Abstract: A seating arrangement with improved seating comfort is disclosed. In one embodiment, the seating arrangement is for a transportation vehicle. The arrangement includes seats at least having two levels adjacent to single-level seats. The multi-level seats include at least a bottom row of seats and a top row of seats. In one embodiment, the bottom row seats are on a floor; and there is an imaginary horizontal plane that is parallel to the floor, and that at least a part of the top row seats and at least a part of the bottom row seats intersect. The single-level seats include at least two rows, with at least one seat in each row being adjacent to the aisle, to allow passengers to access the single-level seats. In another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes only multi-level seats. In yet another embodiment, a computer-implemented method is applicable to the seats, such as allowing the display of a visual representation of a top-row seat and a bottom-row seat.

Abstract: A reconfigurable interior sidewall system includes one or more simply curved sidewall panels, each curved around the fuselage but longitudinally linear and providing a consistent mating surface for monuments. Panel openings are provided in each panel so that inner window assemblies may be installed for opposing structural windows, each inner window assembly having outward sculpturing for additional cabin room. A cover plate is also provided for flush insertion into the opening to fill the opening when it is not needed and to provide a constant profile for cabin monuments whenever the layout of the cabin changes. This results in the production of fewer parts as well as facilitating faster and less expensive interior reconfigurations.

Abstract: 1. A passenger seat, an aircraft passenger seat in particular 2. In a passenger seat, an aircraft passenger seat in particular, having seat components such as seat carrier (9), seat element, backrest (3), and arm rest, it being possible to place at least one seat component in selected positions relative to other seat components and to lock it in these positions by means of a controllable fastening mechanism, the seat bottom (7) of the seat element is mounted so as to be pivotable about at least one pivot axis (15, 19) in relation to the seat carrier (9).

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling flexible communication links used for aircraft refueling are disclosed. A system in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes a support configured to be carried by an aerial refueling aircraft, and a motion control device carried by the support. A movable aerial refueling boom is positioned proximate to the support and carries an aerial refueling line. A flexible communication link is carried by the boom and is movable with the boom relative to the support. The flexible communication link is coupled to the motion control device wherein the motion control device limits relative motion between the flexible communication link and the support. In particular embodiments, the flexible communication link can include a hydraulic hose or a cable, and the motion control device can include a spring or other forcing member positioned to rotationally urge the flexible communication link toward the support.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of the invention includes an apparatus and method for making air and space inflatables and deployables using three dimensionally reinforced (3DR) membranes. A 3DR process preferably takes plural substantially flat gore segments, each segment made of plural membranes and reinforcing fibers, and joins adjacent gores so the seams on opposite sides are offset. Single ply seam tape may be used. When all gores are joined, a three dimensional deployable or inflatable (e.g., balloon) structure with a minimized seam is produced. Further, localized fiber reinforcement may be used, with different characteristics depending on the desired placement in the gore, allowing the substantially flat gores, when joined and loaded, to strain to the desired three dimensional shape. In doing so, the required number of gores and seams may be reduced, while using materials with significantly lower areal densities.

Abstract: A bladderless inflatable kite usable to propel humans, wherein the kite foregoes some or all conventional bladder structures. A bladderless or partially bladderless inflatable kite reduces the weight, and reduces problems associated with rubbing between the bladders and the outside layer, or the like. A bladderless kite structure is formed of a material that comprises a laminated mix of carbon and polymer filaments into a laminant structure wherein unidirectional prepreg tapes of in-line plasma treated fibers are spread to mono-filament level films and bonded with a UV absorbing titanium resin.

Abstract: A plurality of satellites are placed into a virtually geosynchronous orbit, in which a first part of the orbit, that is near apogee, has a similar movement to the rotation of the earth, and therefore the orbit appears virtually stationary relative to the earth. Different satellites in the orbit are caused to have specified standardized parameters, and also defined according to an orbital position at a date certain. The different satellites and therefore be assigned to different owners according to these parameters.

Abstract: A spacecraft adapter having embedded resources for supporting a non-primary payload on a launch vehicle. The spacecraft adapter includes a battery, a power distribution and control system, and an interface circuit for interfacing with the non-primary payload. Other modules/subsystems such as data storage, sensor and data interface and communications may be included to suit the needs of a particular non-primary payload and/or particular mission of the non-primary payload. The adaptor does not require any interfacing with the bus of the primary payload and can be scaled/modified as needed to provide only that degree of functionality needed for a given non-primary payload being carried by the launch vehicle.

Abstract: An articulated leading edge for the fuselage and wings of an aircraft is disclosed. The leading edge may be moved from an undeflected or retracted position adjacent to the fuselage and wings to a deflected or extended position. The leading edge includes fuselage and wing portions which are articulated with respect to each other. The fuselage portion of the leading edge may be rotated around an axis near the nose of the aircraft. When the fuselage portion is rotated, the region between the fuselage portion and wing portion of the leading edge bends and the wing portion is elevated with respect to the wing. In such an extended position, the leading edge increases lift of the aircraft at low speeds. In the retracted position, gaps associated with the leading edge are avoided.

Abstract: A strap with rotatably mounted clip fabricated in a single molding operation. The strap includes a strap retention member and a plurality of teeth. The rotatable clip includes a clip member, a pedestal and a head. The pedestal is retained in a pedestal opening formed through the strap. In fabrication, a top mold insert is slid into a top of first and second mold halves and a bottom mold insert is slid into a bottom of the first and second mold halves. Plastic is then injected into the first and second mold halves to independently and separately form the strap and the clip in a single molding process, wherein the inserts provide a space between the pedestal opening and the pedestal to allow the clip to rotate relative to the strap.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting a vehicle by accommodating large loads and a variety of floor gradients while preventing shifting and slippage during use. The apparatus comprises a main frame assembly, a height adjustment mechanism disposed in the main frame assembly, and a plurality of casters mounted on the main frame assembly to provide mobility. The apparatus may also comprise a clamping feature to secure a pinch weld section of a vehicle.

Abstract: A fitting structure for fitting a laser holder holding a semiconductor laser to a base member in an optical pickup device includes a support member of a metal plate that supports the laser holder. The support member integrally has: a base part having a laser passage hole that is formed in the center thereof for permitting laser light from the semiconductor laser to pass therethrough; an upper projecting part and a lower projecting part that respectively project from the upper and the lower edges of the base part so as to oppose each other and that support the laser holder so that the laser holder can swing about the vertical axis; and a bending part that is elastically deformable and that first projects from the upper edge of the base part toward a side opposite to a side toward which the upper projecting part projects and then is bent downward and also inward toward the base part.

Abstract: A magnet-holder for attaching an object to a glass pane has two parts of a holder which can be placed on mutually opposed boundary faces of said glass pane and are biased towards one another by a magnetic-force apparatus. In addition, that part of the holder which is disposed on the inner side of the glass pane has a contact plate whose side that faces towards the glass pane carries a plurality of elastic holding cups which can cling to the pane.

Abstract: A platform extension for securing items to a ladder. The platform extension consists of a substantially planar substrate A container is selectively, releasably attached to the substrate. The planar substrate releasably affixed to a ladder.

Abstract: A suction nozzle holster device is provided with three possible operating positions through the use of a mounting channel component having a left, a center and a right key plate/key nub system that can each be respectively inserted into a cooperating keyway slot/nub receiver opening system mounted on a rear portion of a holster mounting component of the device. This arrangement gives the holster device three distinct operating positions.

Abstract: An adjustable apparatus for adjusting the positions of a display is provided. The display includes a base, a supporting arm and a display unit. Two ends of the supporting arm are pivotably connected to the base and the unit. The adjustable apparatus at least comprises a leading rod disposed within the base and an operation block mounted on the leading rod. One end of the leading rod is connected to the supporting arm. There are an outer thread formed on the surface of the leading rod and an inner thread correspondingly formed within the operation block. When the operation block is operated, the inner thread of the operation block is engaged with the outer thread of the leading rod, and the leading rod can be moved forwards or backwards so as to drive the supporting arm to rotate and adjust the positions of the display unit.

Abstract: An artificial rock which is mountable on a climbing wall has a recess formed in therein. The recess is bound by a pair of lateral surfaces which entirely or in sections may be downwardly and inwardly tapered and/or parallel to one another. The recess is configured to receive a safety device such as a piton or a camming device to support various climbing equipment with a rope threaded thereon to provide a safety feature for climbers and to allow climbers to practice with the climbing equipment. When tapered, the recess is preferably bounded by tapered lateral surfaces which angle in mating fashion with respective tapered surfaces of a piton. The recess may be bounded by a rear surface which tapers downwardly and forwardly whereby the recess accommodates various sizes of pitons therein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mounting structure for sprinklers. In the sprinkler mounting structure of the present invention, a latitudinal support unit has an elastic unit at each of opposite ends thereof, so that the latitudinal support unit can be reliably mounted to a pair of longitudinal support units merely by pushing the latitudinal support unit downwards on the longitudinal support unit. Furthermore, a mounting bracket, which is movably fitted over the latitudinal support unit to be adjusted in position, firmly holds a sprinkler reducer only by the rotation of a locking unit, coupled to the mounting bracket, in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A method for securing a support member to a plate is provided. The support member includes a stopper. The method comprises forming an aperture on the plate; inserting the support member through the aperture; shearing the support member to form a flange and pressing the flange against the plate. The flange and the stopper secure the support member to the plate. In another embodiment, the support member includes a stopper and a collar. The method comprises forming an aperture on the plate; inserting the support member through the aperture; pressing the collar to form a flange and pressing the flange against the plate. The flange and the stopper secure the support member to the plate. The present methods may be used in disc drive manufacturing to mount components such as ramp, crash stop/latches onto the base without welding.

Abstract: An adjustable support stand supports equipment above a foundation. A rotatable body has a threaded sleeve. A shaft has a support end for supporting the equipment and a threaded end for screwing into the threaded sleeve of the rotatable body. The rotatable body is coupled to a base. The base of the rotatable body can include a vertical channel member which is adaptable to come in contact with a foundation. The rotatable body is operable to adjust a height of the support stand. An isolation bearing assembly is disposed on the support end of the shaft for providing isolation to the equipment. An optional brace apparatus is connectable to the base of the rotatable body. The brace apparatus can include two or more angled legs to stabilize the rotatable body and clear existing structures and obstacles located on a foundation.

Abstract: A stand for a portable computer, includes a base, a platform attached pivotally upon the base and configured to support a portable computer, a support mechanism interacting with the platform and with the base to maintain the platform at one of a number of selectable acute angles with respect to the base. The base has a number of desktop-engaging rollers enabling the base to be moved linearly upon a desktop. A braking mechanism engages two of the rollers, and a user-activated pushbutton releases the braking mechanism upon depression, so that the stand can be moved upon the desktop.

Abstract: A portable easel with adjustable angle between the board support and the ground is provided. The portable easel has three telescopic legs pivotally joined together by an isosceles triangular head. Two legs are connected to the long front side of the head forming a straight line when stretched. One crossing bar connects the two front legs and determines the maximum angle between the two front legs. One leg is connected to the rear angle point of the isosceles triangular head. One end of a telescopic connector is pivotally connected to the rear leg and the other end is connected to a pivotal connector that receives the upwardly folding crossing bar. The pivotal connector is engaged to a rail that is fixed to the triangular head vertically between the two front legs. By adjusting the length of the telescopic connectors the angle of the front surface of the easel to the ground is adjusted.

Abstract: A rotating gantry includes a link frame for supporting a plurality of rollers which rotatably support the rotating gantry, a brake for releasing a braking force applied to at least one of the rollers upon supply of air and applying the braking force to the one roller upon discharge of air, and a solenoid valve for sealing the supplied air in the brake when closed, and discharging the air from the brake when opened. The solenoid valve is supported by a solenoid valve support member mounted to the link frame such that the solenoid valve is positioned just near the brake. The rotating gantry can be more quickly braked and stopped while maintaining high irradiation accuracy.

Abstract: A height adjustable paving stone screed for use in an area bounded by a course of paving stones includes an elongated board. A pair of right angle brackets are mounted on top of the board. Slidably attachable to each right angle brackets include a pair of further right angle brackets, each adjustable vertically with respect to the first right angle bracket. The bottom of each angled bracket is flush with the top the paving stones. Likewise, the bottom surface of the board is even with bottom surfaces of the paving stones, whereby sliding movement of the board establishes a flat plane of bedding material bed at a depth equal to that of the course of paving stones, in the area to support paving stones to fill the area. Sliding movement of the board occurs, establishing a flat plane of to flatten the bedding material for the paving stones.

Abstract: To provide means for correctly and quickly detecting the focusing lens of an auto focusing mechanism located at its focusing position. MEANS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In the process of moving a focusing lens (21b) by a motor (41) along the optical axis of a collimating optical system (telescope (20)), the image of a staff (1) sighted by the telescope (20) is converted into an electric signal by a line sensor (24). The output signal of the line sensor (24) is further converted into a digital signal by an A/D converter (27) and stored in a RAM (28). Based on the data stored in the RAM (28), a microcomputer (3) monitors frequencies of the component signals, or wavelets, contained in the output signal of the line sensor (24) stored in the RAM (28).

Abstract: A confocal microscope apparatus has a confocal scanner for scanning a sample with shifting a focal position of a light beam in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis, a moving mechanism for moving the focal position of the light beam in an optical axis direction, a camera for picking up an image of the sample with the light beam, and a movement control unit for controlling the moving mechanism to move the focal position of the light beam by a predetermined distance in the optical axis direction for every vertical synchronizing signal of the camera in synchronization with the vertical synchronizing signal. A high-speed three-dimensional image can be displayed in such that while measuring the sample, two or more slice images in such an arrangement on a common screen that their positions relative to the sample enables to be grasped.

Abstract: A confocal microscope apparatus has a confocal scanner for scanning a sample with shifting a focal position of a light beam in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis, a moving mechanism for moving the focal position of the light beam in an optical axis direction, a camera for picking up an image of the sample with the light beam, and a movement control unit for controlling the moving mechanism to move the focal position of the light beam by a predetermined distance in the optical axis direction for every vertical synchronizing signal of the camera in synchronization with the vertical synchronizing signal. A high-speed three-dimensional image can be displayed in such that while measuring the sample, two or more slice images in such an arrangement on a common screen that their positions relative to the sample enables to be grasped.

Abstract: A system for generating images of a specimen comprises: means for generating a signal representation of a shadow image of the specimen; means for increasing a resolution of the shadow image; magnifying means for generating a signal representation of an image of a scanning area of the specimen; display means for providing simultaneous displays of the images; and means for identifying the scanning area on the display of the shadow image.

Abstract: A method of recognizing one or more gestures, and an apparatus to perform the method, the method including detecting positions at which light is emitted from a light emitter; and recognizing the one or more gestures according to a trajectory of the detected positions to perform a function corresponding to the trajectory of the detected positions.

Abstract: An image sensor capable of arbitrarily outputting initialization potential from an output terminal of a light receiving device is provided. The electric potential of an external control signal of one chip out of plural linear image sensor ICs is arbitrarily fixed to make the first or last sensor IC chip alone output a dark level all the time, or an external control signal is driven to select some from all sensor IC chips and make the chosen ones output, or a differential between a signal of a sensor IC chip that always outputs the dark level and a signal of a sensor IC chip that outputs an image signal is outputted, for correction of the dark level.

Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus has a feeding port from which a sheet is fed, a discharging port from which the sheet is discharged, a U-shaped conveying path for guiding the sheet fed from the feeding port, and discharging it from the discharging port, and a pair of sheet conveying rotary members for conveying the sheet guided by the conveying path. The conveying path is formed by an inner side wall and an outer side wall opposed to the inner side wall, the outer side wall is divided into an upstream portion and a downstream portion with respect to a sheet conveying direction, and each of the upstream portion and downstream portion of the outer side wall is supported openably and closably relative to the inner side wall.

Abstract: An imaging system, methodology, and various applications are provided to facilitate optical imaging performance. The system includes a sensor having one or more receptors and an image transfer medium to scale the sensor and receptors in accordance with resolvable characteristics of the medium. A computer, memory, and/or display associated with the sensor provides storage and/or display of information relating to output from the receptors to produce and/or process an image, wherein a plurality of illumination sources can also be utilized in conjunction with the image transfer medium.

Abstract: Three-dimensional shape detecting means comprises: projection means which projects pattern light; image capturing means which captures a pattern light projection image of a subject on which the pattern light is projected; pattern light position extracting means which extracts a position of the pattern light projected on the subject based on the pattern light projection image captured by the image capturing means; three-dimensional shape calculation means which calculates three-dimensional shape of the subject based on the position of the pattern light extracted by the pattern light position extracting means; storage means which stores color value data of the pattern light projection image captured by the image capturing means; hue parameter calculation means which calculates hue parameters corresponding to a main hue forming the pattern light in units of pixels based on the color value data stored in the storage means; luminance parameter calculation means which calculates luminance parameters in units of pix

Abstract: Described is a light-directing feature formed in the inter-level dielectric (ILD) layer in combination with an anti-reflective (AR) layer to effectively and simultaneously increase quantum efficiency and cross-talk immunity thereby improving photonic performances of photo-sensitive integrated circuits. A plurality of photosensor cells is formed on a semiconductor substrate. An AR layer is subsequently formed on the plurality of photosensor cells, the AR layer being substantially non-reflective of incident light. An ILD layer is then formed over the AR layer, the ILD layer comprising a plurality of light-directing features formed in openings in the ILD layer over the AR layer above and about certain of the plurality of photosensor cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an LED package including photo diode. The LED package includes a silicon substrate, and a photo diode is formed in an upper part thereof. Also, an insulation layer is formed on the silicon substrate excluding at least a light-receiving area of the photodiode. In the LED package, an LED terminal is formed on the insulation layer to be connected to the photo diode. First and second LED connecting pads are formed on the insulation layer, and arranged on both sides of the photo diode. In addition, an LED chip is mounted on the silicon substrate, and connected to the first and second LED connecting pads.

Abstract: A semiconductor circuit comprises a fuse and a photoelement. A conduction layer of the fuse at least partly shades a photosensor region of the photoelement from a light bundle falling onto the semiconductor circuit. An arrangement for electro-optical monitoring of fuses of a semiconductor circuit additionally comprises an illumination device for generating the light bundle and a measuring device connected to two of the terminal contacts of the semiconductor circuit. In a method for the electro-optical monitoring of fuses of a semiconductor circuit a measuring device is connected to two of the terminal contacts and the semiconductor circuit is illuminated with a light bundle.

Abstract: An integrated imager circuit comprising a monolithic array of single photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) for capturing an image of a scene when said scene is hit by an optical pulse, said array comprising: a plurality of SPADs connected to 2D readout circuits determines the intensity of the light reflected by said scene by counting the number of photons received by said SPADs during a period of time, a plurality of SPADs connected to 3D readout circuits determines the distance to said scene by determining the elapsed time between the emission of each pulse and reception of the corresponding reflected photons.

Abstract: The present invention provides a large-area flat plate detector. The detector includes a conversion layer which converts incident electromagnetic radiation into electric charges. The detector has a first electrode in communication with the conversion layer and a second electrode formed as a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix. The detector includes an array of CMOS tiles, each of the tiles comprised of a plurality of pixels and having four side abuttability. The tile array is configured so that each of the tiles is separated by a spacing equal to about one pixel length from every adjacent tile and internally configured to allow for a high readout rate. Each of the tile pixels is arranged in electrical communication with and mapped in one-to-one fashion with the pixels of the second electrode. The readout electronics is capable of reading out CMOS provided data at a rate of at least 30 fps.

Abstract: A surface-emitting type device includes a rectification section including a substrate and a first semiconductor layer formed above the substrate, an emission section including a second semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type formed above the rectification section, an active layer formed above the second semiconductor layer and a third semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type formed above the active layer, and a photodetection section including the substrate, a photoabsorption layer formed above the substrate and a contact layer formed above the photoabsorption layer, wherein the first semiconductor layer and the contact layer are formed by a common process, the rectification section and the emission section are electrically connected in parallel with each other, and the rectification section has a rectification action in a reverse direction with respect to the emission section.

Abstract: A projection head of a photoelectric sensor includes a first monitoring light receiving device for receiving a part of a light that the light projecting device emits, and a projected light quantity controlling device for executing a control such that a first monitor signal obtained by the first monitoring light receiving device is kept constant to maintain a quantity of projected light of the light projecting device at a predetermined value. Also, a controlling portion of a controller senses an abnormality of the projection head based on a monitor signal obtained from the first monitoring light receiving device to be monitored via the head cable, and suppress a light projected from the light projecting device. The separate type photoelectric switch, in which the projection head is separated from the controller, is constructed such that the abnormality of the projection head can be monitored on the controller side.

Abstract: A system for accurate determination of target orientation in a laser tracking system. A target aperture is configured to produce spatially distinct laser beam and background images. A processing unit is configured to determine a centroid of the laser beam image position using information collected from detected images, such as laser beam and background images. The laser beam image centroid position is used to determine an accurate target orientation. In one example, a process for determining target orientation includes the steps of collecting a background image passing through a first retro-reflector at a first laser light sensor; 2) collecting a measurement image passing through a second retro-reflector at a second laser light sensor; 3) establishing a common positional reference point for the measurement image and the background image; 4) subtracting the background image from the measurement image based on the common positional reference point.

Abstract: A system for transferring power between components includes a first object having a light emitter operatively connected to a power source, and a second object having a light receiver operatively connected to a power storage unit. The light receiver receives light emitted from the light emitter and converts the received light into electricity that is stored in the power storage unit.

Abstract: Two detection heads are arranged opposite to each other with respect to a scale. On the scale, there is provided a discontinuous portion formed in a reflecting portion to enable detection of original point position. The original point is determined by detecting the discontinuous portion by one detection head. The absolute position of the original position in measurement is determined additionally taking into account a signal output from the other detection head at that time. Position information is calculated with reference to that absolute position to thereby reduce positional displacement of the original point that may be caused by environmental changes etc.

Abstract: A sensor for use at substrate level in a high numerical aperature lithographic apparatus, the sensor having a transparent plate that covers a sensing element and includes elements that improve coupling of radiation into the sensing element. The elements include Fresnel lenses, holographic optical elements, inverted Winston Cones, spherical lenses and surface roughening.

Abstract: In a scanning type image display apparatus that display an image by scanning a light beam emitted from a light source, synchronization of forward paths and backward paths of scanning means is achieved. The scanning type image display apparatus comprises a light source for emitting a light beam that is modulated based on image information, scanning means for scanning the light beam in two dimensional directions, a scanning optical system for forming an image of the light source on a surface to be scanned, the last surface of the scanning optical system including a reflecting area that reflects an effective light beam for forming an image on the surface to be scanned and a light transmission portion provided outside the reflecting area, light beam detection means for detecting a light beam transmitted through the light transmission portion, and a synchronization control circuit that controls light emitting timing of the light source based on a signal from the light beam detection means.

Abstract: System and method for formation logging using a gamma-ray detector. The techniques including acquiring gamma-ray signals using the gamma-ray detector, the acquired gamma-ray signals having energies that span at least a first-energy region and a second-energy region, wherein the first-energy region includes energies higher than a selected threshold and the second-energy region includes energies lower than the selected threshold; determining interference signals based on the acquired gamma-ray signals in the first-energy region; and correcting the acquired gamma-ray signals in the second-energy region based on the interference signals to provide corrected gamma-ray signals.

Abstract: A tool for formation logging includes a support configured for movement in a borehole; a source mounted on the support, the source configured to emit neutrons and gamma rays; and at least one sensor mounted on the support and spaced apart from the source, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detect at least one selected from the group consisting of gamma rays and neutrons. A method for formation logging in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes emitting neutrons and gamma rays into a formation, using a source on a logging tool disposed in a borehole penetrating the formation; and detecting gamma-ray signals and neutron signals scattered by the formation, using at least one detector on the logging tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas analysis based on the mobility of ions. The invention relates to a cell structure of an analysis device, the cell structure comprising the reference cell (201), the ionisation section (202) and the analysis cell (203) for identifying the electric mobility of ions. The invention also relates to a method for identifying the ions. Further, the invention relates to a system for identifying the ions.

Abstract: A sampling swab useful in trace analyte detection is provided. The sampling swab possesses absorption/adsorption and desorption properties suitable for use trace analyte sample collection. The sampling swab is also capable of withstanding repeated high heat treatment and mechanical stress. A method for producing a sampling swab that is substantially free of impurities and detection interferants is also provided.

Abstract: A specimen fabrication apparatus including: a specimen chamber, a sample stage in the specimen chamber, to mount a specimen substrate, a transfer unit to extract a micro-specimen from the specimen substrate, and to transfer the micro-specimen, within the specimen chamber; a specimen holder in the specimen chamber, to receive the micro-specimen from the transfer unit, and to have the micro-specimen affixed thereto, and an irradiating optical system to irradiate an ion beam to the specimen substrate or to the micro-specimen affixed to the specimen holder, wherein the transfer unit effects transfer of the micro-specimen from the specimen substrate to the specimen holder, and the irradiating optical system irradiates the ion beam onto the micro-specimen affixed to the specimen holder, while the specimen chamber remains substantially sealed.