Abstract: A plasma processing system including a process chamber, a substrate holder provided within the process chamber, and a gas injection system configured to supply a first gas and a second gas to the process chamber. The system includes a controller that controls the gas injection system to continuously flow a first gas flow to the process chamber and to pulse a second gas flow to the process chamber at a first time. The controller pulses a RF power to the substrate holder at a second time. A method of operating a plasma processing system is provided that includes adjusting a background pressure in a process chamber, where the background pressure is established by flowing a first gas flow using a gas injection system, and igniting a processing plasma in the process chamber. The method includes pulsing a second gas flow using the gas injection system at a first time, and pulsing a RF power to a substrate holder at a second time.

Abstract: A semiconductor part 1 in which a metal terminal 2 is formed on its back surface and side surface is mounted so that only the back surface portion of the metal terminal 2 is in contact with a cream solder 3. When the side surface portion of the metal terminal 2 is irradiated with laser beams, the back surface portion of the metal terminal 2 is heated by thermal conduction from the side surface portion to the back surface portion of the metal terminal 2 and the cream solder 3 in contact with the back surface portion of the metal terminal 2 is melted, whereby soldering is performed.

Abstract: Multiple laser beams, each having a shape such as a Gaussian profile, can be incoherently combined to obtain a shaped, flat top laser beam. The combined laser beams can provide power levels necessary for material processing applications such as annealing, drilling, and cutting, while minimizing the amount of unused power. The lasers can be positioned in an array in order to shape the flat top beam, and can be staggered in position where necessary to give each output beam an equal beam path length. The relative frequencies and/or powers of the lasers can be adjusted to control the flatness and stability of the incoherently combined beam.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a welding-type power source controller includes an input configured to receive feedback regarding a remote control configured to control a welding-type process. The controller includes a processor configured to receive the feedback and override the remote control if a control irregularity is detected.

Abstract: Within a fixing roller (231) are disposed a main heater lamp (234a) for heating a central portion of the fixing roller and a sub-heater lamp (235a) for heating opposite end portions of the fixing roller. MRnh, SRnh and ?Rnh satisfy the formula (1) or (2): ?Rnh?30.5·Ln(Ht)+382??formula (1) MRnh??21.9·Ln(Ht)?198,??formula (2) where MRnh is a mean value of heat distribution in a no-heat generating section of the main heater lamp; SRnh is a mean value of heat distribution in the a no-heat generating section of the sub-heater lamp; ?Rnh is the sum total of these mean values; and Ht=vp/(Mh·?) where vp is a fixing speed (m/s), Mh a heat capacity per unit length of the heating member (J/(° C.·m)) and ? a heat conductivity of a material forming the heating member (W/(m·° C.)).

Abstract: A personalized branding iron with interchangeable symbols, including: a handle arrangement having a first end and a second end; a mounting arrangement mechanically connected to the first end; and at least one unitary substantial symbol configured for branding. The mounting arrangement and the symbol are configured for convenient mechanical connection of the symbol to the mounting arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for heating and transferring a workpiece to a forming press for superplastic forming. The apparatus includes a heater assembly, having upper and lower heated platens, mounted to a frame. The heater assembly heats the workpiece to a predetermined temperature. A shuttle assembly operates to remove the heated workpiece from the heater assembly and transfer it to the forming press for forming.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat fusing apparatus for thermally fusing toner that has been transferred to a printing medium from a toner image formed on an image bearing member using an electrophotographic process. Temperature is detected at the surface of a heating element or in the vicinity thereof. If control is performed so as to interrupt supply of power to the heating element based upon result of comparing the detected temperature and a reference value, the amount of current that flows into the heating element is detected and the reference value is changed over in accordance with the result of detection. Further, a pressure roller, which is a rotation member placed opposite the heating element, presses the printing medium against the heating element and transports the printing medium. The state of rotation of the roller is detected and the reference value is changed over in accordance with the result of detection.

Abstract: A protection structure of a ceramic resistor heating module, and more particularly a protection structure of a heating module, which utilizes a ceramic resistor having a positive temperature coefficient and is consisted of cooling fins, includes insulation layers that are heat-insulated. Using the insulation layers, electricity and external hazardous substances such as acids, alkalis and salt are shielded to accomplish all-round protection.

Abstract: A heating plate provided with: a heating member; and a guide member, one surface of which comes into contact with the heating member and the other surface of which comes into contact with a body to be heated to heat the body to be heated, wherein plural grooves are provided at prescribed intervals on the one surface of the guide member, and a heat pipe is accommodated in the groove.

Abstract: A method of forming a brazed joint between an armature bar and a hydraulic header clip including: assembling an end of the armature bar, hydraulic header clip and a substantially phosphorous-free braze material; positioning the assembly of the armature bar, hydraulic header clip and the braze material in a braze chamber, such that the clip is seated in an induction heating coil; heating the assembly to a first temperature within 200 degrees F. of and below a solidus temperature of the braze material by applying electrical current to the induction heat coil; heating the assembly to a second temperature above the liquidus temperature of the braze material; pooling liquid braze material on ends of the armature bar, and cooling the assembly and thereby forming a braze layer on the end of the armature bar.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for heating a material to be heated by heat generated by induction heat generation member includes a magnetic flux generator, a holder for holding and fixing the magnetic flux generator, and an induction heating member which generates heat by electromagnetic induction heating by an action of magnetic flux generated by the magnetic flux generator. A magnetic flux adjuster adjusts an area in which magnetic flux acts on the magnetic flux generator in a longitudinal direction, of the induction heat generation member, perpendicular to a conveyance direction of a material to be heated. The magnetic flux adjuster includes a magnetic flux adjusting member capable of coming into surface contact with the holder in the longitudinal direction of the induction heat generation member and a moving element for moving the magnetic flux adjusting member by sliding the magnetic flux adjusting member on the surface of the holder.

Abstract: A high frequency heating apparatus 100 having a high frequency generating portion 13 and a steam generating portion 15 for generating steam into a heating chamber 11 for accommodating a thing to be heated and serving to supply at least one of a high frequency and steam into the heating chamber 11, thereby heating the thing to heated, includes a pan 21 which serves to mount the thing to be heated thereon and is provided to be upward removable apart from a bottom face of the heating chamber 11 at a predetermined interval, thereby dividing a space in the heating chamber 11, steam delivery means 29 for supplying the steam generated by the steam generating portion 15 into an upper space positioned above the pan 21, and preheating means 17 for raising an atmospheric temperature in the heating chamber.

Abstract: A high-frequency heating apparatus comprises a heating chamber, a high-frequency generator, a waveguide, an antenna, a motor for rotating the antenna, and a stage (6) provided above and near the antenna to partition the heating chamber and made of dielectric. A rotary base on which an object to be heated is mounted is provided on the stage. A first magnet is provided to the antenna. A second magnet is provided on the rotary base at a place corresponding to the first magnet on the rotary base. By utilizing the magnetic coupling between the first and second magnets, the rotary base is rotated in synchronism with the rotation of the antenna. While maintaining the advantages of conventional antenna high-frequency heating apparatuses, the heating efficiency by grill heating or oven heating is enhanced, and minute heating uniformness is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention includes a mechanical joint between a die and a substrate that is reflowed by microwave energy and a method of forming such a mechanical joint by printing a solder over a substrate, placing the solder in contact with a bump over a die, reflowing the solder with microwave energy, and forming a mechanical joint from the solder and the bump.

Abstract: A device for storing photons between one and a plurality of reflected surfaces, and the storage of information, in particular in the form of digital data, being provided by creating at least one circulating memory using the storage device as a delay line. Each device consists of one or a plurality of photon sources, using any wavelength of light, one or a plurality of photon detectors and one or a plurality of reflective surfaces. The injected photons are delayed from reaching the output by one or a plurality of reflections from one surface of the device to the same or another surface of the device, each reflection extending the distance traveled for each photon, thereby inducing a delay.

Abstract: An invention is provided for concealing an object. The invention includes a plurality of electromagnetic radiation sources that generate an electromagnetic radiation spectrum, and a controller in communication with the plurality of electromagnetic radiation sources. The controller includes logic that compares the electromagnetic radiation spectrum generated from the plurality of electromagnetic radiation sources with an electromagnetic radiation spectrum from an environment surrounding the object. In operation, the controller adjusts the plurality of electromagnetic radiation sources to generate an electromagnetic radiation spectrum that matches the electromagnetic radiation spectrum of the environment surrounding the object.

Abstract: An electron sensing device for receiving electrons from an output surface of an electron gain device has a silicon die including an active surface area for positioning below the output surface of an electron gain device. The silicon die also includes a silicon step formed below and surrounding the active surface area, and a first array of bond pads formed on the silicon step for providing output signals from the silicon die. When the electron sensing device is positioned below the electron gain device, a tight vertical clearance is formed between the output surface of the electron gain device and the active surface area of the electron sensing device.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed for automatically detecting moisture on the windshield of a vehicle. The automatic moisture detecting system includes an optical system for imaging a portion of the windshield onto an image array sensor, such as a CMOS active pixel sensor. The voltage of each of the pixels which represents the illumination level is converted to a corresponding gray scale value by an analog digital converter. The spatial frequency composition of the gray scale values are analyzed to determine the amount of rain present in order to provide a control signal to control the operation of the windshield wipers of the vehicle as a function of the amount of moisture present. The system is also adapted to detect the level of fog both on the interior of the windshield as well as the exterior of the windshield.

Abstract: A microlens structure includes lower lens layers on a substrate. A sputtered layer of glass, such as silicon oxide, is applied over the lower lens layers at an angle away from normal to form upper lens layers that increase the effective focal length of the microlens structure. The upper lens layers can be deposited in an aspherical shape with radii of curvature longer than the lower lens layers. As a result, small microlenses can be provided with longer focal lengths. The microlenses are arranged in arrays for use in imaging devices.

Abstract: There are many, many inventions described herein. In one aspect, what is disclosed is a digital camera including a plurality of arrays of photo detectors, including a first array of photo detectors to sample an intensity of light of a first wavelength and a second array of photo detectors to sample an intensity of light of a second wavelength. The digital camera further may also include a first lens disposed in an optical path of the first array of photo detectors, wherein the first lens includes a predetermined optical response to the light of the first wavelength, and a second lens disposed in with an optical path of the second array of photo detectors wherein the second lens includes a predetermined optical response to the light of the second wavelength.

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: A light source die of an optical input device is mounted on a detecting die of the optical input device in order to reduce the size of the optical input device. The light source die emits light to a reflective surface, and light sensing elements formed on the detecting die sense the reflected light from the reflective surface. A control circuit of the optical input device generates corresponding navigation signals according to the output signals of the light sensing elements.

Abstract: A solid state image sensing apparatus having: an image pickup device including; a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type, a well of a second conductivity type formed in the semiconductor substrate, charge accumulation regions of the first conductivity type formed in the well, and an overflow drain terminal electrically connected to the semiconductor substrate for controlling a potential barrier formed by the well; an amplifier for amplifying an output from the image pickup device; a sensitivity setter for setting a photographic sensitivity; and an output level controller for changing a saturation amount of charge accumulated in the charge accumulation region by changing the bias voltage applied to the overflow drain terminal in accordance with a set sensitivity.

Abstract: A measuring device measures sensitivity distribution of a photo sensor including a light projector element for projecting detection light externally, and a photoreceptor element for receiving the detection light reflected externally, and photoelectrically detects an article. The measuring device includes a test panel, having a test pattern, formed on a surface thereof and in at least two colors, for being read by the photo sensor photoelectrically for inspection. A moving mechanism moves the test panel relative to the photo sensor and at a regular speed. A controller actuates the moving mechanism, and evaluates an output from the photoreceptor element, in order to determine the sensitivity distribution of the photo sensor according thereto. Sensitivity distribution of the photo sensor is initially expressed two-dimensionally. Also, a plurality of the sensitivity distribution being obtained are used to determine sensitivity distribution of the photo sensor expressed three-dimensionally.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed toward optical encoder systems and corresponding methods. One aspect of the invention is directed toward an optical encoder system that includes an optical encoder device having an input wheel. The optical encoder device further includes at least one light emitter and at least one light sensor to detect rotational movement of the input wheel. In a further aspect, the optical encoder device is coupled to a vehicle. In a still further aspect, the optical encoder device can be coupled to a control inceptor in a vehicle. In yet a further aspect, optical encoder device can include a housing so that the optical encoder device is couplable to structure as a single modular unit.

Abstract: A photodiode detector array for optical encoders includes a plurality of photodiodes, each of the photodiodes providing a scanning signal with a defined phase relationship to a scale when the detector array moves relative to the scale. A plurality of switching elements is provided for selectively combining each of the photodiodes with other photo diodes in a defined manner. The switching elements allow the photodiodes to be unambiguously combined for at least two different scale radii so that a defined number of phase shifted scanning signals is generated in each case. The combination of the photodiodes differs between the at least two different scale radii.

Abstract: In a method according to the invention for the accurate determination of an angle of rotation (w) about an axis (a), at least a part of a plurality of pattern elements (5, ..., 13) arranged around a pattern center (4), a multiplicity of which are arranged one behind the other in a rotation, is at least partly focused by optical beams on a multiplicity of detector elements (2) of an optical detector (1) which are arranged in series. The pattern elements (5, ..., 13) are arranged on a rotating body (3) which is connected to the detector (1) so as to be rotatable about the axis (a). Positions (p) of the focused pattern elements are resolved by the detector elements (2) of one and the same detector (1). In a first step, effects of an eccentricity (e) of the pattern center (4) relative to the axis (a) on the determination of an angle of rotation are computationally determined from resolved positions (p) of at least one pattern element (5, ..., 13).

Abstract: First and second signal detecting element groups are respectively arranged to face first and second signal detecting tracks that are provided on a first code wheel. In addition, third and fourth signal detecting element groups are respectively arranged to face third and fourth signal detecting tracks that are provided on a second code wheel. A code string is output from the first and second signal detecting element groups to obtain a circular gray-code for detecting the rotation of the first code wheel within one revolution. Further, a code string is output from the third and fourth signal detecting element groups to obtain a circular gray-code for detecting the rotation of the first code wheel over one revolution.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving the resolution of an electronic imaging device having an array of pixels. Sub-pixel dimension movements between an object and the array of pixels are made, and an image is formed at each position. Resulting shifted images are combined to yield an effective resolution corresponding to an array having smaller pixels. Such methods and apparatus allow optical systems with existing pixel devices to form effective images of smaller feature sizes.

Abstract: An antenna-coupled microbolometer multilayer structure, and associated method of forming an antenna-coupled microbolometer multilayer structure are disclosed, where the structure includes a dielectric layer of dielectric material having at least one locally doped region doped with a dopant to provide a thermal conductive path from a first side to a second side of the dielectric layer. The structure includes an antenna on the first side of the dielectric layer coupled to the locally doped region; a read-out integrated circuit (ROIC) on the second side of the dielectric layer coupled to the locally doped region; a conductive substrate between the dielectric layer and the ROIC; and an electrical connection between the locally doped region and the ROIC, wherein the ROIC is connected to detect, via the electrical connection, a change in electrical resistivity of the locally doped region due to thermal energy absorbed from the antenna.

Abstract: An image sensor package includes an image sensor, a window, and a molding, where the molding includes a lens holder extension portion extending upwards from the window. The lens holder extension portion includes a female threaded aperture extending from the window such that the window is exposed through the aperture. A lens is supported in a threaded lens support. The threaded lens support is threaded into the aperture of the lens holder extension portion. The lens is readily adjusted relative to the image sensor by rotating the lens support.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to calibrate fluorescence detection of a fluorescence microscope by using a near-perfectly uniform reflector as a target in combination with temporary removal of the microscope's emission filter. Excitation light is reflected from the near-perfectly uniform reflector back into the microscope's objective optical system and transmitted to a dichroic. A small fraction of the excitation light passes though the dichroic and is measured by a CCD camera or other appropriate measurement device. By measuring the intensity of the residual excitation light at a plurality of points in the field of view, variations in illumination intensity may be determined. Using this, fluorescence detection at different points in the field of view may be readily calibrated.

Abstract: In the field of mass spectrometry, a method of obtaining a mass spectrum enriched with fragment ions while retaining the precursor ion. The technique includes varying the collision energy experienced by the precursor ion such that a range of fragmentations occur. Related methods are also disclosed for obtaining MS, MS2, MS3 and MSn spectra which are enriched with fragment ions.

Abstract: A cross-flow ion mobility analyzer (CIMA) that includes a component of gas flow that opposes an electric field that is established within a channel, wherein ions are carried through the channel, wherein ions of a specific mobility are trapped by the opposing electric field and flow field within the channel and are detected when the ions reach the end of the channel, wherein a detector at the end of the channel sees a continuous stream of mobility-selected ions, and wherein different ions are selected by modifying the electric field and/or the velocity of the flow field.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising an ion source 4, a field free or drift region 5 and an ion mirror 7 comprising a reflectron. Metastable parent ions which spontaneously fragment by Post Source Decay whilst passing through the field free or drift region 5 are arranged to enter the ion mirror 7 and be reflected by the reflectron towards an ion detector 8 when the reflectron is maintained at a certain voltage. The process is then repeated with the reflectron being maintained at a slightly lower voltage. Two related sets of time of flight or mass spectral data are obtained for the two different voltage settings of the reflectron. From the two data sets the different times of flight for the same species of fragment ion can be determined. The mass to charge ratio of the parent ion which fragmented to produce the particular species of fragment ion can then be determined from the times of flight of the fragment ions.

Abstract: An electrospray interface for forming ions from a liquid sample in a mass analyzing system includes a capillary tube having a free end for introducing a spray of droplets into an ionization chamber, a first gas passageway positioned near the capillary tube for directing a first gas stream into the ionization chamber, and a second gas passageway positioned more remotely from the capillary tube for directing a second, low-velocity gas stream into the ionization chamber. The second gas stream is heated to increase the droplet desolvation rate. A heated sampling capillary having an end extending into the ionization chamber guides the analyte ions toward a mass analyzer and evaporates the solvent from any incompletely desolvated droplets entering the sampling capillary.

Abstract: An electron beam apparatus with an aberration corrector using multipole lenses is provided. The electron beam apparatus has a scan mode for enabling the operation of the aberration corrector and a scan mode for disabling the operation of the aberration corrector and the operation of each of the aberration corrector, a condenser lens, and the like is controlled such that the object point of an objective lens does not change in either of the scan modes. If a comparison is made between the secondary electron images of a specimen in the two modes, the image scaling factor and the focus remain unchanged and evaluation and adjustment can be performed by distinctly recognizing only the effect of the aberration corrector. This reduces the time required to adjust an optical axis which has been long due to an axial alignment defect inherent in the aberration corrector and an axial alignment defect in a part other than the aberration corrector which are indistinguishably intermingled with each other.

Abstract: A method is provided for visualizing the environment of a vehicle, particularly in darkness. For improving known methods, a weighted superimposition of isochronous and same-location image pairs of a visual image and an infrared image are performed for forming a fusion image. For a further improvement, it is provided to make the weighting dependent on the environment; thus, in darkness, a higher weighting and therefore a stressing of the infrared information is provided with respect to the visual information in the fusion image. In fog, it is provided to weight the visual information clearly higher in comparison to the infrared information, whereby the infrared information, which is often not very helpful in fog, is largely not taken into account in the fusion image.

Abstract: A defect detection system for thermally imaging a structure that has been energized by sound energy. The system includes a transducer that couples a sound signal into the structure, where the sound signal induces acoustic chaos in the structure that causes defects in the structure to heat up. In one embodiment, the transducer is a broadband transducer. A thermal imaging camera images the structure when it is heated by the sound signal.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for detecting crossing of a horizontal land demarcation marker of a carriageway for motor vehicles, characterized in that it includes at least one box (2) to be placed under the vehicle and enclosing means for projecting two light beams (4, 6) onto the carriageway (8) in two distinct zones (10, 12) that do not overlap, and distinct means for picking up each of the two light beams (14, 16) after reflection onto the carriageway (8).

Abstract: A radiation detector of the present invention has at least one radiation measuring component and a radiation detector surface. A layer of protective covering substantially covers the radiation detector surface and protects the at least one radiation measuring component. The layer of protective covering preferably includes a protective material sub-layer and may include an optional coating sub-layer. The radiation detector surface may be, for example, a scintillator, cover glass, or chip surface.

Abstract: A device and method used in high resolution positron emission tomography (PET) systems for digitizing gamma ray energy and characterizing peak time and decay time constant, models a voltage pulse generated upon a PET event detection as a fast linearly rising edge followed by a slower exponential decay. The model includes parameters of the voltage pulse that are relevant for PET event detection including a decay constant, a peak voltage value, and a peak time, which are determined from time interval measurements of the voltage pulse. The time interval measurements are made using comparators and counters in an exemplary electronic implementation.

Abstract: A tomography device, particularly for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), comprises a multi-pinhole collimator and a detector for detecting gamma quanta or photons that penetrate the multi-pinhole collimator. In a tomographic method using the device, the distance between the object and the multi-pinhole collimator is selected to be smaller than the distance between the multi-pinhole collimator and the surface of the detector.

Abstract: A circuit for conditioning the output of a single photon detector, the output of said detector having a stepped electrical output signal with respect to time, the circuit comprising a band pass amplifier, said band pass amplifier having a 3 dB breakpoint equal to and less than the inverse of the expected duration of the rising or falling step of said detector output.

Abstract: In a charged-particle beam exposure device, an electrostatic lens (ML) comprises several (at least three) electrodes with rotational symmetry (EFR, EM, EFN) surrounding a particle beam path; the electrodes are arranged coaxially on a common optical axis representing the center of said particle beam path and are fed different electrostatic potentials through electric supplies. At least a subset of the electrodes (EM) form an electrode column realized as a series of electrodes of substantially equal shape arranged in consecutive order along the optical axis, wherein outer portions of said electrodes (EM) of the electrode column have outer portions (OR) of corresponding opposing surfaces (f1, f2) facing toward the next and previous electrodes, respectively. Preferably, the length of the electrode column is at least 4.1 times (3 times) the inner radius (ri1) of said surfaces (f1, f2).

Abstract: Excimers are formed in a gas (30,130) by applying a pulsed potential between a first electrode (14,114) and a counter electrode (26, 126) so that corona discharge occurs, substantially without arcing, when the potential is on. The pulses or on-times of the potential desirably are about 100 microseconds or less. Use of a pulsed potential provides greater efficiency than a constant potential. Where the excimer-forming gas is a pure inert gas, the gas desirably contains less than 10 ppm water vapor.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises a vial that comprises a vial bottom and a vial cap that connect to enclose one or more radioactive seeds; and a radiation shielding container that comprises a bottom portion and a top portion that connect to enclose the vial. The radiation shielding container and the vial comprise one or more vents for movement of a sterilant therethrough for sterilization of the one or more radioactive seeds within the vial. The bottom portion of the radiation shielding container comprises a structure that engages the vial bottom to prevent rotational movement of the vial bottom during removal of the vial cap.

Abstract: A method of monitoring health in chlorophyll containing matter comprises exposing the matter to a light source to cause chlorophyll to fluoresce and emit a fluorescence signal. Any changes in a parameter indicative of changes in the intensity of the fluorescence signal are detected and compared with a predetermined threshold. A change which exceeds the predetermined threshold is interpreted as a transition of the level of stress in the chlorophyll containing matter. An apparatus for monitoring health in chlorophyll containing matter is also provided and comprises a light source for causing chlorophyll in the matter to fluoresce, a detector for detecting the intensity the fluorescent signal, means for measuring changes in a parameter indicative of changes in the intensity of the fluorescent signal and a detector to detect an increase in the change of the parameter above a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for optical analytic measurement in a multisample carrier, particularly for measuring fluorescence or bioluminescence.