Abstract: In an apparatus support device with a suction retaining structure for supporting minicomputers, navigation devices or mobile telephones, comprising a suction foot, a hollow column connected with one end to the suction foot and enclosing an operating mechanism for the suction foot and a joint structure disposed at the other end of the hollow column and supporting an apparatus holder, the hollow column consists of two complementary semi-shells which, with their bottom ends, extend around the suction foot and are provided at their opposite ends with joint structures which are releasably clamped between the semi-shells.

Abstract: A hawk stand and holder includes a telescoping vertical rod having a top end and a bottom end, a hawk holder having an aperture for receiving the top end of the vertical rod, a tripod having telescoping legs having a top and intermediate portion, a central ring joining the legs of the tripod at the top portions of the legs and having an aperture for receiving the vertical rod, and a cup element attached to the intermediate portions of the legs to hold the bottom end of the vertical rod. In an embodiment attachable to a ladder, a telescoping first horizontal rod is attached to the bottom end of the vertical rod and clamps to a ladder and a telescoping second rod extends from the first horizontal rod and clamps to the ladder at a second lower rung.

Abstract: An ejectable stand for a portable media center includes a stand body and a slide switch. The stand body has a front end, a rear end and an outer surface, and the rear end has a torsion spring pushing against both the stand body and the portable media center, and the front end has a stop. The slide switch slidably is mounted on the outer surface of the stand body and has a fastening hook corresponding to the fastening lip of the portable media center, and the fastening hook includes a compression spring pushing against both the fastening hook and stop of the stand body. The compression spring provides an elastic force to drive the fastening hook to slide the slide switch on the stand body and to fasten the fastening hook and the fastening lip together.

Abstract: A stand for an image display device is provided. In the stand, a supporting member supports the image display device, a connecting member is rotatably coupled to the supporting member, and a base member supports the image display device with respect to a floor. The base member is rotatable in the same direction as the rotation direction of the connecting member for being folded to a back of the image display device. Therefore, a bottom surface of the stand can be folded to the back of the image display device, maximizing the number of image display devices that can be packed into the same containing space.

Abstract: A stand for an image display device is provided. The stand includes a leg unit. In the leg unit, a supporting member supports the image display device, a connecting member is coupled to the supporting member and rotatable in forward and backward directions with respect to the supporting member, and a base member supports the image display device with respect to a floor. The base member is rotatable in a direction different from the rotation directions of the connection member for being folded to a back of the image display device.

Abstract: A surgery equipment holding device comprises a holder for holding surgical equipment, a bar connected to the holder, a brake which operatively engages the bar for stopping movement of the bar, and a pair of switches for switching being an active state and an inactive state of the brake. The surgery equipment holding device is characterized in the operation thereof at the time of disengaging the fixation state, and exhibits excellent operability.

Abstract: An adjustable mounting bracket for securely storing a tool including a receiving member having a plurality of gear-like teeth, wherein the receiving member includes a frame that defines an opening for closely receiving the tool, and a mounting member having a base and an engaging portion, wherein the engaging portion is adapted to mesh with the plurality of gear-like teeth.

Abstract: An equipment holder includes an elongated body having a first end and a second end. Pipe clamps are positioned at both the first end and the second end of the body., which are adapted to securely clamp the body to pipe scaffolding. A receptacle is positioned at the second end of the body, which is adapted to receive a lower portion of equipment such as a fire extinguisher or rod oven. An upper portion of the equipment is secured to the body. A lifting line attachment is provided at the first end of the body, whereby the body can be hauled up scaffolding at an end of a lifting line.

Abstract: An equipoising arm structure that can selectively exert force in any direction—lifting, pressing down, or applying lateral bias—with consistent force throughout its range of articulation, comprises a force exerting device having a force exerting structure including a load arm as a first side pivotable about a load pivot, a resilient member attached to the load arm band to a termination point and forming a second side of the force exerting structure. The third side of the structure is formed by a line from the termination point to the load pivot. A first adjustment mechanism moves the termination point to change the length and disposition of the third side of the structure to positions above or below the load pivot. Additional adjustment mechanisms may alter the mounting angle of the entire force exerting structure, and/or the angular relationship between a plurality its force-exerting component devices.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a hanging tool support assembly provide a portable, adjustable support to hold and/or position a tool, such as a flashlight. For example, the hanging tool support assembly hangs or is otherwise suspended from a support line proximate to a work area. According to exemplary embodiments, the hanging tool support assembly includes a pair of inverted, J-shaped hangers, a downwardly extending arm, a movable support piece connecting the downwardly extending arm to a tool support base, the tool support base, and attachment means for supporting and/or holding a tool to the tool support base. In some embodiments, the hangers may further include additional safety and/or positioning components.

Abstract: The present utility model is a large-sized sunshade umbrella which is used at fixed site outdoor. The interior of the base is divided into several independent portions, a protection case which is mated with the base is brought to cover the base, and the devices of caster wheel which can be stretched-out and drawn-back are provided in the holes at the corners of the base. Sand or water as the counterweight in the base can be added or reduced freely. When the base needs to fix, the caster wheels are drawn-back into the base through manual regulation to make the base rest on the ground to increase the attaching force; when the umbrella needs to move, the four caster wheels are stretched-out from the base to contact with the ground, so that a man or woman can push the umbrella smoothly to the site where he or she intends to place it.

Abstract: A hanger for a nail driver includes a hoop element and a hook element. The hoop element is rotatably mounted on a circular seat of a tail part of the nail driver. The circular seat has at least one first engaging portion formed thereon. The hoop element has at least one second engaging portion formed on an inner circle thereof to engage with the first engaging portion. Thereby, the hoop element can be rotated with respect to the nail driver until the first and the second engaging portions are engaged to each other to provide an adjustable position of the hook for hanging on the nail driver.

Abstract: A device for mounting at least one exhaust pipe of a motor vehicle to an engine carrier fixed to the vehicle, to which engine carrier an engine mounting is fitted, includes a mounting device that has an exhaust pipe attaching limb attached to the exhaust pipe, and preferably to an attaching device fitted to the exhaust pipe. The device is made easy to fit and inexpensive to manufacture by way of a ramp provided on the mounting device that, in the event of a frontal collision, moves along the engine carrier.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a fluid lens in a data collection device. One or more micropump control systems are used to control one or more fluid lenses. The micropump control systems are used to change volume and/or pressure within the fluid lens system, changing the radius of curvature of the lens.

Abstract: A new and useful imaging concept is provided that is designed to improve the manner in which control information for an imaging optical system such as a lithographic imaging optical system can be generated. An imaging optical system comprises imaging optics defining a primary optical path along which a primary image is imaged, and a measurement optical path is established and includes at least part of the primary optical path. The imaging optical system is configured to obtain information from the measurement optical path for use in providing control information for the imaging optical system. Such a system is particularly useful for measuring the topography of a large region of the surface under investigation, like the entire instantaneous field of a wafer, instead being limited to a small patch or set of patches.

Abstract: A photo detector device includes a photosensitive transistor capable of detecting an optical signal including an image component and a background component and converting the optical signal into a current including an image current corresponding to the image component and a background current corresponding to the background component, a first amplifier module electrically connected to the photosensitive transistor capable of canceling the background current and amplifying the image current, and a second amplifier module electrically connected to the first amplifier module capable of detecting a direct-current (dc) portion of the image current.

Abstract: An image sensor with a high dynamic range is provided. The image sensor includes a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of light-receiving elements formed on the semiconductor substrate, and light-shield films formed on upper ends of some of the light-receiving elements to partially block light incident upon each of the some light-receiving elements. Hence, an image sensing device including the image sensor can detect an accurate image regardless of whether the environment is bright or dark.

Abstract: An opto-electronic device comprising a plurality of photo-detectors, each said photo-detector comprises a plurality of optical detection segments which are connected in parallel, the optical detection segments of said plurality of optical-detectors are interposed so that an optical detection segment of a photo-detector is intermediate optical detection segments of another photo-detector and an optical detection segment of that another photo-detector is intermediate optical detection segments of said photo-detector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a four-quadrant detector based optical system for detecting and tracking an optical spot, which comprises: (a) a four quadrant detector, which comprises four surfaces that are sensitive to light, said surfaces being separated one from the others by a dead zone surface which is non-sensitive to light radiation; (b) optics between said detector and the scenery, for acquiring an image of a light spot at the scenery, and for impinging the image of the same on said surfaces of the decoder; and (c) a refraction element between said detector and the other optics, which comprises grooves for diverting only the light rays coming from the scenery and directed toward the dead zone, each to a corresponding proximate sensitive to light surfaces of the decoder, while not disturbing the other coming light rays, wherein said refraction element has no physical contact with any of said detector surfaces.

Abstract: An optical receiver comprising a photo-detector, wherein said photo-detector is modulated whereby it has a time-variant photo-responsivity following the modulation on the photo-detector.

Abstract: A photoelectric actuating system including a base, an illuminant, at least an optical receiver, at least an actuating apparatus and an optical mechanism is provided. The illuminant is fixed in the base for emitting a light beam. The optical receiver is also fixed in the base. The actuating apparatus is electrically connected to the optical receiver. The optical mechanism can be disposed at an actuating position in the base for transmitting the light beam from the illuminant to the optical receiver so that the optical receiver can send an actuating signal to actuate the actuating apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for saving sensor power consumption based on context information on a wireless sensor network are provided. Basic context information is received from inside and outside of a network system including at least one sensor, wherein context information based on the basic context information is determined by inference, a group of expected services corresponding to the context information is determined, a sensor operation mode according to the group of expected services is determined, and control data is transmitted to the sensor according to the sensor operation mode. Accordingly, a sensor operation mode is adaptively determined according to changes of context information so that power consumption of a sensor can be saved.

Abstract: The measurement head is equipped with the ray selection unit, which is entered by the rays emitted by the light unit under test. These rays enter the passages and are detected by the ray detection unit when they exit the ray selection unit. Said ray detection unit provides signals corresponding to the detected image, which are sent on for further processing. A precise measurement of the light unit is possible using the inventive light tester.

Abstract: A coded mass spectrometer incorporates a spatial or temporal code to reduce the resolution/sensitivity dichotomy inherent in mass spectrometry. The code is used to code one or more portions of a mass spectrometer. Coding patterns, such as Hadamard codes, Walsh codes, and perfect code sequences can be used. The coding can be spatial, for example, by using an aperture mask and/or temporal, for example, by coded injection of ions for analysis.

Abstract: A cluster tool includes multiple tools for microscopic processing of a sample positioned around a rotatable base. A sample holder on the base rotates the sample between the working areas of the tools. A slidable vacuum seal maintains a vacuum in a sample chamber for tools that require a vacuum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving detection of radiation emitted from object that includes a radiation detection sensor with a substrate and an array of columns protruding from a top surface of the substrate. A radiation sensitive layer, such as TLC, and a thermal conversion material, such as an absorber, are disposed upon a top surface of the columns within the array thereby producing an array of radiation detectors. The columns provide thermal isolation between the radiation detectors and the substrate, and spatial separation of columns within the array provide radiant and thermal isolation between the radiation detectors upon the tops of individual columns. Producing an image of the array of radiation detectors allows detection of the radiation emitted from an object.

Abstract: A telescopic table system (32) is used for imaging a subject in at least a first modality (12) and a second modality (14). The first modality is disposed adjacent to the second modality to align a subject receiving bore (24) of the first modality with a subject receiving bore (36) of the second modality. The telescoping table system (32) includes a base (108), an intermediate pallet (78) and a subject pallet (82) on which a subject is loaded prior to imaging. The subject pallet (82) is mounted and supported to retain a constant cantilevering with respect to the intermediate pallet (78) at all longitude positions to prevent deflection changes while extending into any of the imaging modalities. The subject pallet (82) is moved through the first modality subject receiving bore (24) for imaging in the first modality. The subject pallet (82) is withdrawn from the first modality (12) and aligned with the intermediate pallet (78).

Abstract: A system for obtaining data from an imaging plate is provided. The system includes a light source configured to generate a light beam and a controller operably connected to the light source and configured to scan the light beam across an object in a first direction. The system further includes a mask comprising a positionable aperture configured to transmit the light beam to the object. A position of the aperture is synchronized with a position of the light beam.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a greater number of lines of response (LOR) within a subset of azimuthal angles of a positron emission tomography scanner. In a positron emission tomography (PET) scanner, the detectors are configured to detect a greater number of lateral LORs than the number of anterior/posterior LORs passing through a patient. The increased sensitivity to the lateral LORs compensates for the increased distance that the lateral LORs travel through the patient than the anterior/posterior LORs. In one embodiment, at least one pair of partial rings are positioned adjacent fixed detector rings. In another embodiment, panel detectors with a longer length than the other detectors are positioned to be responsive to the lateral LORs. In still another embodiment, detectors rotated with a variable angular speed, spending more time measuring lateral LORs than measuring anterior/posterior LORs.

Abstract: A nuclear medicine diagnostic apparatus is provided that can improve time resolution and energy resolution and diagnosing accuracy by enhancing radiation detectors in terms of moisture-proofing and dust-proofing effects while efficiently cooling the radiation detectors. The apparatus has a first region A in which radiation detectors are to be accommodated, and a second region B in which signal processors are to be accommodated. These regions are provided inside a housing member 5 via an adiabatic member 7. The housing member 5 also has a ventilation port 8 formed to communicate with the first region A and equipped with an anti-dust filter. Ventilation holes 34 are formed to communicate with the first region B and serving as entrances for cooling air. Unit fans 33 serve as exits for the cooling air.

Abstract: The gamma-radiation module includes a housing having a box-like container and a cover for hermetically sealing a pair of cylinders within the housing. Each cylinder includes scintillation material and a photomultiplier tube on a common cylindrical axis. The hermetically sealed module may be used singly or in multiple modules in portal applications whereby gamma-radiation from a source may be detected through a gamma-radiation transparent cover on the module.

Abstract: The invention relates to a computer tomograph, in which data from a rotor, which during operation of the computer tomograph rotates about an axis of rotation, is transferred optoelectronically. For that purpose, on the rotor there is located at least one transmitter, which transmits light towards a receiver mounted on the axis of rotation, the light being modulated with the data to be transferred.

Abstract: It is made possible that, in accordance with a plurality of radiographing modes such as the still image radiographing mode and the moving image radiographing mode, the outputs both in the irradiation period and in the non-irradiation period are made to fall within the dynamic range of the radiographing system, whereby an accurate, high-S/N-ratio X-ray radiographic image is obtained. For that purpose, in accordance with the plurality of radiographing modes, an arithmetic operation unit adjusts a power source to control voltage to be applied to a reading circuit unit or an Analogue-Digital conversion unit, such that, in each of the radiographing modes, both an electric signal in the X-ray irradiation period and an electric signal in the X-ray non-irradiation period fall within the dynamic ranges of the reading circuit unit and the Analogue-Digital conversion unit.

Abstract: An electronic imaging sensor, which has an improved immunity to noise caused by unwanted x-rays, images an object by collecting charge carriers produced in the sensor when the object is exposed to x-rays. One or more shielding areas are formed proximate the sensor to capture or sweep away any undesirable charge carriers generated by the unwanted x-rays. The shielding areas extend deeper beneath the surface of the sensor than the depth at which the desired charge carriers corresponding to the object being imaged is collected. The shielding areas capture charge carriers formed by the unwanted x-rays, which penetrate into the sensor to a greater depth than the depth at which the. desired charge carriers are collected. In this way, the undesirable charge carriers are captured near the region where they are generated and before they migrate towards the surface where they can be collected and manifest as noise in the resulting image of the object.

Abstract: A semiconductor detector for ionizing electromagnetic radiation, neutrons, and energetic charged particles. The detecting element is comprised of a compound having the composition I-III-VI2 or II-IV-V2 where the “I” component is from column 1A or 1B of the periodic table, the “II” component is from column 2B, the “III” component is from column 3A, the “IV” component is from column 4A, the “V” component is from column 5A, and the “VI” component is from column 6A. The detecting element detects ionizing radiation by generating a signal proportional to the energy deposited in the element, and detects neutrons by virtue of the ionizing radiation emitted by one or more of the constituent materials subsequent to capture. The detector may contain more than one neutron-sensitive component.

Abstract: A faraday cup assembly includes a frame attached to a sidewall of a vacuum chamber, a lead screw rotatably attached to the frame, a drive unit which rotates the lead screw, a carrier engaged with the lead screw and horizontally movable with a rotation of the lead screw, a faraday cup located in the vacuum chamber, a shaft extending through the frame and including a first end engaged with the faraday cup and a second end attached to the carrier a brake unit which selectively stops the rotation of the lead screw, and a main controller which controls at least one of the drive unit and the brake unit.

Abstract: Many applications in scientific experimentation or industrial production require the generation and shaping of charged particle bunches. A particle bunch shaper can use less expensive and smaller electrical waveform generators when the particle bunch shaper uses a nanocrystalline magnetic material. High voltage switches are examples of electrical waveform generators. A pipe with two conductive sections separated by a ceramic gap can be run through the center of cores made with the nanocrystalline magnetic material to produce the particle bunch shaper. A voltage waveform transmitted from an electrical waveform generator, through a damping circuit, and through a coupling wire running adjacent to the pipe sections can shape charged particle bunches.

Abstract: A compact ionization source includes first and second electrodes, each having a plurality of fingers that are interdigitated with each other. The spacing between the first and second electrode, preferably less than 1 mm, creates a large electric field when a potential is applied across the first and second electrodes. The large electric field creates an ionization volume between the fingers of the first and second electrode and ionizes a portion of the molecules occupying the ionization volume. The interdigitated fingers of the first and second electrodes allow for a narrow gap separating the electrodes while presenting a large flow area for ionizing molecules for downstream analysis.

Abstract: The luminescence imaging apparatus comprises: a stage receiving a sample (2) emitting luminescence information about the sample; a light source (8) illuminating the stage; and an electronic control unit defining time frames; a combined light signal corresponding to a combination of luminescence information and of the reflection on the sample of the illumination. During each time frame, the detection apparatus (9) acquires both first data relating to the luminescence information, and also second data relating to the second light signal.

Abstract: A video surveillance camera has an infrared (IR) light emitting diode (LED) for emitting IR light, and a solar detector for detecting visible light. And the video surveillance camera can control the infrared light emitting diode to emit the IR light according to a level of visible light detected by the solar detector. Therefore, the video surveillance camera can fully turn the IR LED off or on when the level of visible light changes, even in the presence of invisible light.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an arrangement for the suppression of unwanted spectral components (‘out-of-band’ radiation, as it is called) in a plasma-based radiation source. The object of the invention is to find a novel possibility for the suppression of unwanted spectral components in radiation exiting from a plasma-based EUV radiation source which permits a simple suppression of out-of-band radiation outside the desired EUV range without requiring costly manufacturing and adjustment of diffraction gratings. This object is met according to the invention in that a filter unit is provided between the plasma and an application location of the EUV radiation, which filter unit has at least one gas curtain comprising at least one rapidly flowing gas whose molecules have no absorption maxima for the desired EUV radiation and intensive absorption maxima for other, unwanted wavelengths that are emitted, at least in the IR region.

Abstract: A dental x-ray radiation protection device/system reduces radiation exposure to patient(s) and the surrounding environment around patient(s) in dental clinics during x-ray radiography procedures. It provides maximum protection for the areas of the patient's body which are not protected with radiation protection (Lead) apron. The invented device/system is adjustable at different angles and directions to target teeth and comprises of two main segments that provide radiation reduction. The device could be attached to a dental x-ray machine as a mount frame or stand frame or even be hung from the ceiling or wall of the x-ray room. Thicknesses of the radiation protection shield for all parts of device are calculated using radiation physics equations by solving for thickness of radiation shield material(s) with respect to x-ray beam intensity, x-ray beam energy, mass or linear attenuation coefficient and density of radiation protection material(s) to get up to 99.9% radiation reduction.

Abstract: A vibration damper apparatus for use with fluid control devices is disclosed. An example fluid control device includes a housing and a piston having an outer circumferential surface and configured to be responsive to pressure within the housing to control the position of a fluid flow control member within the housing. The example fluid control device also includes a guide ring coupled to the housing and having an opening configured to receive at least a portion of the piston, and a vibration damper disposed between the guide ring and the piston to frictionally engage the outer circumferential surface of the piston.

Abstract: An electrolysis-resistant coupling assembly for a valve within a fluid line. A line flange within the line includes a first mating surface and a fluid passageway therethrough. A valve flange downstream from the line flange includes a second mating surface. The valve flange has an aperture passing therethrough with first and second bores forming a lip. A valve coupler has an upstream end provided with a coupler flange having a third bore. A substantially non-compressible, non-metallic captive ring is interposed between the lip, and the flange and body of the valve coupler. Bolts and nuts assemble the valve flange to the line flange with a gasket therebetween, compressing the lip against the captive ring and the coupler flange. The valve is either sweat fitted or threadably attached to the downstream end of the valve coupler. Various configurations for the valve flange, the captive ring, and the valve coupler are disclosed.

Abstract: An universal fluid coupling assembly is provided that includes a coupler housing that has an inner bore extending along an axis of, and opening onto a mating end of, the coupler housing. The coupler housing has an outer perimeter that includes an outer coupler flange that extends about the outer perimeter and that is located proximate to the mating end. The outer coupler flange has a periphery that follows a predetermined circumferential envelope and that has at least one discontinuity therein to define a blank area in the envelope. The assembly further includes a fitting member with an aperture there through. The aperture has an inner diameter that is smaller than the circumferential envelope of the outer coupler flange. The fitting member is loaded over the outer coupler flange onto the outer perimeter of the coupler housing by orienting the fitting member in a non-orthogonal relation with the coupler housing such that the outer coupler flange passes through the aperture.

Abstract: The present invention makes it possible to slide a surface pressure releasing plate and a surface pressure releasing bar relative to each other smoothly by compressing compression springs uniformly. A surface pressure applying device for a slide valve according to the present invention compresses compression springs (11) uniformly in applying and releasing surface pressure and makes a surface pressure releasing plate (13) and a surface pressure releasing bar (15) smoothly slide relative to each other by matching an arrangement center (A) of projections (14) on the surface pressure releasing plate (13) with an arrangement center (B) of the compression springs (11).

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in turning the handle of a spigot. The apparatus comprises a first substantially flat member having a first predetermined shape and made of a predetermined material. The first member has a plurality of apertures disposed therein. There is a second member which has a second predetermined shape and is engageable with the first member adjacent an outer edge thereof, such second member is disposed at substantially a right angle to the first member and a means engageable with the first member and such handle for attaching the first member to such handle of such spigot.

Abstract: A bushing assembly for an exhaust valve includes a first bushing component formed from a first material that provides a low friction surface and a second bushing component formed from a second material that provides noise damping. The first and second bushing components are supported by a shaft that rotates an exhaust valve positioned within an exhaust component. An actuator is coupled to the shaft to pivot the exhaust valve within an exhaust component to vary exhaust flow. As the shaft rotates, the first and second bushing components cooperate to provide a good bearing surface in combination with noise dampening during valve actuation.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body, with an inlet, an outlet, and a chamber extending between the inlet and the outlet, an actuator, and an actuation sub-assembly. Positioned in the chamber is a valve ball with a ball body and a transverse passage extending through the ball body. The valve ball is positionable between a valve open position wherein said transverse passage provides fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet and a valve closed position wherein the ball body blocks the fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet. The actuation sub-assembly engages the actuator, which in turn engages the valve ball. In addition, the valve body includes a valve body wall with a planar portion. The planar portion includes a mounting surface for mounting the actuation sub-assembly to the valve body.

Abstract: Porous, ferro- or ferrimagnetic, glass particles are described that selectively bind molecules of interest, especially nucleic acid molecules, under appropriate conditions. Methods of preparing the porous, ferro- or ferrimagnetic, glass particles and their use for identifying or separating molecules of interest are also described. Kits comprising the porous, ferro- or ferrimagnetic, glass particles are also provided.