Abstract: A logarithmic mode CMOS image sensor capable of eliminating in-pixel fixed pattern noise. The image sensor includes a first MOS transistor, a second MOS transistor, a third MOS transistor, a fourth MOS transistor, a photodiode and a current source. The gate terminal of the first MOS transistor and the first connection terminal are tied at a first node point. The first node point is connected to a terminal with the highest voltage in the circuit. The gate terminal of the second MOS transistor and the second connection terminal of the first MOS transistor are tied at a second node point. The first connection terminal of the second MOS transistor is also connected to the terminal with the highest voltage. The gate terminal of the third MOS transistor is tied to a row select signal terminal and the first connection terminal of the third MOS transistor is tied to the second terminal of the second MOS transistor. The second connection terminal of the third MOS transistor is a voltage output terminal.

Abstract: Photo-sensitive element for electro-optical sensors realised with the CMOS technology, comprising a photo-sensitive reception member (11, 31) consisting of a diode connected to a conversion circuit to convert the current generated by the photo-sensitive reception member (11, 31) into a tension signal, and an amplification and reading circuit (20, 40). The circuit comprises two transistors (21, 22; 41, 42), arranged in a diode configuration with the drain short-circuited with its own gate, the two transistors (21, 22; 41, 42) being connected in series there between and able to perform a logarithmic conversion of the current, photo-generated by the reception member (11, 31), in continuous time and without requiring time to integrate the light.

Abstract: A touch panel apparatus with optical detection for location has at least one photographic fetching unit and a signal analysis unit. The photographic fetching unit is used to photograph a surface of the panel and a touching object on the panel, and then export a video signal. The analysis unit receives the video signal and analyzes it to obtain a location of the touching object on the panel. The panel can be a liquid crystal panel or a planar screen of a display or a projected plane by a projector.

Abstract: A monitor comprises detecting means for detecting an intruding object in a 3-dimensional area and outputting corresponding detection information, setting means for setting information necessary for monitoring the position or actions of the intruding object in the 3-dimensional area to be a monitoring objective, monitoring information generating means for generating monitoring information concerning the position or actions of the intruding object in the 3-dimensional area to be the monitoring object, on the basis of the detection information generated by the detecting means and the setting information by the setting means, and external output means for outputting control output or display output according to the monitoring information concerning the position or actions of the intruding object generated by the monitoring information generating means to outside.

Abstract: In a detecting system for detecting polarization state of light or a Stokes meter for detecting Stokes parameters, the polarization state can be detected with a compact structure or in a shortened measurement time. The detecting system uses a first divider for dividing incident light into two light beams having the same polarization state as the incident light, a detector for detecting one of the two light beams from the first divider, through a polarizer, and an acquisition unit for acquiring information regarding the polarization state of the incident light on the basis of an output of the detector.

Abstract: A laser location system that allows for a user to determine the direction and/or distance to the source of light particularly laser light. The system is designed to be functional under combat or other battlefield conditions and relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

Abstract: An optical encoder includes a planar surface comprising an insulator material. An optical encoder pattern partially occupies the planar surface. The encoder pattern has at least one continuous geometry and is made from a conductive material.

Abstract: A brightness independent optical position sensor, comprising a first photodetector and a second photodetector, an encoding means which interferes with a path of light incident on the first and second photodetectors such that when the light received by the first photodetector increases, the light received by the second photodetector decreases correspondingly in a complementary manner, and an optical comparator unit which receives a first photocurrent and a second photocurrent from the first photodetector and the second photodetector, respectively, and produces an unique output signal which is proportional to a function of the first and second photocurrents.

Abstract: An optical position sensing device for sensing a two-dimensional displacement, comprising a first photosensor arranged parallel to a first axis; a second photosensor arranged parallel to a second axis, wherein the first and the second axis are at an angle with respect to each other; and an encoding means which interferes with a path of light incident on the photosensors such that a pattern consisting of light and shadow is cast onto the photosensors, wherein the encoding means and the photosensors are able to move with respect to each other, resulting in modulation of light received by the photosensors, and are arranged in an arrangement such that when the encoding means moves relatively in a direction parallel to the first axis, the modulation of light received by the second photosensor is larger than the modulation of light received by the first photosensor; and when the encoding means moves relatively in a direction parallel to the second axis, the modulation of light received by the first photosensor is l

Abstract: A storage information system is disclosed for keeping archival information on the individual active optoelectronic components that are used in telecommunication equipment. The system involves enclosing a nonvolatile memory chip inside the hermetic package of the active optoelectronic component. A memory chip is used to keep the relevant information about the active optoelectronic component such as serial number, part number and specifications. Sensors can also be included inside the hermetic package to monitor the operating conditions of the optoelectronic component. The information system is capable of storing information that is relevant to the component reliability such as: hours of operation, maximum current or voltage, and maximum temperature. The information storage system has the advantage that the archived information is intimately associated with the optoelectronic component thereby lessening the likelihood that information is lost or tampered with.

Abstract: Energy tunable solid state sources of neutral particles are described. In a disclosed embodiment, a halogen particle source includes a solid halide sample, a photon source positioned to deliver photons to a surface of the halide, and a collimating means positioned to accept a spatially defined plume of hyperthermal halogen particles emitted from the sample surface.

Abstract: A neutron tube or generator is based on a RF driven plasma ion source having a quartz or other chamber surrounded by an external RF antenna. A deuterium or mixed deuterium/tritium (or even just a tritium) plasma is generated in the chamber and D or D/T (or T) ions are extracted from the plasma. A neutron generating target is positioned so that the ion beam is incident thereon and loads the target. Incident ions cause D-D or D-T (or T-T) reactions which generate neutrons. Various embodiments differ primarily in size of the chamber and position and shape of the neutron generating target. Some neutron generators are small enough for implantation in the body. The target may be at the end of a catheter-like drift tube. The target may have a tapered or conical surface to increase target surface area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for detecting the noncovalent binding of a potential ligand (such as a drug candidate) to a target, e.g. a biochemical macromolecule such as a protein. The method is based on the Taylor dispersion of an initially sharp boundary between a carrier solution, and an analyte solution that contains the potential ligand(s) and the target. Dispersion profiles of one or more potential ligands are monitored by mass spectrometry at the exit of the laminar flow tube. Potential ligands will usually be relatively small molecules that have large diffusion coefficients. In the absence of any noncovalent interactions in solution, very steep dispersion profiles are expected for these potential ligands. However, a ligand that binds to a large target in solution, will show an apparent diffusion coefficient that is significantly reduced, thus resulting in a more extended dispersion profile.

Abstract: A hazardous material detection system that can suppress occurrence of contamination due to ionization. When a sensor detects that a test sample has entered an inspection region of an X-ray inspection device as a belt conveyor moves, a corona discharge power supply in a hazardous material detection device is turned on for a constant time, to introduce a gaseous sample containing a substance stuck to the test sample into the hazardous material detection device via a sucking section and gaseous sample introduction piping, in order to ionize the gaseous sample and analyze it at an analyzer, based on a result of which analysis, a data processor decides whether the gaseous sample contains a hazardous material, to display a decision result on a screen. When the test sample is detected by an exit side sensor, the corona discharge power supply is turned off.

Abstract: A piezo-noise microscope for use in examining a sample of piezoelectric material is provided. The piezo-noise microscope improves on existing atomic force microscope (AFM) techniques by generating piezoresponse noise signals which are useful for determining the long-term polarization stability of piezoelectric materials, and in particular ferroelectric materials, without the need to make repeated observations over extended periods of time. A method for detecting piezo-response noise in a sample of piezoelectric material using a piezo-noise microscope, and a method for detecting the stability of polarization in regions of a sample of piezoelectric material, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides and apparatus and method for scanning a crystalline sample comprising a sample holder, an electron source for generating an electron beam and a scanning actuator for controlling the relative movement between the electron beam and the crystalline sample. In addition, an image processor is provided for processing images from electrons from the crystalline sample and a controller for controlling the scanning actuator to space points on the crystalline sample, at which the electron beam is directed. The points are preferably spaced apart a distance that is at least as large as a known grain size of the crystalline sample. The controller determines a grain orientation with respect to each point within a series of points within a scan area of the crystalline sample. The controller determines an average grain orientation for the crystalline sample for current image and a previously processed image.

Abstract: A fixed visible input and tunable visible input are directed to a location on a surface to be interrogated. The fixed visible input and the tunable visible inputs are aligned so that their surface locations of optical illumination overlap on the interrogated location. An output wavelength discriminator receives the reflected difference-frequency generated on the interrogated location. The output wavelength discriminator is substantially non-transmissive at frequencies higher than the difference-frequency, but substantially transmissive at the difference-frequency of the fixed visible input and the tunable visible input. Signal collection optics receives an output of the output wavelength discriminator and directs the propagation of the output thereof so that a collected optical light signal is formed after propagation through the signal collection optics. The collected optical light signal is converted to an electronic signal.

Abstract: An infrared banknote acceptor for use to verify the authenticity of banknotes is constructed to include a housing, the housing having a base adapted to hold the banknote to be verified, a light source adapted to emit an infrared light beam onto the banknote carried on the base of the housing for verification, an image pickup adapted to receive infrared light reflected by the ink of the banknote carried on the base of the housing for verification and to convert received infrared light signal into video signal, and a display unit adapted to receive and display the video signal outputted from the image pickup.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and corresponding apparatus for recognizing foreign material (2), in particular adhesive objects, glue or joints, on or in bank notes (1).

Abstract: In the component of a radiation detector, an upper end face of a pad formation protrusion provided on an upper surface of an MID substrate is equal in height to an upper surface of a photodiode array, first pads are provided on upper surfaces of photodiodes arranged in the photodiode array, respectively, second pads are provided on the upper end face of the pad formation protrusion, a bonding wire is provided between one of the first pads and corresponding one of the second pads, a wiring pattern is provided on the upper surface of the MID substrate, first terminals as many as the second pads and one second terminal are provided on a lower surface of the MID substrate, the second pads and the first terminals are electrically connected to one another in a one-to-one correspondence, and the wiring pattern is electrically connected to the second terminal.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a radiation detector including at least one Thin Film Transistor (TFT) includes forming a low resistance data line strap unitary with a light block element on the TFT.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for an optical detector arrangement for detecting and registering incident ultraviolet (UV) radiation and characteristics of a protective agent applied thereon. The arrangement includes at least two sensors each connected to electrical circuitry for generating a detection signal, one of the at least two sensors is arranged as a reference sensor and the other one as a detector sensor to be applied with a protective agent. The electrical circuitry is arranged to compare signals from the reference and indicator sensors and output an signal corresponding to the characteristics of the protective agent.

Abstract: A high-flow rate, low-noise, gas sampling apparatus for collecting particulate such as biological, chemical, and radioactive material from a gas on a collector such as an impaction collector includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet and a fan disposed within the housing for drawing the gas into the inlet, past the collector for sampling, and exhausting the gas through the outlet. The fan is operable to produce a flow of gas through the housing of greater than about 50 liters per minute with a noise level emitted from the apparatus being less than about 60 decibels. The apparatus may be configured as a compact, unobtrusive, portable, lightweight apparatus for use in various indoor or outdoor locations. The apparatus may also include a sensor for the detection of radioactive material collected on the collector, a processor for monitoring the sampling, and the apparatus may be linked to a communications network such as the Internet. Methods for collecting particulate from a gas are also enclosed.

Abstract: There is provided an electron beam control device which controls an electron beam for use, such as an electron microscope, an electron beam exposure device and the like wherein a track of an electron beam is not adversely influenced by the amount of magnetic variation occurring from surrounding influences. The electron beam control device which controls an electron beam for use, such as an electron microscope, an electron beam exposure device and the like wherein a magnetometric sensor for measuring an amount of magnetic variation which influences a track of the electron beam, occurring from surrounding influences, is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mass spectrometer having an atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI) source that comprises a discharge lamp coupled to a nebulizer, wherein the nebulizer is at, or near, atmospheric pressure. The discharge lamp curves around the vapor path and this coaxial design offers significant advantages over the prior art such as increased photon flux resulting in increased photoionization efficiency. One of the significant benefits of an increase in photon flux is that absorption of the UV radiation by solvents such as acetonitrile is minimized. The APPI source described herein also facilitates a larger photoionization interaction zone with effluent from the nebulizer, which may be heated. Additionally, no dopant is required in this coaxial APPI system.

Abstract: An ECR ion-beam source for use in an ion implanter has a sealed plasma chamber in which plasma is excited by microwave radiation of 2.45 GHz in combination with an external magnetic field generated by permanent magnets surrounding the plasma chamber. The magnets cause electron-cyclotron resonance for the electrons of the plasma thus creating conditions for efficient absorption of the microwave energy. The same magnets generate a magnetic field, which compresses the plasma toward the center for confining the plasma within the plasma chamber. The ion source also has an RF pumping unit that pumps into the plasma the RF energy. The RF pumping unit has a unique additional function of RF magnetron sputtering of solid targets converted into a gaseous working medium used for implantation in an ionized form.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for generating reactive ions in thin layer chemistry vacuum or vapor chamber where the mixture and delivery of gas to an ion source controlled by a controller sensitive to the chemical make up in the vacuum or vapor chamber.

Abstract: An ion source for ionizing reactant gases in an ion implantation process for manufacturing semiconductor devices includes an arc chamber into which gas is supplied through a gas line, and a spray nozzle that is connected with the gas line. The spray nozzle has a plurality f minute spray openings that spray the gas flowing through the gas line uniformly into the arc chamber at a high velocity.

Abstract: A method of correcting for sensitivity variation of media sensors includes the steps of determining a first reflectance ratio of a first calibration media having a first glossiness; determining a second reflectance ratio of a second calibration media having a second glossiness, the second glossiness being greater than the first glossiness and determining a corrected normalized reflectance ratio of an unknown media based on the first reflectance ratio of the first calibration media and the second reflectance ratio of the second calibration media.

Abstract: An optically based liquid level (liquid-vapor) detector for use with a window having a substantially planar side facing the liquid-vapor side and a substantially planar side positioned parallel to the liquid-vapor side facing the outside. The detector comprises a light source positioned on the outside of the window to direct its light through the outside planar side to the inside planar liquid-vapor side and a light detector positioned on the outside of the window to receive light transmitted from the source and returned from the planar liquid-vapor window side. The detector further includes electronic means for detecting the light intensity change affecting the transducer, from the condition of liquid on the liquid-vapor side, to the condition of vapor on the liquid-vapor side of the window, whereby an action or signal is generated in response to such change.

Abstract: A valve includes a housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and defining a fluid flow path between the inlet and the outlet. A check valve positioned in the housing has a valve seat in the flow path from the inlet, a valve member movable between a seated position against the valve seat blocking fluid flow from the inlet past the valve seat and an unseated position spaced away from the valve seat, and a spring for biasing the valve member toward the seated position. A main valve assembly is removably positioned at a home position in the housing in the flow path to control the fluid flow from the check valve to the outlet. The valve assembly has a portion which engages the valve member and maintains the valve member in it's unseated position so long as the main valve assembly is at the home position, the valve member being moved to the unseated position by the spring upon removal of the main valve assembly from the housing.

Abstract: An electrostatically actuated valve that is relatively small, has relatively low fabrication costs, and consumes relatively low voltage and/or power. Normally closed, normally open, three (or more) way valves, and other configurations are contemplated. These electrostatically actuated valves are suitable for a wide variety of applications, including but not limited to, low power and wireless applications, for example.

Abstract: A solenoid plunger (36) is disposed for reciprocation in a plunger pocket that is formed by the stationary parts of a solenoid-type actuator (10). A flexible diaphragm (22) closes the plunger pocket's open mouth and is deformed by movement of a plunger (36) between an open position, in which it is displaced from a valve seat (20), and a closed position, in which it is seated on the valve seat and thereby prevents flow from a valve inlet (16) to a valve outlet (18). The diaphragm thereby isolates the plunger from the fluid thereby being controlled, but a separate, incompressible fluid fills the chamber in which the plunger reciprocates. A through-plunger passage (44, 56) provides a low-flow-resistance path for the incompressible fluid to flow into and out of the portion (52) of the plunger chamber behind the plunger as the plunger moves. This reduces actuation time and thus the energy required for an actuation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an exhaust gas control (EGC) valve. The EGC valve comprises a valve housing having at least one inlet port, at least one outlet port, and a flow channel having a centerline extending between the ports. A valve seat is adjacent an opening in the at least one outlet port. The EGC valve further comprises a rotatable actuator shaft offset from the centerline. At least one L-shaped valve armature is operably connected to the actuator shaft. The valve armature has a first leg and a second leg. The first leg is connected to the actuator shaft so that rotation of the actuator shaft in a first direction positions the second leg into sealing engagement with the valve seat to close the flow channel.

Abstract: Electrochromic salts. Electrochromic salts of dicationic viologens such as methyl viologen and benzyl viologen associated with anions selected from bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, bis(perfluoroethylsulfonyl)imide, and tris(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)methide are produced by metathesis with the corresponding viologen dihalide. They are highly soluble in molten quarternary ammonium salts and together with a suitable reductant provide electrolyte solutions that are used in electrochromic windows.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising HFC-245fa and trans-1,2-dichloroethylene which exhibit relatively high solubility with conventional hydrocarbon lubricants, non-flammability, and relatively constant boiling points. Also provided are uses of such compositions.

Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to improve thermal stability of bisphenol compounds.

Abstract: A sterilizing composition for a food-packing material which comprises the following components (1) and (2):

Abstract: A method and composition for reducing the levels of hydrogen sulphide and mercaptans in hydrocarbon streams. The method comprises contacting the gas stream with a composition comprising the reaction product of mixing monoethanolamine, diglycolamine and formaldehyde. The use of the method and composition alleviates problems associated with crystalline dithiazine depost build-up associated with the use of triazine based scavengers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid-crystalline medium based on a mixture of polar compounds of positive dielectric anisotropy, characterised in that it comprises one or more ester compounds of the formula I 1

Abstract: In a process for the production of a shielding gas mixture argon is withdrawn from a liquid argon supply, vaporized and mixed with a gas premix. The gas premix contains helium and/or argon and a doping gas. A shielding gas mixture prepared this way is outstandingly suited, especially because of the helium content, for arc welding of aluminum and aluminum alloys.

Abstract: A stabilizer mixture for one or more compounds of the general formula (1) 1

Abstract: Anti-reflective compositions and methods of using those compositions with low dielectric constant materials are provided. In one embodiment, the compositions include polymers comprising recurring monomers having unreacted ring members. In another embodiment, the polymers further comprise recurring monomers comprising ring members reacted with a light attenuating compound so as to open the ring. The compositions can be applied to dielectric layers so as to minimize or prevent reflection during the dual damascene process while simultaneously blocking via or photoresist poisoning which commonly occurs when organic anti-reflective coatings are applied to low dielectric constant layers.

Abstract: A wire guide system for facilitating efficient installation of wire within conduit connected to an electrical box. The wire guide system includes a main body having main cutout, the main cutout having an upper curved portion and a lower curved portion for receiving a length of wire, a plurality of extended portions, and a plurality of leg members attached to the extended portions for engaging an inner corner lip of an electrical box. The main body has a generally spherical structure for facilitating receiving and redirecting of the wire as the wire is pulled through the electrical box into a connected conduit. The upper curved portion and the lower curved portion preferably have a relatively consistent radius of curvature for smoothly guiding the wire.

Abstract: The invention provides a hoist drive system for controlling the position of a hoist platform in a palletizer. In an embodiment of the invention, a hoist drive system comprises two electrical motors with dual output shafts. One motor has an encoder and as one motor rotates clockwise, the other motor rotates counter clockwise. A common shaft with a spring set safety break ties the motors together. The two motors are tied together electronically with a flux vector motor controller with input from the encoder. The flux vector motor controller controls the operation of the two motors, which drive two gearboxes, thereby enabling vertical displacement of a hoist platform coupled to the drive system.

Abstract: An impact assembly for transferring forces from a head-on impact or a side impact between a vehicle and one end of an energy absorbing device facing oncoming traffic. The impact assembly may be used to transfer energy from a floor structure of a vehicle during a side impact with the one end of the energy absorbing device. Portions of the impact assembly are positioned relative to ground level to engage the floor structure of an impacting vehicle and/or the front bumper of a low profile vehicle. Portions of the impact assembly may be manufactured from a single piece of sheet metal.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for mounting a rail to a post comprising: a mounting means connectable to the post in a first plane; a bracket for supporting the rail in a second plane; and an angle variation means disposed between the mounting means and the bracket, whereby the angle variation means allows the orientation of the first plane with respect to the second plane to be varied; and whereby the mounting bracket is comprised of aluminum.

Abstract: An active matrix organic light emitting diode display pixel structure. In the pixel structure of the present invention, a switching transistor has a gate terminal coupled to a scan signal and a source terminal coupled to a data signal. A storage capacitor has two terminals coupled to a drain terminal of the first transistor and a reference voltage respectively. An OLED has an anode coupled to a drain terminal of the second transistor and a cathode coupled to a first voltage. A plurality of driving transistors is coupled in cascode, wherein the first terminal of the first diving transistor of the driving transistors is coupled to a second voltage, and a second terminal of the final diving transistor of the driving transistors is coupled to the anode of the OLED, and an equivalent channel width/length (W/L) ratio of the driving transistors does not exceed 0.2.

Abstract: An isolation circuit includes a first pad adapted to receive a control signal and a second pad adapted to receive another signal. A third pad is coupled to a microelectronic die and a device is provided to transfer the other signal from the second pad to the third pad in response to the control signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods of measuring force on dies and substrates are provided. In one system, a force measurement die is substituted for a die to be tested on a substrate.