Abstract: A concrete forming panel and its method of use is provided wherein the forming panel has a face plate including a frame, a front side and a back side, and one or a plurality of pairs of ribs which extend longitudinally along the back side. The pairs of ribs are provided sufficiently closely together to grip an element passing through the face plate or to grip a wedge which in turn engages the element. The element may be a nail, stake, or other fastener used to hold the forming panel in the ground, to connect the forming panel to other forming panels, or to indicate a desired level for concrete poured against the front side to be cured and hardened into a finished structure, such as a foundation for a building. The ribs may be provided with slots for receiving a reinforcing element of a relatively harder material, and the reinforcing element may be shiftably received in the slot so that its position may be changed as the reinforcing element wears during use.

Abstract: A forming panel is provided which includes at least one and preferably a number of elongated channels each having inwardly projecting ribs which permit threadable attachment of hardward components such as bolts, externally threaded rings, collars and the like directly to the channel along an infinite number of locations. The channels may be parallel to one another, perpendicular to one another, or both. The forming panel may be used with other forming panels and are configured to receive therethrough anchoring members such as anchor bolts and tie rods which pass into the gap between opposed forming walls where concrete is poured. The forming panels may be used as cap forms whereby after the concrete is cured, forming panels below the cap form may be replaced and reattached above the cap form.

Abstract: A modular forming system (10) configured for forming concrete box culverts (C1) and (C2) is disclosed. The inventive forming system enables a strong and secure system that is relatively easier and more efficient to assemble. The system (10) broadly includes a pallet (12), a core (14), a jacket (16), and a header (18). The pallet (12) is operable to mold the ribbed face (F2) of the culverts. The core (14) is encircled by the pallet (12) and is operable to mold the inner circumferential surface (ICS) of the culverts. The jacket (16) is supported on the pallet (12) and is operable to mold the outside circumferential surface (OCS) of the culverts. The header (18) encircles the core (14) and is operable to slide between the core (14) and the jacket (16) to mold the non-ribbed face (F1) of the culverts.

Abstract: The invention provides a two part mold for forming wafer scale caps. The mold has a first half and a second half. The first half and second half, when brought together defining mold cavities for wafer scale caps. The caps have central areas surrounded by sidewalls and the side walls having free edges. In preferred embodiments, the mold is made from a semiconductor material.

Abstract: The invention provides a solar tracking system for controlling the alignment of an instrument with respect to the sun, the instrument having a solar radiation receiver and a solar radiation collector for collecting solar radiation and directing the radiation towards the receiver, the system having: at least first and second detectors locatable so as to move with the receiver and receive radiation from the collector, for generating respective first and second output signals according to their respective exposure to solar radiation from the collector; a comparison means for comparing the first and second outputs and producing a comparison signal indicative thereof; and control means for controlling the alignment of the instrument according to the comparison signal.

Abstract: A light intensity control apparatus for use in an information recording and reading system includes a light source driving device for driving a light source so as to generate a light having the first and higher second light intensity levels. A light intensity detection device is provided and includes a first light intensity detection member for detecting a prescribed intensity level of the light when a light modulation speed is relatively low, and a second light intensity detection member for detecting an average of the intensity of the light when it is relatively high. A detection member selection device is provided so as to select one of the first and second light intensity detection members depending upon a selection instruction so as to use one of the detection outputs. A reference level selection device is provided so as to select one of the first and the second reference levels to be compared with the one of the detection results depending upon the selection instruction.

Abstract: A back side incident type image pickup sensor in which lowering of spatial resolution is eliminated and influence of stray light is removed is provided. Electric circuits including a driver circuit for driving a photoelectric conversion portion and a signal processing circuit for processing signals from the photoelectric conversion portion are each placed on the front side of a single crystal silicon substrate at a given distance in the horizontal direction from an opening. Influence of stray light is thus eliminated. The semiconductor substrate has high refractive index, thereby essentially allowing little lowering of spatial resolution. Lowering of spatial resolution is further prevented if the substrate is thinned.

Abstract: This invention provides an optical receiver, a temperature dependence of which is compensated, and a method for manufacturing the optical receiver. The optical receiver according to the present invention comprises an avalanche photodiode (APD), a voltage source for supplying a bias voltage to the APD and a controller for feedback-controlling the bias voltage based on the monitored temperature of the APD. The input of the controller changes as the temperature of the APD varies, such that the bias voltage to the APD compensates the temperature dependence thereof. One aspect of the invention is that the reference input to the controller depends on the temperature, while another aspect of the invention is that the dividing ratio of the bias voltage changes as the temperature of the APD varies.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes an openable window and a detector with a charge-coupled device sensor. The sensor detects the light distribution proximate to a closing line of the window. If an obstruction is present, the light distribution received by the sensor varies. The light distribution received by sensor is compared with a reference distribution to detect if an obstruction is present. If an obstruction is detected, movement of the window is stopped, allowing any obstruction in the path of the window.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the position of a screen pointer for an electronic device having a display screen includes a light source for illuminating an imaging surface, thereby generating reflected images. The apparatus includes a motion transducer. A lens receives the reflected images and directs the reflected images onto the motion transducer. The motion transducer includes an electronic shutter for controlling the amount of time that light is collected for image frames. The motion transducer is configured to generate digital representations of the reflected images. The motion transducer is configured to generate movement data based on the digital representations of the reflected images. The movement data is indicative of relative motion between the imaging surface and the motion transducer. A controller coupled to the light source turns the light source on only during the time that light is being collected for an image frame.

Abstract: An optical control device includes a drive member formed with a plurality of reflecting regions along a second track and movable along the second track for driving a driven member to move along a first track. An optical unit emits a light beam that is incident upon an aligned reflecting region, and receives a light beam that was reflected by the aligned reflecting region to generate an electrical output. A controller determines actual positions of the drive member on the second track and the driven member on the first track, and controls the drive member to move along the second track so as to dispose the driven member at a desired position on the first track.

Abstract: Radiometers detect radio wavelength electromagnetic radiation and typically have an antenna (16), an amplifier (18) and a detector (20). All three of these components have response characteristics that may be dependent on temperature, and in the case of systems using radiometer arrays dependent upon temperatures throughout the system. Different temperatures across a multi-channel antenna and differential channel temperature response can result in poor image quality from imaging radiometers. Resolution of a linear array of detector horns is limited by the size of the horns.

Abstract: A photoelectric sensor includes: a light projecting section projecting detection medium light to a detection object region; and a light receiving section receiving reflecting light or transmitted light from the detection object region, the sections being in a single piece or in separate pieces. The light projecting section includes: a light source generating the detection medium light; and a light projecting lens for collimating or collecting the detection medium light from the light source to form a beam spot or a light collecting point in the detection object region. The light projecting section further includes: a deflection angle adjusting unit capable of finely adjusting an optical axis deflection angle of the detection medium light projected to the detection object region from the light projecting section.

Abstract: A laser scanning device includes a semiconductor laser that emits a laser beam, a laser power detector that detects laser beam power of the semiconductor laser, a reference voltage generator that generates reference voltage for controlling the laser beam power of the semiconductor laser in accordance with a laser power control signal provided from an external device, and a laser driver that compares the reference voltage generated by the reference voltage generator and the laser beam power detected by the laser power detector to control a driving current supplied to the semiconductor laser for emitting the laser beam. The laser scanning device further includes an abnormal condition detector that detects the laser power control signal received by the reference voltage generator.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed wherein a relatively energetic pulse of ions having a relatively narrow spread of mass to charge ratios are ejected from a quadrupole ion trap and received in an ion trap upstream of a Time of Flight mass analyser. The ions are collisionally cooled within the ion trap and are pulsed out of the ion trap and into an extraction region of the Time of Flight mass analyser without substantially exciting the ions. This enables improved operation with the Time of Flight mass analyser. According to another embodiment, parent ions are fragmented and the resulting fragment ions are stored in two ion traps having different low mass cut-offs. The trapping system enables MS/MS experiments to be performed with a very high duty cycle.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed wherein a relatively energetic pulse of ions having a relatively narrow spread of mass to charge ratios are ejected from a quadrupole ion trap and received in an ion trap upstream of a Time of Flight mass analyser. The ions are collisionally cooled within the ion trap and are pulsed out of the ion trap and into an extraction region of the Time of Flight mass analyser without substantially exciting the ions. This enables improved operation with the Time of Flight mass analyser. According to another embodiment, parent ions are fragmented and the resulting fragment ions are stored in two ion traps having different low mass cut-offs. The trapping system enables MS/MS experiments to be performed with a very high duty cycle.

Abstract: A method for ejecting ions from a quadrupole ion trap includes creating a digital control signal, using the digital control signal to control the timing of a switch unit to generate a time-varying rectangular wave voltage, supplying the rectangular wave voltage to the ion trap to trap ions in a predetermined range of mass-to-charge ratio, and varying the duty cycle of every nth wave of the rectangular wave voltage (where n is an integer greater than 1) to cause ejection of ions having a predetermined mass-to-charge ratio. The method can be used for analysis of mass-to-charge ratio by adjusting the frequency of the rectangular wave voltage to select a starting point for scanning mass-to-charge ratio, and then varying the frequency while the duty cycle is being varied to cause ejection of trapped ions, in sequence, according to mass-to-charge ratio.

Abstract: An ion attachment mass spectrometry method causes positively charged metal ions generated in a metal ion generation region to attach to molecules of a measured gas in an attachment region to generate attached ions, and then performs mass spectrometry on the attached ions in a mass spectrometry region. In the method, further, a pressure of the attachment region is set so as to be included in a pressure range enabling free flight of the metal ions and the attached ions in the attachment region, an electrostatic field is formed for decelerating the metal ions in the attachment region, and only the measured gas is introduced to the attachment region. Thereby, quantitative analysis enabling accurate measurement of the concentration of the measured gas is realized.

Abstract: A spectrometer having a reduced memory size. The spectrometer has an address register, a detector for generating a digital measurement, first and second memories and an adder. The first memory stores data words having a value less than a maximum value, at the register defined address. The adder adds the data value on the data bus to the digital measurement to generate a sum value that is divided into a low order part having a value less or equal to the maximum value and an overflow value. The second memory stores at least a portion of the sum value at a location specified by the register value if the overflow value is greater than zero.

Abstract: A time-of-flight mass spectrometer for measuring the mass-to-charge ratio of a sample molecule is described. The spectrometer provides independent control of the electric field experienced by the sample before and during ion extraction. Methods of mass spectrometry utilizing the principles of this invention reduce matrix background, induce fast fragmentation, and control the transfer of energy prior to ion extraction.

Abstract: A corona discharge ionisation source is disclosed in which neutral species are removed by directing a flow of oxygen containing gas in a direction substantially different to that of the ion flow. The ion profiles produced are similar in many respects to those produced by a 63Ni source, thus an alternative, non-radioactive, ion source is offered.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising an ion trap ion source wherein a microtitre sample or target plate forms part of one end-cap electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for use with a mass spectrometer. The multimode ionization source of the present invention provides one or more atmospheric pressure ionization sources (e.g., electrospray, atmospheric pressure chemical ionization and/or atmospheric pressure photoionization) for ionizing molecules. A method of producing ions using the multimode ionization source is also disclosed. The apparatus and method provide the advantages of the combined ion sources without the inherent disadvantages of the individual sources. In an embodiment, the multimode ionization source includes an infrared emitter enclosed in an inner chamber for drying a charged aerosol. ESI/APCI multimode sources may include a corona needle shield and/or an auxiliary electrode.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, the same provides an edge sensor capable of locating an edge under a substrate. The edge sensor comprises a radiation source, a scanner, a microprocessor, and an indicator. The radiation source emits photons that are scattered back to the direction of the radiation source. The scanner measures the count rate or the amount of radiation back scattered by the substrate along a line on the substrate. After a series of count rates have been measured at various points along a line on the substrate that data is received and the microprocessor calculates a response function centroid which is the position of the edge. The indicator indicates the edge position.

Abstract: An electron beam irradiation apparatus which irradiates an electron beam to an object for easily detecting a defect of a backscattered electron detector, including: an electron beam generating section for generating an electron beam; a plurality of backscattered electron detectors for detecting backscattered electrons generated when the electron beam is irradiated on a mark; a plurality of attenuation sections for attenuating signal values indicating quantity of backscattered electrons detected by the plurality of backscattered electron detectors; and a defect detecting section for detecting a defect of the plurality of backscattered electron detectors based on the signal values attenuated by the plurality of attenuation sections, with attenuation factors for the plurality of attenuation sections being varied.

Abstract: A device for converting a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) is adapted to be mounted on a conventional SEM. The device has a casing mountable on the SEM and provides support for a specimen to be scanned by a beam of primary electrons exiting the objective lens of the SEM. The casing defines a pathway allowing transmission electrons that have passed through the specimen to be detected. The device may have a magnet mountable on the casing for generating a transverse magnetic field to deflect the transmission electrons within the casing. A magnetic lens may be mounted within the casing for focusing the beam of primary electrons onto the specimen. The secondary electron detector of the SEM may be used to detect secondary electrons emitted from a target excited by the transmitted electrons. Alternatively, an electron detector may be mounted within the casing for detecting the transmitted electrons.

Abstract: A sensor includes a detector for detecting physical quantity, a membrane, and a stress relaxation area. A stress is expected to concentrate in the stress relaxation area in a case of manufacturing process of the sensor or a case of operating the sensor. The detector is disposed on the membrane except for the stress relaxation area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for detecting the thermal conductivity by application of optical pulse techniques. A sample preheated in a furnace is exposed to energy by means of an optical pulse. The temperature profile in the sample is recorded by means of an infrared sensor. The thermal conductivity of the sample can then be detected by mathematical derivation. To reduce the influence of the time history of the optical pulse on measurement a measuring means is provided for determining this history. An analyzer unit then derives therefrom the corrected temperature profile. In order to reduce the influence of the time history of the optical pulse on measurement a measuring means is provided for determining this history. An analyzer unit then derives therefrom the corrected temperature profile.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for the detection of water vapor in a natural gas background. The system includes a light source operating in a wavelength range such as, 1.877-1.901 &mgr;m, 2.711-2.786 &mgr;m, or 920-960 nm, passes through the natural gas to be detected by a detector. In one embodiment, the light source is a tunable diode laser and the moisture level is determined by harmonic spectroscopy. In other embodiments, a VCSEL laser is utilized.

Abstract: A precision infrared detection device is provided, which is capable of measuring a wide range of temperature having a simple constitution, reduces the influence due to the dispersion among the operating points, and enables the cost down. The infrared detection device includes: reference voltage generation means 101 for generating a specific reference voltage; ambient temperature compensation means 102, to which a reference voltage from the reference voltage generation means 101 is applied, for outputting a signal for compensating the ambient temperature; first amplification means 103 for amplifying the signal outputted from the ambient temperature compensation means 102; infrared detection means 104, to which a signal outputted from the first amplification means 103 is applied, for converting infrared radiation energy into an electric signal; and second amplification means 105 for amplifying a signal outputted from the infrared detection means 104.

Abstract: A workload of a technician (operator) of a radiation image data management system employing a radiation detecting cassette is reduced. An order data reception terminal, a sensor, a transmission means and a reception means is provided within an imaging room. The sensor detects entry of the radiation detecting cassette into an area within a predetermined range of the imaging room. Order data, received from an order data management system, is automatically and wirelessly transmitted to the radiation detecting cassette from the transmission means. After imaging is complete, the order data and an image signal transmitted from the radiation detecting cassette is automatically received by the reception means.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device for imaging radionuclide emissions comprising: a charge coupled device or CMOS active pixel sensor device; and a scintillator layer in direct contact with the charge coupled device or CMOS active pixel sensor device; in which the thickness of the scintillator layer is greater than 200 &mgr;m, preferably greater than 400 &mgr;m, most preferably about 500 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A radiation detector for detecting a spatial distribution of incident radiation includes a radiation-sensitive semiconductor, a common electrode formed on one surface of the semiconductor for receiving a bias voltage, a plurality of split electrodes formed on the other surface of the semiconductor for outputting, as electric signals, charges generated within the semiconductor by the incident radiation, and a light irradiating mechanism for emitting light at least during a detection of the radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an electron beam, comprising a support structure; a miniature ultrahigh vacuum chamber comprising a superconducting single walled metallic-type carbon nanotube comprised of a cylindrical wall, a proximal end disposed upon and sealed to the support structure, and a distal end comprising an electron-transparent structure; an electron beam emitting tip comprising a second carbon nanotube embedded in the support structure and disposed within the superconducting single walled metallic-type carbon nanotube, the second carbon nanotube having an inner surface with a thin conductive coating disposed thereupon; and means for creating an electrical potential difference the electron beam emitting tip and the cylindrical wall of said superconducting carbon nanotube.

Abstract: Methods and instrumentation for performing charge coupled device (CCD)-based confocal spectroscopy with a laser spot array are provided. The methods and instruments of the invention are useful in any spectroscopic application, including, but not limited to, microscopy and microvolume laser scanning cytometry (MLSC).

Abstract: The invention concerns a fluorescence (stereo)microscope having a filter carrier that can be loaded with manually exchangeable filter inserts, and having a reliable eye protection system against the energy-rich light radiation in the context of a carrier position without a filter insert.

Abstract: As disclosed herein, a system and method are provided for detection and measurement of noise on E beam tools and devices including a spectrum analyzer which looks at the different frequency components of the noise. The deflected electron beam from the tool is calibrated in a coarse and fine mode by scanning the beam over a grid-like calibration target. The position of where the bars are detected is compared to where they actually are, and the deflection can be calibrated so that it matches the grid. This invention can utilize a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) of the time-ordered data which allows one to see peaks associated with noise.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detection of electromechanical and mechanical errors in an electron beam device is provided. First the existing subfield is divided into a gridlike structure where each grid can be considered a target. Then a plurality of target points are provided on each grid for measuring combined directional variances. The separated horizontal and vertical variances is also measured for each of the target points. This leads to the performance of a significance tests, based on the F statistic which we refer to as FHV, for horizontal and vertical values of each target points during which FSTITCH values are also obtained. The FSTITCH values are then compared for horizontal and vertical values and an error alert provided when there is a sufficiently large disparity between the separated FSTITCH values. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a three dimensional grid is also provided to be used in a similar manner.

Abstract: A substrate testing apparatus for testing a substrate by irradiation of electron beam comprises a scan parameter calculating unit, a stage control unit for controlling the movement of a stage, and an electron beam control unit for controlling an irradiating position of electron beam. The scan parameter calculating unit calculates a stage speed and the irradiating position of electron beam on the basis of an array of measurement points in a unit area set for each substrate species of object to be tested. The scan parameters for the substrate species are automatically calculated, and the driving of the testing apparatus is controlled in accordance with the calculated parameters, whereby it is unnecessary to restart the software.

Abstract: A voice coil motor used in a positioning means associated with either a first object table or a second object table in which the coil is cooled with a cooling jacket in thermal contact with the coil, the cooling jacket comprising at least one channel for circulation of a cooling fluid, the or each channel being arranged such as to be substantially located in a portion of the cooling jacket adjacent to the coil, for use in a lithographic projection apparatus comprising:

Abstract: A device for generating helical electron beams that can be used for radiation therapy is disclosed. The device contains a tertiary collimating cone that can be attached to a gantry of a linear accelerator or placed directly below the gantry. The tertiary collimating cone has a dynamic energy compensator and a magnetic electron collimator to modify the energy of electrons and to generate a helical trajectory. A multileaf collimator may be present within the tertiary collimating cone. A computer coordinates the movements of various components. The helical electron beam produced by this device can be targeted to tumors better and safer and reduce the amount of radiation hitting normal tissue than current devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring doses of electron beams that are absorbed by an object subjected to e-beam irradiation. The absorbed dose can be continuously measured during an irradiation process, and adjustment can be made to system parameters in accordance with the measured absorbed dose.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing noise and resonance detractors connected with and E beam tool. The invention provides a plurality of embodiments. In one embodiment, the E beam tool will be calibrated and the results will be then filtered to counter the effects of the noise afterwards. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a filter is applied in the actual feedback of the E beam tool for the writing cycle.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a plasma source to generate a spectrum of radiation that includes extreme ultraviolet radiation, a reflector to generate a beam of extreme ultraviolet radiation from the spectrum of radiation, and a thin film to pass at least a portion of the extreme ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device that uses an ultraviolet LED to locate fluorescent materials. In particular, the present invention is directed to a device that is used to detect leaks, cracks or fissures in a contained system, such as, for example, an air conditioning system for a vehicle. The device has a main body, an ultraviolet LED mounted to the main body so that ultraviolet light from the LED is directed away from the device, and a power source linked to the ultraviolet LED to provide power to the LED. The ultraviolet LED can be an UVA LED. Moreover, the wavelength of the ultraviolet light produced by the LED is about 315 nm to about 400 nm. The method of the invention for locating fluid leaks can comprise, for example, introducing an ultraviolet dye into a fluid in a contained system, such as, for example, an air conditioning system of a vehicle, and illuminating an area of the system to be checked for fluid leaks with an ultraviolet LED light source.

Abstract: Materials and methods of manufacturing radiation shielded enclosures is presented that may replace the use of lead, granite and other undesirable materials and manufacturing methods. The present invention provides a high-density radiation shielding enclosure manufactured using a fiberglass lay-up or pressure spaying process and tungsten powder. The method of manufacture may include applying a tungsten powder in an epoxy, caulking, sealant, adhesive or elastomeric compound to the radiation shielding enclosure in order to seal any cracks, holes, joints or other radiation leaks.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for solid state spark detection are disclosed. A semiconducting photodetector has a pair of electrical conductors for carrying an electrical current generated when the semiconducting photodetector receives light energy generated by sparks. An electrical current detector is operably coupled with the electrical conductors for sensing the electrical current generated to signal receipt of the light energy generated by sparks. The present invention can be coupled to a monitoring device, such as an oscilloscope, for monitoring intensity and/or timing of spark phenomena. A plurality of semiconducting photodetectors and associated electrical current detectors may be used in concert if desired. The semiconducting photodetectors are suitably adapted to respond to light energy of different magnitudes or wavelengths to more particularly study sparks of different natures.

Abstract: A counterfeit detector cash register which includes a housing defining an interior chamber, a keyboard on a top portion of the housing, an electrical data processor within the interior chamber, a data output device on the housing, a cash drawer, a counterfeit currency detector station within the housing, and an electrical power source. The counterfeit currency detector station includes a currency entry slot along a front of the housing, wherein paper currency is at least partially inserted into the housing. The station also includes an ultraviolet light source within the interior chamber of the housing, which emits ultraviolet light onto the paper currency while within the housing. The station further includes a viewing panel along a top portion of the housing, through which the paper currency is viewed while within the housing. The invention is economical in cost and space by eliminating the need for multiple machines.

Abstract: A method of determining the leading edge (E) of a turbine blade or airfoil (P). The object is mounted in a desired position and backlit using a light source (S). The object and its leading edge are viewed using one or more cameras (I) which are positioned on the opposite side of the part. When illuminated, the object blocks a portion of the light from the source and the occluded portion of the light defines an outline (T) of the object including its leading edge. An image of the object is obtained and the part is then moved to other positions at which additional images are obtained. The images are processed using a space carving algorithm to ascertain the contour of the leading edge of the object. This allows accurate measurements of the leading edge to be made for using in determining acceptability of the part.

Abstract: A radiation detecting cassette having a cassette main body, which houses a solid state radiation detector and a control means for controlling the operations of the solid state radiation detector, and an operating portion for inputting commands for operating the solid state radiation detector is provided. The radiation detecting cassette is easily set in a radiation image obtaining apparatus, enables easy operations using the operating portion, and enables operations using the operating portion at positions remote from the radiation image obtaining apparatus. The operating portion is formed as a separate unit from the cassette main body. A display portion provided at the operating portion displays operating states of the solid state radiation detector, image processing conditions, images based on image signals output from the solid state radiation detector, and the like.