Abstract: There is disclosed a scanning electron microscope capable of detecting secondary electrons emitted from a specimen, using a semi-in-lens type objective lens. A voltage is applied to the specimen from a power supply to decelerate the electron beam immediately ahead of the specimen. Secondary electrons produced from the specimen are confined by a magnetic lens field and move spirally upward. The secondary electrons moving upward travel linearly from a location where the magnetic field of the objective lens is weak. Then, the electrons strike first and second conversion electrodes, producing a large amount of secondary electrons. A voltage is applied to the front face of a detector to produce an electric field near the first opening in the inner polepiece. This field directs the secondary electrons toward the detector, where they are detected.

Abstract: A robust two spectral band radiometer for long-term stand-alone spectral radiance measurements in the field is provided. The instrument can be used to monitor various surface parameters over prolonged periods of time by automatically collecting spectral radiance measurements at a user selected time interval (minutes to days). Two main applications are the monitoring of water surface parameters, such as total SSC and turbidity, and on-land vegetation by collecting spectral radiance measurements in a broad visible red and near-infrared spectral bands. Use for other application is possible using different spectral bands and multiple radiometers. Also included is the use of a ratioing technique to correlate the spectral radiance values rather than spectral reflectance values to the surface parameters of interest; this simplifies both the filed instrumentation requirements and post processing procedures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating a semiconductor wafer. A combination of a photothermal modulated reflectance method and system with a photothermal IR radiometry system and method is utilized to provide information which can be used to determine properties of semiconductor wafers being evaluated. The system and method can provide for utilizing a common probe source and a common intensity modulated energy source. The system and method further provide an infrared detector for monitoring changes in infrared radiation emitted from a sample, and photodetector for monitoring changes in beam reflected from the sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radiation detector, having a photodiode arrangement, a number of scintillators (4), and a reflector part (5) having a number of compartments (12) corresponding to the number of scintillators (4), which receive the scintillators (4) in such a way that the scintillators (4) are surrounded by walls (9, 10, 11) of the compartments (12) with the exception of their side respectively facing the photodiode arrangement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spectrometric detection system comprising a block (6) of semi conducting material, a cathode (7) fixed on the first face of the block of semi conducting material, and an anode (8) fixed on a second face of the block of semi conducting material, the first and second faces being opposite to each other.

Abstract: A radiation source distribution image of an examinee is formed by driving X direction movement motors to move a radiation information-detecting unit in the X direction, and detecting radiation from the examinee on a stretcher placed between guide rails by using a collimator and a line sensor which constitute a detection unit.

Abstract: A beam characterization monitoring apparatus receives an input VUV beam and measures a beam profile characteristic of the beam. An enclosure has an interior substantially free of VUV photoabsorbing species and configured for receiving the input VUV beam therein. Optics within the enclosure separate the input VUV beam into a first component for measuring a near field beam profile characteristic and a second component for measuring a far field beam profile characteristic. A detector coupled with the enclosure via a beam path substantially free of VUV photoabsorbing species preferably detects the first and second components simultaneously. A quantum converter is preferably disposed along the beam path before the detector for converting the VUV beam to a beam having a wavelength above 240 nm. A second detector preferably detects an energy of an additional component of the input VUV beam.

Abstract: An ultraviolet radiation monitor is disclosed. The monitor includes an aluminum gallium nitride-based detector, such as a Schottky junction fabricated with aluminum gallium nitride and a Schottky layer containing palladium, and a processor. The composition of the detector is tailored so that the detector is responsive substantially only to radiation of certain wavelengths, such as UV-B. The processor is adapted to receive user input of the user's skin type and ultraviolet-blocking power of any sunscreen the user is wearing. The processor is also adapted to read the signal generated by the detector and calculate the intensity of the ultraviolet radiation received by the detector. The processor is further adapted to calculate the maximum length ultraviolet exposure time for the user, based on the radiation intensity, skin type and sunscreen information.

Abstract: An ionizing radiation detector comprising a plurality of conductive tubes arranged in parallel fashion containing a gas mixture under pressure, a conductive wire being tensed at the center of each tube and adapted to being polarized with respect thereto, and comprising first and second tight enclosures each having a wall provided with openings in which are tightly inserted the first and second ends of each tube, the ends of each tube being open.

Abstract: A sample S is irradiated with pulsed pumping light supplied from a pumping light source 1, fluorescence generated by the sample S is detected by a photodetector 5 by way of a condensing optical system 3 and a spectroscope 4, and the fluorescence time waveform is subjected to a data analysis in a data processing unit 62 in a controller 6, so as to compute waveform data and physical quantities such as fluorescence lifetime. Here, the pumping light time waveform is fixedly arranged with respect to a time axis used for the data analysis, a plurality of fitting calculations are carried out while moving the fluorescence time waveform and fitting range from an initial position earlier than a pumping light peak to a later end position, and optimal measurement waveform data is selected according to a predetermined selection criterion.

Abstract: A radiation image conversion panel comprising a support provided thereon a stimulable phosphor layer and a protective layer including an alumina-evaporated layer, wherein the protective layer has a light transmittance of not more than 80% to light having a wavelength of not more than 400 nm and has a light transmittance of not less than 80% to light having a wavelength of not less than 410 nm, and the stimulable phosphor layer comprises a stimulable phosphor having a maximum emission in a wavelength of not less than 410 nm.

Abstract: An electronic beam transmitting through a mask is detected by means of a detector in which a plurality of elements is aligned in a plurality of lines while an image signal is transferred by the detector synchronously with movement of the mask, and high resolution due to a short wavelength of the electronic beam can be effectively utilized as well as an image signal is transferred at right angles to a line of the detector synchronously with same time detection of pixels in a direction of the line, so that an inspection of a mask with high resolution at high speed would be achieved, and furthermore, it would be achieved to produce an image scanned in a straight line with the extremely high accuracy without zigzag scan when a stage with an easy structure is used.

Abstract: A pattern forming method is proposed for easy correction of a pattern-size variation occurring in an etching process. An energy beam is radiated onto a resist-applied target while the energy beam is adjusted to correct the pattern-size variation occurring in the etching process. The resist on the target is developed to form a resist pattern. The target is etched with the resist pattern as a mask, thus forming patterns thereon.

Abstract: The ion implantation apparatus deals with an ion beam as a charged particle beam and has an accelerating tube 8 incorporating an electrostatic lens for converging/diverging it. The control of the electrostatic lens is carried out as follows. The swept ion beam 4 is received by a single Faraday cup 46 to measure the beam quantity I(n) and the beam width Wd(p) of the ion beam 4. The evaluated values of the beam quantity and beam width with respect to prescribed standards are calculated. These evaluated valued are assigned weights to calculate a unified evaluated value. The focusing voltage Vf applied to the electrostatic lens with the accelerating tube 8 is controlled so that the unified evaluated value is increased. A waveform shaping controller 50 and beam controller 54 constitute a device for making such control.

Abstract: The disclosure recognizes that the quantity −½ mv2 of kinetic energy representing Newton's 3rd law “equal and opposite reaction” not Einstein's E=mc2 “rest energy” which completely obscures such energy truly represents available decay energy. A simple example of a device utilizing this kinetic energy as found in nature is provided to demonstrate this distinction, and a mathematical explanation is given of the new way to approach the energy problem.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to control the amplification of natural frequencies emanating from molecules, specifically insect sex pheromones. The pheromone molecules are deposited in a resonant cavity that allows the generation of coherent and/or semi-coherent radiation. The molecular emissions are amplified in the resonant cavity and allowed to escape through a small circular opening on top of the resonant cavity. The molecules and/or their emissions dissipate into the surroundings to attract insects towards the cavity. When the insect enters the resonant cavity, a trap door prevents the insect from exiting. The molecular emissions are produced by passive diffusion and passive amplification because no pumping radiation source is required. However pumping radiation can be integrated to assist the passive amplification or serve as a second attractant.

Abstract: A container for storing and transporting device containing radioactive materials used for medical procedures is disclosed. Such devices may include a radioactive shielding material which contains a portion of the radioactivity emitted by the radioactive material. The container has an upper portion and a lower portion, and at least one of the portions includes a radiation shielding material, such as lead, steel or other appropriate shielding materials. Devices containing radioactive material are placed within the container. The container secures the devices against lateral movement within the container. The radiation shielding material of the lower portion of the container may cooperate with the radiation shielding material of the device to contain more of the emitted radiation than is contained by the device alone. The container and the holder may be sterilizable to allow such devices to be transported and sterilized for medical use.

Abstract: A surface inspection apparatus inputs image data obtained by scanning an inspection object by a camera which includes a line image sensor into calculation means. The surface inspection apparatus comprises a line memory and adder to add image data of two adjacent main scanning lines to generate an image data string, adds the image data in a block including a plurality of pixels continuous in a main scanning direction by the calculation processor to generate added data in the block, calculates a correlated value of the added data in the blocks adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction, and judges the correlated value with a threshold value by judgment means to obtain a surface state of the inspection object.

Abstract: Algorithm for filter selection of binary filters configured to solve the problem in question with the aim of determining smallest concentration changes in substance mixtures wherein one or a plurality of low-concentration lead components can be reliably detected in the presence of higher-concentration matrix or background components using the selected broad-band binary filters. The spectral power transmitted or reflected by the substance mixture is detected by a plurality of photosensitive detectors which are spectrally broad-banded and provided with binary filters, the detector signals being used for exact determination of the substance concentrations.

Abstract: An image recording medium includes a first electrode layer permeable to a recording electromagnetic wave carrying thereon image information, a recording photoconductive layer which generates electric charges according to the image information upon exposure to the recording electromagnetic wave and stores the electric charges and a second electrode layer for reading the electric charges stored in the recording photoconductive layer, which are superposed one on another in this order. An anti-discharge member for preventing occurrence of an electric discharge on the periphery of the first electrode layer is provided only on the periphery of the first electrode layer.

Abstract: To provide a differential pressure valve simplified in construction. A piston integrally formed with a main valve element is arranged on the upstream side of a main valve formed by the main valve element and a main valve seat, to thereby define a chamber for introducing refrigerant from an inlet port. The piston is provided with an orifice and a refrigerant passage for the communicating with a chamber on a back surface side of the piston. The chamber on the back surface side of the piston is configured such that it can be connected, via a refrigerant passage and a pilot valve formed by a pilot valve seat and a pilot valve element, to a chamber on the downstream side of the main valve, which communicates with an outlet port. Refrigerant from the inlet port is supplied the pilot valve via the orifice, and the refrigerant passages.

Abstract: A valve assembly HAS an element movable in a mechanical journal arrangement relative to a valve opening to establish an opening position of a valve, and A control unit for controlling the application of an oscillatory electromagnetic force to the element (8) having an known peak amplitude to cause the element to execute a sympathetic oscillatory motion as a friction reducing maneuver. The control unit is adapted to control the peak amplitude of the oscillatory electromagnetic force to sequentially apply a number of different peak amplitudes, each during a different measurement period. A monitor detects changes in the opening position of the valve during each of the measurement periods and provides a measure thereof. A processor is connected to the control unit and to the monitor to determine a working amplitude of the oscillatory electromagnetic force at which the detected changes will be minimized and to supply the determined working amplitude to the control unit.

Abstract: An electrically controlled flow valve is disclosed that is co-located with a manually operated, remote, water supply flow valve to control the flow of water through a hose from the water supply valve to an appliance such as a washing machine. A controller in the appliance controls the new flow valve to control the flow of water to the appliance, and isolates water pressure from the hot and cold water supply lines from the hoses and the washing machine when the appliance is not in use. Any hose leak that may occur when the alliance is not in use is limited to the small amount of water that normally lies in the hoses.

Abstract: An electromagnetic fuel injection valve comprises a movable unit having a valve element, an electromagnetic coil, and a magnetic circuit for magnetically attracting the movable unit toward a valve opening side through energization of the electromagnetic coil. The magnetic circuit is composed of a hollow, cylindrical stationary core, which defines a fuel passage extending axially through an injection valve body, a hollow seal ring made of a nonmagnetic or a feeble magnetic material, a hollow nozzle housing, and a movable core constituting a part of the movable unit. The stationary core and the nozzle housing are joined together through the seal ring. This electromagnetic fuel injection valve has improved responsibility.

Abstract: There is disclosed a socket for a pipe coupling, comprising a hollow cylindrical socket body including a plug insertion port, a radially movable locking element to lock a plug in the plug insertion port, and a sleeve attached to the socket body so as to be movable forwards/backwards and can operate the locking element. A valve body including a channel hole and purge hole is fixed in the socket body, and a cylindrical seal member rotatable between a first position and a second position is attached between the socket body and valve body. The seal member opens the channel hole and closes the purge hole in the first position, and vice versa in the second position. The seal member is connected to a sleeve for valve opening/closing operation rotatably attached to the socket body by a connection pin inserted through a circumferential groove in the socket body.

Abstract: A plug valve and fluid control method according to which a cylindrical plug is provided in a bore of a body member and has a through passage formed therein. The plug is adapted to be rotated about its axis to move the passage between an open position in which it is in alignment with passages in the body member to permit fluid flow through the body member, and a closed position in which it is out of alignment with the passages to prevent the fluid flow.

Abstract: A sanitary eccentric seat ring and corresponding method of installation and adjustment is provided. The seat ring includes a body having a first section, a second section, and a body central axis passing through the first and second sections. A first bore is disposed within the first section, and has a first bore central axis concentric with the body central axis. A second bore is disposed within the second section, and has a second bore central axis eccentric to the body central axis. The first section is generally frusto-conical in shape. The second section is generally cylindrical in shape. The first bore within the first section is generally frusto-conical in shape, while the second bore of the second section is generally cylindrical in shape. The seat ring can further include a flange, or other end connection, disposed at one end of the first section. The flange is suitable for mounting the seat ring in a valve body.

Abstract: In a solenoid valve, for preventing an elastic sheet used in a valve portion from being damaged by high-pressure gas flow, and without a seal in a wiring portion connected to a coil preventing pressure leakage from the wiring portion difficult to be sealed, particularly in a solenoid valve used for distribution control of high-pressure gas, a valve body is made of an inelastic material and dome-shaped, and a sheet surface facing the valve body is divided in a radial direction into an inelastic sheet surface closer to an axis of the valve body in a radial direction, and an elastic sheet surface far from the axis. The former is inclined to the valve body at a predetermined angle &thgr;1 to a line orthogonal to the axis of the valve body. The latter is inclined at an angle &thgr;2 larger than the angle &thgr;1 of the inelastic sheet surface. An elastic sheet surface in a boundary portion between the former and the latter is set on the same position as or lower than the inelastic sheet surface.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a solution of a quaternary cation and an anion from a deprotonated hydroxy aromatic in an organic solvent by means of a reactive extraction of a quaternary salt in the presence of an aqueous hydroxide solution, a hydroxy aromatic and an organic solvent is disclosed. Also disclosed is a process for the recycling of a quaternary salt phenolate solution from a reaction mixture.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing substrates with difficult to polish features using reverse mask etching and chemical mechanical planarization techniques.

Abstract: Metal nitride and metal oxynitride extrusions often form on metal silicides. These extrusions can cause short circuits and degrade processing yields. The present invention discloses a method of selectively removing such extrusions. In one embodiment, a novel wet etch comprising an oxidizing agent and a chelating agent selectively removes the extrusions from a wordline in a memory array. In another embodiment, the wet etch includes a base that adjusts the pH of the etch to selectively remove certain extrusions relative to other substances in the wordline. Accordingly, new metal silicide structures can be used to form novel wordlines and other types of integrated circuits.

Abstract: The anti-foaming preparations comprise aqueous formulations, which contain at least one substance, from the group of polyhydroxy compounds, non-ionic detergents and phosphoric acid esters and their salts, preferably alkyl polygluocosides, alkoxylated long-chain alcohols and an alkali salt of a phosphoric acid partial-ester. The particular advantage of said aqueous formulations is that they are stable when included in highly alkaline cleaning concentrates.

Abstract: Sulphur control in fluidized bed combustion systems often involves adding a source of calcium to the combustor so that the calcium may combine with the sulphur. Ash resulting from such combustion often contains a significant amount of calcium which does not combine with the sulphur compounds. This invention teaches a method of reactivating that ash by grinding the ash in a positive transport grinding mill with water. The grinder causes the ash to simultaneously undergo grinding and hydration to convert the calcium to calcium hydroxide. Advantageously drying agents are added to the ground hydrated ash after grinding to facilitate the formation of acceptably crumbly pellets thereby increasing the amount of calcium available to react with the sulphur. A particularly advantageous aspect of the invention involves the use of wet coal slurries which are otherwise waste products as the source of water to be ground with the ash. The coal content of the slurry then forms additional fuel for the combustion process.

Abstract: Hydrogen peroxide is stabilized by the addition of tri-potassium phosphate. This enhanced product is environmentally friendly and can be used in a variety of odor and disinfection applications without hazard to people, plants and things.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed an oxygen scavenging composition, comprising (i) an oxygen scavenging polymer comprising structure I:

Abstract: Disclosed is a binder-loaded type charge-transport liquid crystal material which comprises a liquid crystal compound and a binder and, in spite of the presence of the binder, can substantially retain the properties inherent in the liquid crystal compound.

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: A conductive ink composition comprising a carboxylic acid- or anhydride-functional aromatic vinyl polymer, a conductive particulate material, and/or a conductive flake material (any material with an aspect ratio of at least about 5:1) may be printed in a thickness of five microns or less to provide sufficient conductivity for RFID tag antenna and other printed conductive and semi-conductive structures. Printing the ink by flexographic or gravure printing offers advantages over other printing methods previously used.

Abstract: The invention relates to electrophoretic displays comprising core-shell pigment particles having a core of low specific gravity and low refractive index and a shell of high refractive index.

Abstract: An enhanced conductivity nanocomposite having reduced conductivity path directionality dependence as a means for enhancing the electrical and thermal conductivity. The composition comprises a synergistic blend of metal (and their derivatives) and carbon (preferably nanotubes) powder both average particle sizes in the nanometer to micron size range. The carrier medium is selected from the group of interpolymers, polymers, gaseous and liquid fluids, and phase change materials. The synergistic nanocomposite, when mixed with a conductive medium, exhibits enhanced heat transfer capacity, and electrical and thermal conductivity, stable chemical composition, faster heat transfer rates, and dispersion maintenance which are beneficial to most thermal or electrical transfer systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising: (a) dielectric material; and (b) porogen comprising at least two fused aromatic rings wherein each of the fused aromatic rings has at least one alkyl substituent thereon and a bond exists between at least two of the alkyl substituents on adjacent aromatic rings. Preferably, the dielectric material is a composition comprising (a) thermosetting component comprising (1) optionally monomer of Formula I as set forth below and (2) at least one oligomer or polymer of Formula II as set forth below where Q, G, h, I, I, and w are as set forth below and (b) porogen.

Abstract: The dielectric-forming composition according to the invention is characterized by consisting of:

Abstract: A novel method of fabrication of periodic dielectric composites involving a flexible computer design stage, rapid growth of a second dielectric component. Laser stereolithography is used to form the polymer material layer by layer by photopolymerisation of a liquid. Certain materials constructed in this fashion exhibit a complete loss-free barrier to microwave propagation through the material for a desired band of frequencies and are commonly known as photonic band gap crystals. Such materials could provide a novel medium for all-angle wide- and narrow-band blocking filters, narrow-band transmission filters, reflective and loss-free substrates for planar antennas, and novel loss-free media for oscillator cavities and waveguides. In addition a novel crystal structure, particularly suited to the fabrication method mentioned above and consisting of concatenated polyhedrons, is revealed.

Abstract: An intumescent powder where the molar ratio of SiO2 to Li2O +Na2O+K2O is between 2.20 to 3.70 to 1.00 and the molar ratio of Li2O to Li2O+Na2O+K2O is 0.20 to 0.35 has an intumescent point of 195° C. or higher and thus will not prematurely intumesce if mixed with another material at temperatures below 195° C. The powder as used is usually dried to 8-12% by weight to moisture for most purposes is ground to 50 to −500 microns. Preferred methods of manufacture comprise taking a source of lithium hydroxide or lithium silicate and a source of sodium silicate to create a powder with ratios as outlined above.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separating device (1, 100) that includes a wedge (30, 130) that extends between first and second plates (10, 110, 20, 120). At least one of the plates (10, 110, 20, 120) is supported by a support device (e.g. a bar 31). The support device supports the or each plate (10, 110, 20, 120) whilst the device (10, 110, 20, 120) is in use so that the plate(s) (10, 110, 20, 120) are substantially prevented from bending or twisting due to the forces applied to the plate(s) (10, 110, 20, 120).

Abstract: A method of evening the tension in the conductors of a twisted pair electric cable during the cable's installation comprising the step of pulling the cable through stringing rollers while attached to a tension evening device. That allows constant adjustment of the tension in each of the cable's conductors, which prevents an unwanted looping effect and eliminates the need to even the tension at the end of the installation process.

Abstract: A winch comprises a drum rotatably mounted on a housing for winding a cable thereupon. A motor is attached to the housing, the motor supplying torque through a motor shaft. A special stage of planetary gears is mounted to the housing for transmitting torque between the motor shaft and the drum. The special stage of planetary gears includes a sun gear for receiving torque, a carrier/clutch unit and an annular ring gear encircling the carrier/clutch unit. The carrier/clutch unit includes a frame rotatably mounted to the housing and having walls defining a cavity therein, at least one circumferentially-spaced planet gear rotatably mounted on the frame for simultaneously engaging the sun gear and the ring gear, a selectively engagable clutch mounted within the cavity of the frame, and an output member which, when the clutch is engaged, can receive useful torque from the frame and, when the clutch is disengaged, cannot receive useful torque from the frame.

Abstract: A guardrail support post includes a continuous structural member having a top edge, a bottom edge, and a generally uniform cross section from the top edge to the bottom edge. The structural member includes first and second generally parallel flanges, and a web forming a coupling between, and extending generally perpendicular to the first and second flanges. The structural member includes a lower portion for installing below grade adjacent a roadway, and an upper portion configured to be coupled with a guardrail beam. A mid portion of the structural member is disposed between the upper portion and the lower portion. In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, the first and second flanges include first and second cutouts, respectively, that occur within the mid portion. The cutouts are operable to weaken the structural member about an axis generally perpendicular to the flanges without substantially weakening the structural member about an axis generally parallel to the flanges.

Abstract: A railing system comprising a first longitudinal rail portion defining a channel into which pickets are insertable at spaced intervals. Fasteners are used to pivotally connect the pickets to the channel for orientation to a desired angle with respect to the first longitudinal rail portion. A second longitudinal rail portion is fittable onto the first longitudinal rail portion to form an assembled rail member in which the channel and fasteners are concealed within the interior of the assembled rail member. The railing system provides a simple and efficient way to install railings, and is particularly suited for assembly of railings at an incline to the horizontal.

Abstract: A railing system for assisting a user in ascending and descending a staircase having a plurality of steps. The railing system includes an elongated upper rail having opposite first and second ends and a cross sectional diameter. The upper rail having a top portion with a cross-sectional profile substantially in the form of a parabolic arch. An elongated lower rail having opposite first and second ends, is mounted parallel to and below the upper rail at a height of about 36 inches above the steps of the staircase. A mounting bracket is included for mounting the upper and lower rails above the steps in a parallel fashion. The mounting bracket positions the top portion of the upper rail mounted at a heigh above the steps of between about 42 to about 46 inches. The upper rail may include a bottom portion opposite the top portion, with a pair of elongated handles formed on the bottom portion.