Abstract: Recoverable improved casing for the manufacture of recesses, which comprises a mould with a section decreasing towards the smaller section end, the mould having some internal longitudinal and transversal reinforcing ribs, which define nodes at their point of intersection, some of these nodes having some metallic flanges in the socket that, by means of tappets, are joined to a series of rods that in turn are joined by tappets to a series of metallic interconnected crossbars, the ends of which protrude outside the mould, being joined by means of billets and with a detachable coupling with the end of the rod of a hydraulic mould extractor piston.

Abstract: A method for providing a pilot with information associated with at least one region of a field of view visible to the pilot from within a cockpit without requiring a visual display. The method includes the steps of determining an eye gaze direction relative to a given frame of reference for at least one eye of the pilot, determining a reference direction relative to the given frame of reference, comparing the eye gaze direction with the reference direction, and if the eve gaze direction and the reference direction are equal to within a given degree of accuracy, generating audio output audible to the pilot and indicative of information associated with the reference direction.

Abstract: A high data-rate spot-grid array imaging system includes a periodic array of lenses, each lens imaging a spot in an object plane, such as a semiconductor substrate to be inspected, upon an image plane to image a periodic array of spots. A sensor is provided in a conjugate image plane with a periodic array of readout elements, each collecting the signal from one of the spots. A mechanical system moves the substrate in a direction which is nearly parallel to an axis of the arrary of spots such that as the substrate is moved across the spot array in the scan direction (the y-direction) the spots traces a path which leaves no gaps in the mechanical cross-scan direction (the x-direction). A compensator, such as a servo or a movable mirror, compensates for mechanical inaccuracies in the moving stage, thereby increasing imaging accuracy.

Abstract: An optically coupled circuit is electrically coupleable to a capacitive probe transducer disposed in a liquid in a tank for sensing the capacitance of the probe transducer which is a measure of a parameter of the liquid. A first converter circuit receives optical energy over a non-conductive path and converts it into electrical energy at a predetermined voltage potential from which first and second reference voltage potentials are developed. A dual slope integrator circuit is coupleable to the probe capacitor for charging it during a first integration period and discharging it during a second integration period utilizing the first and second reference voltage potentials. The integrator circuit includes a circuit for comparing capacitive voltage generated during the first and second integration periods with the first and second reference voltage potentials to generate timing signals for each integration period.

Abstract: Techniques for improving the robustness of an optical encoder are described. The escoder has an array of photosensitive elements, which respond to light reflected from or transmitted through a pattern of lines formed on a code wheel or strip. The photosensitive element comprising the array are arranged in dispersed, non-contiguous detector areas.

Abstract: A device and method capable of measuring the optical rotary and linear position of items, that is reliable, accurate and capable of operating in harsh environments. The present invention utilizes optics to measure rotary and linear position. Unlike the prior art the present invention relies on the optical angle to determine position rather than an analog signal or intensity. Because of this, the present invention is capable of providing accurate results in high temperature, harsh and dirty environments. Further, the present invention reduces the need for time consuming and costly replacements at the sensing end.

Abstract: A multiple-beam scanning device of the present invention includes a light source unit provided with a plurality of light sources. A deflector deflects, in the main scanning direction, light beams issuing from the light sources. Optics condenses the light beams deflected by the deflector with optical devices having power in the subscanning direction main scanning direction, respectively, in such a manner as to establish a preselected beam spot diameter, and returns an optical path with at least one mirror for thereby scanning a subject surface. An adjusting device provides, in a plane formed by scanning lines deflected by the deflector, one of the optical devices with &agr; eccentricity about the center of an optical axis in the direction of the optical axis.

Abstract: A neutron detector is provided which is able to measure thermal neutron radiation within a gap filled with a substance that permits scintillation in the absorption of thermal neutron radiation, the gap being formed between at least a first and second spaced apart photodetector working in electrical coincidence. The substance disposed within the gap can be either a gas, liquid or solid. In the case of a gas, a shell is used so that the gas can be retained and kept under pressure. The neutron detector is able to differentiate between gamma radiation and neutron energy. An alternate embodiment of the novel detector includes a device which employs a plurality of detectors surrounding a moderator which can be used to measure both thermal and high energy neutrons.

Abstract: The invention discloses an improved method and a device implementing said method for the authentication of security documents or articles carrying luminescent marker compounds which show a time-deferred emission characteristic. The method allows a rapid extraction of characteristic luminescence parameters, such as emission intensity and time constants. The method is not sensitive to perturbations by ambient light and reduces the optical filtering requirements.

Abstract: Automated methods and systems for determining an in-focus-distance for a position on the surface of a molecular array substrate using a molecular array scanner are provided. A signal from a first position of an array substrate is detected and noise is filtered out of the detected signal using a symmetrical filter to produce an in-focus-distance. In one embodiment, the in-focus-distance is utilized as an estimated in-focus-distance at a second position of the array substrate. The method finds use in maintaining the focus of a light source while scanning the array by the scanner. Also provided are methods of assaying a sample using the methods and systems of the invention, and kits for performing the invention. The subject invention finds use in a variety of different applications, including both genomics and proteomics applications.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method of discriminating singly-charged ions from multiply-charged ions by the use of an ion trap type mass spectrometer which is an inexpensive mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A device for guiding a charged particle beam comprising a first superconducting nano-channel. In one embodiment, the device comprises a superconducting nano-channel consisting essentially of a superconducting material in the form of a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a bend disposed between said proximal end and said distal end. In another embodiment, the device is formed by a substrate, a first area of superconducting material coated on the substrate and having a first edge, a second area of superconducting material coated on the substrate and having a second edge, the first edge of the first area of superconducting material and the second edge of the second area of superconducting material are substantially parallel. In another embodiment, the device comprises a superconducting nano-channel formed by a plurality of nano-scale superconducting rods disposed around a central region.

Abstract: In a method for determining the degree of charge-up induced by plasma used for manufacturing a semiconductor device and an apparatus therefor, a predetermined region on a surface of a wafer on which a plasma process has been performed is repeatedly scanned with a primary electron beam. Secondary electrons generated by a reaction between the primary electron beam and the surface of the wafer that are emitted to the outside of the surface of the wafer are collected. The degree of charge-up induced at the surface of the wafer by the plasma used during the plasma process is determined from the change in the amount of collected secondary electrons. Determination as to whether a contact hole is opened or as to the degree of degradation of a gate insulating layer is made based on the degree of charge-up.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the physical properties of a micro region measures the two-dimensional distribution of stress/strain in real time at high resolution and sensitivity and with a high level of measuring position matching. A sample is scanned and irradiated with a finely focused electron beam (23, 26), and the displacement of position of a diffraction spot (32, 33) is measured by a two-dimensional position-sensitive electron detector (13). The displacement amount is outputted as a voltage value that is then converted into the magnitude of the stress/strain according to the principle of a nano diffraction method, and the magnitude is displayed in synchronism with a sample position signal.

Abstract: In an electron beam detector, a light guide optically couples a fluorescence emitting surface of the compound semiconductor substrate to a light incident surface of the photodetector, and physically connects the compound semiconductor substrate with the photodetector, thereby integrating the compound semiconductor substrate with the photodetector. When the compound semiconductor substrate converts incident electrons to fluorescent light, the light guide guides the fluorescent light to the photodetector, and the photodetector detects the fluorescent light, thereby detecting the incident electrons.

Abstract: THz waves 4 on two different wavelengths are generated within a frequency range of about 0.5 to 3 THz, and a subject matter 10 is irradiated with the THz waves on two wavelengths to measure their transmittances, and thus the presence of a target having wavelength dependence on the absorption of the THz wave is detected from a difference of their transmittances. Furthermore, a surface of the subject. matter is scanned two-dimensionally with each of the THz waves on two different wavelengths, and an image of a position where the transmittances of the two wavelengths differ is displayed two-dimensionally.

Abstract: An infrared detector is disclosed having a first substrate made of indium phosphide and a first layer formed on the first substrate and made of indium gallium arsenide. The infrared detector further includes a second substrate, which is made of silicon and has a readout integrated circuit that is electrically coupled to the first layer. After the indium gallium arsenide material is formed, the first substrate is substantially thinned or removed by mechanical techniques and/or a chemical etch process to extend the spectral range of the infrared detector to wavelengths beyond that of a conventional infrared detector.

Abstract: An apparatus (295) using specular reflection spectroscopy to measure a temperature of a substrate (135). By reflecting light (100) from a substrate, the temperature of the substrate can be determined using the band-edge characteristics of the substrate. This in situ apparatus can be used as a feedback control in combination with a variable temperature substrate holder to more accurately control the processing conditions of the substrate. By utilizing a multiplicity of measurement sites, the variation of the temperature across the substrate can also be measured.

Abstract: 12 A scintillation detector comprising a substantially cylindrical crystal element mounted in a substantially cylindrical housing, one end of the housing adapted for coupling with a photo-multiplier tube, the substantially cylindrical crystal element wrapped about a circumferential surface thereof with a gadolinium foil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical probe for measuring radioactive radiation, comprising a housing that can be held single-handedly. A detector device (2) comprising a semiconductor diode is disposed in the housing and produces signals that interact with at least one of the following radioactive radiations: &agr;&bgr;+, &bgr;−and &ggr; radiation. A signal processing device (3) processes the signals produced by the detector device (2). A power supply device (4) provides the detector device (2) and the signal processing device (3) with power. The inventive probe is especially characterized in that a reproduction device (5) for reproducing the signals processed by means of the signal processing device (3) is mounted in the housing (1). The inventive device provides a compact measuring system that facilitates an (especially wireless) flexible intraoperative and extraoperative, local measurement of radioactively labeled tissue without requiring additional appliances.

Abstract: A memory array operates as an alpha particle detector. A predetermined state is stored in each memory storage location. The operating voltage of the memory array is established at a voltage where the stored values are relatively stable and not subject to change except as a result of alpha particle impingement. Impinging alpha particles are detected by the state changes they cause in the memory storage locations.

Abstract: A radiation image read-out apparatus is provided with a line sensor which detects stimulated emission emitted from a radiation image convertor panel upon exposure to a line-like stimulating light beam extending in a main scanning direction and reads out a radiation image recorded on the radiation image convertor panel while moving the line sensor and the radiation image convertor panel relatively to each other in a sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction. The line sensor includes a CCD having a number of light receiving portions two-dimensionally arranged along the main scanning direction and outputs electric charges obtained by photoelectrically converting the stimulated emission received by the light receiving portions after binning the electric charges in a direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the energy resolution, sensitivity and other aspects of a x-ray or gamma ray detector by using modified acquisition electronics in conjunction with low leakage current photodiodes. Specifically, increasing the integration time of the sample circuits without degrading energy resolution due to parallel noise in order to improve energy resolution and sensitivity, and to allow new electronics designs.

Abstract: Bulk Aluminum Antimonide (AlSb)-based single crystal materials have been prepared for use as ambient (room) temperature X-ray and Gamma-ray radiation detection.

Abstract: There is provided a multi-charged beam lens constituted by stacking, via fiber chips serving as insulator members along the optical path of a charged beam, a plurality of electrodes having a charged beam passing region where a plurality of charged beam apertures are formed. The electrodes have shield apertures between the charged beam passing region and the fiber chips. A conductive shield extends through the shield apertures without contacting the electrodes, and cuts off a straight path which connects the charged beam passing region and the fiber chips serving as insulator members. This prevents the influence of charge-up of the insulator members on an electron beam in the multi-charged beam lens.

Abstract: An electron beam exposure apparatus for controlling deflection timing of an electron beam with high precision, including: a blanking-electrode array having a deflecting electrode for deflecting an electron beam; a deflection timing control section for outputting the control signal for controlling the blanking-electrode array; a load circuit, of which the impedance is the same as that of the blanking-electrode array, where the wire length between the deflection timing control section and the load circuit is shorter than the wire length between the deflection timing control section and the deflecting electrode of the blanking-electrode array; and a switching section, connecting with the deflection timing control section, the blanking-electrode array, and the load circuit, for switching the destination of the control signal output from the deflection timing control section between the blanking-electrode array and the load circuit.

Abstract: To prevent the displacement from an optical axis of a charged particle beam from being made independent of the direction (parallel to or perpendicular to the optical axis) of a magnetic field applied to a specimen, a system including an electron microscope and using a charged particle beam optical system is provided with a source of a charged particle beam, a condenser optical system, a specimen to be observed, a system for applying a magnetic field to the specimen, an imaging optical system and an image observation/recording apparatus, is provided with first and second charged particle beam deflection systems in order along a direction in which the charged particle beam travels between the condenser optical system and the specimen, is provided with third and fourth charged particle beam deflection systems in order between the specimen and the imaging lens system, and the quantity and the direction of the deflection of the charged particle beam by each deflection system and the intensity and the bearing of a

Abstract: A particle-optical apparatus is proposed as well as a method for operating the same. The particle-optical apparatus provides a magnetic field for deflecting charged particles of a beam of charged particles and comprises a body of a material with a permeability number around which a current conductor at least partially engages and a temperature-adjusting unit -for adjusting a temperature of the magnetic-flux-carrying body substantially to a nominal temperature. A relative variation of the permeability number relative to a width of a temperature range is to be smaller than a limit value a, wherein a is preferably smaller than 3·10−3K−1. In particular, the nominal temperature is at an extremum of a temperature dependence of the permeability number. Preferably, such a particle-optical apparatus can be employed in a microscopy or a lithography apparatus.

Abstract: An indirectly heated button cathode for use in the ion source of an ion implanter has a button member formed of a slug piece mounted in a collar piece. The slug piece is thermally insulated from the collar piece to enable it to operate at a higher temperature so that electron emission is enhanced and concentrated over the surface of the slug piece. The slug piece and collar piece can be both of tungsten. Instead the slug piece may be of tantalum to provide a lower thermionic work function. The resultant concentrated plasma in the ion source is effective to enhance the production of higher charge state ions, particularly P+++ for subsequent acceleration for high energy implantation.

Abstract: A fluid treatment system in which the fluid to be treated is irradiated with ultraviolet light (UV). The system includes a sensor with capabilities for detecting multiple fluid treatment parameters, such as UV intensity level and fluid flow. The sensor contains a combination of a UV sensing means such as a photodiode, a flow sensing means such as a vibration sensitive microphone, and associated electronics for processing and transmitting data pertaining to the fluid treatment parameters. The system can also include or alternatively include an intelligent driver that powers a UV lamp and has the novel capabilities to receive, process, respond to, and display multiple fluid treatment parameter signals from one or more sensors without the need for additional signal processing and/or control devices. Specifically, in a preferred embodiment, the power being delivered to the UV lamp will be adjusted as warranted by the intelligent driver's analysis of at least one fluid treatment parameter, such as flow condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for detecting the fluorescence of a sample, wherein the apparatus comprises excitation light source located on the same side of the sample as the detecting means. The apparatus may be constructed as a single-sided as well as a double-sided system, wherein the double-sided system comprises double-sided excitation system and/or double-sided detecting system. The double-sided system may also be a combination of fluorescence system and conventional microscopy. The apparatus may be used for analysis of various types of biological material, liquid as well as solid material, and various other types of material suitable being analysed through fluorescence studies.

Abstract: A method of interrogating an addressable array having a plurality of different chemical features. The method may include simultaneously illuminating different regions of the array with light of different intensities (which, for example, can, but need not be, also of a same waveband). Light emitted from the different regions in response to the illuminating (which light, for example, can, but need not be, of a same waveband) may be simultaneously detected with different detectors. An apparatus, addressable array unit, and related methods are further provided.

Abstract: A non-linear fluorescence microscope or endoscope includes: (a) a source of coherent light suitable to initiate non-linear fluorescence in a sample of interest located at a sample region; (b) a first light conductor positioned to receive at its terminal light from the light source and direct the light to a coupler; (c) a second light conductor located to receive light introduced to the coupler from the first conductor and direct the light to the sample via a sample end of the second conductor, the sample end also located to receive fluoresced light from the sample such that the second conductor may direct the fluoresced light to the coupler; and (d) a third light conductor located to direct fluoresced light from the coupler to a light detection device via a terminal of the third light conductor.

Abstract: A laser scanning microscope according to the present invention is a laser scanning microscope which scans a laser beam on a sample by a scanning optical system in a scanning optical system main body to detect a fluorescence or reflected light from the sample, and a light source section comprising a light source manufactured by a semiconductor process and an optical fiber provided on a radiation side of the light source is incorporated in the scanning optical system main body.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an optical waveguide and an optical filter positioned to receive light from the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide includes a sequence of alternating first and second stripes. The sequence runs along a propagation direction in the optical waveguide. The first and second stripes are formed of different polarization states of a group III-nitride semiconductor. The optical filter removes light of a preselected frequency.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and system for producing radiation of a desired frequency with temperature invariance. Two or more radiation sources that produce an output are included. A temperature difference between the sources is sensed and a temperature difference signal is produced. A control unit controls a heat flux to one or more or between two or more of the sources based on the temperature difference signal. The control unit may provide the heat flux by self-heating by a supplied current or by heater/coolers. The outputs of the two or more radiation sources are mixed in or on a nonlinear medium. The mixing of the outputs produces beat frequencies and a desired beat frequency or frequencies may be selected by a resonant structure. The beat frequencies are invariant with fluctuations in ambient temperature.

Abstract: Remediation methods in response to a biological attack address treatment of goods (e.g., mail items), vehicle interiors, facilities, and personal protective equipment. The treatment of mail involves segregation of mail items by size and the organization and packaging of the segregated mail items for exposure to accelerated electron beam irradiation. Vehicle interiors are cleaned in a suitable decontamination area with a bleach solution. Facilities are separated into an exclusion zone, adjacent contamination reduction zone, and adjacent support zone. Persons enter the exclusion zone wearing personal protective equipment, exit the exclusion zone and enter the contamination reduction zone, and de-contaminate their personal protective equipment in the contamination reduction zone utilizing a bleach solution.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical particle irradiation apparatus comprising a rotating gantry 1 including an irradiation unit 4 emitting particle beams; an annular frame 16 located within and supported by the rotating gantry 1 such that it can rotate relative to the rotating gantry 1; an annular frame 15 fixedly located opposite the annular frame 16; an anti-corotation mechanism 34 being in contact with both the annular frames 16 and 15 to prevent the annular frame 16 from rotating together with the rotating gantry 1 during rotation of the rotating gantry 1; and a flexible moving floor 17 interposed between the annular frames 15 and 16, the flexible moving floor 17 being engaged with the annular frames 15 and 16 in such a manner as to move freely such that its bottom is substantially level and that it moves as the rotating gantry rotates.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical particle irradiation apparatus comprising a rotating gantry 1 including an irradiation unit 4 emitting particle beams; an annular frame 16 located within and supported by the rotating gantry 1 such that it can rotate relative to the rotating gantry 1; an annular frame 15 fixedly located opposite the annular frame 16; an anti-corotation mechanism 34 being in contact with both the annular frames 16 and 15 to prevent the annular frame 16 from rotating together with the rotating gantry 1 during rotation of the rotating gantry 1; and a flexible moving floor 17 interposed between the annular frames 15 and 16, the flexible moving floor 17 being engaged with the annular frames 15 and 16 in such a manner as to move freely such that its bottom is substantially level and that it moves as the rotating gantry rotates.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for curing an article that is passing through the apparatus, wherein the article is being cured by ultraviolet radiation curing. The present invention most commonly applies to the field of fiber optics, and the manufacture of optical fibers and fiber optic cables or ribbons. The present invention comprises a hollow tubular UV light emitting device (bulb) and a UV transparent tube where the bulb is disposed around the tube creating a space between the tube and the bulb. The article to be cured passes through the center of the tube along with an inert gas, where the inert gas is either cooled or heated depending on the application of the apparatus. A UV transparent cooling medium is passed through the space between the tube and the bulb to provide cooling for the apparatus, preventing heat damage from the bulb.

Abstract: An electron beam exposure apparatus for exposing a wafer by an electron beam, including: an electron beam generating section for generating the electron beam; a deflector for deflecting the electron beam; a deflection control section for outputting a deflection control signal for causing the deflector to deflect the electron beam; and a control signal storage section for storing a value of the deflection control signal output from the deflection control section. The control signal storage section and the deflector may be monolithically integrated on a semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: Reference signal components obtained in an initial state from outputs of photoelectric conversion devices of a line sensor having received reference light produced by a reference light source are stored. The line sensor is caused to receive the reference light at a stage immediately before image readout is performed. Sensitivity signal components are acquired from the outputs of the photoelectric conversion devices having received the reference light at the stage immediately before the image readout is performed. The sensitivity signal components and the reference signal components are compared with each other, and sensitivity correction signal components for making a correction for variations in sensitivity among the photoelectric conversion devices are obtained. A correction of the output signal components, which are acquired from the photoelectric conversion devices during the image readout, is made with the sensitivity correction signal components.

Abstract: A valve arrangement that controls fluid flow of a working fluid in a fluid system. The valve arrangement including a valve body having first, second, and third pressure chambers functioning under pressure of an operating fluid. The operating fluid is independent of the working fluid. The valve arrangement further including a solenoid valve arranged with the valve body to operably provide fluid communication between the first pressure chamber and the second and third pressure chambers.

Abstract: A flush valve includes: a valve body; a diaphragm valve flexibly mounted in the valve body; a central partition plate secured in the valve body having a valve seat annularly formed in the central partition plate to be seated by the diaphragm valve for closing an outlet port of the diaphragm valve; a valve flap held on the diaphragm valve having at least one rubbing pin formed on the valve flap for reciprocatively rubbing or purging any scales or dirts accumulated in the releasing hole or capillary hole formed through the diaphragm valve for preventing clogging of the releasing hole; a manual relief valve and an electrically operated relief valve respectively formed on the valve body.

Abstract: A Valve actuator with integral amplifying means having multiple linkage arrangements able to amplify the force generated by an air signal acting on a flexible diaphragm, and to transmit this force amplified on to a lower compression spring and ultimately on to a sliding actuator stem.

Abstract: A shut-off device (1) for protection against explosions in a pipe-line is fitted with a slide valve plate (10) movable transversely to the direction of flow (A), the said slide valve plate being connected via a piston rod (25, 26) to a piston (27, 28) slidably guided in a cylinder (35, 36) and actuated by a pressure medium. The pressure medium is supplied from a pressure medium reservoir via a closing valve (45) to a working chamber (46, 47) of the cylinder (35, 36), actuating the piston and causing the slide valve plate (10) to move into a position closing the pipe passage (4). At least one cylinder (35, 36) is provided, arranged within a pressure chamber (40) enclosed by a housing (30), which forms the pressure medium reservoir. Thus, a compact, space-saving shut-off device is created which can be shut within a very short time.

Abstract: A pneumatically controlled needle valve including a cylindrical body intended to be mounted in a bore of a device, two annular sealing surfaces delimiting a chamber connected to a compressed-air supply device, a first compartment arranged inside the body communicatively with the chamber, a second compartment, a piston separating the first and second compartments, a rod having the piston secured thereto, the rod protruding axially from the body, a needle disposed on the rod intended, depending on a position of the needle, to bear or not to bear against a seat of the bore, at least one spring disposed in the second compartment, the spring acting on the rod in a direction for closing the valve by pressing the needle onto the seat, while air under pressure from the compressed air supply device acts on the piston in the opposite direction, the rod passing with sealing through a front end of the body, and a plug for closing a rear end of the body, the plug being connected to the body in such a way as to be prevente

Abstract: Valve for variable flows, comprising a tube (11, 12) with an input opening (15) and an output opening (17), a flow reducing device (18) having a damper surface (19) facing said output opening (17) for regulation of the air flow through said tube (11, 12), and an actuator for variable setting of the distance between the damper surface of the flow reducing device and said output end (17). The tube (11, 12) has an outer damper flange (30) projecting at said output end (17), which damper flange (30) has a flange surface (31) which extends between the edge (32) of the output opening (17) of the tube (11, 12) and the outer edge (33) of the damper flange (30), wherein an extended flow distance having a given height (y) is formed said flange surface (31) and said damper surface (19).

Abstract: A system and method for controlling and monitoring operation of a valve are disclosed. The system includes an actuator and a switch that, upon being actuated, provides a control signal to the actuator designed to cause the valve to change from a first state to a second state. The system further includes a sensor positioned downstream of the valve, an indicator, and a detection device coupled at least indirectly to the switch, the sensor and the indicator. When not detecting a sensor failure, the detection device allows the indicator to indicate that the valve has changed its state in response to the switch being actuated when the sensor indicates that the valve has so changed. Upon detecting a sensor failure, the detection device prevents the indicator from indicating that the valve has changed its state in response to the switch being actuated.

Abstract: A adapter provides for connection of a pressure relief mechanism to a connection fitting portion of a quick connect fitting through a mating connection fitting portion and provides for movement of the pressure relief mechanism against a check valve in a hydraulic fluid conduit through a screw thread connection to the adapter. When the check valve is thus opened fluid flow is provided substantially axially through the pressure relief mechanism, thereby reducing the likelihood of disengagement of respective portions of the quick connect fitting when hydraulic fluid is present. Collection of hydraulic fluid in a vessel connected to the pressure relief mechanism is provided to allow recycling of the fluid and to prevent release of the fluid into the environment.