Abstract: There can be provided according to the present invention a silicon single crystal produced according to Czochralski method to which Ga (gallium) is added as a dopant characterized in that a resistivity is 5&OHgr;.cm to 0.1&OHgr;.cm and a method for producing a silicon single crystal to which Ga (gallium) is added as a dopant according to Czochralski method characterized in that Ga is added in a silicon melt in a crucible, a seed crystal is brought into contact with the silicon melt and is pulled with rotating to grow a silicon single crystal ingot. Thereby, a silicon single crystal and silicon single crystal wafer and a method for producing them that can produce a solar cell characterized in that photo-degradation is not caused even in the single crystal having high oxygen concentration and a conversion efficiency of optical energy is very high.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bipolar multi electrostatic inducing discharge-dissipation lightning air terminal, in which different charges are applied to upper and lower sections thereof by an isolation polymer insulator in such a manner that an earth-charge is preliminarily discharged as a thundercloud approaches, so that a thunderbolt is prevented from falling onto a building, thereby preventing a loss of lives and protecting electronic products installed in a building from being damaged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for electrically grounding and supporting poles or posts which are used in electrical and/or telecommunication networks. The system includes a conductive base support affixed at or near the base of the pole and to which the ground wire is attached. The base support not only provides resistance to lateral forces, thereby anchoring the bottom of the pole, but also presents a relatively large surface area for electrical bonding with the soil/earth at the bottom of the pole which facilities grounding.

Abstract: Sufficient dielectric strength needs to be ensured for the high voltage connection (13-11) of the high voltage electrical equipment such as a pattern generation system for focused ion beam processing and observation (1), without enlarging the equipment. The present invention seals an insulating liquid (13-113a) or gas (13-113b) in the space (13-113) between the connection bushing on the power supply side (13-111) and the flange on the power receiving side (13-112), and applies the water repellent treatment (13-111c) to a surface of the connection bushing or flange on the power receiving side, which the surface faces the space (13-113). Such a configuration provides compact electrical equipment with high dielectric strength, which can prevent the condensation or moisture absorption on the insulation surface in the space of the high voltage connection and can prevent the leakage current increase even under high humidity environment.

Abstract: A magnetically shielded substrate assembly includes a substrate and, disposed over the substrate, a magnetic shield with a magnetic shielding factor of at least about 0.5. The magnetic shield has a film of nanomagnetic material containing at least about 40 weight percent of nomagnetic material with a mass density of at least about 0.01 grams per cubic centimeter, a saturization magnetization of from about 1 to about 36,000 Gauss, a coercive force of from about 0.01 to about 5,000 Oersteds, a relative magnetic permeability of from about 1 to about 500,000, and an average particle size of less than about 100 nanometers. This film of nanomagnetic material has a squareness of from about 0.5 to about 1.0.

Abstract: An electromagnetic shielding structure includes a sheath wire having a conductive wire and an insulative sheath covering the conductive wire; a terminal fitting clamping the conductive wire exposed from the insulative sheath, and the terminal fitting passing through a conductive mounting member connected to ground; a molding member molded to cover the exposed conductive wire and the terminal fitting, and having a first recess and a second recess; a conductive braid having a tubular shape, and covering the sheath wire and the molding member for absorbing an electromagnetic wave generated from the conductive wire; a first sealing portion provided in the first recess so as to adhere the molding member and the insulative sheath for securing a waterproof performance; a second sealing portion provided in the second recess so as to adhere the molding member and the terminal fitting for securing an oil proof and waterproof performance; and a conductive shell covering the molding member so that the conductive braid is

Abstract: An improved high performance twisted pair data cable (20) than has an impedance standard deviation of less than 3.5 when the standard deviation is calculated around an average impedance of 50 to 200 ohms and preferably 90 to 110 ohms. The twisted pair is helically wrapped with a metal shield tape (16) at a tension that provides a cross-sectional void of less than 25% and preferably less than 18% of the cross-sectional area of the shielded twisted pair cable. The tape is helically wrapped with an overlap of 30-45% and at an angle of 35-45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cable. The cable has a rating up to 600 MHz.

Abstract: A network interface device includes a base and a protective outer cover that is attached to the base for movement between an opened position and a closed position. The base has a channel formed therein, and the outer cover has a corresponding lip that depends outwardly from the outer cover and is received within the channel. The channel and the lip form a watertight seal across the top and along the sides of the network interface device when the outer cover is closed on the base. With the outer cover in the closed position, a small opening is defined between the lip and the outer edge of the outer cover so that any moisture that accumulates against the outside of the lip drains along the opening towards the bottom of the network interface device. Accordingly, terminating equipment and wiring connection housed within the network interface device are protected without the use of an elastic seal or gasket.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic component with external connection elements and to a method of electrically connecting and/or fixing an electronic component to a printed-circuit board. For this purpose, the electronic component has capillary elements as external connection elements, which are connected to contact connection areas of a leadframe or to contact areas of a chip. The capillary element protrudes out of the electronic component and has, on its protruding end, a suction opening with capillary action.

Abstract: The invention provides a subassembly to facilitate co-planar vertical surface mounting of subassembly boards. By “vertically mounting” is meant that a subassembly circuit board with a major surface is mounted perpendicular to the major surface of a circuit motherboard. In accordance with the invention, a subassembly for co-planar vertical surface mounting comprises a subassembly board coupled between a pair of base headers. Advantageously one base header comprises a plurality of mounting lugs secured to a transverse element in a co-planar configuration. The other base header conveniently comprises a plurality of connector pins secured to an elongated header element in co-planar configuration. The two headers interlock with the board to provide connection and co-planar support. A pickup cap attached at the board edge opposite the base permits pick-and-place positioning of the subassembly by conventional equipment without the need for special grippers.

Abstract: A two-part grommet assembly for routing wiring and/or washer fluid conduit through an aperture in automotive bodywork to a spoiler mounted CHMSL/rear window washer. The grommet assembly includes a first soft pliable component having a tubular portion and a bell-shaped portion, the latter being configured to provide an interior annular volume to receive the external flange of a second component made of a relatively stiff material. The second component is configured to snap into the aperture in the automotive bodywork to mount the grommet on the exterior of the vehicle and/or within a spoiler assembly. Complemental retention structure is provided within the annular retainer volume which receives the flange of the snap lock component and compression of the materials during installation enhances the retention function.

Abstract: A twist-on wire connector having a housing with a spiral tread for engaging and holding electrical wires in an electrical connection and a chamber for carrying a member having a wire passageway so that the electrical wires can be retained within the connector by conforming the member about the wires to inhibit strain therein and a method of making an electrical connection that inhibits strain of the wire by inserting a plurality of wires into a spiral thread of a twist-on wire connector, rotating the plurality of wires to bring the electrical wires into electrical connection with each other and squeezing a member around the plurality of wires to bring the member into pressure contact along a portion of the plurality of wires to thereby inhibit strain on the plurality of wires held in the electrical connector.

Abstract: An axially arranged cable, such as a coaxial, triaxial, twinaxial, or armored cable which includes at least one serration on an insulative or conductive layer internal thereto and methods of manufacturing the same. These serrations may appear on insulators or inner jackets and are in physical contact with conductive layers such as shields which axially surround the insulative layers. The serrations generally increase the contact force between the insulative layers and the conductiver layers to help prevent separation of the cable core during stripping of the axial cable.

Abstract: In a metallic wire for producing transformer windings, first segments (4a, 4b), in which the long axis of the cross section extends in a defined plane, alternate with second segments (4c), in which the long axis of the cross section extends perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: A circuit board including a base member, an interconnect layer formed on a part of the base member, an electrically-floating conductive layer formed on a substantially remaining part of the base member and having an edge adjacent to an edge of the interconnect layer, and a dielectric layer covering a part of the interconnect layer and an entire surface of the electrically-floating conductive layer and filling a gap between the edge of the interconnect layer and the edge of the electrically-floating conductive layer. In accordance with the present invention, almost all the surface of the base member is covered with the interconnect layer and the floating conductive layer disposed parallel to each other on a substantially single plane. In the circuit board, the moisture does not enter into the rear surface of the dielectric layer through the externally exposed portion to improve the packaging rank.

Abstract: A flexible circuit incorporating an electrostatic discharge limiting feature, comprising a dielectric substrate selected from polyimide or liquid crystal polymer film having at least one conductive trace coated on at least one surface of the substrate wherein the discharge limiting feature includes a thin conductive polymer coating selectively applied over a at least a portion of the non-critical region of the circuit, said feature reducing the surface resistivity of the circuit to about 104 ohms to about 108 ohms and having tribocharging of less than about 50 V.

Abstract: A chip scale package has first and second sets of external signal terminals arranged in rows and columns at respective sides of the bottom surface of the package The spacing between the rows of the first set of signal terminals is greater than the spacing between the rows of the second set of signal terminals. The chip scale packages are mounted to and integrated by a printed circuit board having corresponding lands in each of a plurality of chip scale package regions. Thus, the spacing between adjacent rows of a first set of lands is greater than the spacing between adjacent rows of a second set of lands. The rows of the first lands are spaced wider apart so that a plurality of first signal lines can extend contiguously between each adjacent pair of rows of first lands, in each of the chip scale package regions. A method of designing the printed circuit board lays out the lands of the PCB in rows and columns, sets the spacing thereof, and traces out the signal lines.

Abstract: An automatic transfer switch includes a main body having a solenoid side and an auxiliary side. A solenoid side limit switch assembly is mounted to the solenoid side and an auxiliary side limit switch assembly is mounted on the auxiliary side. The solenoid side limit switch assembly includes a plurality of limit switches and a solenoid side mounting plate. The auxiliary side limit switch assembly includes a plurality of limit switches and an auxiliary side mounting plate.

Abstract: A double throw switch linkage for coupling two switch apparatuses together in an enclosure. Each switch apparatus is coupled to the switch mechanism having a switch mechanism lever arm. When the lever arm is moved it translates a force to the actuator plate which closes one switch mechanism and maintains the other switch mechanism in an open position.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a transfer switch includes providing a transfer switch including a first shunt contact and a second shunt contact, and operationally coupling a shunt solenoid to the first shunt contact and the second shunt contact such that when the solenoid is electrically activated the first shunt contact electrically couples a first source to a load and the second shunt contact electrically couples a second source to the load in a first pre-determined amount of time.

Abstract: A dimmer control system has a communication control loop that connects a master unit in series with a plurality of remote units, and it is superimposed in series on the dimmer load line so as to allow two-way communication between the master unit and remote units without affecting the operation of the load. Communications from the master to the remote units are encoded in loop current fluctuations, whereas communications from any remote to the master unit are encoded in loop voltage fluctuations. The master unit has a switched power supply, for use during normal LOAD ON operation, in tandem with a capacitive power supply, for use during LOAD OFF operation of the control units so as to minimize hum. The master unit power supply circuit provides an output rail voltage comprised of a reference voltage for the load superimposed with a control loop voltage for the voltage drop across the series-connected remote units.

Abstract: An overload breaker includes a receptacle having three slots to receive three prongs, and a housing extended from the receptacle and having a space formed by a partition. An intermediate prong has a contact, and a conductor blade includes one end secured to one side prong and the other end for contacting with the contact of the intermediate prong. A neon lamp and a resistor are coupled between the intermediate and the other side prongs, and a switch button is pivotally attached to the housing and pivotally coupled to the other end of the conductor blade with a lever, to control the conductor blade to engage with or to be disengaged from the contact of the intermediate prong.

Abstract: A keyswitch structure for computer keyboard includes a keycap, a first lever, a second lever, a base and a balance rod. The base has two holes groove lugs and each lug has a rectangular hole. The rectangular hole has an accommodating section on a bottom side thereof. The balance rod has a center rod section and two lateral rod sections vertically extending from two ends of the center rod section. The center rod section is pivotally connected to the connection stage of the keycap and the two lateral rod sections pass through the rectangular holes. The keyswitch structure has reduced gap between the balance rod and the base and thus reduces noise thereof.

Abstract: A tact switch (100) includes a top cover (1), an actuator (2), a metal dome (3), a rubber disc (4), a conductive disc (5) and a housing (6). The housing has four contacts (7) retained therein. The rubber disc is attached to an underside of the metal dome, and the conductive disc is attached to the rubber disc. The metal dome fits into a bottom of the housing with the conductive disc spaced a short distance above the contacts. The actuator is slidably mounted above the metal dome. The top cover is mounted on the housing and includes a plate (11) with a curved lever (12) extending therefrom. The curved lever confronts a ramp (211) of the actuator. In operation, when the actuator is pressed into the housing, the lever of the top cover is forced downwardly by the ramp of the actuator to depress the metal dome, which pushes the conductive disc into electrical connection with the contacts.

Abstract: In a hydraulic pressure actuating apparatus for a circuit breaker, contacts of the circuit breaker have a moving contact and a stationary contact for turning on/off current. A shaft, at an end portion of which is attached the moving contact, and at the other end of which is attached a piston, is received within a cylinder. A directional control valve exchanges oil pressure for actuating the piston. For changing over the directional control valve, pilot valves are provided. Each pilot valve has a pair of valve bodies, each opposing to each other, and springs. One of the valve bodies is able to stroke up to contact with the valve body of the other valve body, therefore giving no ill influences upon actuating time, even if drawback occurs in the pilot valves in the hydraulic pressure actuating apparatus for the circuit breaker.

Abstract: Wire electric discharge machine in which traveling direction of wire electrode is changed by lower roller arranged at lower portion of a workpiece, wire electrode is held and pulled by capstan roller and pinch roller, and electric power is supplied between wire electrode and workpiece while wire electrode is traveling so that workpiece is machined by electric discharge energy, capstan roller and pinch roller are arranged so that angle &thgr; by which the traveling direction of wire electrode is changed by capstan roller and pinch roller, can be 0°<&thgr;<90° directed upward with respect to traveling direction of wire electrode, direction of which is changed by lower roller. Breakage of wire electrode can be supressed. Feed of wire electrode can be automated. When wire cutter is used, entry of machining solution into wire cutter can be prevented. When wire cutter is not used, accommodation of used wire electrode can be enhanced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multiple stage method for arc-welding a bolt (3) to a metal structure (1), said bolt (3) having a flange (5) at the end that is to be welded on. The actual welding process is preceded by a cleaning method that is carried out by means of an arc. Said cleaning method consists of two or more stages. It is crucial to control the arc and the distance between the bolt (3) and the structure surface (7) in such a way that only cleaning takes place, without causing premature welding. While during the first cleaning state, only a small surface is cleaned intensively, in the second stage, a larger surface is cleaned due to a greater distance between the bolt (3) and the structure surface (7). Separation through interruption of the arc and maintenance of the bolt (3) in a stationary position at a distance from the structure surface (7) must take place between the first and second cleaning stages.

Abstract: A plasma torch comprises: a hollow shaft connected to a first supply pipe for a flow of a first gas and to an electrode which is hollow so that it surrounds part of the shaft and forms a first chamber for cooling the electrode and for outfeed of the first gas; a nozzle surrounding the electrode and forming a second chamber, for receiving the first gas for generating plasma, and a third chamber, for the passage of the first gas arriving from the first, cooling chamber through third pipes, to the second chamber, through second pipes which pass through the nozzle. First sealing parts are inserted between the shaft and the nozzle on both sides of the third pipes, forming a sealed zone close to the third pipes.

Abstract: Apparatus for dissociating gases includes a plasma chamber comprising a gas. A first transformer having a first magnetic core surrounds a first portion of the plasma chamber and has a first primary winding. A second transformer having a second magnetic core surrounds a second portion of the plasma chamber and has a second primary winding. A first solid state AC switching power supply including one or more switching semiconductor devices is coupled to a first voltage supply and has a first output that is coupled to the first primary winding. A second solid state AC switching power supply including one or more switching semiconductor devices is coupled to a second voltage supply and has a second output that is coupled to the second primary winding. The first solid state AC switching power supply drives a first AC current in the first primary winding. The second solid state AC switching power supply drives a second AC current in the second primary winding.

Abstract: In order to implement lamination welding in which there is little distortion and the bonding strength is high by means of laser beam, a laser welding device comprises: a first laser beam emitting head directed to a layered base material composed of two or more layers in a superimposed direction; a first skirting roller rotatably supported by means of a first supporting member on which the first laser beam emitting head is fixed and provided with a peripheral surface which protrudes more at a base material side than a base material opposing end of the first laser beam emitting head; a second laser beam emitting head directed to the layered base material from the opposite side of the first laser beam emitting head in the superimposed direction; a second skirting roller rotatably supported by means of a second supporting member 14 on which the second laser beam emitting head is fixed and provided with a peripheral surface which protrudes more at a base material side than a base material opposing end of the secon

Abstract: Method of welding tailored blanks consisting of a material mostly containing steel and a proportion greater than 0.015% aluminium by weight, using at least one laser beam, in which at least one weld joint of the full-penetration type is made using a gas mixture consisting of 30% to 80% nitrogen by volume, the rest being helium (up to 100%) in order to assist the said laser beam. The method of the invention is particularly recommended for welding motor vehicle elements, especially bodywork, doors, bonnets or the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming three dimensional objects by laser sintering that utilizes a broad area thermal vision system such as an infrared camera that can measure multiple temperatures across the target area and use that temperature data as feed back to a control system that both adjusts a zoned radiant heater system and adjusts scan speed and laser power to control temperatures across the target area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for marking vehicles using a laser. In order to allow any part of the vehicle to be marked using a simple, strong laser beam delivery conduit, the laser is mounted on a structure 101 which extends over a vehicle station 102. The structure defines at least three laser mounting positions and preferably four laser mounting positions A, B, C, D, spaced apart from one another in two dimensions for mounting at least one laser apparatus 107. The laser apparatus 107 comprises a laser emitter 108 for producing a laser beam adapted to mark a part of the vehicle and laser beam delivery means 110 for delivering a laser beam from the laser emitter 108 to a selectable point of the vehicle station 102. The laser apparatus 107 is movable between at least two and preferably all four of the laser mounting positions A, B, C, and D.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining a minimum pulse width for a pulsed laser beam in a short pulse laser system, such that the minimum pulse width accounts for dispersion associated with the pulse laser beam passing through a diffractive optical element. The method includes: determining size data for an ablation to be formed in a surface of a workpiece; determining an operating wavelength for a pulsed laser beam; determining spot size data for the beam incident on the workpiece; determining tolerance data for the spot size of the incident beam; and determining a minimum pulse width for the pulsed laser beam based on the size data for the ablation, the operating wavelength for the laser beam, the spot size data for the laser beam and the tolerance data for the spot size.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding type power is disclosed. The power source is capable of receiving any input voltage over a wide range of input voltages and includes an input rectifier that rectifies the ac input into a dc signal. A dc voltage stage converts the dc signal to a desired dc voltage and an inverter inverts the dc signal into a second ac signal. An output transformer receives the second ac signal and provides a third ac signal that has a current magnitude suitable for welding, cutting or induction heating. The welding type current may be rectified and smoothed by an output inductor and an output rectifier. A controller provides control signals to the inverter and a controller power supply can also receive a range of input voltages and provide a control power signal to the controller, and a voltage independent of the input voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for a welding power supply adapted to be reconfigured is provided. The welding power supply includes a power supply control and a power supply control data store. Optionally, the welding power supply can include a communications component, an I/O component, a wire feed control component and a welding procedure(s) store. The welding power supply can provide information regarding configuration of the welding power supply to other welding power supplies and remote system(s) to facilitate troubleshooting, servicing, operating, maintenance and/or upgrading of the welding power supply. The invention further comprises a methodology for providing configuration information to a welding power supply.

Abstract: A welding system having a welding gun with a handle. The handle has a first end and a second end. The handle may be operable to receive a welding cable from a first and a second direction, respectively. The handle may be operable to position a trigger in any one of four quadrants of the handle. The handle may increase in cross-sectional area in each direction from a gripping portion located between the first and second ends towards the first and second ends.

Abstract: A method of making a heated steering wheel comprises depositing an electrically conductive layer on at least a portion of a steering wheel substrate to produce thereon a heating element for receiving an electrical current and providing a source of heat. Also disclosed is a heating element for a steering wheel and a heated steering wheel assembly formed using this method.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is described in which an integrated circuit executes dummy operating cycles in order to generate heat if the temperature of the semiconductor device drops below a lower limit value. In this manner the semiconductor device can be rated for lower temperatures than the construction tolerances of the semiconductor device would allow.

Abstract: A multirack speedcook oven includes a cooking cavity, a plurality of racks within the cooking cavity, an RF generation module operationally coupled to the cooking cavity and configured to deliver microwave energy into the cooking cavity, at least one heat source positioned within the cavity and configured to supply heat energy to the cooking cavity, and a control configured to accept data regarding said plurality of racks, the control operationally coupled to the RF generation module, and the at least one heat source for selective control thereof based on the accepted data.

Abstract: A heating apparatus 20 comprises a container 2 having a work housing space 1 formed therein, and a heat source 3 for heating a work W in the work housing space 1. The apparatus further comprises a heat ray reflecting member 10 having a heat reflecting surface 10a thereof composed of a heat ray reflecting material, so as to allow the heat ray generated in the work housing space 1 to reflect on the heat reflecting surface 10a to thereby change the direction thereof towards the works W. The heat reflecting material is provided for reflecting heat ray in a specific wavelength band, comprises a stack of a plurality of element reflecting layers comprising materials having transparent properties to the heat ray, in which in the element reflecting layers, two adjacent layers are composed of a combination of materials differed from each other in refractive indices to the heat ray, while keeping difference between the refractive indices of 1.1 or larger.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a ceramic substrate for semiconductor manufacture and/or inspection conducive to decrease radiated &agr;-rays and to minimize changes in thermal conductivity as a function of time, thereby yielding a superior temperature controllability. This invention is related to a ceramic substrate for apparatuses for use in semiconductor manufacture and/or inspection, wherein the level of &agr;-rays radiated from said ceramic substrate exceeds 0.25 c/cm2·hr and is not higher than 50 c/cm2·hr.

Abstract: A heat treatment unit comprises a heat plate made of aluminum nitride which is excellent in heat conductivity and strength inside thereof. The entire circumference of the heat plate is supported by a supporting member which is excellent in thermal insulation. The heat treatment unit is equipped with a nozzle for blowing dry air against the reverse side of the heat plate. When a temperature of the heat plate is lowered, the dry air is blown from the nozzle, thereby quickly lowering the temperature of the heat plate.

Abstract: A glass-ceramic cooktop appliance having at least one burner assembly disposed under a glass-ceramic plate. The cooktop appliance includes a sensor assembly having a support bar mounted on the burner assembly adjacent to the glass-ceramic plate and one or more devices for sensing cooktop related properties mounted on the support bar so as to be in contact with the glass-ceramic plate.

Abstract: A device for inductive billet-heating includes a single or multi-layer billet-heating coil (4) for a round billet (5), in which the billet-heating coil (4) is made up of one or more consecutive, galvanically separated zones. The zones are supplied with electrical energy from a three-phase network by means of an electrical switching device and a control unit. The billet-heating coil (4) includes multiple, synchronically regulated zones (Z1, Z2 through Zn) with reference to frequency and phase of inductive field. For a current feed to each zone (Z1 through Zn) of the billet-heating coil (4), a converter (2) with variable frequency and a plurality of modules is provided. The converter includes plurality of power-moderate closed units with DS-network feed and synchronization of phase and frequency of an output voltage.

Abstract: An induction heat treating process with a sensor for counting the amount of cycles attributable to an inductor coil. The sensor is preferably a counting mechanism attached to or embedded within the induction coil and is preferably triggered by and responds to the change in voltage generated as the coil is energized. Alternative means of measuring a cycle may be implemented. The output data from the sensor provides useful information for determining the lifespan of an induction coil. Predicting the lifespan of a coil optimizes production by anticipating failure and replacement of a coil during a predetermined down time, limiting on-site inventory, and revolutionizing the billing cycle based on a per cycle cost while decreasing overall production costs and improving inductor coil quality.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, a single linear array of bi-cell optical detectors is arranged with each bi-cell optical detector having a rectangular aperture located a prescribed distance above the surface of the bi-cell optical detector. In the first embodiment, in calculating the position of a point source emitter, it is understood that each detector receives light from the point source emitter at a unique angle different from the angles at which the other detectors receive light from the point source emitter. A plot of detector ratios is made by taking the best fit line through the ratios from each detector and the location of the point where the detector ratio is zero yields the point of perpendicularity between the emitter and the linear detector array. Another embodiment contemplates a three dimensional detector having three linear arrays of bi-cell detectors arranged at the periphery of a measuring space mutually orthogonal to one another.

Abstract: A sensor circuit for detecting the occurrence of welding is disclosed. The sensor circuit uses a phototransistor operative to receive a light input and produce an output representative thereof. A resistor is coupled between the phototransistor's base and emitter to control the phototransistor's response to low intensity and high intensity light. An amplifier may be coupled to the output of the phototransistor so as to provide a gain for the output of the phototransistor; and feedback means may coupled to the phototransistor to bias the phototransistor, the feedback means comprising a resistor capacitor circuit for following the output of the phototransistor, a feedback transistor to provide a feedback signal to the phototransistor, and a resistor coupled between the base and the emitter of the phototransistor. Preferably the phototransistor is a planar phototransistor having a surface mount.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting material accretion and peeling in a system such as a plasma process chamber, including multiple optical sensors which are provided in the chamber above a gas distribution plate or other surface inside the chamber. The optical sensors are connected to a central process controller that is capable of terminating operation of the chamber and may be equipped with an alarm. In the event that the optical sensors detect asymmetries in brightness or light reflection among various portions or regions of the gas distribution plate or other surface, which asymmetries may indicate the formation of a material coating on the plate or dislodging of contaminant particles from the plate, a signal is sent to the process controller, which may be adapted to terminate the plasma process, alert operating personnel, or both.

Abstract: An image sensor device which optically reads out a document is disclosed, which comprises an image sensor (110) having a plurality of light receiving elements (112) arranged regularly facing a document to be read out; and a thin film light source (120) arranged tightly contacted on the document side of the image sensor (110), the thin film light source (120) emitting light to the document, wherein-the thin film light source (120) includes more than one light emission portion having a smaller area than that of a photoelectric conversion element, the light emission portion corresponding to each of the photoelectric conversion elements, and the light emission portion includes an opaque electrode (124) serving as a light blocking layer on the photoelectric conversion element side and is, arranged at a center of a lower surface of the photoelectric conversion element (112).