Abstract: The invention provides an image sensor including a substrate, a frame layer, a photosensitive chip, a plurality of wires, and a transparent layer. The substrate includes plural metal sheets, which are spaced apart and arranged in an alternating manner. Each of the metal sheets includes a first board and a second board positioned at different heights. The frame layer is formed around and under the substrate to form a cavity with the substrate. Each of the first boards has a top surface exposed from the frame layer while each of the second boards has a bottom surface, which is exposed from the frame layer and serves as contact points for signal outputs. The photosensitive chip is positioned within the cavity. The wires electrically connect the top surfaces of the first boards to the photosensitive chip. The transparent layer is placed on the frame layer to cover the photosensitive chip. According to the invention, the manufacturing cost can be effectively lowered and the production yield can be improved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the optical flow of a sequence of image frames. Optical flow fields are computed in a manner that enforces both brightness constancy and a consistency constraint.

Abstract: A defect inspecting apparatus is provided for generating a less distorted test image to reliably observe a surface of a sample for detecting defects thereon. The defect detecting apparatus comprises a primary electron beam source for irradiating a sample, electrostatic lenses for focusing secondary electrons emitted from the surface of the sample irradiated with the primary electron beam, a detector for detecting the secondary electrons, and an image processing unit for processing a signal from the detector. Further, a second electron source may be provided for emitting an electron beam irradiated to the sample, wherein the sample may be irradiated with the electron beam from the second electron source before it is irradiated with the primary electron beam from the first electron source for observing the sample. A device manufacturing method is also provided for inspecting devices under processing with high throughput using the defect detecting apparatus.

Abstract: An object detecting device that includes a housing, a light source at or in the housing, for indicating that an object has been sensed, a probe linked to the light source, for sensing the object and for activating the light source when the object is sensed and a light detector assembly attached to the housing for coupling the light source with a processing unit.

Abstract: The optical power in a waveguide of an optical circuit is monitored by mounting an optical sensor, such as a photodiode, laterally apart from the waveguide but sufficiently close to the waveguide to detect light emerging laterally from the waveguide, and by receiving signals from the sensor that are representative of the optical power. In a DWDM circuit, a bandpass filter is placed between the waveguide and the sensor for monitoring only one of the wavelengths carried by the waveguide. To minimize crosstalk, the monitored portions of the waveguides are isolated from each other, for example by trenches or by optically absorptive barriers. Suitably calibrated processing of signals from several sensors that monitor several waveguides eliminates crosstalk.

Abstract: An encoder for detecting the angular position of a shaft of an electric motor comprises an encoder disc (101) having tracks (515) sensed by detectors in reading heads (106a, 106b). Analog position signals from the detectors are sampled in sampling circuits (1701-1704) at times given by sampling pulses issued by a device such as a counter (506). The sampled analog values are converted to digital values by a converter (1706) and provided to a local processor (1707) calculating position values. The local processor sends commands to the device (506) to issue sampling pulses at accurately defined times, normally regularly spaced in time. The local processor also receives, from a central processor, read command signals commanding to it provide position values. These read command signals normally arrive rather regularly but are not synchronised.

Abstract: In an infrared-radiation detecting camera the following are provided: an optical path with at least one collimator (5) and one scanning mirror (7); infrared-radiation detecting means (11); and at least one temperature reference with a radiating surface (31A) at a controlled temperature. The temperature reference comprises a reflecting prism (17) which receives a radiation emitted by the radiating surface and reflects it in the optical path towards the detecting means (11).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining the integrity or quality of a gravel pack positioned between the casing and gravel pack screen of a subterranean borehole, with the method including azimuthally scanning the gravel pack for radiation, with detection of the radiation limited to a limited angular arc of the gravel pack at any one time, with the apparatus including shielded or collimated radiation source and/or detector.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus is disclosed for selectively transmitting ions in which the ions are subjected to a focusing effect such that the overall efficiency of ion transmission is increased. The method relies on a FAIMS analyzer having at least an electrode disposed approximately between two other electrode surfaces for producing an electric field that is symmetric on opposing sides of the at least an electrode. An ion exiting from between the electrodes experiences a balanced electric field, such that impact with one of the electrodes is prevented.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed wherein ions having a particular desired charge state are selected by operating an ion mobility spectrometer in combination with a quadrupole mass filter. Precursor ions are fragmented or reacted to form product ions in a collision cell ion trap and sent back upstream to an upstream ion trap. The fragment or product ions are then passed through the ion mobility spectrometer wherein they become temporally separated according to their ion mobility. Fragment or product ions are then re-trapped in the collision cell ion trap before being released therefrom in packets. A pusher electrode of a time of flight mass analyser is energised a predetermined period of time after a packet of ions is released from the collision cell ion trap. Accordingly, it is possible to select multiply charged precursor ions from a background of singly charged ions, fragment them, and mass analyse the fragment ions with a near 100% duty cycle across the whole mass range.

Abstract: A mass spectrometry quantitation technique enables high-throughput quantitation of small molecules using a laser-desorption (e.g., MALDI) ion source coupled to a triple-quadrupole mass analyzer. The ions generated from the ion source are collisionally damped/cooled, and then quantitatively analyzed using the triple-quadrupole analyzer operated in the multiple-reaction-monitoring (MRM) mode. Significantly improved measurement sensitivity is obtained by applying laser pulses to the ion source at a high pulse rate of about 500 Hz or higher. This allows the data acquisition to be performed rapidly, and the speed of about one second for each sample point on the ion source target has been achieved.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for analyzing a mass spectrum having the peaks of impurity adduct ions. The molecular weight of the sample molecule is determined based on the mass-to-charge ratios of the detected adduct ions. In addition, the peaks of the detected adduct ions are deleted from the detected data. Peaks of a given height are added to peak positions of molecular ions corresponding to the adduct ions. Then, a database search is performed.

Abstract: A new method for spatially separating and capturing ions type of different ionic mobility in a fluid medium, and an ion detection method and apparatus capable of newly utilizing this separating and capture method for high-sensitivity and high-resolution detection of ion species in tiny amounts within a fluid medium according to their ionic mobility. By overlapping an electrical field in the same direction as the flow direction, in a location with a decelerating flow having multiple ions, those ion species (ion 2, ion 3) having the specified range of ionic mobility, are captured at a position (z2, z3 each) where a drift speed (vd2, vd3 each) determined by the ionic mobility of each ion species and electrical field intensity is balanced by a flow speed (vf) changing in the flow direction of that flow location; and in this way ion species with different ionic mobility in a range specified by the balance position are spatially isolated in that direction and, captured in their respective flow directions.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for selectively transmitting ions produced by an inductively coupled plasma ionization technique is disclosed. Ions produced within the plasma source are provided to a FAIMS analyzer within a low pressure chamber of a mass spectrometer and in fluid communication with the plasma source for receiving ions therefrom. The ions are separated in FAIMS and at least some of the ions are provided to the mass spectrometer after separation.

Abstract: An automated pipetting apparatus and method for forming sample spots on a support include a pipette. A robotic assembly moves a sample container, such as a multiwell microtiter plate, and the support to the pipette for receiving and dispensing liquid samples. The pipette draws a predetermined volume of the liquid sample from the sample container into the axial passage of the pipette and forms a pocket of a gaseous material above and forms a barrier material below the volume of the liquid sample. The liquid sample is drawn into the pipette a distance sufficient to form a space between the liquid sample and the outlet of the pipette and to contain the liquid sample completely within the pipette.

Abstract: A storage vessel is provided to reduce evaporation of volatile substances such as matrix solution used for preparing samples originating from electrophoresis gel slabs for mass spectrometry. The storage vessel is configured with a reservoir having a recess to accommodate the volatile substance. The reservoir includes a channel for receiving a heat exchange fluid to cool the liquid. The reservoir member has an inlet and an outlet for connection to a circulating chiller bath. The storage vessel is configured for transport using the conveyor of a biological sample preparation apparatus, such as an autopipetting device.

Abstract: A system atomizes liquids into a gaseous medium for formation and injection of a sample into an analytical apparatus, such as a plasma spectrometer. The system employs a high efficiency nebulizer that generates a fine aerosol through use of a nozzle having improved surface wetness characteristics, preferably in combination with a deflecting surface. A desolvator is employed to remove excess solvent from the atomized sample prior to injection into the spectrometer to avoid temperature reduction or extinguishment of the plasma by the sample.

Abstract: In an ion trap mass spectrometer including a ring electrode and a pair of end cap electrodes placed opposite each other with the ring electrode therebetween, where an ion trap space is defined by the ring electrode and the pair of end cap electrodes, the frequency determining section of the controller determines a plurality of frequencies or a plurality of frequency channels each corresponding to a mass to charge ratio of an ion to be selected. The wide-band RF signal generator generates a wide-band RF signal having a plurality of notches each corresponding to each of the plurality of frequencies or the plurality of frequency channels. Then the voltage controller applies a voltage corresponding to the wide-band RF voltage to the pair of end cap electrodes, whereby ions having mass to charge ratios corresponding to the frequencies or frequency channels remain in the ion trap space but other ions are ejected from the ion trap space.

Abstract: A pattern inspection system for inspecting a substrate surface on which a predetermined pattern is formed with radiation of an electron beam and an optical beam. the pattern inspection system includes a radiation and which radiates an electron beam to the substrate, a detection unit which detects a secondarily generated signal attributable to the radiation of the electron beam, a retrieval unit which retrieves an image from the signal detected by the detection unit, and an image processing unit which classifies the retrieved image depending on a type of the image.

Abstract: A readout circuit for an array of substrate-isolated microbolometer detectors includes a bias source that varies in accordance with changes in substrate temperature as detected by a temperature sensor that has temperature characteristic that resembles the temperature characteristic of the microbolometer detector array so as compensate detector measurements for temperature induced errors in the microbolometer focal plane array read out.

Abstract: A method for measuring a concentration of a hydroperoxide of an alkylaromatic hydrocarbon in a process stream comprises immersing a probe into the process stream; wherein the probe is coupled to a spectrometer; collecting absorption data with the spectrometer at a wavelength of 13,000 cm−1 to 4,000 cm−1; and calculating a concentration of the hydroperoxide of the alkylaromatic hydrocarbon in the process stream. In another embodiment, samples are withdrawn from the process stream and analyzed spectrometrically to determine the concentration of the hydroperoxide of the alkylaromatic hydrocarbon in the sample.

Abstract: A mobile gas detector comprising a laser transmitter and signal analyser carried on a vehicle, the vehicle having an exterior, a laser absorption cell carried on the exterior of the vehicle, a light guide connecting light from the laser transmitter into the laser absorption cell, a photo-detector mounted with the laser absorption cell exterior to the vehicle to convert light that has traversed the laser absorption cell into electrical signals, and a cable connecting the photodetector to the signal analyser.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the total energy of a continuously under-sampled energy signal resulting from an annihilation event detected by a positron emission tomograph (PET) scanner. An annihilation event is detected by a scintillator crystal and photomultiplier tube, which produces an energy signal that is continuously under-sampled by an analog-to-digital converter. The start time of the energy signal is determined by a constant fraction discriminator and time-to-digital converter. The start time is used to calculate a new amplitude for each sample, from which the total energy can be calculated.

Abstract: This invention has as its object to realize a radiation image sensing apparatus which can adjust (AEC-controls) the amount of incoming light or dose without requiring high-speed driving. Since a second photoelectric conversion element (108) which is used to detect the total dose of radiation that enters a conversion unit is formed independently of pixels having first conversion elements (101) that are formed in the conversion unit on a single substrate, the need for reading out the outputs from the first conversion elements (101) at high speed for the purpose of adjustment of the dose of incoming radiation can be obviated, and another sensor used to adjust the dose need not be added, thus simplifying the structure of a radiation image sensing apparatus.

Abstract: An active pixel sensor is disclosed. In one embodiment, a solid state radiation detection unit may be fabricated using a semiconductor substrate having a plurality of CMOS pixel circuits incorporated into the substrate. Typically, each of an array of pixel circuits includes a charge collecting pixel electrode, a charge sensing node, a gate bias transistor separating the charge collecting pixel electrode and the charge sensing node, and a pixel capacitor to store charges collected by the charge collecting pixel electrode. A charge measuring circuit comprising at least one transistor may also be configured with each pixel circuit. The sensor may further include a radiation absorbing layer comprised of photoconductive material, as well as a surface electrode layer comprised of electrically conducting material. The sensor is typically configured with an array measurement circuit for measuring charges collected by the array of charge collecting pixel electrodes and for pixel data output.

Abstract: Windows for attenuating vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) light are created by adding metallic material to a fluoride crystalline material during manufacturing. The amount of attenuation in the final window may be controlled by controlling the manufacturing process to control the amount of metallic material remaining in the window after manufacture. If the distribution of metallic material from one window to another is inconsistent, the windows may be measured and sorted by their attenuation characteristics.

Abstract: Dual range neutron detector comprising a chamber, an insulator at either end of the chamber, an anode located within the chamber and supported by the insulators, and an electrical connector mounted on one of the insulators for transmission of a signal collected by the anode. The chamber is filled with 3He and an inner wall of the chamber which serves as the cathode is provided with a thin boron coating.

Abstract: An electrospray ionization device incorporates a shaped thin film with a microfluidic channel. The device may be interfaced to a time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TFOMS). In one embodiment, the shaped thin film has a polygonal-shaped or triangle-shaped thin polymer tip formed by lithography and etching. The microfluidic channel is approximately 20 micrometer wide and 10 micrometers deep, and embossed in a substrate using a silicon master. The shaped thin film is aligned with the channel and bonded between the channel substrate and a flat plate to create a microfluidic channel with a wicking tip protruding from the end of the channel. Application of a high voltage at one end of the channel creates an electrospray from the tip, which is provided to the TFOMS.

Abstract: A reaction frame having a first reaction frame portion and a second reaction frame portion receives reaction forces from a stage. First reaction frame portion is coupled to ground by a ground rod aligned along the longitudinal side of the first reaction frame portion; second reaction frame portion of the reaction frame is coupled to an interconnect rod passing parallel to the plane defined by the first reaction frame portion and second reaction frame portion. Ends of interconnect rod have a damper therebetweeen. One end is coupled to the first reaction frame portion while the other end is coupled to the second reaction frame portion. Reaction forces in received by the second reaction frame portion are transferred to ground through the interconnect rod and the first reaction frame portion. Alternately, the interconnect rod does not use the damper when alligned with the ground rod.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for sterilizing preparations containing albumin to reduce the level of one or more active biological contaminants or pathogens therein, such as viruses, bacteria (including inter- and intracellular bacteria, such as mycoplasmas, ureaplasmas, nanobacteria, chlamydia, rickettsias), yeasts, molds, fungi, prions or similar agents responsible, alone or in combination, for TSEs and/or single or multicellular parasites. These methods involve sterilizing preparations containing albumin, such as plasma protein fractions, with irradiation.

Abstract: To print layers of extended devices, that is devices extending over more than one target portion or die, a projection field is selected to minimize stitching errors. The selection of the projection field is based on data characterizing the projection lens to be used and the projection field is selected so as minimize the difference between positional errors in the projected image on opposite sides of the field.

Abstract: A method of directly writing on a surface of a substrate with neutral molecules uses a collimated beam of neutral molecules having a first direction of travel, a laser light energy field having a second direction of travel; and intersects the laser light energy field with the collimated beam of neutral molecules at a grazing angle of incidence between the first direction of travel and the second direction of travel to control the formation of features comprising the neutral molecules on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A compact infrared (IR) scene generator capable of generating multiple-color mid-IR scenes through the use of readily available commercial near-IR lasers and a fluorescent conversion material (FCM). Such a scene generator would be useful to test IR imaging sensors in a controlled laboratory environment. In operation, each laser emits energy at an initial wavelength outside the operating band of an IR imaging sensor. This energy of a first set of wavelengths is written onto the FCM in patterns, which collectively form an IR scene. The FCM absorbs the energy and radiates it at wavelengths longer than the initial wavelengths, i.e., a second set of wavelengths. As these longer wavelengths are within the operating waveband of the IR imaging sensor, the patterns written onto the FCM are detectable by it.

Abstract: In an optical distance measuring device of the invention, an objective lens condenses light from a light emission element to irradiate a measuring object and to form on the measuring object a light spot having a diameter not smaller than 10 &mgr;m and not larger than 30 &mgr;m. A light receiving lens condenses light reflected from the light spot on the measuring object to make the light incident on a photodetector through a pinhole having a diameter not smaller than 10 &mgr;m and not larger than 50 &mgr;m. With movement of the measuring object, detection signal of which an amplitude and an output level change according to a distance to the measuring object is obtained from the photodetector. Therefore, the distance and a change in the distance can be measured accurately, even if a surface of the measuring object is close to a mirror surface.

Abstract: An activity detection system for use with an optoelectronic circuit has a pair of single ended transimpedance amplifiers, a filter, a differential amplifier; and a comparator.

Abstract: This is a pneumatic actuator for a liquid delivery truck. The actuator can be added to an existing set stop valve without reconfiguring the piping. The same actuator can be used to upgrade several sizes of a rising stem valve. It provides the ability to open and close the valve as well as perform an adjustable low flow function. It works with existing relay logic from a cab mounted or meter mounted electronic preset. The actuator can be used with either an electric or pneumatic switch for setting the low flow position.

Abstract: A control valve for controlling the supply of natural gas fuel to a device utilizing such fuel operates to regulate the fuel supply in response to an actuator employing a solenoid which is responsive to electrical control signals. The flow of fuel from the fuel supply to the utilizing device passes through a valve formed by a piston and a valve seat. The valve is normally held in its closed position with the piston in abutment against the valve seat by a spring. When the solenoid is actuated by electrical control signals it drives a drive shaft in the actuator which in turn drives the piston away from the valve seat against the spring action, thereby opening the valve to permit fuel to pass through to the utilizing device. The applied control current is converted to force in near linear fashion to drive the valve adjustably between its closed and fully open position.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve has a cylindrical-shaped valve housing, a fixing core; a movable core; a first return spring; a coil; a first valve mechanism including a movable seat member, a second return spring, a first valve part, a first valve seat, and a first valve hole, and a second valve mechanism including a cylindrical-shaped valve seat member, a second valve seat, a second valve hole, and a second valve part, wherein, on the movable seat member, a cylindrical-shaped guide part, when the second valve part is seated on the second valve seat, is cut off from the valve chamber but, when the second valve part is separated from the second valve seat, forms an annular-shaped passage communicating with the valve chamber and is slidably fitted into the second valve hole; and a communication passage for allowing the annular-shaped passage to communicate with the interior of the guide part is formed.

Abstract: A rotary barrel gate valve includes a body and at least one passage through the body defining an inlet and an outlet. There is a first actuator for rotating the body, a second actuator for translating the body, and a sealing portion on the body which seals the body with respect to an opening into a chamber adjacent the body.

Abstract: A valve for mounting in an intake port of a reciprocating engine upstream from a charge changing valve, which valve contains a valve element (46) operating in conjunction with the inner wall of the intake port (16), may be moved back and forth between a closed position and an open position and when in the closed position blocks passage of fluid through the port and when in the open position clears such passage, and is characterized in that the inner wall of the port (16; 70) and the valve element (46) are of a design such that when the valve element is moved from its closed position the opening cross-section initially does not increase at all or increases only slowly and then increases rapidly and when the valve element is moved from its open position the opening cross-section initially does not decrease at all or decreases only slowly and then decreases rapidly.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I) in which r is a number 1 or 2; s is a number from 1 to 1000; R is radical of formula (II); or R is, for example, unsubstituted or substituted naphthyl, anthracyl, phenanthryl or a heterocyclic radical; R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 independently of one another are, for example hydrogen; unsubstituted or substituted phenyl or C1-C12alkyl; A, if s is 1, is a surface-active radical of formula (III); or A, if s is 1, is a surface-active radical A0; or A, if s is a number greater than 1, is a radical of the formula (III) in which n corresponds to the number s, or A, if s is 2, is a radical A1; A0 is, for example, in each case unsubstituted or substituted C6-C30alkyl, C6-C30alkenyl, C6-C30alkynyl or C6-C30aralkyl; A1 is, for example, in each case unsubstituted or substituted C6-C30alkylene, C6-C30alkenylene, C6-C30alkynylene or C6-C30aralkylene; n is, for example, a number from 1 to 1000; m is a number from 0 to 100; p is a number 0-10000; x is a number C from 1 to 10; Y, if r is 1, is a divalent g

Abstract: The increase of temperature of heat sensitive devices during heat generating conditions is prevented through the absorption of heat, by providing a bicarbonate salt, such as lithium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, magnesium bicarbonate, calcium bicarbonate, beryllium bicarbonate, aluminum bicarbonate, ammonium bicarbonate and mixtures thereof, in an amount sufficient to effect the required heat absorption. Where the heat generating conditions are generated by a heat generator separate and distinct from the heat sensitive device, the bicarbonate salt may be supported in a position between the heat sensitive device and the heat generator.

Abstract: A de-icing and anti-icing composition in the form of an aqueous solution which includes molasses, and an inorganic freezing point depressant in the form of a chloride salt.

Abstract: This invention describes a solution to the particular problem of liquid water formation in hydrogen getters exposed to quantities of oxygen. Water formation is usually desired because the recombination reaction removes hydrogen without affecting gettering capacity and the oxygen removal reduces the chances for a hydrogen explosion once free oxygen is essentially removed. The present invention describes a getter incorporating a polyacrylate compound that can absorb up to 500% of its own weight in liquid water without significantly affecting its hydrogen gettering/recombination properties, but that also is insensitive to water vapor.

Abstract: Liquid-crystalline compounds of the formula I 1

Abstract: The present invention relates to corrosion inhibiting formulas. More particularly, in one embodiment the present invention relates to corrosion inhibiting formulas which comprise a mixture of: (i) at least one volatile corrosion inhibitor (VCI); (ii) at least one antioxidant; (iii) at least one alkali or alkaline-earth metal silicate or oxide; and (iv) fumed silica. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to corrosion inhibiting formulas which comprise a mixture of: (i) at least one volatile corrosion inhibitor (VCI); (ii) at least one antioxidant; (iii) at least one alkali or alkaline-earth metal silicate or oxide; (iv) fumed silica; and (v) at least one chemically active compound. Both of the mixtures described above can further include additional additives. In yet another embodiment, the corrosion inhibiting formulas according to the present invention can be placed in any suitable polymer film and/or polymer article.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel form of particulate precipitated aragonite, and a novel process for producing it.

Abstract: A very low density polyethylene having a density of 0.890 to 0.915 and a Dart Drop value of at least about 450 g/mil or above is disclosed. Gas phase polymerization methods are also disclosed for making very low density linear polyolefins utilizing a metallocene catalyst, and the resulting polyolefin products. In a specific embodiment, a gas phase polymerization process is disclosed relating to the formation of a linear polyethylene having a very low density, e.g., ranging from 0.890 to 0.915, but with improved toughness.

Abstract: An electrically conductive composition comprises a polymeric foam and carbon nanotubes. The composition has a volume resistivity of about 10−3 ohm-cm to about 108 ohm-cm. In another embodiment, an electrically conductive elastomeric composition comprises an elastomer and carbon nanotubes, and has a volume resistivity of about 10−3 ohm-cm to about 103 ohm-cm. The polymeric foams and elastomers retain their desirable physical properties, such as compressibility, flexibility and compression set resistance. They are of particular use as that articles provide electromagnetic shielding and/or electrostatic dissipation, especially for applications involving complicated geometries, such as in computers, personal digital assistants, cell phones, medical diagnostics, and other wireless digital devices, electronic goods such as cassette and digital versatile disk players, as well as in automobiles, ships and aircraft, and the like, where high strength to weight ratios are desirable.

Abstract: Chemiluminescent 1,2-dioxetanes derived from substituted aromatic esters or ketones and spiro-fused ketones with either &pgr;-electron system in the ring or with carbon-carbon double bond or triple bond(s) in the spiro-fused ring are provided herein. These 1,2-dioxetanes have electron donating or withdrawing groups at the four-membered peroxide ring, thus, the 1,2-dioxetanes ring hereof is affected by the added electronic charge.