Abstract: Laser light emitted from a laser light source is irradiated onto a transmission-type scale, and is diffracted by a polarization hologram recorded on the transmission-type scale. Only polarization directions of ±1-order diffracted lights, among diffracted lights, are rotated by 90°. The ±1-order diffracted lights interfere with one another such that interference fringes are formed on a light-receiving surface of a photo-detector. Interference light of the ±1-order diffracted lights is transmitted through a polarizing plate. A portion of transmitted light is passed through respective slits of a slit plate and is irradiated onto the photo-detector, and intensity of irradiated light is detected. On the other hand, 0-order diffracted light, ±2-order diffracted lights, and the like, whose polarization directions are not rotated, cannot pass through the polarizing plate, and are blocked before being detected at the photo-detector.

Abstract: A transmissive/reflective optical scanner including a gravity assist optical switch that reconfigures a flat bed scanner adapted for transmissive scanning into a flat bed scanner adapted for reflective scanning.

Abstract: An image scanner has a moveable photosensor array that can be moved in two dimensions in a plane. Two dimensional movement is provided using a single motor.

Abstract: The present invention has an object, in a near-field optical probe having a microscopic aperture to generate and/or scatter a near field, to obtain a near-field optical probe easy to be made in an array which increases the intensity of a near field to be generated and/or scattered and is adapted for use as an optical memory head.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer of the present invention is based on the use of quadrupole lenses with angular gradient of the electrostatic field. The device consists of an ion source connected to an ion mass separation chamber that contains a plurality of sequentially arranged electrostatic quadrupole lenses which generate a helical electrostatic field for sending ions along helical trajectories in a direct and return stroke. Scattering of positions of points of return is reduced by means of electrostatic mirrors located at the end of the direct stroke, while ions of different masses perform their return strokes along helical trajectories different from those of the direct strokes due to the use of a magnetic and/or electrostatic mirrors. An ion-electron emitting screen is installed on the path of ions in the reverse stroke, and positions of collision of the ions with the ion-electron emitting screen over time and space are detected with the use of micro-channel plate detectors.

Abstract: Ion injection in a drift tube apparatus for mobility spectrometry was accomplished without conventional ion shutters such as the Bradbury-Nielson or similar designs common to such drift tubes. Instead ions were passed between the ion source and drift region by using time-dependent electric field gradients that act as ion barriers between ordinary drift rings. Benefits of this design are simplicity and mechanical robustness. This ion injection technique dynamically accumulates the ions prior to their release into the drift region of the apparatus instead of destroying the ions created between shutter grid pulses, as does the Bradbury-Nielson method. The invention provides not only structural improvements to the well known drift tube apparatus, but also provides inventive methods for operating a drift tube apparatus to achieve maximum analyte injection efficiency and improving ion detection sensitivity. Improving ion detection sensitivity of drift tubes has practical experimental application.

Abstract: The use of a segmented-ion trap with collisional damping is disclosed to improve performance (resolution and mass accuracy) of single stage and tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometers. In the case of single stage spectrometers ions are directly injected from a pulsed ion source into the trap supplied with RF field and filled with gas at millitorr pressure. Subsequently, the ions are dynamically trapped by an RF-field, cooled in gas collisions and ejected out of the trap by a homogeneous electric field into a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. In the case of tandem mass spectrometric analysis the pulsed ion beam is injected into a time-of-flight analyzer to select ions-of-interest prior to injection into the trap at medium energy to achieve fragmentation in the trap.

Abstract: A high-current, high-gradient, high-efficiency, multi-stage cavity cyclotron resonance accelerator (MCCRA) provides energy gains of over 50 MeV/stage, at an acceleration gradient that exceeds 20 MeV/m, in room temperature cavities. The multi-stage cavity cyclotron resonance accelerator includes a charged particle source, a plurality of end-to-end rotating mode room-temperature cavities, and a solenoid coil. The solenoid coil encompasses the cavities and provides a substantially uniform magnetic field that threads through the cavities. Specifically, the MCCRA is provided with a constant magnetic field sufficient to produce a cyclotron frequency a little higher than the RF of the accelerating electric field. A plurality of input feeds, each of which respectively coupled to a cavity, are also provided. According to an embodiment of the invention, the beam from the first cavity passes through a cutoff drift tube and is accelerated further with a cavity supporting a still lower radio-frequency electric field.

Abstract: An integrated ion focusing and gating lens for use in an ion trap mass spectrometer includes first and second members of combined generally cylindrical configuration with the members focusing an ion beam along an axis of the generally cylindrical configuration when biased with the same voltage on each member, and the members deflecting an ion beam when the members are biased with different voltages. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second members are identical in configuration.

Abstract: A scanning electrode electron microscope for imaging a sample, the microscope comprising a sample chamber containing a gas in which the sample is positioned in use. A bias member is maintained at a predetermined electrical potential so as to accelerate electrons emitted from the sample. A detection system generates the image of the sample. The detection system comprises an ion collector positioned between the sample and the bias member, the ion collector being maintained at a potential below the predetermined electrical potential to thereby collect the ions from the region between the sample and the bias member. a sensor coupled to the ion collector for determining the member of ions collected thereon; and, a processing system responsive to the sensor to generate an image of the sample.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a sample image forming method and a charged particle beam apparatus which are suitable for realizing suppressing of the view area displacement with high accuracy while the influence of charging due to irradiation of the charged particle beam is being suppressed.

Abstract: An object detection apparatus including a light intensifier tube for use on an overland vehicle is described and which includes an electromagnetic radiation emitter which emits electromagnetic radiation which is reflected from an object of interest; and an electromagnetic radiation receiver which discriminately receives the reflected electromagnetic radiation at predetermined time intervals and which provides an output signal from which information regarding the object of interest may be derived.

Abstract: The infrared (IR) sensing apparatus (101) and related method achieves improvement over traditional infrared sensors by levitating or suspending the IR platform (103) to reduce the loss of IR energy, which normally dissipates in the form of heat. The levitating IR sensitive platform (123) of the present invention has no contact with the substrate (110) during energy absorption, thus eliminating a substantial disadvantage existing in the conventional systems proposed heretofore.

Abstract: Optical transmitter 2 is equipped with transmitted pulse modulator 23. at which a plurality of optical transmission patterns have previously been stored. The respective stored optical transmission patterns have mutually different ratios between infrared pulse ON times and OFF times. Optical output of infrared signal(s) transmitted from optical transmitter 2 is made variable as a result of the fact that infrared pulse(s) output during infrared output period(s) is or are output in accordance with an optical transmission pattern selected from among the plurality of optical transmission patterns.

Abstract: An infrared sensor including an absorber for absorbing incident infrared power to produce a signal representing the temperature of a target object, a frame supporting a membrane which carries the absorber, the frame including a plurality of reflecting surfaces disposed about the circumference of an opening over which the membrane spans for reflecting incident infrared power toward the absorber. By concentrating incident infrared power through reflection, the temperature difference between the absorber and the surrounding frame is increased, thereby producing an increased electrical output from the sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the level of red blood cells, plasma or serum, and organic separation gel in a test tube covered with multiple labels is provided. Visible and infrared light beams are projected onto a test tube. The portions of the light beams that pass through the test tube are detected as a function of position along the vertical axis of the test tube. The levels of the interfaces are then calculated from the detected portions.

Abstract: An electromagnetic wave applying apparatus according to the present invention has an electromagnetic wave source (13) such as an ultraviolet lamp or the like, a cylinder (15) surrounding the electromagnetic wave source, a liquid retention tank (16) disposed around the cylinder, and an inlet portion (17) for introducing a liquid overflow from the liquid retention tank as a thin film flowing down an inner wall surface of the cylinder, which is irradiated with an electromagnetic wave from the ultraviolet lamp (11). The electromagnetic wave applying apparatus also has swirling flow forming means for causing the liquid introduced from the inlet portion (17) onto the inner wall surface of the cylinder to flow as a swirling flow down the inner wall surface. The electromagnetic wave applying apparatus allows a large amount of liquid to be stably treated by the application of an electromagnetic wave without causing the electromagnetic wave source such as an ultraviolet lamp or the like to be contaminated.

Abstract: A system for determining the presence and optionally the position of an ophthalmic product such as a contact lens in a container is provided.

Abstract: A method based on time-resolved, laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy for the characterization and fingerprinting of petroleum oils and other complex mixtures. The method depends on exciting the wavelength-resolved fluorescence spectra of samples using ultraviolet pulsed laser radiation, measuring them at specific time gates within the temporal response of the excitation laser pulse, and comparing them in terms of their shapes alone without taking into account their relative intensities. The method provides fingerprints of crude oils without resorting to any kind of approximation, for distinguishing between closely similar crude oils of the same grade, and is useful in remote and non-remote setups, along with applications in fingerprinting blended and non-blended crude oils using different ultraviolet excitation wavelengths. Applications include estimating °API gravity of crude oils and monitoring degradation of mineral oils.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ion beam system for irradiating tumour tissues at various irradiation angles in relation to a horizontally arranged patient couch and to a method of carrying out ion irradiations, wherein the patient couch has an apparatus for rotation about a vertical axis and the ion beam system has at least one of the following irradiation systems: a first irradiation system having an asymmetrical scanning system of fixed location, which has a central ion beam deflection region for deflection angles of up to ±15° with respect to the horizontal direction and makes possible scanning of a tumour volume in the central ion beam deflection region, and which has an additional lifting device for the patient couch; a second irradiation system, which has an ion beam deflection apparatus for a deflection angle greater than the first irradiation system and a symmetrical scanning unit for scanning the tumour volume, which scanning unit is arranged downstream of the ion beam deflection apparatus an

Abstract: A simplified reticle removal system used with an electron beam system. The simplified reticle removal system includes a reticle chamber having an angled opening and a maintenance panel removably or pivotably attached thereto. The angled opening provides access to a reticle stage housed within the reticle chamber. The angled opening further permits removal of the reticle stage from the reticle chamber without having to disassemble and remove the optics system of the electron beam system. This reduces maintenance and repair costs, as well as reduces down time of the electron beam system.

Abstract: A multi-beam shaped-beam electron beam lithography system employs conventional lenses and magnetic deflectors, with an array of lithographically fabricated electrodes disposed about a central axis to simultaneously and independently deflect electron beams in beamlet exposure ranges separated transversely from one another within a subfield, so that subfields overlap.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for producing an IR (infra-red) signature. In the method, the apparatus is mounted on a target to give the target an infra-red signature whereby the target can be acquired by an appropriate weapon sensor.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for facilitating calibration of a nuclear gauge by automating the movement of a source rod between a plurality of source rod positions. The apparatus can include a linearly moveable member, such as a threaded rod, a motorized linear actuator, such as a stepper motor, and a source rod grip attached to the linearly moveable member for affixing the source rod to the member.

Abstract: An improved laser-based wafer carrier mapping sensor is provided. The sensor includes a number of improvements including laser source improvements; optical improvements; and detector improvements. Laser source improvements include the type of laser sources used as well as the specification of size and power of such sources. Optical improvements include features that intentionally defocus the laser stripe on the wafer as well as additional features that help ensure precision stripe generation. Detector improvements include increasing gain while decreasing the effects of ambient light. Various combinations of these features provide additional synergies that facilitate the construction of a sensor with significantly improved dynamic response while decreasing the frequency of false cross slot errors.

Abstract: A position measuring instrument according to the present invention comprises a turning unit and a fixed unit, irradiates a target to be measured with measuring light to determine a distance, a direction, and a position on the basis of its reflected light. A light source unit emits measuring light; a light receiving unit receives its reflected light; a radiating means radiates measuring light in a direction which can be set freely, and directs its reflected light to the light receiving unit; an angle detecting means detects a direction in which the radiating means radiates light; the light source unit and the light receiving unit are fixedly provided; the light source unit emits measuring light toward the radiating means; and the light receiving unit receives reflected light from the target to be measured.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly universal out-of-liquid sensor that allows an out-of-liquid condition to be accurately detected for a long time, and provides a liquid supply device using the same.

Abstract: An optical sensor includes a sample cell through which a fluid flows, an optical sensor formed by an optical emitter and an optical detector. The sample cell and the optical sensor use light refraction to determine the presence and size of a bubble passing through the sample cell. A housing may also be included to provide better control over light refraction and to protect the optical sensor.

Abstract: An image reading method and apparatus for reading an image signal by exposure to reading light L2 from a radiation solid-state detector, where radiation image information is recorded by exposure to recording light L1, suppresses degradation of image quality such as the S/N ratio of a reproduced image, the degradation being caused by an effect of charges which are produced by exposure to excessive radiation or the like and remains in the radiation solid-state detector. In the image reading method and apparatus, a past image signal read regarding past image information recorded in the radiation solid-state detector in the past, and an elapsed time from a time of recording the past image information in the radiation solid-state detector to a time of recording the current radiation image information are stored. The current image signal is then corrected based on the recorded past image information and the elapsed time.

Abstract: A flow regulating valve comprises a casing 1; a tube 10 which has elasticity and the both ends thereof are opened to an exterior, and is inserted and installed in the casing 1; and a pushing member 20 which changes an area of an aperture of the tube 10. The tube 10 has a double layered structure which is composed by unifying an inner tube 11 which is made of tetrafluoroethylene and an outer tube 12 which is made of teflon™ by adhesives. Furthermore, the pushing member 20 has diaphragms 21 and 22 provided in the casing so as to face with the tube 10, and a fluid pressure supplying portion 23 which moves the diaphragms to the tube side by supplying fluid pressure to one of surfaces of the diaphragms 21 and 22.

Abstract: A self-draining, valve for fluid flow control. Upon removal of fluid supply pressure from the valve, the valve automatically reverts to a partially open state allowing fluid in the valve to drain. The disclosed valve is particularly useful in applications where draining of fluids with bio-matter or other contaminants is desired after removal of supply pressure in order to reduce contamination buildup and/or permit thorough cleaning.

Abstract: An injection valve is proposed, including at least a nozzle module (2), which has a valve control piston (4), cooperating with a nozzle needle, and a valve control chamber (5) defined by a spring plate (21) and a face end (6) of the valve control piston (4), which valve control chamber communicates with a high-pressure supply line (9) via an inlet conduit (7) and is operatively connected, via an outlet conduit (24), with a valve control module (3) that is actuated by means of a piezoelectric actuator unit and is embodied in valvelike fashion and has at least one valve closing member (14), disposed in a valve chamber (18) and cooperating with at least one valve seat (16, 17); the nozzle needle is opened via a pressure reduction in the valve control chamber (5), effected by means of the valve control module (3) via the outlet conduit (24), and is closed via a filling of the valve control chamber (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to devices that control fluid flow, which comprise a substrate having an upper surface adapted to contact a flowing fluid and an elastic sheet immobilized with respect to the substrate, typically at a minimum of two immobilization points. The elastic sheet has a deflectable active area at least partially contained between the immobilization points; the lower surface of the sheet faces the upper surface of the substrate. Optionally, two or more electrodes are provided in contact with the active area of the elastic sheet. The device also includes an actuation means for deflecting the active area toward or away from the upper surface of the substrate. Additionally, the invention provides various methods for controlling fluid flow as well as methods for making devices that control fluid flow. The invention is particularly suited for microfluidic applications.

Abstract: An electric actuated control valve, such as an EGR valve, has a solenoid that can deliver useful force over a longer stroke for operating a valve element.

Abstract: A solenoid valve for controlling a fuel injector of an internal combustion engine, including an electromagnet 29, a displaceable armature having an armature plate 28 and an armature pin 27, and a control valve element 25 which is displaced with the armature and which cooperates with a valve seat 24 for opening and closing a fuel discharge channel 17 of a control pressure chamber 14 of the fuel injector 1. The armature plate 28 is mounted on the armature pin 27 so as to be slidably displaceable in opposition to the tensioning force of a restoring spring 35 acting on the armature plate 28 under the influence of the inert mass of the armature plate in the closing direction of the control valve element 25, and is pressed by the restoring spring 35 in its rest state against a stop part 26 attached to the armature pin 27. The stop part 26 is designed to encircle the periphery of the armature pin 27 by more than 180° in a plane perpendicular to the direction of movement of the armature pin.

Abstract: A fuel injector (1), in particular for direct injection of fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine having fuel mixture compression and spark ignition, includes an armature (20) which cooperates with a solenoid (10), and a valve needle (3) connected to the armature (20), on which valve needle a valve-closure member (4) is provided which together with a valve-seat surface (6) forms a sealing seat. The valve needle (3) passes through the armature (20) and an extension (15) formed on the armature (20) in such a way that a pin (32) may be inserted into a bore (34) in the extension (15) of the armature (20), whose alignment coincides axially and radially with a bore (35) in the valve needle (3), so that an axial pre-lift gap (30) is formed between the armature (20) and the valve needle (3).

Abstract: A valve which includes a stem having a slit at an end thereof. The valve stem is located in a valve body and is deformable. When a tip of an instrument is engaged with a slit in the stem, the stem shifts in the valve body, top portion folds inward, the slit seals against the instrument and allows liquid to flow through the stem, to or from the instrument. All components have circular cross sectional geometry.

Abstract: A bleed device (10) for hydraulic circuits (2), particularly for brake circuits, comprises a plug designed to be fitted with its first end (13) closing an aperture (3) of the said circuit, and a bleed duct (12) extending in the said plug, and is characterized in that it comprises, in the said bleed duct, a one-way check valve (26) which is normally closed with respect to the exterior of the said circuit and can be opened independently of the removal or slackening of the said plug in the said aperture.

Abstract: An improved planetary traction drive mechanism for use in actuating a throttle valve assembly. An electric drive motor supports a cup-shaped member defining the outer ring of the mechanism. The drive shaft of the motor extends into the cup-shaped member to define a sun roller and forming an annular space between the sun roller and the outer ring. An output plate is rotatably supported on the drive shaft, and one or more planetary friction rollers disposed in radial compression between the outer ring and the sun roller are mounted on the plate. An output shaft extends from the plate and may or may not be coaxially aligned with the sun roller. The output shaft may be connected via a link to a lever arm on the throttle shaft of the throttle valve, which may be used on an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A valve with a calibrated flow orifice insert for use in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (“HVAC”) applications so as to provide metered flow through the valve. The insert is used as a flow control device and is inserted into a conventional threaded ball valve. The insert has a cylindrical axial bore that is sized to provide a maximum valve flow coefficient. Peripheral threads on the insert mate with interior threads on the inlet of the valve body. A pair of bores on the face of the insert permit threaded insertion into the valve. The axial orifice bore through the insert is sized using experimentally-determined formulas related to the Reynolds numbers for the orifice and for the piping upstream of the insert.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising pentafluoropropane, a second component selected from the group consisting of decafluoropropane, perfluorobutyl methyl ether and combinations of these, and a third component selected from the group consisting of methanol, 1,2-trans-dichloroethylene and combinations of these. The present invention further provides for refrigerants, blowing agents, foam compositions, polyol premixes, closed-cell foams, sprayable compositions, and the like, comprising the present compositions.

Abstract: Hydraulic fluids, in particular brake fluids for motor vehicles, contain from 0.005 to 0.

Abstract: A boiler water treatment chemical includes a heterocyclic compound with N-substituted amino group, or the salt thereof, and alkaline agent and/or water soluble polymer.

Abstract: A novel phosphor represented by the general formula

Abstract: A long term stabilized magnesium hydroxide suspension which can be used for covering pellets of several materials in order to avoid the agglomeration of a plurality of pellets when stored or subjected to a heat treatment and which can be stored for at least three months without substantial agitation and without experiencing substantial settlement and solid hard substrate formation, comprising a solid content of about 51% to 61%; a water content of about 39% to 49%; a viscosity of about 500 to 1,500 cp.; an average particle size of about 1 to 2.5 microns; a Mg(OH)2 content of about 50% to 60%; an equivalent magnesium oxide content of 34% to 42%; including an adherent compound at a concentration of at least 30% in an amount of 0.

Abstract: A scaled and corrosion inhibitor for the use in the treatment of water comprises at least one oxyalkylene unit and at least one phosphonate unit (e.g. a unit derived from a mono- or di-phosphonic acid such as VPA or VDPA). Inhibitors according to the present invention have been found to exhibit both scale-inhibiting and corrosion-inhibiting properties, especially in the treatment of cooling water and water used in oilfield applications.

Abstract: A composition for forming an electrically conductive antistatic layer comprises: electronically conductive polymer particles; a neutral-charge conductivity enhancer; and a hydrophilic polymeric binder.

Abstract: A conductive composition for filling a via. The composition is based on total composition and has 4.0-12.0 wt. % organic vehicle and 88.0-96.0 wt. % electrically conductive particles selected from the group consisting of silver and nickel and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides a composition and a means being capable of easily recovering the color of faded clothes in home. The composition is a color recovering agent which comprises (a) a water-insoluble polymer with a refractive index of 1.20 to 1.45 at 25° C., (b) a compound or polymer having a molecular weight of 300 to 1,000 having specific groups such as amide group, (c) water and (d) a non-aqueous solvent, wherein the ratio of (a)/(b) by weight is in the range of 3/1 to 100/1.

Abstract: Described is a photochromic polymer composition including the reaction product of at least one polymerizable photochromic material and at least one other copolymerizable material having a glass transition temperature of less than 23° C. upon polymerization. The photochromic polymer composition is adapted to provide an increased Fade Half Life in the Photochromic Polymer Performance Test as compared to the same photochromic compound used in the reaction product, but free of polymerizable groups. Also described are photochromic articles including the photochromic polymer composition.