Abstract: An oven having a cooking cavity and a removable rack structure has a rack sensor in the oven. The sensor provides an indication of an absence or presence of the structure and an oven control permits oven cleaning in response to the indication of the absence of the structure or prevents oven cleaning in response to the indication of the presence of the structure.

Abstract: An electric radiant hotplate includes a base of electrically insulating material and a peripheral crown extending along the outer rim of the base and projecting upwards. A strip of resistive material is inserted in the base and is formed by a sequence of planar lengths and curved lengths connected to respective planar appendices that are inserted in the insulating base. The appendices can be connected to the planar lengths by respective peduncles applied on to the same side edge of the flat strip of resistive material. The appendices can also be either coplanar or not coplanar to the planar lengths and include a first portion connected to the respective planar length of the strip, and at least a second planar portion that is not coplanar with the first portion and is joined to the first portion via a rectilinear border, the first portions being applied on a same side edge of the flat strip of resistive material.

Abstract: A wrist rest equipped with a heating device has a base, a heating device and a cushion. The base has a recess and a chamber. The heating device is mounted in and on the base and has a controller, a heating element, a switch and a power source. The controller is mounted in the chamber and controls operation of the heating device. The heating element is mounted in the recess and connected electrically to the controller. The switch is connected electrically to the controller to turn the heating element on and off. The power source is connected electrically to the controller to supply electricity to the heating device. The cushion is mounted in the recess above the heating element and is heated by heat from the heating element to improve the blood circulation in the mouse user's wrist area while a user operates the computer mouse.

Abstract: The modular heated cover is disclosed with a first pliable outer layer and a second pliable outer layer, wherein the outer layers provide durable protection in an outdoor environment, an electrical heating element between the first and the second outer layers, the electrical heating element configured to convert electrical energy to heat energy, and a thermal insulation layer positioned above the active electrical heating element. Beneficially, such a device provides radiant heat, weather isolation, temperature insulation, and solar heat absorption efficiently and cost effectively. The modular heated cover quickly and efficiently removes ice, snow, and frost from surfaces, and penetrates soil and other material to thaw the material to a suitable depth. A plurality of modular heated covers can be connected on a single 120 Volt circuit or on a single 240 Volt circuit protected by a 20 Amp breaker.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roasting/grilling device with a roasting/grilling plate (7) and with a thermostatic regulation of the roasting/grilling power. For this the temperature of the roasting/grilling plate (7) is monitored in a contactless manner by way of electromagnetic radiation. In combination with an efficient regulation and control unit, suitably arranged heating elements, preferably induction coils (30), as well as with a special roasting/grilling plate surface, an optimal roasting/grilling of food to be roasted/grilled becomes possible, in particular due to the fact that the temperature drops which are otherwise common with roasting/grilling device are prevented.

Abstract: A high frequency induction-heating device 3 of the apparatus 1 for heating work includes a pair of opposite work coils accommodated within the coil casings 17 and 19 respectively. The casings 17 and 19 can be displaced in a unit by a motor provided under the device. Thus, the distance between the pair of work coils, and the distance between the work (W) and each work coil can be adjusted. The apparatus includes a plurality of heating devices 3 to which high frequency power sources are provided respectively. The apparatus and method for heating of a work with the apparatus is capable of treating a plurality of works (W) continuously under controlled conditions on work coil shapes and positions depending on the size and/or the shape of the works (W).

Abstract: The installation includes a microwave heater station (14) having a microwave applicator, and a support (10) suitable for supporting the receptacles (12) in the heater station. The support (10) has at least one receptacle zone (20) which is defined by the surface (10A) of the support and by a metal band (24A, 24B) fixed to the support. The zone (20) serves to support a receptacle (12) whose bottom stands on the surface (10A) of the support and whose side wall (12B) is surrounded by the band. The support can be a conveyor bringing the receptacles into the heater station.

Abstract: A microwave anti-heat supporter for a piece of food to be heated by microwave includes a heating platform, a plurality of supporting legs, and a heating arrangement. The heating platform has an upper supporting surface for the food resting thereon, and a lower ventilating surface. The supporting legs downwardly extend from the ventilating surface of the heating platform to raise up the supporting surface of the heating platform in a suspended manner. The heating arrangement contains a plurality of through ventilating slots spacedly formed on the heating platform to communicate the supporting surface with the ventilating surface, in such a manner that the ventilating slots are adapted for allowing the microwave to circulate from the ventilating surface to the supporting surface so as to effectively generate a uniform heat applying at the food on the heating platform at all directions.

Abstract: An over-the-range (OTR) microwave oven includes a main body installed above a cooking source of a gas range and has therein a cavity and an electric equipment chamber in which a magnetron is located. An air exhaust path is installed inside the main body and provides a path through which air generated from the cooking source which is introduced through a suction port formed at the bottom of the main body by a suction force of a blower installed at the main body is exhausted to the outside of the main body.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus with an imaging device has a photographing optical system that forms an object image, an image pick-up device that has a photo-receiving area and generates image-pixel signals from the object image formed on the photo-receiving area. The photo-receiving area is inclined relative to a direction perpendicular to an optical axis by a given angle. The electronic apparatus has an extracting processor that extracts a focused-image from the object image as focused-image data on the basis of the image-pixel signals, a recording processor that records the focused-image data in a memory; and a displaying processor that displays the focused-image on a display in accordance with the focused-image data.

Abstract: Signals from an imager pixel photodetector are received by an amplifier having capacitive feedback, such as a capacitive transimpedance amplifier (CTIA). The amplifier can be operated at a low or no power level during an integration period of a photodetector to reduce power dissipation. The amplifier can be distributed, with an amplifier element within each pixel of an array and with amplifier output circuitry outside the pixel array. The amplifier can be a single ended cascode amplifier, a folded cascode amplifier, a differential input telescopic cascode amplifier, or other configuration. The amplifier can be used in pixel configurations where the amplifier is directly connected to the photodetector, or in configurations which use a transfer transistor to couple signal charges to a floating diffusion node with the amplifier being coupled to the floating diffusion node.

Abstract: Image data in an image scanner is examined to determine whether lines (light or dark) are present in the image data. By examining whether the lines are present in image data for multiple colors, and whether calibration gains for corresponding photosensors are normal, it can be determined whether the lines are likely caused by a surface defect, on a calibration target, or on a platen, or on an image being scanned.

Abstract: An optical multi-axis optoelectronic sensor, in which a phototransmitting sensor head having a plurality of phototransmitters arranged thereon and a photoreceiving sensor head having a plurality of photoreceivers arranged thereon are disposed opposite to each other, comprises: first device for inputting distance data equivalent to a distance between the sensor heads; second device for determining detection sensitivity based on the distance data input by the first device; and third device for setting the detection sensitivity determined by the second device.

Abstract: A photodetector includes a light emitting portion for applying light, a light receiving portion for sensing the light, and a light guiding member 3 for guiding the light from the light emitting portion to a surface to be measured and guiding detection light from the surface to be measured to the light receiving portion. The light guiding member has a sheet-like optical transmission medium, which is disposed at a portion facing to the surface to be measured and transmits the light by internal reflection. The sheet-like optical transmission member has an optical aperture facing to the surface to be measured.

Abstract: An optoelectronic code-to-position encoder intended for measuring linear and angular travels of an object contains a coordinate scale with raster and code tracks, a readout unit, which includes a lighter, a raster analyzing mask, light detectors of the raster track and a multi-element light detector of the code track. The readout unit is fitted with a code analyzing mask, which is composed of two arrays of windows and optically conjugated with the code track of the coordinate scale; the multi-element light detector of the code track is made as two separate arrays of light detectors and is located behind the code analyzing mask. The inventive device makes it possible to eliminate a coordinate code readout ambiguity on a static initial position of a measured object and simultaneously increase the running speed, reduce the dimensions and increase the potential accuracy of the encoder.

Abstract: A motion encoder for use with a rotating key. The motion encoder allows the direction of rotation to be determined by providing elements having different characteristics for the transmission of a IR beam. These elements are arranged in a pattern that allows an IR beam impinging on the elements to trace a path detected as the rotating key turns. The beam being detected after changes in the reflected or transmitted beam indicating the direction of rotation of the beam.

Abstract: A rotary position sensor employs an offset beam forming optical element such as a tilted mirror or a diffraction grating. The axis of the light beam from a source can be parallel to the rotational axis or tilted at a predetermined angle. One or multiple spots of light from reflected/diffracted beam(s) are located on a generally elliptical path on an array of detectors. A detector that is photosensitive only along the elliptical path may be employed, the detector being divided into multiple regions to enable a processor to identify the azimuthal angle of the spot. When a diffraction grating is employed, return beams corresponding to positive first and negative first diffracted orders are generated, and these are displaced substantially symmetrically with respect to the axis of the source. The use of multiple beams can reduce sensitivity to mis-alignment errors.

Abstract: A signal adjusting apparatus comprises a movable member, a first detecting device, a second detecting device, and a correction device. The member is movable in a movable range composed of a plurality of intervals. The first detecting device detects one of the intervals where the member is located. The first detecting device is constituted by a first movable portion mounted on the member and a first fixed portion spaced apart from the first movable portion. The one of the intervals is an absolute position. The second detecting device detects a relative position of the member within the detected interval. The second detecting device is constituted by a second movable portion mounted on the member and a second fixed portion spaced apart from the second movable portion. The correction device corrects the detected relative position based on a relationship between the absolute position and the relative position stored in a memory.

Abstract: An optical system is disclosed which has a small size as a whole and capable of suppressing loss in the light amount in a separating member even when a relatively large-sized scanning device and a reflective diffusing member are used. The optical system comprises a scanning optical system including a scanning device which scans a light flux from a light source at a scanning point and a display optical system which leads an image formed by the scanned light flux to an exit pupil of the optical system. An optical path of the scanning optical system and an optical path of the display optical system have a mutually overlapping part, and the optical paths are separated by a separating member. The scanning optical system forms a conjugate point conjugate with the scanning point at substantially a position of the separating member.

Abstract: A system for measuring gains of a plurality of photo diodes includes a chamber adapted to host the plurality of photo diodes and a temperature control unit configured to control the temperature within the chamber to a predetermined temperature. A control unit selects at least one of the plurality of photo diodes. A hosting unit is configured to provide a bias voltage to the selected photo diode at the predetermined temperature. A light source transmits photo signals to the selected photo diode at the predetermined temperature. A measurement unit configured to measure current signals generated by the selected photo diode in response to the photo signals under the bias voltage at the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer has an ionizing portion for ionizing a sample, a mass spectrometric portion for subjecting a sample ion to mass separation and detecting the sample ion and a control portion for controlling operation of a total of the apparatus. The mass spectrometer is provided with a colliding portion provided at an ion path until a sample ion generated by the ionizing portion is introduced to amass spectrometric portion and a gas introducing portion for introducing one kind or more of gases selected from two kinds or more of gases into the colliding portion. By carrying out analysis by using the apparatus, highly accurate mass spectrometry can be carried out.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering ions to a mass analyzer. The apparatus includes a time of flight ion guide, a pulsing device for receiving a continuous ion stream containing ions of different atomic mass and for delivering pulses of ions to the ion guide wherein ions in each of the pulses of ions exit the ion guide in ascending order of their atomic mass, and a gating device at the exit end of the ion guide for allowing ions of a predetermined atomic mass to pass to the mass analyzer.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer system comprises a flight tube having an operational length, a measurement device for measuring a variation in the longitudinal length of the flight tube, means for compensating for the measured variation in the longitudinal flight tube length, and a detector positioned near a downstream end of the flight tube. The measurement device comprises an optical interferometer, and may specifically comprise a Michelson interferometer. In a first embodiment, the mass spectrometer system includes an actuator coupled to the measurement device and the detector for moving the detector in a longitudinal direction to compensate for the measured variation in the operational flight tube length. In a second embodiment, the mass spectrometer system includes a processor coupled to the measurement device configured to calculate analyte ion mass to charge ratio. The processor is configured to modify a calculation of analyte ion mass to charge ratio using the measured variation in operational flight tube length.

Abstract: In relation to a chromatographic chip, for protein separation, a polymer surface is provided that has a first polymer layer, attached to a support surface, which can be anionic or cationic. To the first layer is attached a second polymer layer, characterized by an opposite charge.

Abstract: A method of operating an ion filter for selecting ions and related apparatus. The filter have a plurality of elongated electrodes, and the ions have a secular frequency. The method comprises exciting each elongated electrode with a first voltage component, the first voltage component having a first amplitude and a first frequency; exciting each elongated electrode with a second voltage component, the second voltage component having a frequency substantially equal to a secular frequency of motion for the ion; and generating an electric field and rotating the electric field around the axis.

Abstract: System and a method for electrically testing a semiconductor wafer, the method including: (a) scanning a charged particle beam along at least one scan line while maintaining an electrode located at a vicinity of the wafer at a first voltage that differs from a voltage level of a first scanned portion of the wafer, and collecting charged particles scattered from the first scanned portion; (b) scanning a charged particle beam along at least one other scan line while maintaining the electrode at a second voltage that differs from a voltage level of a second scanned portion such as to control a charging state of at least an area that comprises the first and second scanned portions; and (c) repeating the scanning stages until a predefined section of the wafer is scanned.

Abstract: An element-specific imaging technique utilizes the element-specific fluorescence X-rays that are induced by primary ionizing radiation. The fluorescence X-rays from an element of interest are then preferentially imaged onto a detector using an optical train. The preferential imaging of the optical train is achieved using a chromatic lens in a suitably configured imaging system. A zone plate is an example of such a chromatic lens; its focal length is inversely proportional to the X-ray wavelength. Enhancement of preferential imaging of a given element in the test sample can be obtained if the zone plate lens itself is made of a compound containing substantially the same element. For example, when imaging copper using the Cu La spectral line, a copper zone plate lens is used.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques are provided for modifying and measuring surfaces of diamond workpieces and other workpieces with nanoscale precision. The apparatus and techniques exploit scanning probe microscopy (SPM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) at a wide range of operating temperatures. In some embodiments, the SPM/AFM apparatus also includes an interferometric microscope and/or acoustic-wave microscope for making high-precision measurements of workpiece surfaces.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide improved cameras and camera systems. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a networkable camera system is disclosed that is able to provide up to a 360° field of view and is operable during day and night conditions by utilizing thermal imagers.

Abstract: Devices and methods for processing a signal emitted by a particle detector in which the methods include detecting in the signal the portions where the signal is greater than a predetermined value V1, measuring the maximum value Vmax reached by the signal in each of the portions, and associating with each of the portions an analog quantity Q which, at least in a predetermined range of values DELTA V1 of the maximum value Vmax, is an increasing function of (Vmax?V1).

Abstract: The invention aims at providing an infrared-ray absorption film having a low reflection factor and a high absorption ratio equivalent to those of gold black through an economical process such as ink jet printing involving the steps of printing a porous material solution and then conducting sintering without using a vacuum process. The invention provides an infrared-ray absorption film using a porous material which suitably has a pore size within the range of hundreds of nm to several ?m and is formed of a metal oxide of carbon or silica, an organic/inorganic hybrid material or a meso-porous material having the composition described above. The infrared-ray absorption film is produced by applying the porous material precursor solution onto a substrate and then conducting sintering.

Abstract: An improved optical configuration for use in a gas monitoring system. The optical system uses a high numerical aperture lens that maximizes capture of relatively large angle rays, thereby increasing the measured signal at the infrared radiation detector. In one embodiment of the present invention, a half-ball-type lens is provided proximal to the infrared radiation source in the gas measurement system. To further increase the measured signal at the infrared radiation detector and allow more efficient capture of the larger angle rays, materials that are reflective in the infrared band of interest are used, so that the walls of the sample cell act as a hollow light pipe.

Abstract: The gas detector device comprises at least a VCSEL source and at least a light sensor for detecting a light beam having passed through a sample chamber containing a given gas to be detected. The detection signal of the sensor directly provided to or is time derivated by an electronic derivator and then provided to respective lock-in amplifiers in order to generate a two different 2f-detection, f being the frequency of a wavelength modulation of the source, and thus to provide two corresponding measuring signals the division of which gives a precise value of the gas concentration. The invention uses at least a first modulation reference signal at twice and a second modulation reference signal at twice of the modulation frequency of the laser source.

Abstract: A radiation detection system that measures radiation (e.g., signature energy-level gamma radiation and neutrons) is employed aboard a ship or other transport vehicle along with conventional cargo to monitor for the presence of a fissile material, as would be found in a nuclear weapon, or for the presence of other sources of radiation. The detection system can be used over the course of the cargo transport, thereby enabling finely tuned monitoring for fissile material across distances of many meters extending through surrounding cargo containers. Because the system can be utilized during a ship's transport, a positive detection of fissile material can be made and acted upon while the ship is still at sea far from the destination port, where detonation of a nuclear weapon could have catastrophic consequences.

Abstract: A sensing arrangement for sensing charged particles and/or quanta of electromagnetic radiation has a sensor device (12) and amplifier circuitry (14). The sensor device (12) provides a sensor signal to an imput mode (vin) of the amplifier (14) to cause the level at the amplifier output mode (vout) to change. A negative feetback device (T1) responds to the change in level of the output node (Vour) to vary the feedback effect to increase the loop again of said amplifier circuitry (14). A current mirror (T2,T3) resets the input node (vin) to its initial level. Single particle and integrating sensor arrangements are disclosed.

Abstract: A solid-state radiation detector is provided which has an improved positional precision within a casing thereof while ensuring the shock resistance properties. A radiation cassette comprises: a solid-state radiation detector which is an image pickup device, a casing constituted by upper and lower shell halves and accommodates therein the solid-state radiation detector and the like. Each of the upper and lower shell halves comprises: an outer frame; an inner frame, and a coupling member for coupling the outer and inner frames. A space between the outer frame and the inner frame is filled with a shock absorbing material, thereby imparting shock absorbency to the casing itself. The solid-state radiation detector is rigidly secured to the inner frame of the lower shell half.

Abstract: A radiological imaging apparatus allowing semiconductor radiation detectors to be easily replaced with new ones and densely arranged. Terminals (31cjk) and (33cjk) are provided on a bottom surface of a detector aggregate (40mn) including a plurality of semiconductor radiation detectors (1); the terminals is connected to electrodes (3 and 4) of the detectors (1). A plurality of zero insertion force connectors (56) are provided on a connecting device (33jk) installed on a support substrate (32h). The terminals (31cjk and 33cjk) are detachably attached to the zero insertion force connectors (56) to mount the detector aggregates (40mn) that are the semiconductor radiation detectors (1), on the support substrate (32h). When the detector aggregates (40mn) are attached to the zero insertion force connectors (56), since no frictional force acts on the terminals, the size of the gap between the detector aggregates (40mn) is reduced.

Abstract: A radiometer that incorporates multiple UV bandwidth sensors, defined in nanometers, and includes connectors for inserting a cable that is used to connect to another sensor, or to a data collection module (DCM) in a multidrop, or daisy-chain arrangement. Each sensor can be positioned at any point on a three-dimensional work piece, and will receive UV energy at the aperture having an optical component. The collected energy is directed to a detector in the sensor. A processor in the body of the sensor then computes the amount of UV radiation based on signals from the detector. This information is transferred to and stored in a data collection module to which the sensor string is connected. Data stored in the DCM can then be transferred to a computer for display purposes. The sensors and DCM can be tethered to the computer for real-time measurement readings when adjusting the UV lamps.

Abstract: In certain example embodiments of this invention, there is provide an ion source including an anode and a cathode. In certain example embodiments, the cathode does not overhang over the anode, or vice versa. Since no, or fewer, areas of overhang are provided between the anode and cathode, there is less undesirable build-up on the anode and/or cathode during operation of the ion source so that the source can run more efficiently. Moreover, in certain example embodiments, an insulator such as a ceramic or the like is provided between the anode and cathode.

Abstract: Storage phosphor particles suitable for use in coated layers of stimulable phosphor screens or panels, in favor of high relative sensitivity, advantageously contain at the surface of the phosphor particles and in their inner volume, as components composing the said phosphor, a matrix component and a dopant or activator element that is homogeneously incorporated, wherein preference is given to particles having an aspect ratio of more than 2:1 and less than 50:1, said aspect ratio being defined as a ratio of 2 largest sizes of said particles, said sizes being taken in 3 dimensions perpendicular to each other, provided that one of said 2 largest sizes is smaller than 10 ?m.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a radiation image conversion panel exhibiting excellent X-ray irradiation resistance property and a manufacturing method thereof. Disclosed is a radiation image conversion panel having a stimulable phosphor layer containing a stimulable phosphor provided on a support, wherein the stimulable phosphor is expressed by the following general formula (1), and the stimulable phosphor layer contains NaX?? of 5–25 PPM (X?? is at least one halogen atom selected from the group including F, Cl, Br, and I.). General Formula (1); M1X·aM2X?·bM3X?3:eA, provided that X is not X?? when M1 or M2 is Na.

Abstract: Charged-particle-beam (CPB) mapping projection-optical systems and adjustment methods for such systems are disclosed that can be performed quickly and accurately. In a typical system, an irradiation beam is emitted from a source, passes through an irradiation-optical system, and enters a Wien filter (“E×B”). Upon passing through the E×B, the irradiation beam passes through an objective-optical system and is incident on an object surface. Such impingement generates an observation beam that returns through the objective-optical system and the E×B in a different direction to a detector via an imaging-optical system. An adjustment-beam source emits an adjustment beam used for adjusting and aligning the position of, e.g., the object surface and/or the Wien's condition of the E×B. The adjustment beam can be off-axis relative to the objective-optical system. For such adjusting and aligning, fiducial marks (situated, e.g.

Abstract: An apparatus for irradiating surfaces includes an electron beam generator for generating a beam of electrons. The beam of electrons exits the electron beam generator through an exit window. A robotic device moves the beam of electrons over the surfaces to irradiate selected regions of the surfaces. The robotic device includes a propulsion system for propelling the robotic device.

Abstract: In a channel spark source triggered by gas discharge for generating a stable focused electron beam, a gas supply for a hollow cathode thereof is provided which generates in the hollow cathode a pressure differential so that the multiplication of charge carriers in a trigger plasma of a trigger plasma source connected to the hollow cathode provides for a reliable gas discharge and the formation of a stable electron beam which exits the arrangement and which does not damage the internal passages of the arrangement.

Abstract: An illumination system for an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography system may include multiple sources of EUV light. The system may combine the light from the multiple sources when illuminating a mask.

Abstract: To calibrate a lithographic apparatus having a programmable patterning means, a sensor, such as a CCD, CMOS sensor or photo-diode array, having detector elements larger than the size of a spot corresponding to a single pixel of the programmable patterning means is used. Pixels are selectively activated singly or in groups.

Abstract: A phase-change memory cell may be formed by selectively depositing the lower electrode in the phase-change memory pore. Thereafter, an adhesion-promoting material may be selectively deposited on the selectively deposited lower electrode and the upper surface surrounding the pore. Through the use of selective deposition techniques, the adhesion-promoting material can be positioned where needed and the lower electrode may be defined in a fashion that may reduce shunting current, reduce device current requirements, and increase dynamic range in some embodiments.

Abstract: A structure (and method) for a piezoelectric device, including a layer of piezoelectric material. A nanotube structure is mounted such that a change of shape of the piezoelectric material causes a change in a stress in the nanotube structure.

Abstract: A gallium nitride semiconductor laser device has an active layer (6) made of a nitride semiconductor containing at least indium and gallium between an n-type cladding layer (5) and a p-type cladding layer (9). The active layer (6) is composed of two quantum well layers (14) and a barrier layer (15) interposed between the quantum well layers, and constitutes an oscillating section of the semiconductor laser device. The quantum well layers (14) and the barrier layer (15) have thicknesses of, preferably, 10 nm or less. In this semiconductor laser device, electrons and holes can be uniformly distributed in the two quantum well layers (14). In addition, electrons and holes are effectively injected into the quantum well layers from which electrons and holes have already been disappeared by recombination. Consequently, the semiconductor laser device has an excellent laser oscillation characteristic.

Abstract: Test circuits located on semiconductor die enable a tester to test a plurality of die/ICs in parallel by inputting both stimulus and response patterns to the plurality of die/ICs. The response patterns from the tester are input to the test circuits along with the output response of the die/IC to be compared. The response patterns include one of expected data and mask data input on an output pad of the die/IC and the other of expected data and mask data input on another pad of the die/IC, which may be an input pad or an output pad. In addition to functional testing, scan testing of die and ICs is also possible.