Abstract: A pedestal set for the vertical and horizontal oriented product includes a chassis, a cover element, and a magnetic element. The chassis has a concave portion and a first joint portion, which is disposed on a surface of the chassis opposite to the concave portion. The first joint portion is connected to an external apparatus. The cover element is disposed on the concave portion to form an accommodating space. The magnetic element is placed in the accommodating space.

Abstract: A holder is constructed for fixing printed circuit boards like for a contact switch unit of a glass ceramic hob between a cover and a substructure receiving the circuit boards. The holder has a plurality of elastic projections distributed integrally and in an area on one side of the holder and forming a surface spring. The holder can embrace or frame and consequently receive the circuit boards.

Abstract: An improved jack for using leverage and the momentum of the vehicle or trailer to be lifted to raise the vehicle or trailer. The jack has a cradle to engage the axle of the vehicle or trailer to be lifted. The cradle is adapted to prevent the vehicle or trailer from slipping off the jack. The cradle is connected to a telescoping member which is inserted into a post that is connected to a based plate. The base plate is configured to allow the post and telescoping member to pivot to a vertical position as the vehicle or trailer is driver over the jack.

Abstract: A stabilizer apparatus and system for use with recreational vehicles to reduce or eliminate side-to-side swaying and front-to-back shifting. The invention comprises one or more stabilizer components having a frame connector attached to the vehicle's frame, a jack connector attached to the leveling jack and a telescoping stabilizer bar interconnecting the frame and jack connectors. An engaging element, such as a T-bolt, locks the stabilizer bar. The frame and jack connectors utilize a universally configured connector having a base portion, a support bar mount to connect to a clevis on the stabilizer bar and a threaded end to connect to the frame or jack. The invention is configured to automatically raise and lower with the raising and lowering of the vehicle's jack system. The invention can be provided as an easily installed bolt-on kit that is adaptable to a variety of different recreational vehicles and jack systems.

Abstract: The MARITAL SUPPORT PLATFORM is a structural device that is essentially a sturdy and comfortable plane supported by an adjustable means to support and to incline the platform. It is designed to provide a simple, practical, yet special platform of comfort that is capable of sturdy support to people of size. The present invention utilizes a means to support the platform and to adjust the platform at an inclined position of various heights and angles to suit the individual needs of a couple. The platform is comprised of an inclined plane and the means to support the platform. The preferred embodiment is a simple combination of components with legs that are normally removable (or collapsible in alternative embodiments) to make it portable.

Abstract: A display is rotatably supported by a hinge portion as a support mechanism from a storing position to a using range by exceeding a passing range. The hinge portion has first and second torque generating portions for generating torque for resisting the rotating movement of the display. The first and second torque generating portions are constructed so as to generate the torque in the using range and the passing range. Torque characteristics according to a rotating angle of the display in the passing range are differently set in the first and second torque generating portions. The first torque generating portion has first torque characteristics for generating first torque in the passing range and the using range. The second torque generating portion has second torque characteristics in which the torque is gradually increased in the passing range and reaches second torque at the using range.

Abstract: This invention is a collapsible panel assembly having a front panel, a back panel, and at least one dry erase sheet carried by said front panel. The invention can have a first position where the collapsible panel assembly is generally a triangular shape and a second position where the collapsible panel assembly is generally arranged in a stacked configuration. Dry erase sheets can be removed from the front panel to reveal underlying sheets.

Abstract: Disclosed is an arrangement for producing molded concrete bricks, comprising an insert (EI) that is disposed in an insert support which is fastened within a molding machine. Said arrangement is provided with an advantageous structure in the form of a hollow case that encompasses recesses (AP) so as to insert the arrangement into a base plate (GP) and a cover plate (DP). More specifically, the invention relates to particularly advantageous embodiments for producing the insert (EI) from folded metal sheets, fixing the insert (EI) inside the insert support, and fastening the insert support within the molding machine.

Abstract: In a camera having a focus detection device which detects a focus state of an object at a plurality of focus detection spots in an imaging area, there are provided an operation portion which selects an arbitrary focus detection spot in the imaging area, and a setting portion which sets the focus detection spot selected by the operation portion as a focus detection spot group. A signal used to set a focus state of the focus detection spot in the thus set group is output by an AF sensor, an arithmetic operation portion detects the focus state of the focus detection spot based on an output from this AF sensor, and a lens drive portion drives a focus optical system to adjust its focus based on a detection result of the focus state obtained by the arithmetic operation portion.

Abstract: An optical pickup apparatus, comprises: a light source in which a plurality of light emitting points having different wavelengths are provided; a light receiving unit, receiving light reflected from an optical disk to produce an electric signal; and an optical system, collecting light emitted from the respective light emitting points to the optical disk and conducting the light reflected from the optical disk to the light receiving unit; wherein the optical system includes a filter which converts the light emitted from the respective light emitting points into a predetermined optical intensity distribution.

Abstract: A biopolymer array optical scanner system that is configured to accommodate the needs of its working environment, but offer extended life over common scanners as typically used, is provided. The scanner is programmed to allow a user to set times or adopt a schedule by which the scanner will automatically power up and/or power down. The activity of the scanner can be controlled by setting a timer or selecting a given time/event, a custom schedule and/or a preselected schedule to trigger action by a software switch at the appointed time. The switch automatically takes such action as previously directed. The activity may be selected from powering up (turning on or going to standby), powering down (turning off or going to standby) and/or initiating a scan run. Myriad combinations or permutations of activities and their respective timing are possible.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus (X) includes a light source, a case (2) for accommodating the light source, and a substrate (8) mounted to the case (8). A plurality of sensor IC chips (7) for detecting the light traveling from an image reading region are mounted on the substrate (8). The sensor IC chips (7) are arranged at positions closer to a second side edge (8b) than to a first side edge (8a) of the substrate. A predetermined wiring pattern is formed on the substrate (8). The sensor IC chips (7) are electrically connected to the wiring pattern via wires (W). The wires (W) are connected to the wiring pattern by extending from the upper surface of the sensor IC chips (7) toward the first side edge (8a) of the substrate.

Abstract: A technique for imaging an object with a coherent beam of electromagnetic radiation involves sequencing at least a portion of the coherent beam through a set of orthogonal transverse spatial modes and summing the output signals that result from set of orthogonal transverse spatial modes. To create an image of an object, the coherent beam is applied to multiple spots on the object and~sequenced through the same set of orthogonal transverse spatial modes at each spot. The output signals generated from the sequencing are summed on a per-spot basis.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit device, having a plurality of processing elements accommodated on a single semiconductor chip, has a latch circuit and a selecting circuit. The latch circuit is provided at an output of each of the processing elements. The selecting circuit selects an input source from a group consisting of upper, lower, left, and right processing elements and a zero signal.

Abstract: An image sensing apparatus is provided, which is provided with a plurality of image sensing elements each including a plurality of photoelectric conversion sections and an adding circuit adapted to add signals from the plurality of photoelectric conversion sections to obtain a one-pixel signal, wherein the adding circuit adds the signals such that the one-pixel signals obtained by the addition are arranged at equal intervals in an area extending over the plurality of image sensing elements.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit device, having a plurality of processing elements accommodated on a single semiconductor chip, has a latch circuit and a selecting circuit. The latch circuit is provided at an output of each of the processing elements. The selecting circuit selects an input source from a group consisting of upper, lower, left, and right processing elements and a zero signal.

Abstract: Novel structures of the photodetector having broad spectral ranges detection capability are provided. The photodetector can offer high quantum efficiency >95% over wide spectral ranges, high frequency response >10 GHz (@3 dB). The photodiode array of N×N elements is also provided. The array can also offer wide spectral detection ranges ultraviolet to 2500 nm with high quantum efficiency >95% and high quantum efficiency of >10 GHz, cross-talk of <1%. In the array, each photodiode can be independently addressable and can be made either as top-illuminated or as bottom illuminated type detector. The photodiode and its array provided in this invention, could be used in multiple purpose applications such as telecommunication, imaging and sensing applications including surveillance, satellite tracking, advanced lidar systems, etc. The advantages of this photodetectors are that they are uncooled and performance will not be degraded under wide range of temperature variation.

Abstract: An EMCCD detector includes a first gain register and a photoactive area divided into at least a two detection regions. At least one of the detection regions is assigned to the first gain register.

Abstract: A low-photon flux image-intensified electronic camera comprises a gallium arsenide phosphide (GaAsP) photocathode in a high vacuum tube assembly behind a hermetic front seal to receive image photons. Such is cooled by a Peltier device to ?20° C. to 0° C., and followed by a dual microchannel plate. The microchannels in each plate are oppositely longitudinally tilted away from the concentric to restrict positive ions that would otherwise contribute to the generation high brightness “scintillation” noise events at the output of the image. A phosphor-coated output fiberoptic conducts intensified light to an image sensor device. This too is chilled and produces a camera signal output. A high voltage power supply connected to the dual microchannel plate provides for gain control and photocathode gating and shuttering. A fiberoptic taper is used at the output of the image intensifier vacuum tube as a minifier between the internal output fiberoptic and the image sensor.

Abstract: A motion sensitive illumination method for a mobile device is provided. The method comprises measuring a first motion attribute of the mobile device using a motion sensor to produce a first value; comparing the first value with a threshold value; and adjusting illumination intensity of an illuminating mechanism that illuminates a user interface component of the mobile device, when the first value is not approximately equal to a first threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention provides the capability of ascertaining, through a quick and simple measurement, locations on a structure that may have experienced damage that could result in reduced structure lifetime, strength, or reliability. The sensing element is a connectorized section of polarization maintaining (“PM”) optical fiber, where a length of PM fiber represents a fully distributed sensor array. Stress-induced changes to the sensor are measured through white-light Polarimetric interferometry. The output of the measurement is a data array representing the stress concentration magnitude at an array of locations along the length of the sensor. In an application, the knowledge of the optical fiber position on the structure, coupled with the measurement of stress locations along the fiber length, allows the user to determine locations on the structure with large stress concentrations. These locations may signify structural damage.

Abstract: A system to provide radiant energy of selectable spectral characteristic (e.g. a selectable color combination of light) uses an optical integrating cavity to combine energy of different wavelengths from different sources. Sources of radiant energy of different wavelengths, typically different-color LEDs, supply radiant energy into the interior of the cavity. The cavity has a diffusely reflective interior surface and an aperture for allowing emission of combined radiant energy. Control of the intensity of emission of the sources sets the amount of each wavelength of energy in the combined output and thus determines a spectral characteristic of the radiant energy output through the aperture. A variety of different elements may optically process the combined light output, such a deflector, a variable iris, a lens, a variable focusing lens system, a collimator, a holographic diffuser and combinations thereof. Such systems are useful in various luminous applications as well as various illumination applications.

Abstract: A mirror positioning structure for compensating skew and bow includes a mirror rotating member having a recess at one side to hold a mirror inserted therein and a rotation shaft protruding from an opposite side. A mirror position changing member has an opening through which the rotation shaft of the mirror rotating member passes such that the mirror rotating member is rotatably coupled with the mirror position changing member. A fixing member has a receiving space in one side so that the mirror position changing member moves rectilinearly within the receiving space.

Abstract: An ionization chamber for a mass spectrometry system is described. The ionization chamber comprises a housing defining an ionization region, and the housing comprises a carbon nanotube material.

Abstract: A probe for detecting light or irradiating light comprises a cantilever supported at an end thereof by a substrate, a hollow tip formed at a free end of the cantilever, a microaperture formed at the end of the tip, and a hollow waveguide formed inside the cantilever. A method for producing a probe for light detection or light irradiation which comprises the steps of working a substrate to form a groove therein, forming a flat plate-shaped cover portion on the groove to form a hollow waveguide having an opening in a part thereof, forming a hollow tip having a microaperture on the opening, and removing a part of the substrate by etching, to form a cantilever.

Abstract: A hand-held, fleet deployable infrared camera with integrated hardware and software providing real time processing of infrared images. The camera senses variable temperature images over a selected object of interest and senses variable emissivities over the object. The camera also measures and corrects for reflected environmental radiation as well as corrections for the atmospheric path through which the object is viewed. A calibrated reference patch having known emissivity and reflectance is attached to an object of interest and viewed through the camera. The calibrated patch is used to provide correction for the environmental radiation reflected off the object. Once the environmental radiation correction is known, it can be used to correct measurements taken from the rest of the object of interest.

Abstract: An infrared (IR) camera and associated electronics including power are integrated into portable, self-contained, vision-enhancement apparatus useful in environments of dense air-borne particulate and thermal extremes such as encountered in fire fighting situations, in accordance with the invention. The IR camera is integral with a self-contained power supply so that the system is portable and requires no umbilical cord or other external connections. The camera includes an imager that is preferably an un-cooled focal plane array, and associated imaging, storing, processing and displaying electronics that are cooled in the extreme thermal environment using an integral plural phase heatsink.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an optical transducer, such as an infrared transducer, generates an output signal that is representative of optical irradiance. A noise control circuit is coupled in a power supply path of the optical transducer. A switching circuit varies the noise control provided by the noise control circuit, in response to changes in the output signal of the optical transducer. The noise control may be varied in a number of different ways, including: turning the noise control on or off, varying the noise control in discrete steps, or varying the noise control in a continuous manner. Methods for varying noise control in response to optical irradiance of an optical transducer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A readout circuit for a bolometer type sensor including a pair of back-to-back temperature sensing diodes connected in an electro-thermal feedback loop including a semiconductor amplifier circuit located in an intermediate stage between a detector stage and a heat bath stage and wherein the heat generated by the amplifier equalizes the temperature between the intermediate stage and the detector stage. The readout circuitry also includes circuitry for removing local threshold voltage variations and low frequency 1/f noise components in the readout signal while providing high temperature sensitivity and relatively high voltage gain.

Abstract: A thermal radiation sensor is disclosed wherein a semiconductor thermocouple comprised of a pair of silicon diodes is connected in back-to-back relationship, with one of the diodes being located in a detector stage. The other diode is located in a heat bath stage together with a sensed temperature difference amplifier. The detector stage is thermally isolated from the heat bath stage by a low thermal conductivity link that includes electrical wires which connect the back-to-back diodes to the amplifier.

Abstract: A mobile detecting apparatus which can include the ability to transmit data to and receive instructions from a remote location, detect multiple objects (e.g. stacked or side by side containers or cargo), and provide efficient traffic flow (e.g. at cargo port).

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an infrared detection apparatus is provided which comprises a plurality of light receiving means for detecting infrared light and outputting a signal corresponding to the infrared light, and forms a plurality of detection areas adjacent to each other in space using the light receiving means. The apparatus comprises display means for displaying a direction and an amount, and control means for determining directions and amounts of deviation of the plurality of detection areas from respective appropriate locations based on a difference in each signal output from the plurality of light receiving means when a human body is detected, and letting the display means perform display depending on the directions and amounts of the deviation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for image overlap correction are provided. The method includes acquiring the emission projection data from a plurality of scan frames that extend across at least a portion of a length of an object being imaged wherein elements of the object lie between a region of overlap between two successive frames. The method further includes iteratively reconstructing a 3D image volume from multi-frame emission projection data by updating an estimate of 3D image volume using emission projection data from the plurality of frames within an iterative reconstruction loop.

Abstract: An x-ray detector includes a large number of pixels, each of the latter being configured from one or more sub-pixels. Each of the sub-pixels include a detector material for the direct conversion of incident X-ray radiation into an electric signal. A device for converting the electric signals into corresponding digital signals is associated with each of the sub-pixels and the detector is also equipped with a device for processing said digital signals into a combined digital signal representing the number and/or energy of the X-ray quanta that are incident on the pixel.

Abstract: A method for detecting ionizing radiation with the aid of a scintillation counter and a photomultiplier using an inorganic solid-matter scintillator that incorporates at least one decay time component greater than 100 ns and measures the photons emitted by the scintillator with a fast single-photon counter. The single-photon counter is composed of a fast photomultiplier with high internal amplification, a stabilized high-voltage supply and a fast amplifier/discriminator with standard pulse output. With this arrangement, the measurement of all types of radiation, like alpha, beta, gamma and X radiation, can be performed, with low manufacturing costs for the detector, a high degree of sensitivity especially with regard to low beta energies, only small sensitivity changes over a large temperature range of ?20 to +50 degrees C., and good long-term stability.

Abstract: A method of absolute nuclear material assay of an unknown source comprising counting neutrons from the unknown source and providing an absolute nuclear material assay utilizing a model to optimally compare to the measured count distributions. In one embodiment, the step of providing an absolute nuclear material assay comprises utilizing a random sampling of analytically computed fission chain distributions to generate a continuous time-evolving sequence of event-counts by spreading the fission chain distribution in time.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a flat detector in different dose ranges and at different amplifier levels. A previously measured detector sensitivity is respectively used for the calibration. The detector sensitivity is determined for each amplifier level at a multiplicity of different points in the overall gain-specific dose range. Further, a calibration value of the previously measured neighboring values is used in order to calibrate a measurement image for a predetermined dose.

Abstract: The stimulable phosphor panel includes a rigid substrate, a stimulable phosphor layer formed on the rigid substrate and a transparent moisture-resistant protective layer formed on the stimulable phosphor layer. The stimulable phosphor layer is housed and sealed in an airtight area formed between the rigid substrate and the transparent moisture-resistant protective layer. The panel further includes a buffer space communicating with the airtight area capable of expansion/contraction. The buffer space is defined by a recess formed in the substrate, a ventilation hole connecting the recess with the airtight area and being formed in the substrate, and a flexible sheet covering an opening of the recess. Or, the buffer space has a volume variable within a range from 1/10 to twice of a sum of a spatial volume of the airtight area and a volume of the buffer space at 1 atm.

Abstract: An alignment system for a lithographic apparatus has a source of alignment radiation; a detection system that has a first detector channel and a second detector channel; and a position determining unit in communication with the detection system. The position determining unit is constructed to process information from said first and second detector channels in a combination to determine a position of an alignment mark on a work piece, the combination taking into account a manufacturing process of the work piece. A lithographic apparatus has the above mentioned alignment system. Methods of alignment and manufacturing devices with a lithographic apparatus use the above alignment system and lithographic apparatus, respectively.

Abstract: An alignment system for a lithographic apparatus has a source of alignment radiation; a detection system that has a first detector channel and a second detector channel; and a position determining unit in communication with the detection system. The position determining unit is constructed to process information from said first and second detector channels in a combination to determine a position of an alignment mark on a work piece, the combination taking into account a manufacturing process of the work piece. A lithographic apparatus has the above mentioned alignment system. Methods of alignment and manufacturing devices with a lithographic apparatus use the above alignment system and lithographic apparatus, respectively.

Abstract: An alignment system for a lithographic apparatus has a source of alignment radiation; a detection system that has a first detector channel and a second detector channel; and a position determining unit in communication with the detection system. The position determining unit is constructed to process information from said first and second detector channels in a combination to determine a position of an alignment mark on a work piece, the combination taking into account a manufacturing process of the work piece. A lithographic apparatus has the above mentioned alignment system. Methods of alignment and manufacturing devices with a lithographic apparatus use the above alignment system and lithographic apparatus, respectively.

Abstract: A head-worn video display includes a compact light source including at least two laser diodes. A MEMS scanner scans a composite beam from the two light sources across a viewing screen. The viewing screen is operable to diffuse light from one laser diode and convert light from a second laser to a different wavelength. Light from the viewing screen is shaped for viewing by a viewer's eye.

Abstract: A storage phosphor cassette for use in recording radiographic images of elongated objects. The cassette comprises a shell and a single storage phosphor plate. The shell includes first and second opposite open ends. The single storage phosphor plate is housed within the shell and is adapted to be at least partially removable from the shell through the first and second open ends. A radiation image of the elongate object can be read by extracting a first portion of the single plate through one of the two opposing ends of the cassette and scanning the first portion of the single storage phosphor plate to obtain a first partial image, and then extracting a second portion of the single plate through the other of the two opposing ends of the cassette and scanning the second portion of the single storage phosphor plate to obtain a second partial image. The first and second partial images can be combined to form the image of the elongate object.

Abstract: A breast image obtaining apparatus using a solid-sate detector, or stimulable phosphor panel capable of correctly obtaining image information up to the area closer to the chest wall of a subject. when picking up the image, the solid-state detector is moved to a place close to the side wall of the housing on the chest wall side by the moving means to pick up the image up to the area close to the chest wall, and when reading the image, it is moved to the opposite direction to secure the overrun zone between the side wall of the housing and end of the solid-state detector on the subject side. By completing acceleration or deceleration of the reading light exposure section within this zone, the scanning rate of the reading light exposure section is maintained constant across the entire region of the solid-state detector.

Abstract: The image reading apparatus is providing with an optical unit 1 that illuminates the stimulable phosphor plate P with excitation light L1 from the light source while scanning it and reads the image information by condensing the photo-stimulated luminescence light emitted from the stimulable phosphor plate P and carrying out photoelectric conversion of this light, and a linear motor 7 that moves the stimulable phosphor plate P. In addition, it is provided with connecting means 6 and 61 that travel along with the stimulable phosphor plate P, a rotating device 92 and 93 that rotates due to the movement of the stimulable phosphor plate P transmitted via the connecting means 6 and 61, a rotation detecting device 5 that detects the rotational speed of the rotating device 92 and 93, and a speed control section 100 that controls the linear motor 7 by comparing the result of detection by the rotation detecting device 5 with a previously determined set speed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pinch clamp that includes a support leg member and a coupling leg member, which are interconnected by a curved portion, and a generally upwardly extending anchor portion having at least one anchoring flange located at the distal end of the anchor portion. The pinch clamp also contains at least one tabular member which extends outward from the anchor portion, which facilitates opening of the pinch clamp.

Abstract: A heatable cryo-valve for a cryogenic tank storing liquid hydrogen. In one embodiment, the cryo-valve includes a valve plate mounted to a valve body by a spring. The spring forces the valve plate against a valve seat to prevent hydrogen from flowing through the cryo-valve when the valve is in a closed position. A resistive heating device is position proximate the valve plate. An electrical current applied to the heating device causes the device to expand, which pushes the device against the valve plate and against the bias of the spring to move the valve plate off of the valve seat and allow hydrogen to flow therethrough. The cryo-valve can be designed so that the heating device does not come in direct contact with the liquid hydrogen.

Abstract: A method and a device for triggering an, in particular pneumatic, actuator in a mass-flow line is provided, which allow for a precise setting of the actuator without automatic position control and position feedback. For this purpose, a setpoint position is provided for setting the actuator. An actuating variable is provided for setting the setpoint position. The actuating variable is provided in such a way that an equilibrium of forces acting on the actuator sets in at the specified setpoint position of the actuator.

Abstract: A actuator for operating a valve in process automation. The actuator includes a separately operable, adjustment wheel and an electric motor having at least a stator and a rotor. The stator and rotor are associated with predetermined regions of an output shaft. A valve connection is provided in a first end region of the output shaft for coupling the actuator to the valve. The adjustment wheel is arranged in a second end region of the output shaft.

Abstract: A guide boss is provided in a diaphragm blocking the halfway portion of a channel; a valve disk is formed in the shape of a cylinder; the inner face of this cylinder-shaped valve disk is slidably engaged around the guide boss; and further, a valve port consisting of a plurality of long bores are formed in a diaphragm surrounding the guide boss. Thereby, fluid can responsively flow into the valve port when the valve disk is opened, and the follow-up of the fluid is accelerated.