Abstract: The present invention is directed at a pipeline support for reducing corrosion on a pipeline surface comprising support fill material, a case for housing the support fill material; wherein when a cathodic protective current contacts the support, the current flows through the support to the pipeline surface to reduce corrosion on the surface.

Abstract: The device to hold a bag for grass clippings has an upper section including a hopper integral with a chute having solid walls, and a lower section configured as a caddy for supporting the chute in an upright position. The chute has a pair of wheels for transporting the device, and a pair of toe tabs for lateral stability and for holding the caddy when removing the upper section from a bag of grass clippings. In use, the chute is inverted and a paper bag is placed over the chute. The upper section is turned over to an upright position and placed on the caddy. The hopper may be grasped to tilt the device and wheel it to a desired location. The chute is removed from the bag and the bag is removed from the caddy after bagging the grass clippings.

Abstract: A device for releasably holding a baby accessory, such as a baby bottle, includes a flexible arm having a clamp attached to one end thereof for engagement with an existing object. A magnetic or metal member is attached to the arm generally opposite the clamp for magnetically coupling with a magnetic or metal member associated with the baby bottle or accessory. The magnetic or metal member may be fixed to the baby accessory, or fixed to a support configured to removably hold the baby accessory therein. The magnetic coupling withstands most common usage, while being easily broken by the infant to avoid choking.

Abstract: A stand for a surgical microscope or other optical instrument is improved by providing separation units for dividing support members of the stand into separable portions for compacting the stand into a storage state characterized by a lower center of gravity, a smaller storage volume and a fixed and protected arrangement. In one embodiment, the stand comprises an extension arm supported by a column or a container. A separation unit divides the column or container into upper and lower portions, while other separation units divide the extension arm in several portions. Each separation unit preferably includes a vibration-damping element.

Abstract: A device for supporting a controller, such as a game controller, at an adjustable position above the ground. The device includes frame which rests on the ground and a controller mount pivotably connected with respect to the frame. The controller mount provides for releasable attachment to the controller. The height of the controller mount and the angle between the frame and the controller mount are independently adjustable.

Abstract: For quick fixation of a connection plate (2) fastened to a device to a tripod head (1), the tripod head (1) has on the upper side a groove (3) into which the connection plate (2) is insertable with one side. Further, a clamping jaw (5) is provided that engages over the opposite side of the connection plate (2) in the closed position. The clamping jaw (5) is fastened so as to be tiltable about an axle (8) parallel to the connection plate plane to a slider (9) that is displaceable by pressure with the connection plate (2) against the force of a spring (11), it being locked by a bolt (14) loaded with springs (23) when the clamping jaw (5) tilted onto the connection plate (2) in the closed position.

Abstract: The invention involves a storage bracket for a motorcycle windshield. The bracket is generally for the type of motorcycle windshield which is removably attached to a motorcycle by slotted couplings. The bracket comprises a base member with longitudinal dimension and at least one nub attached with respect to the base member extending laterally from the base member. The nub is configured and arranged to snugly engage at least one of the slotted couplings on the windshield.

Abstract: The present invention is a mounting bracket for the construction of a deck. The mounting bracket has a separating flange, a joist-fastening portion, a support flange, and a plank-fastening flange. The separating flange and the plank-fastening flange are generally located in a first plane. The joist-fastening portion is generally located perpendicular to the first plane. The joist-fastening portion has a joist-fastening hole for securing the mounting bracket to a vertical joist. The support flange includes an access hole to provide access through the support flange to allow an installer to install a first fastener in the joist-fastening hole. The plank-fastening flange includes a plank-fastening hole for securing the mounting bracket to a horizontal plank.

Abstract: According to the invention, the device comprises two end parts (7, 8), each of which has a bearing face (10) for resting on said flat support (3) and which can be assembled to each other by a sliding connection with marked positions (9, 13, 14). The cradle of said device for accommodating the elongate objects (2) transversely to said flat support (3) consists of two half-cradles (11) respectively carried by the two parts (7, 8). The latter comprise means (12) for catching onto the side edges (5, 6) of the flat support (3).

Abstract: A holding device and includes an attachment base, configured to be attached to a support structure, and a generally U-shaped holding member coupled to the attachment base. The U-shaped holding member can have two upright arms which collectively define a containment area therebetween to receive and hold an elongate object. A plurality of resilient gripping teeth are also provided which project from at least one of the upright arms into the containment area. Each of the plurality of resilient teeth has an upper surface area facing generally upwardly and a lower surface area facing generally downwardly, with the upper surface area being greater than the lower surface area. The gripping teeth are configured to at least partially deflect upon insertion of the elongate object into the holding member to releasably secure the elongate object within the containment area.

Abstract: A universal laptop computer mount for mounting a laptop thereon includes a mounting surface member and at least one hold down member which is pivotably mounted, slidably mounted or both pivotably and slidably mounted on the mounting surface member for securing the laptop computer to the mounting surface member. The at least one hold down member may include at least first and second clips located on opposite sides, front and rear portions or on all sides of the mounting surface to secure the laptop in place. The mounting surface member may include first and second mounting surface members wherein the second mounting surface member is slidable with respect to the first mounting surface member. The method of assembly of the mount and of securing a laptop or other object to the mount is also disclosed.

Abstract: A laser microscope includes a pulse laser which generates irradiation light having a pulse string, a laser scanner which irradiates a specimen by scanning the irradiation light on the specimen, a detector which detects emitted light generated from the specimen, a shutter which is inserted in an optical path of the irradiation light, and intercepts and transmits the irradiation light for a time period shorter than a scanning time during which a small region on the specimen is scanned, wherein the detector obtains a light amount for each scanning time, and a controller which controls the shutter to intercept a predetermined number of pulses of the pulse string of the irradiation light for each scanning time.

Abstract: The method of the present invention includes the steps of rotating a molecule having a predetermined structure by applying a first alternating current electromagnetic field to the molecule, wherein the first alternating current electromagnetic field is produced by an electromagnetic field generation means that is set to a predetermined phase, controlling a rotational phase of the molecule by applying a second electromagnetic field to the rotated molecule by an information recording means, detecting a signal using a signal detection means in accordance with a rotation of the molecule having the rotational phase which has been controlled, and outputting a shift between the phase of the first alternating current electromagnetic field and a phase of the detection signal from the signal detection means as information by an information reading means.

Abstract: An image sensor array includes image sensors having photo TFTs to generate photocurrent in response to received images. The photo TFTs each have their respective gate electrodes shorted to source electrodes to increase generated photocurrent. Storage capacitors are coupled to each photo TFT and discharged upon generation of a photocurrent. Each storage capacitor is coupled to a readout TFT that passes a current from the storage capacitor to a data line. Data lines indicate location of the received image on the image sensor array.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device formed on a single semiconductor substrate, including: a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements; a read-out circuit including a switch for reading out analog signals from the photoelectric conversion elements; a buffer circuit for driving the switch; and a logic circuit for processing digital signals. A first semiconductor area to which a ground level for the buffer circuit is supplied and a second semiconductor area to which a ground level for the logic circuit is supplied are electrically separated from each other.

Abstract: An optical transient sensor circuit includes a photodiode in series with a MOS feedback transistor connected across a voltage difference. An inverting amplifier having its input connected to the common connection between the photodiode and the MOS feedback transistor and its output connected to an output-node for a measure of the incoming irradiance. A charge/discharge circuit, having an input connected to the output of the inverting amplifier, having an output connected to the gate of the MOS feedback transistor and having a first and second output for half-wave rectified and thresholded contrast encoding measures of positive and negative irradiance transients. A capacitor connected between a constant potential and the gate of the MOS feedback transistor.

Abstract: An optoelectronic component has at least one light source which is monolithically integrated in a semiconductor material, in particular having a laser diode. At least one photodetector for measuring the light output power is coupled to the light source via an active layer of the light source. At least one active layer or a modulator layer has a multiple quantum well structure formed with at least two quantum well types and/or a quantum dot structure. In the production method the active layer for the light source is first grown on a substrate and a photodetector structure is then grown on the active layer for the light source. The novel optoelectronic component is very compact and can be regulated efficiently.

Abstract: A semiconductor chip S is formed with a plurality of photodiodes PD and comprises a plurality of output terminals T of the photodetector elements provided on the surface thereof. The circuit substrate C comprises a plurality of input terminals I to which signals from the output terminals T of the semiconductor chip S are input. The connecting means CM connects the respective output terminals T to respective input terminals I, and the interval between the input terminals I is set to a smaller dimension than the interval between the output terminals T.

Abstract: An optical signal detection apparatus and method for a computer mouse compares two output signals of a first photo-transistor and a second photo-transistor to obtain a reference signal. Then a pulse signal generating unit utilizes the reference signal to generate a series of pulse signals each occurring when the voltage level of the reference signal is changed. Thereafter a sample and hold circuit samples and holds the voltage value of the output signals of the photo-transistors at the moments that pulse signals are generated. A dynamic reference voltage generating unit uses the sampled voltage values to calculate a dynamic reference voltage. The voltage level of the dynamic reference voltage is varied with the output signals of the photo-transistors. By using the dynamic reference voltage to compare with the output signals of the photo-transistors, the on/off statuses of the photo-transistors can be precisely detected.

Abstract: A method for monitoring two or more movable objects in a monitoring region. A substantially horizontal light barrier grid having a plurality of parallel light barriers monitors the region. To permit a plurality of objects to simultaneously move in the monitored region without deactivating the monitoring function of the system, the system controls an entry area for the objects, the size of the objects as well as the distance between the objects to ascertain that predetermined criteria therefor are met. If one or more of these criteria is not met, a control signal is generated which can be used, for example, to deactivate the machinery and/or prevent access to the monitored region.

Abstract: A detector system, filter therefor, and method of making same is disclosed. The filter includes an interference element having a reflection band disposed primarily in the near infrared, and having a high transmission over most of the visible region. The filter also includes an absorptive element that absorbs light non-uniformly over the visible region. The filter when combined with a semiconductor photodiode or other suitable detector yields a detector system whose spectral responsivity closely matches the visual response of the human eye.

Abstract: A passive, temperature compensated tunable filter calibration device for a Bragg grating interrogation system. In a first system, a dual-substrate Bragg grating calibration system, the temperature of an array of gratings is estimated using an array of gratings bonded to a common host substrate and a single grating bonded to a material with a different coefficient of thermal expansion. Changes in a common temperature of the substrates is measured by monitoring the difference between shifts of grating wavelength. As a filter voltage is scanned from its lowest to its highest voltage, the voltages are recorded. The second lowest wavelength corresponds to the grating attached to the differing substrate. The voltages are used to calculate a voltage-to-wavelength function for the scanning range of the filter. To compensate for variations in a calibration curve and temperature variations of the calibration array, the temperature is estimated and function re-calculated at every pass of the scanning filter.

Abstract: A divergent light beam from a light source unit having a plurality of light-emitting regions is almost contained within the surface of a reflecting body that is an array of micro roof mirrors/roof prisms disposed in a regular manner. The light beam emitted from the light source unit with an angle of divergence is reflected by the reflecting body and is almost converged on a light-receiving surface. As a result, there is increased the ray density of a light beam on the light-receiving surface.

Abstract: First and second targets, the numbers of which are coprime, are provided at a rotor. Two detecting means oppose each of the first and second targets to output detection signals having phases different from each other in accordance with each position of the targets as the rotor rotates. The rotational angle detecting apparatus has calculating means for executing a predetermined calculation based on each detection signal of the two detecting means and storage means for storing a relation between a result of calculation executed in advance by the calculating means and an electrical angle of a detection signal, obtains an electrical angle of each detection signal by referring to the storage means using a calculation result of the calculating means and detects a rotational angle of the rotor based on the obtained electrical angle. Consequently, no discontinuous portion forms in a detected steering angle signal and the differential signal thereof.

Abstract: A method produces a three-dimensional macro-molecular structure on a substrate in a vacuum. In this method, a solution of a solvent and a macro-molecular species is provided. The solution is ionized to provide ionized molecules of the solvent and molecules of the macro-molecular species. The ionized molecules of the solvent have a first electrical charge and the molecules of the macro-molecular species have a second electrical charge equivalent to the first electrical charge. As such, the ionized molecules of the solvent and the molecules of the macro-molecular species naturally repel each other. The molecules of the macro-molecular species are deposited on the substrate in the vacuum to produce the three-dimensional macro-molecular structure.

Abstract: A tubular holder for an actinometric monitoring element for monitoring the irradiance of ultraviolet light within a liquid to be treated for microorganism control. The holder extends into the interior of a vessel or a pipeline that carries a fluid to be treated by exposure to ultraviolet light. A transparent end cap is carried at the end of the holder that is within the vessel or pipeline. Positioned within the holder is an actinometric monitoring element that can be either a transparent container for an actinometric solution or a photocell, each for sensing the irradiance of ultraviolet light emitted by light sources positioned within the vessel or pipeline. The holder is removably received in a sleeve that extends through the wall of the vessel or pipeline.

Abstract: The invention covers a method for detecting ions in high resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometers which operate with secondary electron multiplier multichannel plates and in which many single spectra are acquired and added to produce a sum spectrum. The invention involves (a) using an analog digital converter (ADC) for converting electron currents from secondary electron multipliers, instead of a time-to-digital converter (TDC) which was previously used for highest possible signal resolution, (b) performing a separate rapid peak recognition procedure for the ion signals of each spectrum by a fast calculation method, thereby collecting flight time and intensity value pairs for the ion peaks, and (c) constructing a time-of-flight/intensity histogram, which is further processed as a composite time-of-flight spectrum.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substrate having a polymerized, polysaccharide-based hydrogel attached to the surface. The hydrogel can be derivatized with binding functionalities that bind analytes from a sample. The invention further provides methods of using the device and gels that are capable of selectively binding one or more analytes from a sample.

Abstract: Prior to initiation of gas analysis, a first vacuum valve and a second vacuum valve are closed while a third vacuum valve is opened, then an introduction pipe and a branch pipe are evacuated by a vacuum pump, the third vacuum valve is closed while the first vacuum valve 22 is opened so as to introduce and reserve gas to be analyzed into and in the gas introduction pipe when luggage 16 is set in a luggage receiver, and the second vacuum valve is opened so as to feed the gas to be analyzed from the introduction pipe into a mass spectrometer for gas analysis.

Abstract: There is provided a scanning probe microscope capable of simply and accurately confirming whether or not a sample shape satisfies specified conditions. A pseudo reference image Sref1 comprises a pair of reference line profiles Lref1 and Lref2 arranged apart form each other in parallel. An operator moves and rotates the position of the pseudo reference image Sref1 on a screen so that a sample shape line profile fits between the reference line profiles Lref1 and Lref2 of the pseudo reference image Sref1. If it is possible to fit the line profile of the sample shape between the reference line profiles Lref1 and Lref2, it is determined that the sample shape is in spec, while if it is not possible to fit the line profile of the sample shape between the reference line profiles Lref1 and Lref2, no matter how the pseudo reference image Sref1 is moved and rotated, it is determined that the sample shape is out of spec.

Abstract: A method and charged particle beam column are presented for directing a primary charged particle beam onto a sample. The primary charged particle beam, propagating along an initial axis of beam propagation towards a focusing assembly, passes through a beam shaper, that affects the cross section of the primary charged particle beam to compensate for aberrations of focusing caused by astigmatism effect of a focusing field produced by an objective lens arrangement of the focusing assembly, and then passes through a beam axis alignment system, that aligns the axis of the primary charged particle beam with respect to the optical axis of the objective lens arrangement.

Abstract: In order to provide a radiation detector capable of implementing measurements with a good energy resolution and a high detection efficiency over a broad energy range using a single detector, in the present invention, a radiation detecting element composed of Si semiconductor and the radiation detecting element composed of CdZnTe or CdTe semiconductor are lined up as two layers longitudinally. The radiation detecting element composed of Si semiconductor is taken as a first layer at the side of incidence of the radiation and the radiation detecting element composed of CdZnTe or CdTe semiconductor is taken as a second layer.

Abstract: In order to ensure that an electromagnetic field lens is capable of high-resolution observation using a magnetic field lens without leakage of magnetic flux, there is provided a magnetic field superimposing-type lens 1 for focusing an electron beam onto a sample 3 so as to irradiate the sample 3 is provided with an upper magnetic pole 213 a long way from the sample 3 and a lower side magnetic pole 214 close to the sample 3, with electrical insulation being provided between the upper magnetic pole 213 and the lower magnetic pole 214 by a ferrite insulator 215 provided between the upper magnetic pole 213 and the lower magnetic pole 214 in an integral manner with the magnetic poles so that the upper magnetic pole 213 and the lower magnetic pole 214 may be held at different potentials. There is therefore no leak in flux from between the upper magnetic pole 213 and the lower-magnetic pole 214, the chromatic aberration coefficient Cc can be made small, and high-resolution observation of the sample can be achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating water through the use of UV radiation including an elongate housing having two ends and an internal cavity formed therein. The housing includes an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice both in fluid communication with the cavity. A fluid flow path having a central axis is formed between the inlet orifice and outlet orifice. A plurality of UV radiation sources are positioned in proximity to the central axis of the fluid flow path in its elongate dimension.

Abstract: First fluorescence diagnostic information reflecting a first characteristic value obtained on the basis of first fluorescence information on fluorescence emitted from an object part exposed to first stimulating light is output. Second fluorescence diagnostic information reflecting a second characteristic value obtained on the basis of second fluorescence information on fluorescence emitted from an object part exposed to second stimulating light is output. The wavelength of the first stimulating light is such that when the first stimulating light is projected onto clean object parts different in properties, different first characteristic values are obtained from the different object parts, and the wavelength of the second stimulating light is such that when the second stimulating light is projected onto a clean object part and an unclean object part, different second characteristic values are obtained from the clean object part and the unclean object part.

Abstract: Generally, and in one form, the present invention is self-contained device for measuring exposure to radiation comprising an integrated circuit device incorporating a polymer dispersed liquid crystal component that resides on a semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A radiation image storage panel having a deposited phosphor layer, wherein the phosphor layer comprises an alkali metal halide stimulable phosphor containing a small amount of oxygen atom and is annealed after deposition has high-sensitivity and gives a reproduced radiation image of high quality.

Abstract: This invention provides a reliable blanking aperture array. An insulating layer and conductive layer are sequentially formed on the lower surface of a substrate. Then, a plurality of pairs of opposing trenches are formed in the substrate, and an insulating layer is formed on each of the side surfaces of the trenches by thermal oxidation. The conductive layer is exposed by etching the bottom of each trench. A conductive member is selectively grown in each trench using the conductive layer as a plating electrode to form a blanking electrode. An opening is formed between the opposing blanking electrodes.

Abstract: A method of calibrating level sensors of at least two lithographic projection apparatus to correct machine to machine level sensor process dependency includes measuring a first set of leveling data using a first lithographic projection apparatus for a reference substrate, measuring a second set of leveling data using the first apparatus for a substrate processed according to a selected process, measuring a third set of leveling data using the second apparatus for the reference substrate, measuring a fourth set of leveling data using the second apparatus for the processed substrate, and using the first, second, third and fourth sets of leveling data to calculate the set of level sensor parameters corresponding to machine to machine level sensor differences for the selected process.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to an article irradiation facility that comprises, within a cell, an accelerator for generating a radiation beam and a beam pass conveyor. In order to better control the dose delivered to articles treated at the facility, the current of the radiation beam is slaved to the speed of the beam pass conveyor. The actual (versus requested) speed of the beam pass conveyor is continuously monitored using a variable frequency drive. The drive infers the speed of the beam pass conveyor from changes in the induction, resistance, flux current and/or inertia off the motor for the beam pass conveyor. The drive is positioned outside the cell and eliminates the need for speed sensors within the cell that are susceptible to radiation damage.

Abstract: A photon source for emitting entangled photons, the source comprising:

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for detecting the tilt angle of a wafer platform in a process machine, particularly in a medium density ion implanter. The apparatus and method can be used to accurately calibrate the zero-angle position of a wafer platform in the medium energy ion implanter. The apparatus includes a process chamber that has a cavity and a wafer platform therein, a window that is substantially transparent to laser energy mounted in a top wall of the chamber, and a laser emitter and receiver positioned outside the process chamber juxtaposed to the window for emitting a laser beam onto a wafer positioned on the wafer platform and receiving a reflected laser beam to determine a tilt angle of the wafer platform by the intensity of the reflected laser beam.

Abstract: A laser beam L from a laser 2 is introduced from an introducing surface into a transparent substrate 1 by using mirrors 31 and 32. The laser beam introduced through the transparent substrate 1 repeats a total reflection on the surfaces (main surfaces and end surfaces) of the transparent substrate 1 and enters a state in which the laser beam is almost confined in the substrate 1. When an ununiform portion such as a scratch exists on the surface of the transparent substrate 1, however, total reflecting conditions are not satisfied and the light leaks out of the ununiform portion. The leaked light is formed as an image on a CCD 6 by a lens system 7 and an image process is executed by an image processing apparatus 12. In is a detected image, the ununiform portion in which the scratch or the like exists is brightly seen in a linear or a dot form in a black background, so that the ununiform portion such as a very fine scratch can be detected.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air blast device comprising an air flow control device disposed between an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit, which control device comprises a so-called evacuation valve (16) that controls the flow of the air contained in a so-called rear chamber to the outlet conduit (5), this air holding a main valve (2A) in its seat (2B).

Abstract: A faucet for a waterbowl includes a control handle, a lifting seat, a valve cover, a valve body and a spindle assembly which controls the water flow on-off. The spindle assembly is provided within the valve body and the valve cover is mounted firmly the top of the valve body, with a spindle of the spindle assembly extending through the upper end of the valve cover and hinged to the lifting seat. The control handle is provided with a slidable locking mechanism to prevent the control handle from conducting pitching motion under normal state. The faucet may avoid mishandling and scalding.

Abstract: The invention provides for a substantially non-aqueous, flame extinguishing composition for extinguishing a fire at the sight of a potential flame having a flurocarbon in admixture with a gelled powder additive having salts of weak acids which decompose at the temperature of the sight to reduce or eliminate HF released by the composition when used to extinguish flames.

Abstract: Disclosed are azeotrope-like compositions comprising 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane, said compositions are environmentally desirable for use as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, metered dose inhalers, blowing agents for polymer foam, heat transfer media, and gaseous dielectrics.

Abstract: A chemical composition and method of deployment into a coolant or coolant systems to provide at least one benefit to the system. The additive compositions includes a silicate component and a silicate stabilizer, the compositions being in the form of a solid, a non-flowable semi-solid or a flowable semi-solid which is dissolved into a coolant and enters the cooling system so as to provide at least one benefit to a coolant system when released, for example, to protect an engine. The method of deployment into the coolant and subsequently the cooling systems includes injecting or dissolving the additive into the coolant, forming the additive to the housing of the system or forming the coolant to the filter located in the housing of the cooling system.

Abstract: The present invention provides aluminum oxide crystalline materials including dopants and oxygen vacancy defects and methods of making such crystalline materials. The crystalline materials of the present invention have particular utility in optical data storage applications.

Abstract: Oxygen barrier copolymers and methods of making the same are disclosed. The oxygen barrier copolymers comprise repeating units derived from vinylidene chloride and oxygen scavenging repeating units. The oxygen scavenging repeating units can comprise oxygen scavenging moieties that are cycloalkenyl. Oxygen barrier compositions, methods of preparing oxygen barrier compositions, and packaging articles comprising oxygen barrier copolymer are also disclosed.