of the cable, a heat engine controlling either a hydraulic circuit or an air compression circuit, and sensors to measure the progression of the cable. The sensors are linked to a CPU to drive the thrust means and the heat engine.

Abstract: A new and improved fence post which is formed from solid plastic material and requires no assembly or extra components. The post member has predrilled holes which extend completely through the post. Small pieces of wire are inserted through these holes and attach the fencing to the plastic post. This invention obviates the need for costly parts, affords the strength and endurance needed to maintain livestock, and is designed to meet the specific needs of the farmer.

Abstract: A fence rail clip for attaching a fence rail to a vertical fence post is disclosed. The rail clip has a bracket and a rail connector. The bracket may be secured to the vertical post. The rail connector has a rail receiving receptacle into which an end of a rail may be inserted and the connector is adapted to slidingly engage the bracket. When the position of the rail connector is altered by sliding the rail connector along the bracket, the angle of the rail receiving receptacle is altered, thereby changing the angle at which a rail may be attached to the post.

Abstract: A fence rail clip for attaching a fence rail to a vertical fence post is disclosed. The rail clip has a bracket with a raised central area flanked by two lower lateral areas and a rail connector that, vertically or horizontally, slidingly engages the central area of the bracket. The lateral areas define locations for connecting the bracket to a vertical post. The rail connector has a rail receiving receptacle into which an end of a rail may be inserted. The bracket may include indicia for determining the correct position of attachment of the rail connector to the bracket. When the position of the rail connector is altered by sliding the rail connector relative to the bracket, the angle of the rail receiving receptacle is altered, thereby changing the angle at which a rail may be attached to the post.

Abstract: A heterojunction bipolar transistor has a raised breakdown voltage and restrains the rising characteristic of IC-VCE characteristic from degrading. The collector region includes first, second, and third collector layers of semiconductor. The first collector layer is made of a doped or undoped semiconductor in such a way as to contact the sub-collector region. The second collector layer is made of a doped or undoped semiconductor having a narrower band gap than the first collector layer in such a way as to contact the base region. The third collector layer has a higher doping concentration than the second collector layer in such a way as to be located between or sandwiched by the first collector layer and the second collector layer.