Abstract: An electrode for use in a reduced pressure region in a mass spectrometer whereby the electrode is subject to deposition of dielectric (non-conducting) substances thereon, which can cause unstable performance of the mass spectrometer. The surface portion of the electrode that is for providing an equipotential boundary of an electric field for influencing charged particles is made rough, in contrast to the prior art of providing a polished surface. The rough surface provides projections and cavities, which may have a regular or irregular occurrence, which it has been found significantly reduces the deposition of dielectric substances from the charged particles thereon. A preferred structure is for a rod electrode (42) to have a screw thread (44) formed thereon whereby the thread crests (43) along the rod electrode provide projections (43) and the thread roots (45) provide cavities.

Abstract: An ion gate is disposed between a first volume occupied by a first carrier gas and ions of the first carrier gas and a second volume occupied by a second carrier gas. The ion gate includes at least one channel connecting the first volume to the second volume, a first electrode disposed on an inlet surface of the ion gate facing the first volume, and a second electrode disposed on an outlet surface of the ion gate facing the second volume. Ions are transported from the first volume to the second volume through the channel under an electric field produced by the first and second electrode.

Abstract: A pulse jitter reduction circuit employs a low jitter system clock coupled to synchronize a pulse generating device and an ultra low jitter flip-flop to generate substantially jitter-free trigger signals employed to generate high voltage pulses for a flight tube of a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. By eliminating time fluctuations due to jitter in the triggering signal, the predictability of the arrival time of ions along a flight tube of a time-of-flight mass spectrometer is greatly improved, thereby improving the resolution of the mass spectrometer.

Abstract: An oil quality sensor apparatus includes a housing that includes an oil flow path through which oil flows through the housing. One or more photo-detectors can be provided in association and a plurality of light-emitting devices located within the housing and proximate to the oil flow path. At least one light-emitting device among the plurality of light-emitting devices is sensitive to large particulates associated with the oil and at least one other light-emitting device among the plurality of light-emitting devices is sensitive to small particulates associated with the oil to thereby provide an indication of differences among particulates associated with the oil.

Abstract: A device for sensing a position of a probe relative to a reference medium, the probe comprising a heater element with a temperature dependent electrical resistance and being adapted to determine probe position by measuring a parameter associated to a thermal relaxation time of the heater element.

Abstract: A disk for storing liquid samples containing cells and for use in counting and observing the cells through an optical microscope includes an upper member formed of a transparent material and having a plurality of liquid inlets arranged radially and adapted to introduce the corresponding liquid samples therethrough, and a plurality of air vents paired with the corresponding liquid inlets; an intermediate member having a plurality of chambers arranged radially and adapted to store the corresponding liquid samples therein, each chamber corresponding to each pair of the liquid inlet and the air vent and communicating with the liquid inlet and with the air vent; and a lower member formed of a transparent material and backing the intermediate member. The optical microscope assumes the form of an incident-light microscope.

Abstract: A method for detecting an element is described and which includes the steps of providing a gamma-ray spectrum which has a region of interest which corresponds with a small amount of an element to be detected; providing nonparametric assumptions about a shape of the gamma-ray spectrum in the region of interest, and which would indicate the presence of the element to be detected; and applying a statistical test to the shape of the gamma-ray spectrum based upon the nonparametric assumptions to detect the small amount of the element to be detected.

Abstract: A method for treating product includes the steps of: placing the product to be treated in an atmosphere kept at a temperature of 10 degree C. to 30 degree C., and with a humidity of 20% to 60%; providing a gamma ray source that can emit gamma ray; exposing the product to the gamma ray. The gamma ray is a kind of microcosmic particle flow with high energy, and it is a carrier of energy and substance. When the gamma ray acts on material of the product, various physical and chemical effects can be generated. The generated effects can cause the ingredient, configuration and performance of the surface of the product to change. Thus, the surface of the product is optimized.

Abstract: An improved radiation sensor device includes a cap attached to an integrated circuit chip which has a radiation sensor on a surface with a cap spaced from and covering the radiation sensor; the cap and integrated circuit chip with radiation sensor are encapsulated in an encapsulant with a transparent portion of at least one of the cap and integrated circuit chip proximate the radiation sensor being exposed at the boundary of the encapsulant.

Abstract: An electrostatic deflection circuit and method of an electronic beam measuring apparatus which can achieve the high precision of the electronic beam measuring and contribute to the simplification of the structure of the apparatus is provided. In an analog arithmetic circuit included in an analog operation part constituting an electrostatic deflection circuit, output voltages of multipliers are added and output by an adder. When the magnification is low, as the side of an ordinarily closed contact is closed driven by a relay driving circuit, the output of the adder is amplified by a high gain amplifier with a high amplification factor and applied to an electrostatic deflecting board. When the magnification is high, the side of an ordinarily open contact is closed and it is amplified by a low gain amplifier with a low amplification factor and applied to the electrostatic deflecting board in the same way.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a manufacturing device of a semiconductor device provided with a device for uniformly doping with an impurity element a large area substrate capable of multiple patterns for the purpose of mass-production is provided. The present invention has a feature that a cross section of an ion current is to be a linear shape or a rectangle, and the large area substrate is moved in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the ion current while keeping the large area substrate inclined at a predetermined tilt angle ? to the ion current. In this invention, an incident angle of an ion beam is adjusted as changing the tile angle ?. By making the large area substrate inclined to a horizontal plane, the width of the longitudinal direction of the ion current can be shortened than the length of a side of the substrate.

Abstract: A sample holder according to the present invention is characterized in that the sample holder comprise a holder body, a sample retaining stage, a means capable for tilting the sample around an axis which is arranged in a direction perpendicular to a long side of the holder body, wherein the means has a mechanism capable for tilting the sample around the axis with no relation to the existence of a fulcrum retaining member at the said axis.

Abstract: In order to realize initializing sequences with high accuracy and high reproducibility, a positioning device according includes an XY slider movable in directions X and Y, an object position measuring device for measuring the position of the XY slider, an X beam guiding the XY slider in the direction Y and movable in the direction X, a Y beam guiding the XY slider in the direction X and movable in the direction Y, electromagnet units having at least two pairs of electromagnets provided on the XY slider in such a manner as to embrace side faces of the X beam and the Y beam, and a rotation regulating portion provided on the X beam for regulating the rotation of the X beam.

Abstract: Transillumination uses light to image tissues and organs, specifically the veins within the tissue. Strong ambient light hinders the imaging of veins and often, transillumination must be done in a dark or dim room. To enhance the capabilities of a transilluminator, a light shield is placed over the viewing area of the transilluminator so that turning off or dimming of ambient light is not necessary. For pediatric care, a frustroconical adapter attached to the bottom of the transilluminator. The adapter reduces the size of the viewing area.

Abstract: The transillumination device has an orange light, in the range of 580-620 nm. Orange light has been found to be beneficial for superficial veins. Red light is used for deeper veins and darker skin. The transillumination device may have a single light source able to change colors. Two different light sources, each having a different color or different transillumination devices, each having a different color, may be used for diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: A system for imaging of a sample is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of detectors which are each focussed at a respective focal plane in a sample volume. The system also includes light selection optics positioned between the plurality of detectors and the sample volume. The light selection optics transmit to the detectors a portion of light originating at the respective focal planes while screening out light which originates from outside of the respective focal planes.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for detection with a scanning microscope (1) are disclosed. The scanning microscope (1) encompasses a scanning device (7) that guides an illuminating light beam (3) through a scanning optical system (12) and a microscope optical system (13) and over or through a specimen (15). A digital circuit (30), which periodically interrogates the detected signals within a pixel (Px,y) and calculates an average therefrom, is placed after the detector unit (19).

Abstract: The presently claimed and disclosed inventions relate, in general, to methods of radiation dosimetry and imaging using scintillation luminescence. More particularly, materials having a scintillation luminescence response to radiation that varies with total radiation dose received can be used for dosimetry monitoring, including, but not limited to nanoparticles for in vivo, real-time dosimetry. Energy-transfer nanocomposite materials as well as methods of making and using such materials in various applications including, but not limited to, in vivo radiation dosimetry and imaging, are disclosed. More particularly, the presently claimed and disclosed inventions relate to nanoparticle scintillation luminescence particles encapsulated in hosts of the general formula BaFX and BaFX:Eu2+ where X=Cl, Br and I.

Abstract: The invention provides a radiation image conversion panel having a substrate and a phosphor layer laminated on the substrate. A coating layer having at least one metal containing-layer is provided on a surface of the phosphor layer which is other than on the side which the substrate is laminated. The invention further provides a method for forming a radiation image conversion panel having a substrate and a phosphor layer laminated on the substrate, including forming, by a CVD method, a metal containing-layer on a surface of the phosphor layer which is other than on the side which the substrate is laminated.

Abstract: An organic photoelectric conversion element comprises: a pair of electrodes; an organic photoelectric conversion layer arranged between the pair of electrodes; and an positive hole blocking layer arranged between one of the pair of electrodes and the organic photoelectric conversion layer, wherein an ionization potential of the positive hole blocking layer is larger than a work function of the adjoining electrode by 1.3 eV or more, and wherein an electron affinity of the positive hole blocking layer is equal to or larger than that of the adjoining organic photoelectric conversion layer. An electron blocking layer may be arranged between the other one of the pair of electrodes and the organic photoelectric conversion layer, wherein its electron affinity is smaller than a work function of the adjoining electrode by 1.3 eV or more, and its ionization potential is equal to or smaller than that of the adjoining organic photoelectric conversion layer.

Abstract: A handle (1) for valves (4) comprising a connecting region (2) for connecting the handle (1) to a spindle (5) of the valve (4), an actuating arm (3) for actuating the valve (4), a locking lever (8) arranged resiliently in the actuating arm (3) for engaging the actuating arm (3) and a locking and guide disc (16) for locking and guiding the handle (1), the locking and guide disc (16) having a greater external diameter than the connecting region (2) and being arranged to be able to be connected to a flange region (12) of the valve (4).

Abstract: An electronic faucet (10) mounted on a countertop (12) includes a housing, at least one fluid inlet line (24a, 24b) extending into the housing, a fluid outlet (46) from the housing, a solenoid (142, 143) for operating a valve controlling the fluid flow between at least one inlet line and the outlet, and a control circuit (206) for controlling the opening and closing of the valve.

Abstract: The valve has a valve member (72) that is guided so that it is able to slide in the direction of its longitudinal axis (73), protrudes into a valve pressure chamber (77) and, in the valve pressure chamber (77), has a sealing surface (81) at an end extending transversely in relation to its longitudinal axis (73), with which sealing surface (81) the valve member (72) cooperates with a valve seat (79) extending transversely in relation to its longitudinal axis (73) in order, at least to a large extent, to close an opening (78) encompassed by the valve seat (79) in relation to the valve pressure chamber (77). The opening (78) is adjoined by a connection (64) leading to a low-pressure region.

Abstract: A movable valve 131 is movably supported by a support plate 135 within a valve body having a gas injection nozzle 129. The valve body consists of a plurality of members 103, 105, 107, 109, 127. Impermeable joints 147a, 147b, 147c are formed between the members. The support plate 135 includes a plurality of elastically deformable support portions each having an inner radial connection, an outer radial connection and a circumferential connection. The support portions are phase adjusted to radial fluid passages 131h formed in the movable valve 113.

Abstract: The present invention is a leak prevention system that monitors and detects loosening of a valve. The leak prevention system includes a biasing member, a tightening member, and a pulling member. The biasing member has a first end and a second end, the first end being in communication with the tightening assembly, while the second end being in communication with the pulling assembly. The tightening assembly is carried by the valve, is adapted to tighten the packing nut should packing from the valve loosen. The pulling assembly is adapted to pull the tightening assembly via the biasing member after packing wears away, such that the wearing away loosens the tightening assembly and the constant force of the biasing member, supported by the pulling assembly, causes the tightening assembly to move. After packing has worn away, a visual indication can indicate to an operator that the valve may soon leak.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compressible bladder for easing the process of opening a pressure-sealed chamber. The valve comprises a valve body having an interior, wherein media is adapted to flow therethrough; a bonnet defining a chamber carried by the valve body; a plug having a first position and a second position, wherein the plug prohibits media to flow through the valve body in the first position, and the plug does not prohibit media to flow through the valve body in the second position; an elongated stem adapted to move the plug between the two positions, wherein the stem is positioned between the valve body and the bonnet; and a compressible bladder positioned in the chamber of the bonnet adapted to compress upon an increase of pressure within the chamber of the bonnet.

Abstract: A control valve assembly that utilizes a butterfly valve having a valve body and a valve disc movable between a seated position and an open position. The control valve assembly includes a flow insert positioned along the interior of the valve body and generally aligned with a first outer sealing edge of the rotatable valve disc. The flow insert maintains close spacing to the first outer sealing edge of the valve disc as the valve disc initially moves away from the valve seat. The control valve assembly can also include a first, upstream butterfly cage and a second, downstream butterfly cage positioned on opposite sides of the valve body. The first and second butterfly cages aid in controlling the flow of fluid past the valve disc as the valve disc moves from its seated position to its open position.

Abstract: A valve open and close apparatus includes a resin housing, a resin valve, and a shaft. The resin housing has a fluid passage inside the housing. The resin valve has a through hole inside the valve and opens and closes the fluid passage. The shaft is press fitted inside the through hole such that the shaft is assembled to the valve. The valve includes a first shaft bearing portions, a second shaft bearing portions, and a press-fit portion. The first shaft bearing portion forms a first slide portion between the housing and the first shaft bearing portion. The second shaft bearing portion forms a second slide portion between the housing and the second shaft bearing portion. The press-fit portion is located at a position other than a radially inward portion of each of the first and second shaft bearing portions. The shaft is press fitted into the press-fit portion.

Abstract: A hose end lever controlled ball valve spigot incorporating a quarter turn lever actuated ball valve having a valve housing with a 90° inlet which protrudes 180° away from the valve actuating lever so that the lever handle of the valve is exposed in a vertical plane for easy access and operation. An outlet spout is secured to the valve housing at the valve outlet and extends at an approximate angle of 45° from the valve housing in the same direction as the actuating lever.

Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid composition comprising magnetizable particles in a liquid metal carrier fluid, wherein the liquid metal carrier fluid comprises a metal, a metal alloy, or a solder composition having a melting point from about ?40° C. to about 300° C., a boiling point greater than 300° C., and a viscosity greater than about 0.1 centipoise (cp) at the melting point of the liquid based metal carrier fluid. The magnetizable particles can comprise low aspect ratio magnetizable particles, high aspect magnetizable particles, or a combination thereof. Also disclosed herein are high temperature magnetorheological devices operating at temperatures greater than 100° C., and comprising the magnetorheological fluid composition.

Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid composition comprising a low aspect ratio magnetizable particle comprising a unimodal particle distribution and an aspect ratio less than 1.5, a high aspect ratio magnetizable particle comprising an aspect ratio greater than 1.5, and a carrier fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides deicing compositions which are environmentally benign, a process for producing the composition from certain waste process streams, and methods of deicing and/or anti-icing.

Abstract: A deicing composition is provided. The composition includes a potassium or sodium salt of a carboxylic acid and a lithium salt of a carboxylic acid or lithium nitrate, wherein the molar ratio of lithium to potassium or lithium to sodium is from 10 percent to 80 percent.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes simple dimethylsilicone fluids of the proper viscosity/molecular weight added to modify the low temperature properties of polycyclic hydrocarbons. One preferred embodiment of a polycyclic hydrocarbon is a perhydro dimer of alpha-methyl styrene. Addition of the dimethylsilicone fluid to the perhydo dimer of alpha-methyl styrene improves the low temperature performance without degrading the requisite low shear stress shear strength properties. Low viscosity dimethylsilicone lubricating fluids combined with polycyclic hydrocarbons are suitable for use in infinitely variable transmissions providing good low temperature flow properties and high shear strength at high temperature and low contact stress conditions.

Abstract: A polymer liquid crystal device. The polymer liquid crystal device is fabricated by the following steps. A first substrate is provided, and a coating of a photosensitive composition is formed on the first substrate. Next, a second substrate is disposed on the first substrate. Finally, the coating is completely cured without a mask, forming a polymer dispersed liquid crystal film between the first and second substrate. Furthermore, the coating can also be cured with mask, forming a phase separation composite film between the first and second substrate.

Abstract: A furnace and a method for expanding an expandable material, such as perlite or vermiculite, comprising a thermally insulated enclosure and a conveyor for conveying the material within the enclosure, the conveyor having a contact surface made of a heat resistant material resistant to at least a predetermined temperature. The furnace also comprises a heating system for heating the contact surface to at least the predetermined temperature. The furnace further comprises feeding means for feeding the material on the contact surface to expand the material through thermal shock and obtain an expanded material. The furnace also comprises removing means for removing the expanded material from the enclosure.

Abstract: An ergonomic hoist (100) includes a lift assembly (111) riding on a support (105). A load support assembly (127) is connected to the lift assembly (111) through a lift arm (121). An operator panel (145) is connected to the support assembly (127) through a support arm (137). The operator panel (145) is maintained at substantially the same height when the support assembly (127) moves, including movement in a vertical direction.

Abstract: The compact hoist assembly includes a housing having a molded plastic body sandwiched between parallel spaced metal plates, and an upper portion of the housing projects into an elongated mounting channel. The housing supports a rotary drive shaft which supports an annular rotary spool defining a groove receiving a cable having an inner end portion connected to the spool. A drive mechanism connects the shaft to the spool through a spring biased clutch and produces one revolution of the spool for multiple revolutions of the drive shaft. A down stop member moves radially within the groove while engaging the cable, and an alternate one-piece down stop member surrounds the cable and engages the spool on opposite sides of the groove. An elongated tire support bracket is connected to the outer end of the cable and has opposite inclined straight surfaces for self-centering wheels with center holes of different diameters.

Abstract: The invention is a motorized winch which can be retrofitted into existing manually operated systems that use counterbalancing weights. The counterbalancing weight will be fixed at 50% of the maximum capacity of the set. The winch is rated at 50% of the maximum capacity of the set. By using the winch in a closed loop configuration, it will operate the set at any load from 0 to 100% of its rated capacity, without the need to ever adjust the counterbalancing weights.

Abstract: In a support installed at a security fence which includes a fence dividing a certain area into a security area and a non-security area and a cable net installed at an upper side of the fence, there is provided a support for a security fence, comprising a first part which has a length in a first direction and is fixed at the fence, with the first direction corresponding to a perpendicular direction of the fence; a second part which is extended in a second direction crossing the first direction, while getting further from the cable net; and a third part which is extended in a third direction crossing the second direction, while getting closer to the cable net.

Abstract: In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, a guardrail safety system includes a guardrail beam having a length-of-need (LON) portion spanning between two terminal portions. The guardrail safety system also includes a plurality of guardrail support posts in spaced apart relation to one another. At least a portion of the plurality of support posts include a lower portion for installing below grade adjacent the roadway, a mid portion that lies substantially adjacent the grade, and an upper portion releasably coupled to the LON portion of the guardrail beam. The mid portion includes a weakened section operable to weaken the support post about a first axis without substantially changing the behavior of the support post about a second axis that is generally perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, a guardrail safety system includes a guardrail beam and a support post of a predetermined depth coupled to the guardrail beam. The support post includes a lower portion for installing below grade adjacent the roadway, a mid portion that lies substantially adjacent the grade, and an upper portion releasably coupled to the guardrail beam. The mid portion includes a weakened section operable to weaken the support post about a first axis without substantially changing the behavior of the support post about a second axis that is generally perpendicular to the first axis. A flange protector is coupled between the support post and the guardrail beam. The flange protector has a depth that is less than the predetermined depth of the support post.

Abstract: In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, a guardrail safety system includes a guardrail beam and a plurality of support posts in spaced apart relation to one another. Each support post is configured to be releasably coupled to the guardrail beam. A plurality of connectors couple the plurality of support posts to the guardrail beam. Each connector includes a head portion that is configured to provide a sufficiently strong connection between the guardrail beam and the support post to support the guardrail beam and a sufficiently weak connection between the guardrail beam and the support post to enable the support post to detach from the guardrail beam when struck by the errant vehicle.

Abstract: A non-volatile memory element includes a recording layer that includes a phase change material, a lower electrode provided in contact with the recording layer, an upper electrode provided in contact with a portion of the upper surface of the recording layer, a protective insulation film provided in contact with the other portion of the upper surface of the recording layer, and an interlayer insulation film provided on the protective insulation film. High thermal efficiency can thereby be obtained because the size of the area of contact between the recording layer and the upper electrode is reduced. Providing the protective insulation film between the interlayer insulation film and the upper surface of the recording layer makes it possible to reduce damage sustained by the recording layer during patterning of the recording layer or during formation of the through-hole for exposing a portion of the recording layer.

Abstract: A radial memory device includes a phase-change material, a first electrode in electrical communication with the phase-change material, the first electrode having a first area of electrical communication with the phase-change material. A second electrode in electrical communication with the phase-change material, the second electrode having a second area of electrical communication with the phase-change material, and the second area being laterally spacedly disposed from the first area. Additionally, the radial memory device includes a dielectric layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, the dielectric layer having an opening therethrough, the phase-change material being disposed in the opening, wherein the phase-change material is disposed at least partially above the second electrode. Further, a method of making a memory device is disclosed.

Abstract: A transistor having a bottom dielectric layer, a first layer, a second layer, a top dielectric layer, and a gate electrode. The first layer and the second layer form a composite quantum well between the bottom dielectric layer and the top dielectric layer. The first layer, the second layer, and the top dielectric layer are configured to form a hole wire in the first layer. The gate electrode is over a portion of the hole wire and divides the top dielectric layer into a source contact and a drain contact.

Abstract: A substrate having silicon dots wherein at least one insulating layer and at least one group of silicon dots are formed on a substrate selected from a non-alkali glass substrate and a substrate made of a polymer material.

Abstract: A phase shifter which modulates the phase of incident light has a light-transmitting substrate such as a glass substrate, and a phase modulator such as a concavity and convexity pattern which is formed on the laser beam incident surface of the light-transmitting substrate and modules the phase of incident light. A light-shielding portion which shields light in the peripheral portion where the optical intensity distribution decreases of the phase modulator is formed on the laser beam incident surface or exit surface of the phase shifter, thereby shielding the peripheral light in the irradiation surface of the incident laser beam.

Abstract: A semiconductor device may include a semiconductor substrate having front and back surfaces, a strained superlattice layer adjacent the front surface of the semiconductor substrate and comprising a plurality of stacked groups of layers, and a stress layer on the back surface of the substrate and comprising a material different than the semiconductor substrate. Each group of layers of the strained superlattice layer may include a plurality of stacked base semiconductor monolayers defining a base semiconductor portion and at least one non-semiconductor monolayer constrained within a crystal lattice of adjacent base semiconductor portions.

Abstract: A method for making a semiconductor device may include forming a stress layer on a back surface of a semiconductor substrate and forming a strained superlattice layer adjacent a front surface of the semiconductor substrate. More particularly, the stress layer may include a material different than the semiconductor substrate. Also, the strained superlattice may include a plurality of stacked groups of layers. Each group of layers of the strained superlattice layer may include a plurality of stacked base semiconductor monolayers defining a base semiconductor portion, and at least one non-semiconductor monolayer constrained within a crystal lattice of adjacent base semiconductor portions.