Abstract: A clamp assembly is disclosed including a clamp support half having an attachment end, the attachment end engaging a supporting structure, a lower clamp half releasably secured to the clamp support half, and wherein the lower clamp half accommodates an anti-rotation pin to prevent rotation about a longitudinal axis of the clamp assembly.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporates a reflective mirror element and a first polymeric pivot joint allowing pivotal adjustment of the field of view of the reflective element. The assembly includes a polymeric support element, a polymeric rearview mirror mount, and a second polymeric pivot joint. The polymeric support element includes one of a first polymeric ball member and a first polymeric socket. The polymeric rearview mirror mount is adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle. The support element pivots about the rearview mirror mount by means of the second polymeric pivot joint. At least one of the pivot joints includes frictional resistance modification means generating frictional resistance to movement of a ball member in a socket, such means preferably comprising at least one of an interference fit, a textured surface, a raised projection and annular ridges on the ball member or socket.

Abstract: An adjustable platform assembly for raising an appliance includes a platform with various spaced vertical leg members. Each of the leg members has a first mounting aperture for fixing an appliance to the platform, and a second mounting aperture for fixing an adjustable caster to the leg member. A consumer can adjust the platform assembly to a desired height by altering the height of the caster members. A decorative faceplate is provided which removably attaches to the front of the platform assembly to give the appliance a built-in look.

Abstract: A storage device mounting apparatuses includes a bracket (20), a plurality of retaining member (50) attached to a first plate (26) of the bracket, and a pair of knobs (60). A pair of pivot holes (26) is defined in the top plate for engagingly receiving the knobs. The knob includes a convex portion (65) and a concave portion (66). The retaining member includes a cantilever portion (52) and a resilient strip (53). A pair of legs (54) depends from the strip. The knob rotates between a first position in which the convex portion abut against the cantilever portion and the strip is upward moved to release the legs from the corresponding locating holes and a second position in which the concave portion faces the cantilever portion and the strip is in its original state and the legs engage in corresponding locating holes of the storage device.

Abstract: An image taking apparatus which takes a first and a second images by using an image pickup device is disclosed. The image taking apparatus comprises a controller which detects a displacement amount of the second image with respect to the first image which is a reference image and performs predetermined processing at stages of pre-exposure for object observation and exposure for image taking and a display unit which displays the first and the second images.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling optical power in a microscope includes a measuring device for measuring the optical power, and a control unit for controlling a high-frequency source as a function of the measured optical power so as to achieve a selectable level of the optical power. The microscope includes a source providing light along an illumination beam path to a sample, a detector receiving detection light lead along a detection beam path from the sample, and an acousto-optical or electro-optical element located in the illumination beam path and driven by the high-frequency source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for compensating for fluctuations in the light which is emitted by a light source and propogates along a light path. The device has a first light-sensitive sensor. The sensor detects the intensity of the light at a first location along the light path in a spatially resolved manner and generates electrical image signals. Furthermore, a second light-sensitive sensor is provided, which detects the intensity of the light at a second location along the light path and generates electrical output signals.

Abstract: An image sensor 100 is provided with a first voltage maintainer 61 including two first voltage maintaining capacitors C1Va, C1Vb for maintaining a voltage of signal input electrode 47, and a second voltage maintainer 62 including a second voltage maintaining capacitor C2V for maintaining a voltage of bias voltage input electrode 46. This image sensor 100, even in a disconnected state from main body part 200, is able to maintain the voltage of bias voltage input electrode 46 and the voltage of signal input electrode 47 during an image pickup operation and thus to implement image pickup.

Abstract: The deterioration of read-image quality caused by LED color-tone variations is suppressed in a case in which a white-color LED illumination module is used as a light source of a color-image reading apparatus. The color-image reading apparatus includes an illumination module formed of a plurality of white-color LEDs arranged in a main-scanning direction; an image sensor such as a CCD; a unit for moving the original and the image sensor relatively in a sub-scanning direction; and an input masking unit. The illumination module is formed of LEDs having the same color-tone rank. The color-image reading apparatus also includes a setting unit for setting a color-tone rank for the illumination module, and a control unit, such as a CPU, for switching a parameter of the input masking unit according to the color-tone rank.

Abstract: A laser illumination apparatus for illuminating a semiconductor film with a linear laser beam while scanning the semiconductor film with the linear laser beam. An optical system generates a linear laser beam having a beam width W by dividing a pulse laser beam that is emitted from a pulsed laser light source into a plurality of beams vertically and horizontally, and combines divisional beams after they have been processed into a linear shape individually. A mechanism is provided to move a substrate that is mounted with the semiconductor film. A condition W/20≦&Dgr;(r)≦x≦W/5 or &Dgr;(r)≦W/20≦x≦W/5 is satisfied, where r is a height difference of the surface of the semiconductor film, &Dgr;(r) is a variation amount of the beam width W as a function of the height difference r, and x is a movement distance of the substrate during an oscillation period of the pulsed laser light source.

Abstract: A night vision goggle system is provided having an image intensifier tube that may be installed or replaced without requiring realignment of the optics. The image intensifier tube is coupled to a first locating feature that is in a predetermined relationship to the optical center of the image intensifier tube. The system includes a second locating feature that interacts with the first locating feature to position the image intensifier tube in a predetermined relationship to an optical component of the night vision system.

Abstract: A method of using a photosensor as an encoder and a trigger in a production apparatus includes imaging natural surface features of a target, generating data frames of the surface features using the photosensor, processing the data frames to detect movement of the target, and triggering otherwise dormant production components once a movement of the target is detected.

Abstract: A touch sensor is physically integrated with a light emitting device to provide a switching device with built-in backlighting. In some embodiments, the touch sensor and the light emitting device share electrical components.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to accurately detect the amount of tilt in the light reflector to the optical axis of an output light with a simple configuration. A tilt sensing apparatus includes a light reflector, a light source, a condensing unit for condensing an output light from the light source onto the light reflector, and a light sensing unit for sensing the reflected light from the light reflector. An optical device provided in the condensing unit for varying the light quantity of the transmitting light has first and second optical device strips that are formed at the positions of axial symmetry about the optical axis and have a predetermined shift in the direction of a straight line of connecting the axis of the light reflector to the condensed position where the light emitted from the light source is condensed onto the light reflector by the condensing unit.

Abstract: A plurality of photodiodes are disposed along a measurement axis on an optical receipt chip of a photoelectric encoder. Formed on each light acceptance surface of these photodiodes is a second optical grating which has more than one light shield portion extending in a “y” direction. Each acceptance surface has a portion that is disposed obliquely relative to the extending direction of the light shield portion.

Abstract: In a method for analyzing a chemical and/or biological sample, particularly in high- and medium throughput screening systems, an observation beam (12) is focused in an observation volume (24) of the sample. For analyzing the sample, the observation beam (12) is moved in the sample. According to the inventions, to improve the quality of the measurement, the observation beam is moved continuously in the observation volume (24).

Abstract: A fluorescence fluctuation microscope, in which excitation light and detection light are coupled into or out of a microscope by means of a common beam path, comprises a closed loop scanning unit (22, 23).

Abstract: A confocal scanning microscope obtains an observed image of a sample while changing the focal-plane of the sample in the optical axial direction, and generates a three-dimensional image or an image of a large depth of focus of the sample. It includes a capture unit for performing a photoelectric conversion on the light from the sample and outputting a plurality of brightness signals having different wavelength bands of light; a selection unit for selecting a brightness signal having the optimum wavelength band from among the plurality of brightness signals of different wavelength bands of light output from the capture unit; and an image forming unit for generating a three-dimensional image or an image of a large depth of focus of the sample using a brightness signal having the optimum wavelength band selected by the selection unit.

Abstract: Methods and systems for dynamic virtual convergence (218) and a video see through head mountable display (200) that uses dynamic virtual convergence are disclosed. A dynamic virtual convergence algorithm (218) includes sampling an image with two cameras. The cameras each have a field of view that is larger than a field of view of displays used to display images sampled by the cameras (210). A heuristic is used to estimate the gaze distance of the viewer. The display frustums are transformed so that they converge at the estimated gaze distance. The images sampled by the cameras (210) are then reprojected into the transformed display frustums. The reprojected images are displayed to the user to simulate viewing of close range objects.

Abstract: An atomic reflection optical element for an atomic wave (de Broglie wave) so constituted as to increase the reflectance of an atomic wave by reducing the apparent atomic density of reflection plane; for example, a porous surface structure, a structure supporting a very thin film, or a structure in which the insular portion (reflection surface) of a reflection-diffraction grating is narrowed is used for this purpose. The above arrangement can provide an atomic reflection optical element having a high atomic wave coherent reflection power.

Abstract: A system and method are described for producing a modifiable fringing field in a multipole instrument, such as a mass spectrometer or an ion guide. The system includes a conductor arrangement having a first pole pair, a second pole pair and an end device for allowing ions to enter or exit the conductor arrangement. A first power supply provides a first voltage to the first pole pair, such that the application of the first voltage results in a fringing field near the end device. An end device power supply provides an end device voltage to the end device for modifying the fringing field to facilitate the entrance or exit of the ions.

Abstract: Characterization of a sample, e.g., a depth profile, may be attained using one or more of the following parameters in an electron spectroscopy method or system. The one or more parameters may include using low ion energy ions for removing material from the sample to expose progressively deeper layers of the sample, using an ion beam having a low ion angle to perform such removal of sample material, and/or using an analyzer positioned at a high analyzer angle for receiving photoelectrons escaping from the sample as a result of x-rays irradiating the sample. Further, a correction algorithm may be used to determine the concentration of components (e.g., elements and/or chemical species) versus depth within the sample, e.g., thin film formed on a substrate. Such concentration determination may include calculating the concentration of components (e.g, elements and/or chemical species) at each depth of a depth profile by removing from depth profile data collected at a particular depth (i.e.

Abstract: The invention describes a new integrated separation and analysis system for analysis and separation of at least one sample component, comprising a mass sensitive detector (1) with ionization source (2), at least one mobile solid phase (3), at least one sample component (4), one transport system (5) where the mobile solid phase and the sample component are transported, and at least one transport fluid (6). The sample component is separated at the interface between the transport and the mass sensitive detector. Also, a method for analysis and separation of sample components is included, utilizing the mentioned integrated separation and analysis system. According to the method, the mobile solid phase and the sample are separated before the mass analyzer, and the sample components are transported towards the mass analyzer.

Abstract: A method of setting a fill time for a mass spectrometer including a linear ion is provided. The mass spectrometer is operated first in a transmission mode and ions are supplied to the mass spectrometer. Ions are detected as they pass through at least part of the mass spectrometer in a preset time period, to determine the ion current. From a desired maximum charge density for the ion trap and the ion current, a fill time for the ion trap is determined. The mass spectrometer is operated in a trapping mode to trap ions in the ion trap, and the ion trap is filled for the fill time, as just determined. This utilizes the ion trap to its maximum, while avoiding problems due to overfilling the trap, causing space charge effects.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for desorption and ionization of analytes for the purpose of subsequent scientific analysis by such methods, for example, as mass spectrometry or biosensors. More specifically, this invention relates to the field of mass spectrometry, especially to the type of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization, time-of-flight mass spectrometry used to analyze macromolecules, such as proteins or biomolecules. Most specifically, this invention relates the sample probe geometry, sample probe composition, and sample probe surface chemistries that enable the selective capture and desorption of analytes, including intact macromolecules, directly from the probe surface into the gas (vapor) phase without added chemical matrix.

Abstract: We have developed a particular combination of elements and devices which enables the portability of a scanning electron microscope (SEM). In particular the combination enables a small size, typically less than about 50 liters, a manageable weight, typically less than about 15 kg, and a low power requirement, typically less than about 100 W, which permits operation using power supplied from a portable source such as a battery. Higher performance versions may exhibit increased volume in the range of about 150 liters, increased weight, in the range of 45 kg, and a power requirement in the range of 300 W. The higher performance version of the portable scanning electron microscope may be portable with the assistance of a dolly (rolling cart) or with the assistance of attached wheels and pulling appendage.

Abstract: New and improved scanning device and corresponding method that include and involve a movable stage on which a specimen is positioned, irradiation means which irradiates an electron beam onto an irradiation region of the specimen, secondary beam detection means used in generating a picture of the irradiation region by detecting a secondary beam which consists of at least one of secondary electrons or reflected electrons from the irradiation region of the electron beam, an imaging electron optical system which causes imaging of the secondary beam on a detection surface of the secondary beam detection means, and which is arranged between the specimen and the secondary beam detection means.

Abstract: A continuously variable diaphragm or swappable fixed aperture for use in thermal infrared cameras, which aperture or diaphragm can be cooled to cryogenic temperatures. The invention contemplates mounting aperture control means, if necessary, in a vacuum or extending the control mechanism through a vacuum in a thermally isolated manner to avoid radiation load on the photocell. The inventive method implements such a diaphragm and control system. The invention makes possible the object of using a single thermal infrared camera under a wide variety of target-scene radiation conditions that may be rapidly changing, with interchangeable or zoom camera lenses requiring matching or different size cold stops, and under other such dynamic situations.

Abstract: There is provided an infrared sensor unit for deactivating an electrical appliance when left unattended by its user. The sensor unit includes a passive infrared sensor for sensing the user through a field of infrared light provided within a viewable distance of the electrical appliance. An adjustable timer is in electrical communication with the passive infrared sensor for counting toward a predetermined amount of time when the user is not sensed within the field of infrared light. The sensor unit further includes a controller device which is in electrical communication with the adjustable timer for deactivating the electrical appliance upon reaching the predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: On a front face of a substrate transparent to the radiation considered, pixels are confined in a stack of absorbent semi-conducting material layers by a network of channels. An insulating layer covers the bottom and the side walls of the channels. An electrically conducting layer covers the insulating layer on the bottom and on the side walls of the channels confining at least a part of the pixels. The conducting layer can be voltage polarized.

Abstract: A first-order perturbation theory similar to the one widely used in quantum mechanics is developed for transverse-electric and transverse-magnetic photonic resonance modes in a dielectric microsphere. General formulas for the resonance frequency shifts in response to a small change in the exterior refractive index and its radial profile are derived. The formulas are applied to two sensor applications of the microsphere to probe the medium in which the sphere is immersed: a refractive index detector; and a refractive index profile sensor.

Abstract: A method of determining the content of SO2 in a beverage or food product includes the steps of (a) extracting a sample of a specific volumetric size of the beverage or food product; (b) injecting the sample into a sealed container defining a volume exceeding the volumetric size of the sample for the generation of a gaseous headspace above the sample; (c) allowing the sample to establish in the gaseous headspace a concentration of SO2 representative of the content of SO2 of the beverage or food product; (d) transferring a fraction of the gaseous headspace to an IR measuring apparatus; (e) measuring the content of SO2 of the transferred fraction of the gaseous headspace; and (f) determining the content of SO2 of the beverage or food product on the basis of the measurement of the of the content of SO2 of the transferred fraction of the headspace.

Abstract: An infrared optical gas analyzer is provided with at least one infrared optical radiation source (6, 7), two multispectral detectors (1, 2) and a cuvette (12) containing the gas mixture to be measured. A process for determining gas concentrations with the infrared optical gas analyzer is also provided. The gas analyzer makes possible the simultaneous measurement and identification of a plurality of gases in a gas mixture with a compact design not prone to interference. The radiation emitted by an infrared optical radiation source (6) covers a first wavelength range [&lgr;1, &lgr;1′] and the radiation emitted by an infrared optical radiation source (7) covers a second wavelength range [&lgr;2, &lgr;2′] which is selected such that it is different from the first wavelength range. The paths of rays pass through the interior of the cuvette (12) and reach the multispectral detectors (1) and (2).

Abstract: An inorganic scintillator material, a method for growing the monocrystalline scintillator material, and the use of the scintillator material as component of a scintillating detector in particular for industrial and medical purposes and in the oil industry. The inorganic scintillator material has the general composition M1-xCexCl3, wherein: M is selected among lanthanides or lanthanide mixtures, preferably among the elements or mixtures of elements of the group consisting of Y, La, Gd, Lu, in particular among the elements or mixtures of elements of the group consisting of La, Gd and Lu; and x is the molar rate of substitution of M with cerium, x being not less than 1 mol% and strictly less than 100 mol%.

Abstract: A radiation detection apparatus having a hand-held radiation detection probe with a switch assembly removably mounted thereon is hereinafter disclosed. The switch assembly having first and second switches, one to initiate transmission of electrical signals representing scintillations detected over a set time period to a remotely located control unit for counting and averaging, and the other to direct the control unit to download and preferably record the counted and averaged scintillation values for further use. The switch assembly has an insulating member for electrically insulating the switches from the probe, and spaced gripping members that releasably grip the probe. A movable stand is provided preferably with a holder for holding the probe. The probe can have a protective cover thereon with a switch assembly mounted onto the probe over the cover.

Abstract: The invention related to a method for measuring a dose of radiation by a beam of high-power radiation, where in a scintillate (1) is disposed below said beam in order to emit scintillation light whose intensity is a function of the dose of said beam irradiating said scintillate (1); the scintillate (1) is coupled to a device (8) for measuring the light emitted by the scintillate (1) via an optical fiber (2); the amount of light transmitted by the optical fiber (2) is measured; the intensity of the light emitted by the scintillate (1) is determined on the basis of the light emitted by at least one other source, after said optical fiber (2) is used for transmission of the light emitted by the scintillate (1) and the light emitted by each other source. The invention also related to a device for measuring the dose of radiation for the implementation of said method.

Abstract: An X-ray detector includes a glass layer curved according to a pre-selected radius of curvature, a photoreceptor formed on the glass layer, and a backing layer curved according to the pre-selected radius of curvature. The backing layer supports the glass layer.

Abstract: A neutron detector comprises a neutron counter, and a plurality of optical fibers peripherally arrayed around the counter. The optical fibers have thereon a layer of scintillator material, whereby an incident fast neutron can transfer kinetic energy to nuclei in one or more of the optical fibers to produce recoil protons. The recoil protons interact with the coating to produce scintillation light that is channeled along the optical fiber or fibers with which the neutron interacted. The slowed neutron passes into the neutron counter where the neutron effects generation of a signal coincident with the light produced in the optical fibers in which the neutron deposited energy.

Abstract: The charged particle beam device of this invention separately detects secondary signal particles emitted from the surface of a sample, dark field signal particles scattered within and transmitted through the sample, bright field signal particles transmitted through the sample without being scattered within the sample, and thereby allows the operator to observe the image with an optimum contrast according to applications. In order to detect only the dark field transmitted signal particles scattered within the sample, among the transmitted signal particles obtained by the primary charged particle beams having transmitted through the thin film sample, the device includes a transmitted signal conversion member having an opening through which the bright field transmitted signal particles not being scattered within the sample can pass, and a detection means for detecting signals colliding against the conversion member.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for processing particles. The apparatus comprises a particle source having an exist aperture; an extraction electrode located at the exist aperture; an acceleration electrode adjacent to the extraction electrode; a processing compartment adjacent to the acceleration electrode; and a deceleration electrode located adjacent to the processing compartment. The invention also relates to methods of processing particles and to particles processed by the apparatus and methods of the invention.

Abstract: Collisional cooling of ions in mass spectrometry has been known for sometime. It is known that collisional cooling can promote focusing of ions along the axis of an ion guide. A similar technique has been used to enhance coupling of a pulsed ion source such as a MALDI source to a Time of Flight instrument. It is now realized that it is desirable to provide, immediately adjacent to a MALDI or other ion source, a low-pressure region to promote ionization conditions most favorable for the particular ion source. Then, with the ions released and free, the ions are subjected to relatively rapid collisional cooling in a high pressure region adjacent to the ionization region. This will dissipate excess of internal energy in the ions, so as to substantially reduce the incidence of metastable fragmentation of the ions. The ions can then be subjected to conventional mass analysis steps.

Abstract: A radio-frequency quadrupole ion guide having a symmetrical magnetic field disposed along an axis of the ion guide, wherein the system provides prolonged interaction between electrons and uncharged compounds within an ionization volume of the ion guide, resulting in enhanced ion creation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining luminescent molecules by means of optical excitation in confocal measurement volumes, different species of luminescent molecules in a sample being excited at respectively different times and the emission radiation originating from the different species from a measurement volume being captured by a single detector. Furthermore, an apparatus suitable for carrying out the method is disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for estimating radiation exposure in real time or in near-real time while a dosimeter is being irradiated. In the preferred arrangement, OSL will be used to calculate estimates of the radiation dose rate, preferably by using comparisons between illumination values measured during and after lighting the dosimeter with a laser light of a predetermined frequency. A first preferred embodiment utilizes quasi-equilibrium OSL intensity with periodic stimulation during continuous irradiation. Another preferred embodiment utilizes the amplitude of the transient OSL signal during periodic stimulation. Another preferred embodiment utilizes the difference between the OSL intensity at the end of one stimulation period and the beginning of the next. Finally, another preferred monitors the time constant for the return of the transient OSL signal to equilibrium, following either a change in dose rate or during a periodic optical stimulation.

Abstract: A control system for a positioning device includes a controller connected in a feedback loop. The controller calculates a current for supply to the positioning device according to the error between a desired current value and a measured current value. This current is converted to a voltage by an amplifier and further modified by a feedforward voltage calculated using mechanical and electrical characteristics of the positioning device and a desired position and/or desired derivatives of position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a stencil mask for ion implantation used in an ion implantation process of semiconductor device fabrication comprising at least a base material portion and a stencil portion, wherein the stencil portion has a diamond layer. Thereby, there can be provided a stencil mask for ion implantation used in an ion implantation process of semiconductor device fabrication, which has high resistance to ion irradiation, and which can stably perform ion implantation of high precision and high purity for long time.

Abstract: A device for generating terahertz radiation. The device comprising a dipole generating layer, a coupling block and an extraction block. The coupling block is transparent to laser light and is in contact with the surface of the dipole generating layer to couple light from a laser to the surface of the dipole generating layer, when the device is in use. The extraction block is located in contact with the surface of the dipole generating layer to provide an emission extraction surface. The refractive indices of the dipole forming layer, the coupling block and the extraction block are substantially equal.

Abstract: In an exposure device, a beam emitted from a light emitting point of a laser diode (LD) is limited by a slit. The slit limits a light beam in a direction orthogonal to an active layer of the LD. The exposure device has a moving mechanism which moves a plate in which the slit is provided, in a direction orthogonal to the plate. Object points are different at a beam and at flare light. Therefore, the plate is provided in a vicinity of the light emitting point in order to limit the light beam in the vicinity of the light emitting point, i.e., at a place near a point where a beam spot is smallest, and to be able to effectively block only the flare light.

Abstract: An extreme ultraviolet light source device which makes it possible to increase a working distance and obtain extreme ultraviolet light with a high output. The extreme ultraviolet light source device generates a plasma by irradiating a target (22) with laser light from a driving laser device (25), and generates extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light with a wavelength of several nanometers to several tens of nanometers. The extreme ultraviolet light source device comprises a target supply device which has a charge applying unit (23) that applies a charge to the target (22), and an acceleration unit (24) which accelerates the charged target (22) using an electromagnetic field. The target supply device supplies the target (22) comprised of a rare gas element such as xenon (Xe) or the like, or a metal such as lithium (Li), tin (Sn), tin oxide (SnO2) or the like, as ionized molecules, atoms or masses comprising a plurality of atoms, or as ionized clusters.

Abstract: An emitting source capable of radiating substantial energy in the near infrared spectrum and suitable for use in non-dispersive infrared gas analyzers or other devices is described. Operation can be steady state (DC) or pulsed at high frequency with excellent modulation characteristics. The device consists of a tungsten filament mounted across the pins of a small transistor outline header and centered at the focal point of a parabolic or other shaped reflector. The header assembly is enclosed by a resistance-welded cap and window assembly having a specially sealed sapphire or other suitable IR transmissive window. Fundamental to the operation of the inventive IR emitter is the incorporation of a getter within the header package configured to prevent oxidation degradation of the tungsten filament. An inert gas backfill limits filament evaporation and further extends apparatus lifetime.