Abstract: The invention relates to an energy-focusing and space-angle focusing reflector for time-of-flight mass spectrometers. The invention consists in producing an adjustable space-angle focusing system by means of an adjustably weaker field with curved equipotential lines at the end of the reflector instead of a fully homogeneous electrical reflection field.

Abstract: System for control of ion species behavior in a time-varying filter field of an ion mobility-based spectrometer to improve species identification, based on control of electrical and environmental aspects of sample analysis.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for the high-energy desorption/ionization of various compositions are disclosed. The methods and apparatuses of the invention generally utilize structured substrates, such as micro- and nano-structured films, optionally in combination with one or more surface coatings, to provide enhanced desorption of analytes. Such enhanced desorption is particularly useful in fields of analysis such as mass spectroscopy which use laser desorption of the substrate.

Abstract: Ions for analysis are formed from a liquid sample comprising an analyte in a solvent liquid by directing the liquid sample through a capillary tube having a free end so as to form a first flow comprising a spray of droplets of the liquid sample, to promote vaporization of the solvent liquid. An orifice member is spaced from the free-end of the capillary tube and has an orifice therein. An electric field is generated between the free-end of the capillary and the orifice member, thereby causing the droplets to be charged, and the first flow is directed in a first direction along the axis of the capillary tube. Two gas sources, or an arc jet of gas, provide second and third flows, of a gas, and include heaters for heating the second and third flows.

Abstract: A detector requires a stream of dry air for transporting particles to the detector. The detector then operates to determine whether the dry air has transported any particles of interest. Continuous operation of the detector is permitted by providing first and second dryers that can be operated alternately for drying air that is to be directed to the detector. The dryer that is not being operated is recharged. Air is directed alternately between the first and second dryer to ensure that neither dryer is operated after reaching saturation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sample plate that is preferably constituted by a metal plate on which a membrane is affixed by a conductive double-sided tape. In the case where a sample, developed on a medium such as an electrophoresis gel, is transferred onto the membrane, in the same manner as a conventional blotting operation, a medium such as gel and the sample plate are sandwiched between flat plate electrodes so that the medium and the membrane are made in closely contact with each other, and a voltage is applied between both of the electrodes. Thus, the sample developed on the medium is transferred on the membrane through electrophoresis. Upon laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry, the sample plate is compatibly used as a plate for mass spectrometry.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising a multi-mode quadrupole rod set. In a first mode of operation, the quadrupole rod set is operated as a mass filter to selectively transmit ions having desired mass to charge ratios to an ion detector. In a second mode of operation, the quadrupole rod set operates as a drift or time of flight region in which ions which have been pulsed into the drift or time of flight region become temporally separated according to their mass to charge ratios. In the second mode of operation, the ion detector determines the time of flight of ions passing through the quadrupole rod set.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a manipulator for an optical apparatus including a particle-optical apparatus. The manipulator is especially a diaphragm or specimen manipulator in an electron microscope. The component (4), which is to manipulated, is accommodated by a transfer body (2) movable relative to a spatially-fixed component (1) and the transfer body (2) includes a composite material having a high thermal conductivity while simultaneously having a vanishing or negative thermal expansion coefficient in the direction of the connecting axis (B-B) between the component (4) and the spatially-fixed component (1).

Abstract: An apparatus capable of tracking a sample surface level in a z direction and oscillating a cantilever at resonant frequency by using a frequency separation scheme in non-contact mode and method thereof. The inventive apparatus includes a sensing unit for sensing a sample surface; a frequency transforming unit for transforming the sensed signal; a frequency combining unit for combining signals; and an actuating unit for actuating the sensing unit.

Abstract: An electron microscope is provided, which enables an observation with high resolution. The electron microscope is able to detect the deviation of an electron beam relative to the opening of a slit quantitatively, thereby shifting the electron beam accurately to the center of the opening of slit so as to execute energy selection. The electron microscope has an energy filter control unit for adjusting a relative position between an electron beam and a slit by shifting the position of electron beam based on a signal delivered by an energy filter electron beam detector. Also a method for controlling an energy filter is provided, which includes the steps of shifting the position of an electron beam, determining the position of electron beam and letting the electron beam pass through the center of an opening of the slit by controlling the position of slit or position of electron beam.

Abstract: In order to provide a full-automatic scanning electron microscope which carries out investigation jobs full-automatically from fine adjustment to reviewing, the scanning electron microscope of the present invention has a function of calculating the accuracy of correction after correction of coordinates and displaying it with vectors 39, a function of automatically determining a searching magnification for automatic object detection from the obtained information after correction of coordinates, and a function of calculating the frequency of occurrence of objects or defects and a time required for measurement from the searching magnification and conditions of measurement.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of determining a lattice constant of an arbitrary material such as a polycrystalline material speedily and easily, and a method of evaluating the stress and strain of the material speedily. According to the invention, the lattice constant of a standard sample is varied within a predetermined range and finds the HOLZ line pattern of the standard sample by calculation using an equation (y=f(x, a)=&agr;(a)x+&bgr;(a)) and the data of the pattern is accumulated to form a data library. On the other hand, a test sample to be measured is irradiated and scanned with a convergent electron beam. Then, a developing HOLZ line pattern is compared with the HOLZ line pattern in the data library and the most similar HOLZ line pattern is selected. From the data of the lattice constant of the data library having the most similar HOLZ line pattern, the lattice constant of the test sample to be measured is determined.

Abstract: A spectrometer includes an infrared source, a spectrally selective element, and a cell array. The cell array includes walls that define a number of cavities. The spectrometer also includes an infrared spatial detector responsive to infrared radiation travelling from the infrared source through contents of at least two of the cavities as well as through the spectrally selective element.

Abstract: An amplifier-enhanced optical analysis system and method to optically analyze a molecular component of a gas, liquid, or solid. The amplifier-enhanced optical system comprises a laser, a light amplifier, and an optical analysis means, all optically coupled so that light at a predetermined wavelength in the near-infrared spectrum is transported from the laser, through the light amplifier, and to the optical analysis means, wherein the predetermined wavelength corresponds to an absorption feature of the molecular component. Optical analysis means preferably comprises photoacoustic analysis equipment.

Abstract: A sensor including at least two active areas for receiving light energy and a resistive layer disposed on each of the at least two active areas for providing a pair of current signals corresponding to a position of light energy of a predetermined wavelength striking the active area. The two or more active areas are electrically isolated from each other and operate independent of each other. Preferably, the two or more active areas are electrically isolated with silicon dioxide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radiation converter, wherein a fluorescent layer formed by needle-shaped crystals (3) is applied on a substrate (1). In order to provide a radiation converter with improved light conducting properties that can be easily produced, a colorant (4) is contained in the crystals (3).

Abstract: The invention is to prevent an interlayer cleavage between a phosphor layer and a moisture-preventing protective layer.

Abstract: A method for detecting single photons of high energy radiation using a detector comprising an array of pixels, each pixel including a charge receptive substrate. The method includes the operations of capturing high energy photons with the pixel array, collecting the charges generated in each pixel by the charge receptive substrate of that pixel, reading out the collected charges and analyzing the read out charges. In addition, a system for detecting single photons of high energy radiation is described. The system includes a pixel array in which each pixel includes a polycrystalline photoconductive film deposited on a charge receptive substrate. The system further includes low noise electronics for reading out the charges generated by high energy photons when the latter interact with the film. Additionally, the system includes a data processor in communication with the low noise electronics.

Abstract: A radiation detector provided in a substrate with a detection layer which is sensitive to radiation, the detector being characterized in that said detection layer is formed by a polycrystal film comprising either one of CdTe (cadmium telluride), ZnTe (zinc telluride) and CdZnTe (cadmium zinc telluride) or a laminate film of polycrystal including at least one thereof, and is doped with Cl.

Abstract: A bearing for use in a vacuum chamber comprises a gas bearing discharging pressurised gas into a gap between two members to maintain a predetermined separation between those members.

Abstract: A method of producing an authenticatable document includes providing a media having authentication fibers embedded therein, detecting a presence of at least one of the authentication fibers in the media, and printing authentication indicia on the media after detecting the presence of at least one of the authentication fibers.

Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus includes a grazing incidence collector. The grazing incidence collector is made up of several reflectors. In order to reduce the amount of heat on the collector, the reflectors are coated. The reflector at the exterior of the collector has an infrared radiating layer on the outside. The inner reflectors are coated with an EUV reflective layer on the outside.

Abstract: Ion beam generation device.

Abstract: An electron beam exposure apparatus for exposing a pattern on a wafer by an electron beam.

Abstract: A UV spot curing lamp assembly comprises an integral filter support and shutter stop mechanism. The assembly includes a UV lamp and a light guide spaced therefrom for receiving filtered light from the lamp and for directing light through the light guide to a selected target or work site for curing materials thereat. A filter plate in the form of a borosilicate glass, having a selected thickness for the particular application, is disposed in relatively close proximity to the entrance surface of the light guide. A movable shutter plate, having an opening therethrough, is disposed between the filter and the light guide entrance surface. The shutter is movable from a first position wherein the opening is in registry with the light guide entrance surface to receive light from the lamp to a second position wherein a solid portion of the shutter plate blocks light from being received by the light guide entrance surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for sintering, removing material and/or labeling by means of electromagnetically bundled radiation, especially a laser sintering machine and/or a laser surface-processing machine. The device comprises a construction space (3) which is accommodated in a machine housing (2) and in which the following are provided: a scanner (4), into which the beam (5) of a sintering laser (6) is coupled; a vertically displaceable workpiece platform (7); and a material supply device comprising a coater for supplying sintering material in powder, paste or liquid form to the process area above the workpiece platform, from a supply container. Said scanner (4) is arranged on a scanner support (8) which can be displaced by a motor over the workpiece platform (7) in the manner of a cross-slide.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method in which the apparatus is used in order to provide ability to test and ascertain the authenticity an item differing from a radiation image storage phosphor panel, characterized in that said item is applied onto or into at least part thereof, with storage phosphor particles, wherein said method comprises the steps of checking for presence of a selected storage phosphor onto or into said item, by first irradiating the item with electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength shorter than the wavelength emitted by the stimulable phosphor, stimulating the phosphor with electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength longer than the wavelength emitted by the phosphor, detecting the stimulated emission of the phosphor and transforming the light signal into a visual and/or an audio signal.

Abstract: An image signal is read out by use of a stimulable phosphor sheet having a layer of stimulable phosphor which emits stimulated emission in proportion to the stored energy of radiation upon exposure to stimulating light and a solid image sensor having a photoconductive material layer which exhibits electric conductivity upon exposure to the stimulated emission from the stimulable phosphor sheet. Stimulating light is caused to scan a stimulable phosphor sheet which has been exposed to radiation and has stored an image, the photoconductive material layer is caused to be exposed to stimulated emission emitted from the stimulable phosphor sheet upon exposure to the stimulating light. Then electric charges generated in the photoconductive material layer upon exposure to the stimulated emission is detected by applying an electric field to the photoconductive material layer.

Abstract: A radiation image read-out apparatus includes a radiation image convertor panel. A stimulating light projecting system projects stimulating light onto the radiation image convertor panel, and a sensor detects stimulated emission emitted from the radiation image convertor panel upon exposure to the stimulating light beam. The stimulating light projecting system projects, onto the radiation image convertor panel, stimulating light in a wavelength range where the rate of change of the intensity of the stimulated emission to a given change of the wavelength of the stimulating light is not larger than 1.0%/nm and is not smaller than −1.0%/nm.

Abstract: A radiographic image reading apparatus for reading radiographic image information from a storage phosphor sheet, includes: a conveyance mechanism for conveying the storage phosphor sheet, a cassette holding the storage phosphor sheet, or a part of the cassette holding the storage phosphor sheet; and a conveyance mechanism inclining mechanism for inclining the conveyance mechanism; wherein when the storage phosphor sheet, the cassette holding the storage phosphor sheet, or the part of the cassette holding the storage phosphor sheet, is jammed while the storage phosphor sheet, the cassette holding the storage phosphor sheet, or the part of the cassette holding the storage phosphor sheet is conveyed by the conveyance mechanism, the conveyance mechanism inclining mechanism inclines the conveyance mechanism so as to be able to remove the storage phosphor sheet, the cassette holding the storage phosphor sheet, or the part of the cassette holding the storage phosphor sheet from the radiographic image reading apparat

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a micro-fluidic sensor system (6) including a micro-conduit (56) for carrying fluid therethrough having a flexible wall portion (18), at least one micro-fluidic actuator having a closed cavity, flexible mechanism defining a wall of the cavity (11) and flexible wall portion (18) of the micro-conduit for deflecting upon an application of pressure thereto, and expanding mechanism (14) disposed in the cavity for selectively expanding the cavity and thereby selectively flexing said expanding mechanism, and sensor mechanism in fluid communication with the micro-conduit for sensing the presence or absence of molecules. The present invention further provides for a micro-fluidic system for moving micro-fluid amounts including a micro-conduit and at least one micro-fluidic actuator in fluid communication with the micro-conduit.

Abstract: A diaphragm assembly for use in conventional diaphragm-type flush valves includes a flexible diaphragm body having a first side and a second side and a bypass orifice filter insert defined in the diaphragm body. The second side of the diaphragm body includes an annular protrusion and a plurality of protruding ribs, wherein a recess area is defined between the rib and the protrusion. When a pressure difference is applied across the diaphragm body, the second side of the diaphragm body is concave and the first side of the diaphragm body is convex, whereby a distance between the rib and the protrusion decreases in order to prevent the diaphragm body from closing two quickly against a valve seat of a flush valve. A method for controlling pressure differences across the diaphragm body is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a diaphragm valve. When a chamber is expanded by fluid supply into a pipe-shaped button, a valve stem is slightly moved upward by a rod and a shaft to open an outlet of an orifice. Fluid received in a space between a cap and a diaphragm and having a high pressure is discharged into an outlet-side space, whereby the diaphragm opens a guide conduit. When fluid is discharged from the pipe-shaped button, the diaphragm is moved toward the guide conduit, and the valve stem closes the outlet. The fluid in the inlet-side space has a high pressure, and the fluid in the space between the cap and diaphragm has a low pressure. The high pressure fluid flows toward the low pressure fluid through a pilot hole of the diaphragm. When fluid pressure balance is effected between the spaces, the diaphragm closes the guide conduit.

Abstract: A child resistant tap has a valve body (12) with an inlet (22) and an outlet (24) and a valve seat (26) therebetween. An axially slidable valve element (28) engages the valve seat (26) to open and close the valve. A handle or lever (1) is pivotally connected to the valve element (28) outside the valve body. The handle has a fulcrum portion (1-2), so that pivotal movement of the handle (1) operates the valve element (28). A safety lever (6) is pivotally attached to the handle (1) and has a locking arm (6-2) which engages the valve body (12) to prevent the handle from pivoting to open the valve. The safety lever (6) also has an actuator arm (6-1) located adjacent to a transverse lever arm (1-1) of the handle, so that squeezing together of the actuator arm (6-1) and the handle lever arm (1-1) causes the safety lever (6) to pivot out of engagement with the valve body (12) allowing the valve to be opened.

Abstract: A pressure-regulating device is provided for regulating the internal pressure of a gas container. The container has a vent hole through which the gas may vent. The pressure-regulating device includes an electrical control unit for outputting a voltage, and a deformable member is coupled to the electrical control unit. The voltage makes the deformable member to generate a corresponding deformation for causing the vent hole to open or close so as to regulate the interior pressure of the container.

Abstract: A coupling system for selectively connecting an associated fluid inlet (I) with an associated fluid outlet includes an essentially hollow plug (90) having a shape corresponding to one of a plurality of plug types (90A, 90B, 90C) and that is in fluid communication with the associated fluid outlet. A coupler (1) is in fluid communication with the associated fluid inlet (I). The coupler (1) includes a receiving region (R) adapted for selective connection with a plug (90) having a shape corresponding to one of the plurality of plug types (90A, 90B, 90C). The coupler also has a lock (L) that selectively locks the plug (90) into the receiving region (R). The coupler additionally has a valve (V) that is movable between an open position defining an operative connection between the fluid inlet (I) and the fluid outlet whereby fluid flow (F) can pass from the inlet to the outlet, and a closed position defining an operative disconnection of the fluid inlet (I) from the fluid outlet.

Abstract: The coupler according to the invention comprises a male element adapted to be fitted in a female element and maintained in this position by a latch forming stop and opposing a movement of withdrawal thereof.

Abstract: A metal diaphragm valve used for a semiconductor manufacturing device allowing a large amount of flow to pass therein in spite of a compact size by reducing a fluid resistance of a flow passage ranging from a valve chamber to an outflow passage through an inflow passage in a valve body, comprising the body (2) having the inflow passage (6), the valve chamber (8), and the outflow passage (7), a metal diaphragm (3), a drive means (4), and an annular groove (5), characterized in that the diameter (D) of the outflow passage (6) is made larger than the groove width (W) of the annular groove (5), and the effective sectional area of the crossing portion of the annular groove (5) with the outflow passage (6) is made larger than the cross-sectional area of the outflow passage (6).

Abstract: Electrical storage devices having excellent low-temperature properties can be obtained by using a quaternary salt (or ionic liquid) of general formula (1) below as an electrolyte salt for electrical storage devices or a liquid electrolyte for electrical storage devices.

Abstract: A composition for synthetic resin magnets (such as magnet rollers for electrophotography process) which is composed of a resin binder and a magnetic powder mixed and dispersed therein. The resin compound has improved melt flow rate because the binder contains a thermoplastic and an aliphatic polyamide. Owing to its improved melt flow rate, the resin compound can be incorporated with a large amount of magnetic powder without deterioration in moldability. Thus the resulting plastic magnet has a strong magnetic force. In addition, the composition for synthetic resin magnets may be incorporated with a hindered phenol antioxidant, so that it is molded at a higher temperature (120-180° C.) than usual to achieve the same object as mentioned above.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water-based biodegradable functional fluid for mechanical drives, preferably for use in steam engines. The aim of the invention is to create functional fluids for use in mechanical drives, particularly for hydrodynamically lubricating plain bearings, preferably for crankshafts of superheated steam engines having customary non-overly precise bearing play. The inventive fluids should be able to be used in closed power pack systems also in the existence of sump temperatures exceeding 120 ° C., e.g. in the lubricant pan located under a crank drive and be water-based or able to be diluted with water. According to the invention, this is achieved by a percentually low addition of polyaspartic acid to water or to water-glycol mixtures, whereby polyaspartic acid having a molar mass greater than 1,000 and up to 10,000 g/mol is preferably used.

Abstract: The invention relates to peroxide compositions comprising a reactive diluent for the peroxide, wherein the diluent is either a component containing one or more vinyl ether group(s) and having a monomeric structure according to formula 1 (A—CH═CH—O)n—R, or is a suitable resinous compound comprising, in a covalently built-in manner, a component containing one or more vinyl ether group(s).

Abstract: An oxygen-absorbing composition for use as a component of a plastic packaging material which includes in relatively sufficient proportions iron, acidifier and electrolyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of improving the response times and bulk on-state alignments of negative-type liquid crystals by providing a liquid crystal material that comprises at least one negative-type mesogen comprising at least one soluble, dipolar dopant.

Abstract: The invention relates to energy-saving liquid-crystalline media, in particular in twisted nematic (TN) and supertwisted nematic (STN) liquid-crystal displays, having very short response times and good steepnesses and angle dependences, and to electro-optical display devices containing these media and to the use of these media in electro-optical display devices, where the media comprise:

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a phenothiazine granulate with a narrow particle size distribution. At least 98% pure phenothiazine in liquid form is pressed through a device provided with boreholes and a frequency is applied to said liquid phenothiazine. The liquid phenothiazine discharged through the boreholes enters a cooling medium having a temperature of between −196 and +120° C. The drops of liquid phenothiazine thus produced are brought to a temperature below melting point and are optionally solidified in another post-cooling area. Optionally, fine-grain particles or coarse-grained particles thus formed can be subsequently removed by appropriate methods. The bulk density of the obtained phenothiazine granulates ranges more particularly from 720-780 kg/m3.

Abstract: A highly filled composite is formed by extruding through a multiple screw extruder a thermoplastic resin and sufficient filler so that an autogranulating extrudate exits the extruder barrel. The extruder is operated without an exit manifold, strand die or breaker plate. The extrudate forms irregularly shaped granules. The granules provide a molding composition that can be used to form highly filled molded articles such as fuel cell separator plates and end plates by compression, injection or compression-injection molding.

Abstract: A conductor composition comprising an electrically conductive powder and a binder, wherein the ratio of conductive powder to binder is from 95:5 to 70:30, which binder is composed of (a) an epoxy compound that is semisolid at ordinary room temperature and has an average number of functional groups greater than 2, (b) a monofunctional reactive diluting agent which has substantially no volatility at ordinary room temperature, (c) a curing agent, and (d) a curing catalyst. The composition offers good hole filling properties without void and provides a good interlayer connection in multilayer printed wiring boards with through-holes that may be plated or non-plated.

Abstract: A photosensitive composition for forming a dielectric of the present invention comprising inorganic particles, an alkali developable resin and additives, wherein the additives comprise a compound having a quinonediazido group (C1), a compound containing at least two alkyletherified amino groups in the molecule (C2) and a thermal acid generator (C3), or wherein the inorganic particles comprise inorganic superfine particles (A-I) having a mean particle diameter of less than 0.05 &mgr;m and inorganic fine particles (A-II) having a mean particle diameter of not less than 0.05 &mgr;m.