Patents Issued in June 3, 2004
  • Publication number: 20040104315
    Abstract: A mounting strip for installing utility lines and connecting links in a marine vessel in the form of an elongate flexible strip having confronting lateral wall members extending along the strip to define an elongate channel for receiving and protecting utility lines and connecting links deployed in the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: George Betz
  • Publication number: 20040104316
    Abstract: A suspension device for an item comprises a base member and a clamping assembly. The clamping assembly is mounted for sliding movement relative to the base member and is adapted to clamp a pouch. A method of suspending such a pouch includes the steps of opening the clamping assembly, placing the pouch in the clamping assembly and simultaneously closing and sliding the clamping assembly into the housing such that the pouch is suspended from the clamping assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Robert R. Turvey
  • Publication number: 20040104317
    Abstract: A bag holding and filling device comprises a light strong portable framework to hold a sandbag, or similar flexible container. The bag to be filled is secured by means of four hooks two of which are arranged on swinging arms and two on the main framework. These hooks engage with, the open neck of the sandbag and hold the top of the bag open. A conical shaped funnel with an included angle of approximately 80° is pivotally mounted on the framework so that the funnel is supported in a position such that any material fed into the funnel will be guided into the open neck of the bag. The funnel swings into another position in which access is available to the hooks to place or remove the bag. A spring or springs tension the bag hooks on the swinging arms so that the bag is securely held on the hooks during the filling operation. The bent tubular framework provides strength with lightness and is formed to facilitate hand carrying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Benjamin Beverdge
  • Publication number: 20040104318
    Abstract: A constructive arrangement introduced in a wall support for television set and other appliances, as indicated by numerical reference (1), characterized for having a horizontal tubular arm (2), an intermediate structure (3), containing a handle (3a), two tubular structures (4), tubular sectors (5), fitting parts (6), two blades (4a), lateral structures (7), vertical supports (8), with top ends (8a) having plastic tips (8b), bottom support (9) with lateral ends (9a), AL-profiled supports (10), with upper portion with semicircular profiles (10a), handles (11), fixation base (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Gilberto Goncalves Oliveira Filho
  • Publication number: 20040104319
    Abstract: A pole connector assembly for connecting adjacent pole sections in order to construct a pole. In some embodiments, these pole connector assemblies have two inserts connected together by a fastener. Each of the two inserts can be received within an open end of a respective pole section. The fastener can be received within an aperture in each of the inserts in order to connect the pole sections together. In some embodiments, each insert can have at least one projection that extends into the pole section within which the insert is received. The fastener can limit the at least one projection from being inwardly deflected in order to secure the insert within the corresponding pole section. In other embodiments, the fastener can have at least one deformable portion to allow the fastener to secure the insert within the corresponding pole section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Douglas R. Dean, Peterjohn R.C. Walters
  • Publication number: 20040104320
    Abstract: An improved holder for receiving a liquid-containing device and mounting it onto a magnetic accepting support or surface is provided having a generally elongated wrap element defined by a length having two ends, a first and second surface with at least one attachment means on each surface near to the opposite ends thereof and a magnetic means on the first surface. The holder can also have a bottom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Timothy W. Exler
  • Publication number: 20040104321
    Abstract: Methods and devices for securing a medical apparatus to a patient-transportation device is disclosed, including extensible and telescoping poles with releasable mechanisms for securing i.v. poles to a wheelchair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas R. Marsolais, Mark Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040104322
    Abstract: The invention concerns a bracket (1) comprising a base part (3) and a mobile part (4). The invention is characterised in that: the base part (3) comprises at least locking means (18) for receiving part (2a) of an element (2) of cable tray and in locking said element (2) in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the cable tray; the mobile part (4) comprises at least locking means (26) configured to be urged in engagement with said cable tray element (2) by simple displacement of said mobile part (4) towards said element (2); and the bracket (1) comprises elastic means (5) configured to enable the mobile part to be displaced between an engagement position, wherein it is possible to engage said cable tray element (2) between the locking means, (18, 26) comprised in the base part (3) and the mobile part (4), and a normal locking position, wherein said locking means (18, 26) are engaged with said cable tray element (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Bernard Hennequin
  • Publication number: 20040104323
    Abstract: A bracket for support bases in household appliances, for example refrigerators or freezers or stoves, having at least one profiled rail which is mounted, extending substantially vertically, in a reception chamber of the household appliance, and having at least one support element, to which a support base is attached and which can be selectively displaced along the profiled rail or fixed in place on the profiled rail. In accordance with this invention, the support element can be substantially positively fixed in place on the profiled rail against a movement along the profiled rail, preferably in the form of a frictional locking mechanism, or a clamp. The result is a simply embodied and easy to clean bracket for support bases in household appliances, which permits a more flexible adjustment of the height of the support bases than the prior art.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Stefan Hubert, Werner Henkel, Kay-Uwe Witte
  • Publication number: 20040104324
    Abstract: A symmetrically formed wire shelf having front and back edges, of equivalent design and dimensions, are snap fastened to a complimentary bracket which accepts the various longitudinal rods of the wire shelf into a locking relationship when the wire shelf is installed onto two or more brackets, as the shelving is attached to the surface of a wall, door, or other vertical surface structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Fred D. Oberhaus
  • Publication number: 20040104325
    Abstract: A hanging apparatus includes a body containing a rotating hanging member that may be recessed inside the body when not being used and easily rotated out from the body at an angle when needed to hang an item. The use of a hanging member that can be recessed provides for a hanging system that is more compact for storage and packaging, and less unsightly when not being used to hang an item. The hanging apparatus may be temporarily secured to an object, such as a tree trunk when used outdoors, with a belt that passes through a channel in the body. Alternatively, the hanging apparatus may be attached to an object or structure through use of conventional attachment means such as a screw, nail, or adhesive. The hanging apparatus may also be built directly into a structure such as a wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Charles Ay
  • Publication number: 20040104326
    Abstract: A device or chuck for fixing thin and/or flexible substrates allows a uniform and all-over sucking-up of the substrates without any disadvantageous warping or bending. The chuck has notches and holes communicating with a plurality of microgrooves arranged on the bearing surface. If a vacuum device sucks off air through the bores and the notches, a vacuum extends in the microgrooves so that a substrate located on the bearing surface is sucked up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Walter Demel, Ralph Zoberbier
  • Publication number: 20040104327
    Abstract: The invention concerns a stand (1) for a surgical microscope, having a stand column (2) and having at least one pivot arm (3). The pivot arm (3) is arranged pivotably about a vertical rotation axis (5) by way of a rotary bearing (4). A tilting device (6) for adjustably tilting the rotation axis relative to the column is provided, wherein the tilting device (6) includes a bearing shaft (8) supported by the column and defining a substantially horizontal tilting axis, and an adjustment housing (7) mounted on the bearing shaft (8) for rotation about the tilting axis. The rotary bearing (4) is carried by the adjustment housing (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Roman Frick, Andrzej Metelski
  • Publication number: 20040104328
    Abstract: The invention concerns a stand (3) for a surgical microscope comprising at least one vertical rotary bearing (4). A pivot arm (5) is mounted rotatably in the rotary bearing (4). An electromagnetic brake (6) for blocking the pivoting motion of the pivot arm (5) in the rotary bearing (4) is provided. A mechanical brake (7) with adjustable braking force is additionally present for braking the pivot arm (5) in the rotary bearing (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Roman Frick
  • Publication number: 20040104329
    Abstract: A vibration isolation table includes a stationary housing having an opening on a top surface thereof; a primary movable base which is supported by the stationary housing, and includes a bottomed hollow cylindrical portion which extends downwards into the stationary housing, and a flange portion which projects radially outwards from an upper end of the bottomed hollow cylindrical portion; a pressure chamber formed between the flange portion and the top surface of the stationary housing; and a vibration-free movable base on which an object to be isolated from vibration is mounted, the vibration-free movable base having a swingable rod which is inserted into the bottomed hollow cylindrical portion so that a bottom end of the swingable rod is supported by a base of the bottomed hollow cylindrical portion in a manner to allow the swingable rod to swing with respect to the bottomed hollow cylindrical portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: Fujikura Rubber Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakuni Kainuma, Toshikazu Aoki, Keiji Tamaki, Katsuo Uematsu, Tomomasa Fujita, Hiroshi Chinda, Akihiro Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20040104330
    Abstract: A vibration isolation table includes a stationary housing having an opening on top thereof; a pressure-tight flexible member which closes the opening to form a first pressure chamber in the stationary housing; a primary movable base which is coupled to a central portion of the pressure-tight flexible member, the primary movable base having a bottomed hollow cylindrical member; an intermediate movable base having a swingable rod which is inserted into the bottomed hollow cylindrical member so that a bottom end of the swingable rod is supported thereby to allow the swingable rod to swing with respect to the bottomed hollow cylindrical member; and a vibration-free base on which an object to be isolated from vibration is mounted, a second pressure chamber being formed between the intermediate movable base and the vibration-free base, the second pressure chamber being capable of expanding and contracting vertically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: Fujikura Rubber Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakuni Kainuma, Toshikazu Aoki, Keiji Tamaki, Katsuo Uematsu, Tomomasa Fujita, Hiroshi Chinda, Akihiro Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20040104331
    Abstract: The present invention relates to construction forms and more specifically to a device for making concrete forms for making stairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Leroy J. Rellergert
  • Publication number: 20040104332
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mould for producing pre-cast concrete units, in particular paving stones, comprising a lower mould section consisting of a mould cavity block (1) and side sections that are screwed thereto. The mould cavity block (1) has an internal area (4) comprising mould cavities (6, 7) and an edge area (5), on at least part of which recesses (13) are provided. An efficient method of production and suitability of the mould for hardening are achieved by a constant thickness of the mould cavity block (1), by recesses (13), that create intermediate webs (24) with a web width (S) that remains approximately constant, by recesses (13), which are partly configured in the edge area (5, 11, 12) as undercut grooves (15, 16) and by the screwing of the side sections crosswise to the course of the undercut groove (15, 16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Achim Rampf, Gottfried Keller
  • Publication number: 20040104333
    Abstract: A concrete forming panel with lightweight siderail includes a face plate and a frame, the frame including at least one siderail and a bushing plate coupled thereto, the bushing plate having thereon a wear member of a material having greater hardness than the bushing plate. The wear member is positioned adjacent an opening in the bushing plate, the hole being in registry with a corresponding hole in the siderail, whereby fasteners passing through the hole and opening to couple the forming panel to other structural members in a concrete forming system, such as another forming panel, will engage the wear member. The use of a wear member permits the use of lighter weight siderails and bushing plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Philip T. Ward, Roman Brewka
  • Publication number: 20040104334
    Abstract: The current invention describes a method for determining azimuth and elevation angles of a radiation source or other physical objects located anywhere within an cylindrical field of view. The invention makes use of an omni-directional imaging system comprising of reflective surfaces, an image sensor and an optional optical filter for filtration of the desired wavelengths. The said imaging system is designed to view an omni-directional field of view using a single image sensor and with no need for mechanical scan for coverage of the full field of view. Use of two such systems separated by a known distance, each providing a different reading of azimuth and elevation angle of the same object, enables classic triangulation for determination of the actual location of the object. The invention is designed to enable use of low cost omni-directional imaging systems for location of radiation sources or objects. Many additional needs and applications are envisaged for such a method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Ehud Gal, Reuven Eyal, Gil Graisman, Gennadiy Liteyga
  • Publication number: 20040104335
    Abstract: An element holder is a single-piece member integrally having a light-blocking component for limiting the spread angle of light. The element holder includes a cylindrical internal path and can detachably hold an optical element on one end. A lens is affixed on the opposite end of the element holder. The element holder is a molded plastic product, and includes a single light-blocking wall integrally molded with the element holder to extend across the internal path in a level approximately equally spaced from the optical element and the lens to limit the spread angle of light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Tomikazu Sakaguchi
  • Publication number: 20040104336
    Abstract: The invention provides a fiber optic sensing system for use in environments hostile to electronics. The system comprises an optical module comprising a light source and a photodetector, a probe comprising a glass optical fiber core, preferably with a transducer sensitive to the measurement parameter coupled thereto, an extension comprising a plastic optical fiber core, a first connector configured to optically couple the extension to the probe and a second connector configured to optically couple the extension to the optical module. Light emitted from the light source is transmitted to the transducer on the probe and returned to the photodetector by the extension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Ivan Melnyk, David Yue Yan, Ondrej Mecl, Derek Montgomery
  • Publication number: 20040104337
    Abstract: To provide an optical fiber strain sensor device and a strain detection method, for measuring precisely AE and for detecting effectively a rapid strain change due to a shock load, an optical fiber strain sensor device includes an FBG sensor mounted on an object to be measured, a broadband light source for directing a broadband wavelength light ray to the FBG sensor, and an FBG filter that reflects or transmits a light ray reflected from the FBG sensor, and, using the FBG filter, the optical fiber strain sensor device processes and detects a change in the center wavelength of the light ray that has been incident from the broadband light source and then has been reflected from the FBG sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: Hiroshi Tsuda
  • Publication number: 20040104338
    Abstract: Techniques for calibrating a laser scanner using a beam and camera which are swept in synchronization across a target object. A special calibration machine is disclosed. This machine mounts a completed scanner assembly and moves a target to collect camera output data from the scanner. The machine includes position sensing means which accurately determine the position of the target. The target position is then correlated to the camera output data for a variety of points. Curve-fitting techniques are then employed to create a mathematical function which converts the a given camera output datum to a distance from the scanner. The calibration machine is also used to create a table of correction factors which are used for different scanner mirror positions. The curve-fitting mathematical function, along with the table of error corrections, are then embedded in the software which converts the raw camera output data to computed points in three-dimensional space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Ralph W. Bennett, Robert W. Mayer, Harold F. Qualls, Steven F. Bellenot
  • Publication number: 20040104339
    Abstract: There is provided a scanning optical system which includes a light source, a line-like image forming optical system, a polygonal mirror, and an imaging optical system. The line-like image forming optical system forms a line-like image extending in the main scanning direction in the vicinity of a reflective surface of the polygonal mirror, and if the number of reflective surfaces of the polygonal mirror is less than or equal to six and if |m|>1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventor: Yutaka Takakubo
  • Publication number: 20040104340
    Abstract: A method for dynamically calibrating automatic infrared sensing devices in commercial use having an IR detector. Randomly reflected emitted IR radiation is detected by the IR detector which sends as IR detector output to a control module. The control module measures whether the detector output is too high or too low compared to a standard range of output values stored in the control module. An IR emitter input value is then determined to maintain IR detector output within the standard output range of values. This IR emitter input value is stored in the control module as a calibration standard until the next calibration cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas J. Watson
  • Publication number: 20040104341
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for investigating a hydrocarbon bearing geological formation traversed by a borehole are disclosed. A borehole tool is used to acquire a sample of fluid in the formation. Compositional analysis of the fluid sample is conducted to provide a determination of the composition of the sample. The sample composition is then related to a model of the thermodynamic behavior of the fluid; i.e., the mass fractions of the fluid components are used as inputs to an equation of state (EOS) to predict the phase behavior of the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Soraya S. Betancourt, Anthony Goodwin, Go Fujisawa, Oliver C. Mullins, Hani Elshahawi, Julian Pop, Terizhandur S. Ramakrishnan, Li Jiang
  • Publication number: 20040104342
    Abstract: There will be provided a mass spectrometer for detecting impurity in sample gas of a low flow rate. A mass spectrometer including: an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization source having a primary ionization part 28 for generating a primary ion by means of electric discharge of reagent gas, and a secondary ionization part 23 for generating an ion of the sample by a reaction of the primary ion and the sample; a mass spectrometric part 11 for performing mass spectrometric analysis of the ion generated; a mixing portion 33 for mixing the sample to be introduced into the secondary ionization part with dilution gas; and a mean 30 for controlling a flow rate of the dilution gas for flowing through the mixing portion; and a mean 12-1 or 12-2 or 12-3 for controlling a flow rate of the sample gas, wherein mixed gas obtained by mixing the sample with the dilution gas is introduced into the secondary ionization part and the sample is ionized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: Hitachi., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masuyoshi Yamada, Izumi Waki
  • Publication number: 20040104343
    Abstract: A sample plate is provided with a mass-spectrometry-use measuring-sample preparation area which serves as an ionization area used for ionizing the sample through laser irradiation, and a membrane affixing area which serves as a plane area on which the membrane bearing the sample adsorbed thereon is fixedly held. The mass-spectrometry-use measuring-sample preparation area is provided with spots at which the sample, extracted from the membrane fixedly affixed to the membrane affixing area, is dropped together with a matrix solution, and placed, and the spots are preferably regularly arranged thereon. Each of the spots preferably has a round structure surrounded by a groove on the periphery thereof so as to be dried in a converged state without being diffused from a fixed area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Masaru Furuta, Nobuhiro Hanafusa
  • Publication number: 20040104344
    Abstract: A thermal sensor for low level radiation with built-in photo-thermal gain utilizing a thin film of pyro-optical material to modulate the reflectivity and/or transmission of a photonic carrier beam. The photonic carrier beam is modulated by the temperature of the pyro-optical film and detected by typically a silicon detector. A slight temperature increase of the pyro-optical film due to absorption of low level radiation increases the coefficient of absorption of the photonic carrier beam which in turn causes a further increase in temperature of the pyro-optical film. The photonic carrier beam provides power to increase the temperature of the pyro-optical film beyond the heating caused by the absorption of low level radiation alone. This thermal amplification effect provides a radiation sensor with photo-thermal gain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: William N. Carr
  • Publication number: 20040104345
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a measuring system for determining exhaust gas emissions from a moving vehicle (20) by a remote optical measuring technique. According to the invention, the model and/or type of the vehicle (20) under examination is identified, and the driving situation of the vehicle (20) in question is determined at the moment of measurement. A calculatory vehicle model (211, 212) is used to determine a case-specific estimate for the carbon dioxide concentration (CO2) of the exhaust gas plume (40) depending on the vehicle in question and its driving situation. Invention improves the accuracy of determining the concentrations of the actual emission gases (NO, HC, CO) by eliminating the inaccuracy of the carbon dioxide concentration (CO2) values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Markku Kansakoski, Pentti Niemela
  • Publication number: 20040104346
    Abstract: Methods and systems for detection of multiple wavelengths of radiation are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided for detecting multiple wavelengths of light received within a predetermined wavelength range. The method comprises receiving light of a predetermined wavelength range from a source, and splitting the received light into multiple components having differing wavelengths. The method further comprises directing the components toward individual locations spaced from one another. In addition, this embodiment comprises detecting at least some of the components at the locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: John W. Devitt, Mark E. Greiner, Jeffrey J. Voelker, David R. Wade, Michael J. Garter
  • Publication number: 20040104347
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the detection of a minimum ionizing particle (MIP) are disclosed. A plurality of rectangular or triangularly shaped MIP sensitive scintillators can be configured from a plurality of nano-sized particles and a plastic material. A plastic light collector can then be associated with each triangularly-shaped MIP sensitive scintillator, such that each plastic light collector includes a central hole thereof. A wavelength-shifting fiber can then be located within the hole, wherein the wavelength-shifting fiber absorbs scintillation light having a wavelength thereof and remits the light at a longer wavelength to indicate the presence of at least one minimum ionizing particle. The rectangular or triangularly shaped MIP sensitive scintillators can be formed as a pair rectangular or triangularly shaped MIP sensitive scintillators and/or a plurality of such pairs for MIP detection thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Alan D. Bross, Kerry L. Mellott, Anna Pla-Dalmau
  • Publication number: 20040104348
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting x-rays are disclosed herein. One or more x-ray-sensitive scintillators can be configured from a plurality of heavy element nano-sized particles and a plastic material, such as polystyrene. As will be explained in greater detail herein, the heavy element nano-sized particles (e.g., PbWO4) can be compounded into the plastic material with at least one dopant that permits the plastic material to scintillate. X-rays interact with the heavy element nano-sized particles to produce electrons that can deposit energy in the x-ray sensitive scintillator, which in turn can produce light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Alan D. Bross, Kerry L. Mellott, Anna Pla-Dalmau
  • Publication number: 20040104349
    Abstract: A radiation monitor which utilises a CCD or a single chip camera with an active pixel array sensor as its radiation sensitive device. A shielding configuration has been utilised to mitigate the displacement damage threat in space environments, whilst also introducing a good degree of directional sensitivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Andrew M Chugg
  • Publication number: 20040104350
    Abstract: In a gamma camera, a plurality of radiation detector elements having a rod-shaped first electrode, a semiconductor device surrounds the first electrode to contact with it for entering a radiation, and a second electrode provided for the side surface of the semiconductor device are detachably attached to a holding member. The holding member has a first electrode contact portion contacted with the first electrode and a second electrode contact portion contacted with the second electrode. A collimator in which a plurality of radiation paths provided corresponding to the plurality of radiation detector elements are formed is arranged on the radiation entering side of the plurality of radiation detector elements. A &ggr;-ray detection signal outputted from the first electrode contact portion is sent to a signal processing integrated circuit. A high voltage is applied to the second electrode via the second electrode contact portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Katsutoshi Tsuchiya, Hiroshi Kitaguchi, Kazuma Yokoi, Kikuo Umegaki, Kensuke Amemiya, Yuuichirou Ueno, Norihito Yanagita, Shinichi Kojima
  • Publication number: 20040104351
    Abstract: In a photodiode array 1, incident-side depressions 7 formed by thinning from the incident surface side of light to be detected are arranged in an array, whereas opposite-side depressions 11 formed by thinning regions corresponding to regions formed with the incident-side depressions 7 from the side opposite from the incident surface are arranged in an array. The bottom of the opposite-side depressions 11 is formed with a pn junction 3, whereby photodiodes of pn junction type are arranged in an array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Katsumi Shibayama
  • Publication number: 20040104352
    Abstract: A modulated reflectance measurement system includes lasers for generating an intensity modulated pump beam and a UV probe beam. The pump and probe beams are focused on a measurement site within a sample. The pump beam periodically excites the measurement site and the modulation is imparted to the probe beam. For one embodiment, the wavelength of the probe beam is selected to correspond to a local maxima of the temperature reflectance coefficient of the sample. For a second embodiment, the probe laser is tuned to either minimize the thermal wave contribution to the probe beam modulation or to equalize the thermal and plasma wave contributions to the probe beam modulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Jon Opsal, Lena Nicolaides, Alex Salnik, Allan Rosencwaig
  • Publication number: 20040104353
    Abstract: A beam blanker array includes a base plate, a plurality of conductor pads, and a ground plate. The conductor pads are arranged in a one-dimensional array on the base plate. The ground plate is coupled to the base plate over the plurality of conductor pads with a gap between the base plate and the ground plate. Each of the plurality of conductor pads forms a beam blanker across the gap with the ground plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: C. Neil Berglund
  • Publication number: 20040104354
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and to a method for adapting the size of an ion beam spot in tumour irradiation. For that purpose, the apparatus has a raster scanning device composed of raster scanning magnets (20) for raster scanning the ion beam (19). In addition, the apparatus comprises quadrupole magnets (10) determining the size of the ion beam spot, which quadrupole magnets (10) are arranged directly in front of the raster scanning magnets (20), and finally two magnet power supply units (18) for the quadrupole doublet of the quadrupole magnets (10) determining the size of the ion beam spot, the apparatus having a control loop for obtaining current correction values, by comparing desired and actual values of the prevailing dimension of the beam, for two magnet power supply units (18) of the quadrupole doublet arranged directly in front of the raster scanning magnets (20), for defined homogenization and/or for defined variation of the size of the ion beam spot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas Haberer, Wolfgang Ott
  • Publication number: 20040104355
    Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus and method for simple fluorescence spectrometry in a downhole environment using a UV light source and UV fluorescence to determine a parameter of interest for a sample downhole. The UV light source illuminates the fluid, which in turn fluoresces light. The fluoresced light is transmitted back towards the UV light source and through the pathway towards an optical spectrum analyzer. API gravity is determined by correlation the wavelength of peak fluorescence and brightness of fluorescent emission of the sample. Asphaltene precipitation pressure is determined by monitoring the blue green content ratio for a sample under going depressurization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Rocco DiFoggio, Arnold Walkow, Paul Bergren, Louis Perez
  • Publication number: 20040104356
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting neutrons are disclosed. One or more neutron-sensitive scintillators can be configured from a plurality of nano-sized particles and a plastic material, such as polystyrene. The nano-sized particles can be compounded into the plastic material with at least one dopant that permits the plastic material to scintillate. One or more plastic light collectors can be associated with a neutron-sensitive scintillator, such that the plastic light collector includes a central hole thereof. A wavelength-shifting fiber can then be located within the hole. The wavelength shifting (WLS) fiber absorbs scintillation light having a wavelength thereof and remits the light at a longer wavelength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Alan D. Bross, Kerry L. Mellott, Anna Pla-Dalmau
  • Publication number: 20040104357
    Abstract: An electron beam exposure apparatus for exposing a wafer with an electron beam includes a section for generally controlling a wafer exposing system, a first buffer memory for temporarily storing exposure data, a second buffer memory for temporarily storing the exposure data, a first exposing section for irradiating the wafer with an electron beam based on exposure data output from the first buffer memory, and a first comparing section for comparing exposure data output from the first buffer memory with exposure data output from the second buffer memory and notifying the comparison results to the general control section. Further, an exposure apparatus and a pattern error detection method for accurately detecting an error of an exposure pattern formed to a wafer is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Kouji Fujiyoshi, Masami Takigawa
  • Publication number: 20040104358
    Abstract: The present invention presents a method and apparatus for reducing charging damage to a substrate is described. In particular, a method of operating a plasma processing system is described that leads to the removal of, or significant reduction of, the accumulated charge on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventor: Paul Moroz
  • Publication number: 20040104359
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus for illuminating a surface to be illuminated with radiation comprises a radiation source for generating a beam of radiation having a predetermined wavelength, a wavefront division type optical integrator including a plurality of unit optical systems, a condenser optical system for guiding the beams of radiation from the wavefront division type optical integrator to the surface to be illuminated, and a plurality of auxiliary optical members (OMA) for deflecting the beams of radiation through the unit optical systems. At least one of the auxiliary optical members is disposed corresponding to one of the unit optical systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: Nikon Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Komatsuda, Nobumichi Kanayamaya, Osamu Tanitsu, Masato Shibuya
  • Publication number: 20040104360
    Abstract: Apparatus for measuring an object (4) with at least one rectilinear edge or profile (4a, 4b) parallel to a given direction (y), comprising: a laser source (1) which emits radiation (2, 2a) which impinges on the said edge or profile; a first cylindrical converging lens (5) the directrices of which are parallel to the direction (y), disposed downstream of the object (4); a spatial filter (6) disposed in the focal plane (A) of the first converging lens (5); a second converging lens (7) disposed downstream of the spatial filter (6); and photosensors (8) disposed in the focal plant (F) of the second converging lens (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Enrico Maria Pirinoli
  • Publication number: 20040104361
    Abstract: The marking of identification and orientation information along the edge (E) of a semiconductor wafer (20, 20′) is disclosed. The information may be marked by way of laser marking at one or more locations (10) along a flat portion (14) or bevel (12t, 12b) of the edge (E) of the wafer (20, 20′). The wafer marking (10) may be encoded, for example by way of a 2-D bar code. A system (30) for reading the identification information from wafers (20, 20′) in a carrier (32) is also disclosed. The system (30) includes a sensor (36) for sensing reflected light from the wafer markings (10) along the wafer edge (E), and for decoding identification and orientation therefrom. A motor (38), under the control of feedback (RFB) from the sensor (36), rotates the wafers (20, 20′) by way of a roller (39) until the wafer marking (10) is in view by the sensor (36). A processing system (40), which includes a rotatable chuck (41) upon which the wafer (20, 20′) is placed, is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Richard L. Guldi, Keith W. Melcher, John Williston
  • Publication number: 20040104362
    Abstract: An image recording medium for recording image information by storing electric charges generated in response to exposure to an electromagnetic wave carrying the image information. The image recording medium includes: an electrode transparent to the electromagnetic wave; a recording-side photoconductive layer which contains a-Se as a main component, and generates electric charges when exposed to the electromagnetic wave; and a suppression layer which is arranged between the electrode and the recording-side photoconductive layer, and suppresses interfacial crystallization in the recording-side photoconductive layer. The suppression layer is made of an organic material which behaves as an insulator against electric charges having the opposite polarity to electric charges which move from the recording-side photoconductive layer to the electrode at the time of recording, and as a conductor of charges having the same polarity as the electric charges which move to the electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shinji Imai
  • Publication number: 20040104363
    Abstract: A radiation image storage panel having a stimulable phosphor layer and a light-reflecting layer provided thereon, wherein the phosphor layer scatters both of a stimulating light and a stimulated emission emitted by the phosphor layer with a scattering length of 5 to 20 &mgr;m and said light-reflecting layer scatters a stimulating light with a scattering length of 5 &mgr;m or less is favorably employable for giving a reproduced radiation image having good quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hideki Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20040104364
    Abstract: A device and method for reading out information stored in a storage layer using a receiving device. The storage layer is supported on a support surface that is defined by an x-y plane and a relative movement is generated between the receiving device and the storage layer in the x direction. The receiving device or the storage layer is guided during the generation of the relative movement by a guide system on a guide surface. Using first and second partial guides, an interspacing is adjusted in a z direction that lies perpendicular to the x-y plane, on either side—viewed in the z direction—of the support surface. The guide surface is independent of the storage layer and the first and second partial guides are connected to one another and are pretensioned against one another, and act in a pincer-like manner on the support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventor: Werner Stahl