Abstract: A pendulum mount supports a display screen for a dental patient. This pendulum mount includes a ceiling mount that mechanically couples to the ceiling. The ceiling mount allows rotation relative to the ceiling while internally routing cables for power, video, audio or other feeds to the display. A support arm mechanically couples to the ceiling mounts with a first joint. The cables exit the conduit at the first joint and enter the support arm. Then the cables run within the support arm to a second joint. Tension between the support arm and the ceiling mount counterbalances the moment of the display. A mounting assembly mechanically couples to the support arm via a second joint at the far end of the support arm to support the display for the dental patient. As with the first joint, cables exit the support arm and may directly couple to the display screen.

Abstract: A seat track mechanism for a vehicle seat, comprises a pair of substantially parallel movable rails attached to the vehicle seat, a pair of substantially parallel stationary rails attached to a floor section of a vehicle, the movable rails being combined with the stationary rails so as to be slidable along the stationary rails, and shutter members for covering the stationary rails, the shutter members being movably supported to the stationary rails so as to pass around one ends of the stationary rails, around the other ends of the stationary rails, and then under bottom portions of the stationary rails, the shutter members having openings, and the movable rails being combined with the stationary rails through the openings of the shutter members.

Abstract: A flag holder, either free-standing or attached to a surface. The commemorative memorial flag holder is designed to easily adhere to cemetery monuments. The commemorative flag holder may have double stick adhesive on the back to adhere to cemetery monuments. The commemorative memorial flag holder with a flat bottom is made for foot-stones or to be placed on the base of cemetery monuments. The commemorative memorial flag holder with a flat bottom may have a double stick adhesive on the bottom to adhere to foot-stones or the base of cemetery monuments.

Abstract: A display assembly holds a flag upright for display at all times through use of a horizontal support bar. The horizontal support bar may include a gripping collar. The display assembly includes a mast of a certain diameter and a mounting bracket. The gripping collar fits securely onto the mast, so that the horizontal support bar is coupled to the display assembly. When a flag is simultaneously attached to both the mast of the assembly and the horizontal support bar, the flag remains upright. The assembly can be mounted to a fixture, such as the window of an automobile, by a mounting bracket or other similar device.

Abstract: A method for molding a thick part without significant surface distortion is disclosed. A cavity mold having a first core mold portion with strakes is used to create a first molded form having ribs proportioned and spaced apart to prevent distortions on one surface of the part due to shrinkage. A second core mold portion replaces the first core mold portion for creation of a second molded form having complementary ribs which are similarly proportioned to prevent distortions in an opposite surface of the part. The first form acts as a mold for the second form, the complementary ribs fuse together and form a homogeneous mass between the opposite surfaces of the part.

Abstract: A compact device for quantifying and showing a time interval wherein an individual is exposed to lights in particular sunlight that cause the synthesis and production of vitamin D and its related precursors and derivatives adaptable to convert a quantity of absorbed sunlight to a quantity of electricity which is used to correlate, quantify and show the time interval required for the aforementioned synthesis and production by the body and skin subject to the same source, intensity and condition of light. The device also comprises various functions of tracking and showing various time intervals and junctures and maintaining and showing a flowsheet of time intervals and the acquisitions of vitamin D and its related precursors and derivatives.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring optoelectronic characterstics of an organic light emitting diode, comprising a computer, a power supply and a cavity. The cavity comprises a tooling, on which at least one photodiode is mounted. The computer is used to control the power supply for lighting up the organic light emitting diode, so as to control the optoelectronic characteristic measuring equipment for measuring a brightness generated by the organic light emitting diode. Thereby, the automatic measurement is attained.

Abstract: A method for measuring optoelectronic characterstics of an organic light emitting diode. A computer, a power supply and a cavity are provided. The cavity has a tooling, on which at least one photodiode is mounted. A high temperature, high humidity, or high temperature and humidity condition is applied to the cavity. The computer is used to control the power supply for supplying a current or a voltage to the organic light emitting diode to generate a light with a brightness. A signal carrying brightness information of the light is then transmitted to the computer (two signals with different brightness have to be input to the computer first) for performing data process.

Abstract: A circuit includes a decoder for receiving an address within an address space of a processor and for accessing a pixel in an active pixel sensor array based on the address. The decoder maps the active pixel sensor array to the address space. The circuit can also provide sequencing of these addresses such that a group of pixels can be read out without additional addressing from a processor. There is also provided a method of processing pixel imperfections in real time. Pixel integration can be programmed on any single pixel or group of pixels in the array as well as windowed readout. A method of target discrimination is also disclosed.

Abstract: A lens system disclosed in the present application comprises: in order from the front to the rear, a first lens element having a meniscus shape whose concave surface is directed rearward and having a negative optical power; an aperture stop; a second lens element whose both lens surfaces have a convex shape; a third lens element whose both lens surfaces have a concave, and a fourth lens element whose rear surface has a convex shape and having a positive optical power. Thus, a lens system which maintains telecentricity and high optical performance despite a simple and small-sized structure is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for suppressing mutual interference in optical sensors without additional control or installation requirement and a corresponding multi-sensor system are disclosed. The sensors (13) receive communication calls, by means of a bus (14), with which time windows for the transmission and receiving of light impulses are synchronised. Said multi-sensor system is provided with a control module, which serves for data exchange with the sensors (13) during the communication call by means of a bus (14), whereby a parameterisation of the sensors (13) occurs by means of which the time windows are fixed.

Abstract: An optical encoder comprises a light source unit, a scale which has a periodic optical pattern and displaces relatively to the light source unit, and a light detector to detect a light beam emitted from a light source of the light source unit and traveled by way of the scale. The light source unit has a light beam exit opening through which a light beam is emitted toward the scale. Assuming that z1 is a distance between the light beam exit opening and the scale, z2 is a distance between the scale and the light detector, and p1 is a pitch of the periodic optical pattern of the scale, the width W of the light beam exit opening in the scale moving direction is determined depending on the values of z1, z2, and p1.

Abstract: A diffraction laser encoder apparatus for positional and movement information measurement of a target made with a diffraction grating. The diffraction laser encoder has a laser light source for generating a source beam. A polarization beam splitter assembly comprises a polarization beam splitter for receiving the source beam for splitting a P-polarization component and an S-polarization component of the source beam into parallel and offset beams. A focusing lens focuses the P-polarization component and the S-polarization component beams onto the target diffraction grating and returning diffracted P-polarization and diffracted S-polarization beams back into the polarization beam splitter for generating a detector beam coaxially containing the diffracted P-polarization and the diffracted S-polarization beams. A detector assembly receives the detector beam for electrical processing and analysis for resolving the positional and movement information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided to obtain efficient Electron capture dissociation (ECD) of positive ions, particularyly useful in the mass spectrometric analysis of complex samples such as of complex mixtures and large biomolecules of peptides and proteins. Due to the low efficiency of ECD as previously used, the technique has so far only been employed with Penning cell ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometers, where the ions are confined by a combination of magnetic and electrostatic fields. To substantially increase the efficiency of electron capture, the invention makes use of a high-intensity electron source producing a high-flux low-energy electron beam of a diameter comparable to that of the confinement volume of ions. Such a beam possesses trapping properties for positive ions. The ions confined by electron beam effectively capture electrons, which leads much shorter analysis time.

Abstract: The presence of trace molecules in air may be determined using an ion mobility spectrometer. Such devices may be used in the fields of explosives detection, identification of narcotics, and in applications characterized by the presence of very low airborne concentrations of organic molecules of special interest. The sensitivity of such instruments may depend upon on the method of gas sampling utilized. A virtual wall gas sampling system can greatly improve the sampling efficiency, particularly when the sampling needs to be performed at a distance from the air intake and large volumes need to be sampled. The virtual wall gas sampling system consists of an intake gas flow and a separate group of one or more sheet-like gas flows, which may be either mutually deflected to move with a circular motion or may be formed into a cylindrical bounding surface.

Abstract: An electrospray device is disclosed. The electrospray device comprises a substrate defining a channel between an entrance orifice on an injection surface and an exit orifice on an ejection surface, a nozzle defined by a portion recessed from the ejection surface surrounding the exit orifice, and an electrode for application of an electric potential to the substrate to optimize and generate an electrospray; and, optionally, additional electrode(s) to further modify the electrospray.

Abstract: The resonance frequency of the resonant circuit, which is used to apply the RF high voltage to an electrode of the ion trap device, is deliberately shifted from the frequency of the RF driver (driving frequency). This reduces the influence of the deviation in the resonance frequency caused by the change in the RF high voltage on the shift in the phase difference between the output of the RF driver and the RF high voltage. This minimizes the degradation of various performances of the ion trap device relating to the phase difference, such as the shift in the peaks of the mass spectrum, and enhances the precision and sensitivity of the mass analysis of the mass spectrometers using the ion trap device.

Abstract: A nanostructure is used to generate a highly localized nanoscale optical field. The field is excited using surface plasmon amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (SPASER). The SPASER radiation consists of surface plasmons that undergo stimulated emission, but in contrast to photons can be localized within a nanoscale region. A SPASER can incorporate an active medium formed by two-level emitters, excited by an energy source, such as an optical, electrical, or chemical energy source. The active medium may be quantum dots, which transfer excitation energy by radiationless transitions to a resonant nanosystem that can play the same role as a laser cavity in a conventional laser. The transitions are stimulated by the surface plasmons in the nanostructure, causing the buildup of a macroscopic number of surface plasmons in a single mode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a very-reliable charging control technique without a process requiring experience and skill to suppress charging which occurs in the surface of a sample containing an insulating material, and provides an apparatus for a charged particle beam, of generally excellent analyzing and sample fabricating efficiency. In an apparatus for a charged particle beam having: a charged particle source; a charged particle optical system for focusing and deflecting a charged particle beam emitted from the charged particle source; a detector for detecting secondary particles emitted from a sample irradiated with the charged particle beam; and a sample holder on which the sample is mounted, the apparatus has an electrode for preventing charging which is provided so as to be movable with respect to the surface of the sample holder, and a controller for the electrode for preventing charging, which controls a voltage to be applied to the electrode for preventing charging and the movement.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes an IR or other light source that produces light at a first wavelength that is modulated according to a desired image. The modulated light is then applied to a phosphor that converts the light to a second wavelength in the visible range. In one embodiment, the image source is a scanned light beam display that scans an IR light beam onto an image intensifier tube of a night vision goggle. In other embodiments, the image source is a LCD having an IR back light or a FED panel that emits electrons directly into a microchannel accelerator plate of the night vision goggles. In still another embodiment, the image source emits visible or ultraviolet light onto a phosphor that emits light of a different wavelength in response.

Abstract: A micro-channel plate (MCP) detector system (30) comprising a MCP detector, a data acquisition unit (20), wherein the detector comprises a first and a second MCP electron multiplier (12, 14), one or more anodes (16) connected to the data acquisition unit (20) and a gate electrode (32) disposed between the first and the second MCP electron multiplier (12, 14), wherein the detector system further comprises a data storage unit (36) and a gain control unit (34) which is connected to the gate electrode (32) and to the data storage unit (36), wherein a pilot spectrum is stored in the data storage unit (36), and wherein the gain control unit (34) is arranged to read the pilot spectrum from the data storage unit (36), and to control the potential on the gain electrode (32) as a function of m/z or time in response to said pilot spectrum, such that the transmission of electrons to the second MCP electron multiplier (14) is lowered when abundant protein ions appear, whereby a high sensitivity is maintained during the re

Abstract: The invention concerns an infrared sensor (2) comprising a plurality of pixels (12) having a structured layer (20) for infrared light absorption located at the sensor upper surface. The invention is characterised in that the absorption layer (20) is formed of colloidal particles, in particular graphite or metal oxide wafers embedded or sealed in a binder. The method for making such a sensor consists in forming the structured layer by deposit of the colloidal particles in accordance with a standard technique and then in eliminating partly the thus formed absorption layer to obtain a plurality of elementary absorption zones respectively associated with the plurality of pixels.

Abstract: A method is provided for predicting the durability of a composite structure, such as a composite polymeric coating. The method includes obtaining a sample of a first (reference) composite structure and analyzing at least one layer of the structure for indications of degradation. The sample can be obtained by low angle microtomy. Degradation values and a degradation slope of the first composite structure can be defined. One or more degradation values for a second composite structure can be obtained and the durability of the second composite structure can be predicted by comparing the degradation slope of the second composite structure to the degradation slope of the first composite structure.

Abstract: A portable system for non-destructively measuring amount of coating on a metallic substrate based upon infrared absorbance includes a portable, hand-held measurement unit housed in a pistol-gripped case and an optical sensing unit that has an infrared source and a detector. The infrared source is configured to transmit infrared energy toward a metallic substrate having a coating thereon. The infrared energy passes through the coating, reflects off a surface of the substrate, passes back through the coating, and is detected by the detector. A processor correlates amount of infrared absorbance in the coating to amount of the coating. A base unit holds the hand-held measurement when not in use and charges a battery of the hand-held measurement unit. The base unit includes connectors for uploading and downloading data from and to the hand-held measurement unit and for communicating with an optional host computer.

Abstract: A remote emissions sensing system and method for sensing exhaust emissions from motor vehicles is provided where the system determines the opacity of an exhaust plume. The system comprises a radiation source that emits radiation which is passed through the exhaust plume of a motor vehicle to one or more detectors arranged to receive the radiation. Multiple wavelength opacity measuring embodiments and monochromatic wavelength opacity measuring embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for THz imaging utilizing a single THz detector that detects an image of a large area and provides good spatial details (high resolution). In one aspect, the THz beam passes through an object to be imaged, and a THz fiber bundle having a plurality of THz fibers collect the THz beam on the other side of the object and transmit the beams to a single THz detector. Each THz fiber imparts a different time delay to the beam traveling therein. Therefore, the spatial information is converted into time information in the form of time delays. Knowing the distance each part of the imaging area must travel (hence the time it takes) before reaching the THz detector, one can recover the spatial information from the time data. In another aspect, the THz fiber bundle is replaced with a mask having an array of holes with each hole having a different depth or a different refractive index. In still another aspect, the THz fiber array is replaced with a plate holding different masks.

Abstract: A system and method for THz imaging utilizing a single THz detector that detects an image of a large area and provides good spatial details (high resolution). In one aspect, the system can individually modulate a different pixel of an image. The system could be a series of masks. Each mask may include holes that may be turned on/off with a distinct pattern from all of the other holes. Once the data for each mask has been received, the data for each hole may be extracted according to its modulation pattern. Another modulation system may include a micro-mirror array that deflects the THz signal towards or away from the THz detector.

Abstract: In a method of evaluating a piezoelectric field, a non-destructive spectrometry of piezoelectric fields is performed in a semiconductor heterojunction using a technique different from PR spectroscopy. In the method, at first, first and second absorption spectra are measured by irradiating infrared light to a sample with first and second angles, respectively. Then, a peak position of an absorption band having incident-angle dependent intensity is specified based on the first and second absorption spectra. Thus, the piezoelectric field strength is obtained based on an equation of energy level. The equation represents a relationship between the piezoelectric field and an electron energy level corresponding to the peak position.

Abstract: Optical sensors, more particularly infrared sensors, use an array of MEM micromirrors to chop a light beam impinging on an array of sensors of an imaging device to minimize the influence of thermal noise. The array of micromirrors preferably switches the beam impinging on the array of sensors between an image to be analyzed and an image of a reference black body at a clearly defined temperature. These sensors are not cooled and require no cryogenic devices.

Abstract: A material sheet attribute detection system, the material sheet having a first side and a second side, the system includes a radiation source located proximate to the first side of the material sheet, the radiation source emitting radiation toward the material sheet, a radiation detection array located proximate to the second side of the material sheet, the radiation detection array producing at least one signal based on the radiation detected from the radiation source and a processor utilizing the at least one signal to determine a position of the material sheet.

Abstract: A radiation detector includes a plurality of scintillators closely arranged two-dimensionally, and a plurality of photoelectron multipliers optically connected to the scintillators. A number of photoelectron multipliers is less than that of the scintillators. A light guide is disposed between the scintillators and the photoelectron multipliers. The light guide is formed of a cured liquid resin and a lattice frame member integrally formed with the cured liquid resin. The lattice frame member forms partition walls in the cured liquid resin to provide compartments therein.

Abstract: The X-ray imaging device comprises an imaging portion having sensitivity to X-ray with a predetermined energy range and to visible light with a predetermined wavelength range and picking up images of X-ray and visible light and a scintillator to emit visible light with predetermined wavelength range by absorbing X-ray with a higher energy range than a predetermined energy range. The imaging portion is arranged corresponding to a surface of X-ray incidence. The scintillator is formed on an opposite surface to the surface of X-ray incidence across the imaging portion in a direction of X-ray incidence.

Abstract: A mobile UV-intensity indicator is mounted on a vehicle or a portable article. The UV-intensity indicator includes a UV detector and an indicator such as a display and/or an alarm, and warns of overexposure under UV radiation by marking in the display and/or sounding the alarm.

Abstract: An optical particle corrector with a straight optical axis for eliminating color and aperture aberrations in optical particle lenses includes multipole elements in the form of electric and/or magnetic quadrupole and octupole elements. There are at least twelve quadrupole elements and ten octupole elements, in which three quadrupole elements and two octupole elements are assembled into a group. These groups are arranged successively along the straight optical axis, in which a first symmetrical plane is defined between the first and second groups, a second symmetrical plane is defined between the second and third groups and a third symmetrical plane is defined between the third and fourth groups. The multipole elements from one group to another correspond to each other in pairs, in which the multipole elements of the corresponding following group are positioned in reverse order along the straight optical axis in comparison with the corresponding multipole elements of the preceding group.

Abstract: A sanitizing device for personal hygiene articles, particularly toothbrushes, is disclosed. A Xenon bulb or other source of sterilizing ultraviolet light is arranged in close proximity to the article to be sterilized. The light is powered by a battery which reduces the size and increases the portability of the sanitizing device. A magnifying glass or Fresnel lens can be arranged within the device between the light and article to be sanitized to focus the light on, and increase heat around, the article to be sanitized.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method utilizing fluorescence spectroscopy in the ultraviolet portion of the electromagnetic spectrum to determine species and concentration of gases, solids and liquids from a substantial standoff distance. Target materials under investigation may include explosives, drugs, bio-aerosols, and controlled substances such as narcotics. The basic measuring system comprises optics, a spectrograph, a detector, and an energy source (“head” components), along with a computer and control electronics and power source.

Abstract: Discloses a photo machining apparatus and a photo-fabrication method to perform two-dimensional or three-dimensional fabrication of an inorganic transparent material with a precision of 10 nm. Soft X-ray (2) emitted from a soft X-ray source (1) is focally applied by an optical system 3 comprising a combination of a concave mirror and convex mirrors onto an inorganic transparent material (4) in a predetermined pattern to generate new absorption in a irradiated region of the inorganic transparent material, which is then irradiated with a machining laser beam (5) so that a visible or ultraviolet machining laser beam (5) having a high energy density is absorbed exclusively in the part of the patterned inorganic transparent material (4) to fabricate the inorganic transparent material (4).

Abstract: A mask is provided wherein the mask has: a plate-like member having a mask pattern area and at least one pn junction; and a current supplying area which supplies a current to the pn junction, and a Peltier effect is caused by supplying a current to the pn junction, thereby enabling the temperature of the mask pattern area to be controlled. When this mask is used, reliable formation of an ion implanted region is enabled without forming a resist pattern.

Abstract: A system and method are used to isolate a first gas from a second gas using a third gas. A first chamber includes an element that emits light based on a first gas. A second chamber uses the emitted light to perform a process and includes the second gas. A gaslock that couples the first chamber to the second chamber. A gas source supplies a third gas between the first and the second gas in the gaslock, such that the first gas is isolated from the second gas in the gaslock. The first and third gas can be pumped from the first chamber and separated from one another, such that the first gas can be recycled for reuse to form the emitting light.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device (10) for regulating the intensity of a beam extracted from a particle accelerator, such as a cyclotron, used for example for protontherapy, said particles being generated from an ion source. The invention is characterised in that it comprises at least: a comparator (90) determining a difference &egr; between a digital signal IR representing the intensity of the beam measured at the output of the accelerator and a setpoint value IC of the beam intensity: a Smith predictor (80) which determines on the basis of the difference &egr;, a corrected value of the intensity of the beam IP; an inverted correspondence table (40) supplying, on the basis of the corrected value of the intensity of the beam IP a setpoint value IA for supplying arc current from the ion source (20).

Abstract: The arrangement for generating EUV radiation based on electrically triggered gas discharges with high repetition rates and high average outputs.

Abstract: A method of selecting a pattern to be measured includes: assigning first wafer numbers in order of a process to a wafer group constituted of a plurality of wafers including a semiconductor chip group respectively, the semiconductor chip group having a plurality of chips, each semiconductor chip having a pattern formed thereon in the process; dividing the wafer group into at least two first sub-groups in accordance with the first wafer numbers, and selecting at least two wafers having serial first wafer numbers from the first sub-groups to assign second wafer numbers to the selected wafers, respectively; dividing the semiconductor chip group into at least two second sub-groups in accordance with distances between center positions of semiconductor chips on the wafers to which the second wafer numbers have been assigned and center positions of the wafers, selecting at least three semiconductor chips from the second sub-groups, further selecting a chip including the center position of the wafer inside thereof if

Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting a signal representation of a radiation image of an object wherein correction by means of correction values is performed simultaneously with image read out.

Abstract: A yoke member for a fluid control valve is provided. The yoke member includes a plurality of passages for connecting an air supply line from a control instrument associated with the actuator to the actuator and a plurality of bores for directly attaching the control instrument to the yoke member. The yoke member may include symmetrically disposed passages so that the instrument may be mounted to either side of the yoke member. An adapter block may be used to connect the yoke member to a new NAMUR standard mounting pad.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device which is to be utilized at the time of observation of a mixed state or a chemically-combined state of a mixture attained by mixing together trace amounts of gases or trace amounts of liquids or mixing a trace amount of a gas with a trace amount of liquid. A micropump 1 comprises a pump structural material having a reaction chamber formed therein; a reaction agent 4 which is housed in a reaction chamber 6 and produces a gas of predetermined pressure; reaction initiation means 5 which is disposed beside the reaction agent and causes the reaction agent to produce a gas; and a channel 7 which is provided in the pump structural material and guides the gas of predetermined pressure produced by the reaction agent from the reaction chamber to an outlet port. The pump structural material and the reaction initiation means are stacked one on top of the other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve, in particular for a fluid-regulated heating and/or cooling system of a motor vehicle, having a valve chamber (18, 218), with at least one inlet conduit (14, 214) and at least one outlet conduit (16, 216) branching off from it, and having a displacement rod (26, 226) movable by an actuator, and having at least one valve member (20, 220), which is located on the displacement rod (26, 226) and cooperates with at least one valve seat (24, 224) of the valve chamber (18, 218), and at least one damping element (20, 220) is provided, which slows down the speed of the displacement rod (26, 226) upon closure of the valve (10, 12).

Abstract: A micro (thin film type) valve apparatus for controlling fluid flow and its rate using a microbead and a method for controlling the apparatus are provided. The microbead is moved by the magnetic forge generated by upper and lower electromagnets disposed on the top and bottom surface of the body or by the electric field generated by upper and lower electrode plates disposed on the top and bottom surface of the body, thereby interconnecting or blocking flow channels in the body. The micro valve apparatus and the method for controlling the same are suitable for thin film type diagnostic assay devices, such as lab-on-chips, protein chips, or DNA chips, for detecting small quantities of analytes in fluids, and more suitable for interconnecting or blocking channels formed in thin disk type apparatus including general CD-ROMs, DVDs, bioCDs, and bio DVDs.

Abstract: A solenoid having increased axial force and low static friction on the armature is disclosed and provides an improved solenoid-driven hydraulic valve actuator. The solenoid includes a coil member, a pole piece having an inside surface with recessed and non-recessed portions to form an inner recess in the pole piece, an armature inside the pole piece, and a bearing held in the recess between the pole piece and armature, the bearing having an inner surface extending inwardly just beyond the inside surface of the pole piece non-recessed portion.

Abstract: An electromagnetic dual-action control valve with a housing (2), with connections (15, 16, 17) for inflow and outflow lines for a pressure medium, with a solenoid (3) and with two armatures arranged to move within the solenoid (3) for opening and closing the line connections. To simplify the structure of such a dual-action control valve, it is provided that one of the armatures is formed as a hollow armature (4) with a closed end (11), within which an inner armature (5) is arranged to move coaxially, and the hollow armature (4) has openings (20, 21) for the pressure medium, of which one opening (21) can be closed by a sealing surface (13) of the inner armature (5).

Abstract: An improved rod connector assembly and method for mechanically fastening two rods together. Generally planar mating surfaces of a first rod assembly and a second rod assembly are compressively coupled by a rod union. The compressive load by the rod union is derived from a tapered surface that provides an interference fit to a corresponding tapered surface on the first rod assembly. Clearance diameters provided within the rod union accommodate axial misalignment of the first rod assembly and the second rod assembly. The second rod assembly includes an adjustable rod adapter to provide coupling to rods of various lengths. The first rod assembly includes an internal cavity to receive a portion of the second rod that may protrude from the adjustable rod adapter.