Abstract: Spectral measurement devices and methods able to provide EEMs and other spectral measurements. The devices rapidly and specifically illuminate a sample and detect resulting light emanating from the sample. Such devices can use acousto-optic tunable filters (AOTFs) to selectively illuminate the sample with illumination light substantially only in a desired illumination wavelength(s). This provides high detection sensitivity, large measurement dynamic range and scans of the full 400-1000 nm light range (or more) at rates as fast as about 1 second, or even as fast as video rates. In another aspect, methods and systems relating to the analysis of autofluorescence emanating from melanin under long wavelength visible light (VIS) and near infrared (NIR) excitation.

Abstract: A UV fluorescence detection system is provided comprising a dielectric barrier-discharge excimer lamp, an applied excitation source for communication with the excimer lamp; a fluorescence chamber having a sample gas containing sulfur dioxide, a light sensitive detector is in operative association with the sample chamber; and a signal analyzing and conditioning device for determining the sulfur dioxide content of the sample. The dielectric barrier-discharge excimer lamp possesses a krypton-chloride excimer fill gas mixture. An excitation interference filter and a fluorescence filter may be used in association with the lamp and chamber.

Abstract: An X-ray cassette for computed radiography is provided, said cassette having a form of a hollow box comprising top and bottom, front and rear, and lateral sides, said top and bottom sides having width dimensions, between said lateral sides, and depth dimensions, between said front and rear sides, which are substantially greater than the dimensions of said front, rear and lateral sides, between said top and bottom sides, wherein said bottom side and said front, rear and lateral sides have a higher material stiffness than the top side and wherein said top side is a deformable carrier or support material, supporting a storage or stimulable phosphor sheet layer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for shaping an illumination pattern for off-axis lithography are disclosed. A disclosed apparatus includes a first and second reflecting objective. The first reflecting objective includes a first reflective surface that reflects input light having an on-axis illumination pattern through a first focal point. The second reflecting objective includes a second reflective surface that receives the reflected light through the first focal point and through a second focal point aligned with the first focal point, and reflects the reflected light through in an off-axis illumination pattern. A disclosed method includes receiving collimated light with a conventional illumination pattern centered on an optical axis, symmetrically reflecting the collimated light in multiple directions away from the optical axis and reflecting the reflected light to create output light having an off-axis illumination pattern symmetrical about the optical axis.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention comprises a method for curing a UV curable clearcoat composition. The method comprising providing an article and applying a UV curable clearcoat composition to the article. The method further comprises exposing the UV curable clearcoat composition to a first light source having a first average light intensity for a first period of time, which is sufficient to cure a first portion of the UV curable clearcoat composition, and exposing the UV curable clearcoat composition to a second light source having a second average light intensity less than the first average intensity for a second period of time which is sufficient to cure a second portion of the UV curable clearcoat composition. The first and second portions form a cured clearcoat. In at least one embodiment, a system for curing a UV curable clearcoat composition is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ion beam irradiation device including a holder supporting a substrate; and an ion beam source that is a predetermined distance from the substrate and inclined to be substantially parallel with the substrate and that irradiates the substrate with an ion beam.

Abstract: A maskless lithography system is disclosed that includes an array of focusing elements, each of which focuses an energy beam from an array of sources into an array of focal spots in order to create a permanent pattern on an adjacent substrate.

Abstract: A diamond insulator collar and methods for fabricating a diamond insulator collar for electrical discharge gas plasma EUV source. The insulating collar is positioned at the base of the central electrode in the pre-ionization region of the plasma head. The insulating collar prevents electrical shorting between the outer electrode and the central electrode in this region. In one embodiment of a method for providing a wire mesh-reinforced diamond insulator collar, a mandrel is provided that replicates the shape of the base of the central electrode. A wire mesh is wrapped around the mandrel conforming to the shape of the mandrel. The wire mesh is coated with electrically insulating diamond using known plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques to form a non-porous coating. The mandrel is removed from the diamond-coated wire mesh providing a porous-free wire-reinforced diamond insulator collar. Embodiments of non-wire reinforced collars are presented.

Abstract: An improved nuclear shielding material based on a resistant organic matrix that is flexible or resilient after room temperature polymerization, and sufficiently fluid before polymerization so as to effectively fill voids in radiation containment structures. The material can be formulated to undergo pyrolysis and transform into a strong ceramic material. Along with the organic matrix the material contains a primary radiation shielding component such as tungsten carbide powder. Additional optional components include: a neutron absorbing/gamma blocking compound such as boron carbide powder, a heat conducting material such as diamond powder, a high temperature resistant compound such as silicon dioxide powder, a second neutron blocking compound which also imparts electrical conductivity, namely barium sulfate powder, and a hydrogen gas surpassing component which readily absorbs hydrogen such as sponge palladium. Refractory materials and rare earth oxides can be included to favor effective ceramic transition.

Abstract: While the alignment beam is focused on a mark on the substrate table, the substrate table is moved substantially perpendicularly to the alignment beam. If the image of the mark moves relative to a reference mark, then the substrate and the alignment beam are not perpendicular. The mark on the substrate table is aligned to a plurality of reference marks. At least two substrate marks are then aligned with a single reference mark. Errors due to the inclination of the alignment beam are eliminated from the expansion and rotation values calculated for the substrate.

Abstract: A system and an apparatus for detecting explosive in real time is provided for. The apparatus involves a chamber in which items pass through or people walk through for detecting said explosive particles in real time. The explosive particles from either the people or items will be deposited into a cell by an influx of air flow from the chamber flowing to the cell. The cell includes a heating device and an optical scheme. The cell is heated to a predetermined temperature in which the explosive particles are divided into small molecular components that can be detected. The optical scheme detects the smaller molecules. The computer system controls the apparatus and analyzes the data gathered.

Abstract: A digitally-controlled pyroelectric signal sampling circuit is proposed, which is designed to process the alternating current (AC) signal from a pyroelectric device, such as a pyroelectric infrared sensor, such that the AC signal is converted into direct current (DC) signal. The proposed digitally-controlled pyroelectric signal sampling circuit is characterized by the use of a microprocessor in conjunction with a crystal oscillator whose operating characteristics would be substantially unaffected by temperature changes in the ambient environment. This feature allows the generated trigger signal and sampling signals to be substantially fixed in frequencies and timings, without drifting due to temperature changes in the ambient environment, and therefore allows the digitally-controlled pyroelectric signal sampling circuit of the invention to provide a more accurate DC output than prior art.

Abstract: In cutting devices (10), it is necessary to preset the specimen (14) onto the knife (16). The use of a light barrier (30) is proposed in order to facilitate and automate this presetting operation, which is intended to ensure maximally rapid and accurate positioning of the knife (16) relative to the specimen (14). The light barrier (30) is positioned between the knife (16) and the specimen (14), and is preferably arranged parallel to the knife edge (15). As soon as the light barrier (30) is interrupted, a defined spacing (25) between knife (16) and specimen (14) is ascertained, and is used to shut off the automatic feed or to switch over to a different drive system.

Abstract: A radiation image read-out apparatus includes a plurality of radiation image convertor panels superposed one on another in a direction in which radiation passing through an object propagates. A separator separates the superposed radiation image convertor panels exposed to the radiation passing through the object from one another by moving in a parallel displacement and/or rotating about an axis on a plane parallel to the surfaces of the radiation image convertor panels one or more of the superposed radiation image convertor panels relatively to the others. A single detecting head detects stimulated emission emitted from each of the radiation image convertor panels separated by the separator.

Abstract: An articulated slip for a slip ram includes a plurality of articulated linked segments, attached to vertical pins or axles which are parallel to the axis of a coiled tubing, for rotatable movement of the linked segments. The articulated linked segments are concave for abutting contact with a tubular through the slip ram. The pins are mounted to a slip ram, which comprises a piston within a cylinder, in the conventional manner for a blowout preventer (BOP) ram. When the slip ram is actuated, the ram moves forward, wrapping the articulated elements around coiled tubing in a gripping motion, much like the fingers of a human hand.

Abstract: An actuator assembly and method for making and using an actuator assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly includes an actuator body having an actuator channel with a first region and a second region. An actuator is disposed in the actuator channel and is movable when in a flowable state between a first position and a second position. A heater is positioned proximate to the actuator channel to heat the actuator from a solid state to a flowable state. A source of gas or other propellant is positioned proximate to the actuator channel to drive the actuator from the first position to the second position. The actuator has a higher surface tension when engaged with the second region of the channel than when engaged with the first region. Accordingly, the actuator can halt upon reaching the second region of the channel due to the increased surface tension between the actuator and the second region of the channel.

Abstract: A fluid control servo-solenoid valve with self-contained actuating fluid includes a housing configured as a small, elongate body having a pair of lengthwise sides and a pair of widthwise sides each relatively shorter than either of the lengthwise sides, whereby the valve inlet and the valve outlet are each disposed on a respective one of the widthwise outer sides of the housing and the inlet/outlet flow direction extends parallel to the housing longitudinal axis. The fluid control servo-solenoid valve with self-contained actuating fluid also includes a differential piston disposed in the housing such that its movement is perpendicular to the housing longitudinal axis. The pilot valve of the fluid control servo-solenoid valve with self-contained actuating fluid is dismountably secured on the respective smaller outer side of the housing on which the valve outlet is located.

Abstract: The invention is therefore directed to a rotary valve actuating system coupled to a pipeline for a pressurized fluid, the actuating system being coupled to the rotary valve to selectively cause operation of the valve. The valve actuating system comprises at least two reservoirs having an amount of an operating liquid in a first portion being coupled to an external source of pressurized fluid in a second portion thereof. A slideable piston is positioned within each of the reservoirs to isolate the first and second portions, and upon application of pressure from the external pressurized fluid against the slideable piston, operating liquid is supplied to actuate the rotary valve. In this manner, the operating liquid is isolated from the external source of pressurized fluid, such as supplied from the pipeline.

Abstract: An actuator including a pneumatically distended elastomer membrane that is pressurized and depressurized using electrostatically actuated flap valves laminated onto a printed circuit board. The flap valves close only at zero pressure gradients and flows so that elevated closing and hold-off pressures are achieved. Fluid expelled from the elastomer membranes during collapse are vented through a wall of the actuator. An air jet object mover utilizes an array of the pneumatic actuators as valves to open and close air jet vents. A fiber optic micro-switch utilizes pneumatic actuators to position a mirror.

Abstract: An adjustment device for adjusting a control element of a flap valve in heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems includes a drive motor, and a drive train in driving relationship with the drive motor. The drive train has an output member which is connected to a control element to be adjusted. A recorder is provided for recognizing and/or adjusting a position of the control element and/or a component of the drive train, wherein the recorder has a control member which is directly connected in form-fitting engagement with the output member of the drive train.

Abstract: An adaptor is provided for connecting a valve to a pipe fitting, wherein the valve and the fitting have different diameters. The adaptor has a first end sized for insertion into the pipe fitting and retention thereby, and a second threaded end for threadably receiving an end of the valve. The adaptor allows a portion of the valve to be recessed within the fitting, and provides a compact, strong connection between the valve and the fitting.

Abstract: A tapping valve of plastics material for transport and storage containers for liquids, which is constructed as a flap valve or ball valve, includes a valve housing with an inlet connection connectable to an outlet connection of the liquid container and an outlet connection, wherein the outlet connection of the valve body is welded to the male part of a Kamlok coupling for connecting a discharge hose. The valve housing is of a polyethylene of high density and the male part of the Kamlok coupling is of a glass fiber-reinforced polyethylene of high density.

Abstract: A one-way valve assembly can be fitted to the end of a syringe to allow fluid to flow from the syringe and into a body cavity but to prevent backflow. The valve assembly is opened by insertion of the luer tip of the syringe into the assembly inlet. The valve has an internal elastic member that forms a variable volume internal chamber. This chamber expands upon insertion of the luer tip into the inlet and shrinks when the luer tip is removed from the assembly. The shrinking action creates a positive pressure in the valve assembly to prevent backflow.

Abstract: A self-sealing male Luer connector for connection with a female Luer connector. The male Luer connector includes a housing having a distally-projecting tubular male body and a surrounding cuff interconnected by a proximal wall in which is formed at least one activation opening. A valve plug is slidably installed within the housing and formed with a distal end configured to sealingly engage the distal end of the male body's interior flow passage and with at least one activation arm at its proximal end configured to extend through the activation opening into the cavity formed between the male body and the cuff. An elastomeric device is sealingly configured within the activation opening about the activation arm to secure the valve plug in position and bias it distally. The proximal end of the male Luer connector may be configured as a conventional female connector, a blood collection device, or other such device.

Abstract: A coupling for an air hose that reduces or eliminates whipping of the free end of the hose when the coupling is detached. The coupling comprises a one-piece plug member, the plug member comprising a fitting at a first axial end, the fitting being adapted for connection to an air hose, an external circumferential groove, a beveled external shoulder forming a wall of the groove, an axial bore, the axial bore being closed at a second axial end of the plug member, and a plurality of air passages intersecting the axial bore near the closed end of the bore; a two-piece coupler member, the coupler member receiving the plug member and releasably locking with the groove on the plug member; the coupler member comprising a ring seal trapped between the two pieces of the coupler member, and a valve member seatable on an axial side of the ring seal.

Abstract: A manual control mechanism for a lift unit having a lift arm and a hydraulic cylinder for lifting the lift arm up and down. The mechanism includes a control valve configured as a three-position switchover valve for selectively providing lowering, neutral and elevating conditions according to a spool position for controlling movement of the hydraulic cylinder, a lift lever for manually operating the control valve and an operational path for guiding operational displacement of the lift lever. The operational path includes an inching operational path for operating the hydraulic cylinder at a creeping speed by slightly opening a port of the control valve and a main operational path for operating the control valve over an entire stroke range thereof. An operational feel when the lift lever is operationally displaced along the inching operational path is different from an operational feel when the lift lever is operationally displaced along the main operational path.

Abstract: A valve assembly including a housing having an opening defined by a valve seat, a valve body movable within the housing between a completely opened position disengaged from the valve seat and a completely closed position engaging the valve seat, and a sleeve movable longitudinally along, and rotatably about, a longitudinal axis. The sleeve is connected to the valve body so that the valve body can rotate and move longitudinally with the sleeve. One of the housing and the sleeve includes a cam surface, and the other of the housing and the sleeve includes a cam follower received by the cam surface. A rotatable shaft is in threaded engagement with the sleeve so that rotation of the shaft causes at least one of rotation and longitudinal movement of the sleeve against the cam follower.

Abstract: A valve seal structure enabling the replacement of a metal seal ring, comprising a main body, a metal seat ring prepared separately from the main body to seal a flow channel of the main body, a set ring assembling the metal ring seat to the main body at the periphery of the flow channel in a detachable manner, a first elastomeric ring sheet to seal the boundary between the metal seal ring and the main body and a second ring sheet to seal the boundary between the metal seat ring and the set ring.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a refrigeration heat exchanger section useful in circulating a substantially non-HCFC refrigerant mixture which comprises: a compressor means, an auxiliary condenser, a first condenser, a second condenser, a third condenser, a subcooler and a liquid/gas separator, wherein a subcooled refrigerant liquid mixture taken as bottoms from the liquid/gas separator is distributed and expanded by a first expansion means and a second expansion means to form first and second expanded streams, respectively, such that the first expanded stream is returned to the auxiliary condenser and compressor in order to avoid overheating of the compressor.

Abstract: A urea based granule blend configured for ice-melting and reducing granule caking, the blend comprising substantially pure urea granules comprising an ice-melting property and formaldehyde coated urea granules configured for reducing granule caking, wherein the blend is configured for ice-melting when in use and reducing granule caking when in storage.

Abstract: Described are fluorinated polyether compounds having a molecular weight range between 750 g/mol and 4000 g/mol where such polyether compounds are intermediates used in fluorinated compositions for treating various substrates.

Abstract: The present invention provides supported peroxides, and a method of forming supported peroxides. Supported peroxides according to the invention are solid particles that include an organic peroxide and a metallic soap. In accordance with the method of the invention, supported peroxides are preferably formed by dispersing a mixture that includes at least one peroxide and at least one C4 to C30 carboxylic acid into an aqueous solution that includes a compound that is capable of reacting with the C4 to C30 carboxylic acid to form a water soluble soap. Dispersing the mixture into the aqueous solution results in the formation of an emulsion. A polyvalent metal compound that is capable of reacting with the water soluble soap to form a water insoluble metallic soap is then added to the emulsion, which converts the water soluble soap into a water insoluble metallic soap that precipitates from the solution. The organic peroxide is entrained within the precipitate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a birefringent marking comprising a liquid crystal material. The invention further relates to method of providing such a birefringent marking and to the use of the birefringent marking for decorative or security applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to fluorinated aromatics of the formula (I) 1

Abstract: The present invention provides a conductor composition that can form a conductor pattern having a good shape precision and a method for producing an electronic component using the composition. This conductor composition contains an organic vehicle, and a conductive powder (typically Ag powder) made of a noble metal or an alloy based on a noble metal, contained in a mass ratio of 80 mass % or more in the conductor composition, and having an average particle size of 0.8 &mgr;m or less, and a ratio (D50/Dmin) of the medium value D50 of the particle sizes to the minimum value Dmin of the detectable particle sizes of 5 or less. This conductor composition has preferably a ratio (V1rpm/V10rpm) of the vicosity V1rpm 1 rpm and the viscosity V10rpm 10 rpm is in the range from 2 to 5.

Abstract: A conductive paste for defogging heat wires of automobile windows contains a silver powder having particle size in the range of about 0.1 to 20 &mgr;m, a molybdenum compound such as molybdenum silicide or molybdenum boride, a glass frit having s softening point of 730° C. or less and an organic vehicle. The conductive paste can uniformly darken the conductive heat wire regions of the automobile window without producing any harmful substances. Also, it can ensure sufficient bonding strength of lead wires.

Abstract: A negative electrode material comprising carbonaceous powder serving as a nucleus, and a carbon layer formed on the surface of the powder, characterized in that the carbon layer, when observed under a transmission electron microscope, has crystalline carbon regions and amorphous carbon regions in a bright-field image thereof, and that the ratio of the intensity of a peak at 1,360 cm−1 in a laser Raman spectrum of the carbon layer to that of a peak at 1,580 cm−1 in the spectrum is 0.3 or less. Also disclosed is a method for producing the negative electrode material, an electrode paste, an electrode, and a secondary battery including the electrode.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system which allows for the rapid application of a water immobilizing dispersion in sufficient quantities to increase the fire protective and wetting characteristics of water. This system also increases the evaporative cooling and quenching effects of water. The primary constituents of the composition of this system are water, purified Attapulgite clay, and an environmentally safe salt, e.g., magnesium sulfate.

Abstract: A rolling jack (10) for lifting, moving and holding vehicles (54) for transport repair and maintenance having two lateral side tubular members (12a,b) each with straight and arcuate sections, the side members being spaced apart and connected to each other by cross-members, a first cross-member (22) connecting the arcuate section and a second cross-member (34) to the straight section of the side members. The first cross member has a pin portion (44) for engaging an axle or other component of a vehicle. The second cross member has a sleeve (36) for inserting a leverage handle (42) for grasping by hands during the use of the rolling jack. An axle (58) having wheels (40a,b) on each end is affixed to a curved portion of the arcuate section of the side of the lateral side members on which the vehicle is supported when the rolling jack is used to move a vehicle as desired.

Abstract: A liquid crystalline composite comprising a liquid crystalline polymer, particulate filler, and fibrous web. Further disclosed is a method for forming the liquid crystalline polymer composite. The liquid crystalline polymer composite is useful in circuit materials, circuits, and multi-layer circuits, economical to make, and has excellent flame retardant properties.

Abstract: A chalcogenide comprising material is formed to a first thickness over the first conductive electrode material. The chalcogenide material comprises AxBy. A metal comprising layer is formed to a second thickness over the chalcogenide material. The metal comprising layer defines some metal comprising layer transition thickness for the first thickness of the chalcogenide comprising material such that when said transition thickness is met or exceeded, said metal comprising layer when diffused within said chalcogenide comprising material transforms said chalcogenide comprising material from an amorphous state to a crystalline state. The second thickness being less than but not within 10% of said transition thickness. The metal is irradiated effective to break a chalcogenide bond of the chalcogenide material at an interface of the metal and chalcogenide material and diffuse at least some of the metal into the chalcogenide material.

Abstract: A microelectronic programmable structure suitable for storing information, and array including the structure and methods of forming and programming the structure are disclosed. The programmable structure generally includes an ion conductor and a plurality of electrodes. Electrical properties of the structure may be altered by applying energy to the structure, and thus information may be stored using the structure.

Abstract: Alloy memory structures and methods are disclosed wherein a layer or volume of alloy material changes conductivity subsequent to introduction of a electron beam current-induced change in phase of the alloy, the conductivity change being detected using current detection means such as photon-emitting P-N junctions, and being associated with a change in data bit memory state.

Abstract: A quantum semiconductor device includes quantum dots formed by S-K growth process taking place in a heteroepitaxial system wherein the relationship between the energy level of light holes and the energy level of heavy holes in the valence band is changed by optimizing the in-plane strain and the vertical strain accumulated in a quantum dot.

Abstract: An organic semiconductor polymer for a thin film transistor, the polymer comprising a unit having n-type semiconductor properties and a unit having p-type semiconductor properties in the polymer backbone, and an organic thin film transistor using the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor device capable of preventing a pattern collapse phenomenon in a cell edge area in which a pattern is more fragile. The inventive semiconductor device having a lower pattern density in an edge area than in a central area of a wafer includes a plurality of bar-type patterns allocated at a predetermined distance in the central area of the wafer; a plurality of dummy patterns formed in the edge area; and a plurality of a connection pattern for coupling at least two of the bar-type patterns to each other, wherein the connection patterns of the plurality of dummy patterns is allocated in a zigzag fashion.

Abstract: A test structure and a test method for determining misalignment occurring in integrated circuit manufacturing processes are provided. The test structure includes a first conductive layer having a first testing structure and a second testing structure, a dielectric layer thereon, and a second conductive layer on the dielectric layer. The second conductive layer includes a third testing structure and a fourth testing structure, which respectively overlap a portion of the first testing structure and the second testing structure in a first direction and a second direction. The first direction is opposite to the second direction. The method includes a step of measuring the electrical characteristic between the first and the second conductive layers to calculate an offset amount caused by the misalignment.

Abstract: A wafer support plate comprises a support surface on which a semiconductor wafer is supported, and a crystal orientation mark which indicates the crystal orientation of the semiconductor wafer. Even the semiconductor wafer thinned by grinding can be stably held on the support surface, and the crystal orientation can be recognized even when the outer periphery of the semiconductor wafer has chipped.

Abstract: An array substrate for a transflective liquid crystal display device includes: a gate line on a substrate; a data line crossing the gate line to define a pixel region having a transmissive portion and a reflective portion; a common line parallel to and spaced apart from the gate line; a thin film transistor connected to the gate and data lines, the thin film transistor including a gate electrode, an active layer, and source and drain electrodes; a capacitor electrode extending from the drain electrode and overlapping the common line; a reflective layer covering the common line and the thin film transistor and corresponding to the reflective portion; and a transparent electrode connected to the drain electrode and disposed in the pixel region.

Abstract: A thin film transistor with a channel less than 100 angstroms thick, preferably less than 80 angstroms thick, preferably less than 60 angstroms thick. The very thin channel reduces variability of threshold voltage from one TFT to the next. This is particularly advantageous for TFT memory arrays. It is possible that an extremely thin channel restricts the size of grains, forcing many small grains to be formed.