Abstract: A miniature kite measuring less than ten inches wide and seven inches high, using a single one-piece die-cut polymer frame permanently attached to a miniature kite sail to produce the aerodynamic qualities desired for kites. The present invention also discloses a laminate frame using multiple die-cut polymer frame members where the miniature kite sail requires additional rigidity to achieve the aerodynamic qualities desired for kites.

Abstract: A wireless-controlled airplane includes a flying unit and an on-ground controller which is connected to the flying unit through a communication section and flies the flying unit. The flying unit includes a body, a drive section installed on the body, a propulsion apparatus which generates a propulsive force when driven by the drive section, a main wing including a plurality of wing elements which are installed so as to be able to move with respect to each other, an opening and closing mechanism which changes the relative positions of the wing elements to change the effective area of the main wing, and a dropping apparatus which selectively holds and drops a load. By changing the effective area of the main wing, the flight speed can be changed, so the capacity and size of the drive section for rotating the propulsion apparatus can be decreased.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of detecting a railway vehicle, comprising using the time difference between receiving at first and second points a signal sent from the vehicle at a given time to produce an indication of the location of the vehicle.

Abstract: A railroad switch assembly comprises a basket that directly actuates a torsional assist rod. The basket is located at a lower elevation than the assist rod, preferably in a hollow tie and preferably between the switch machine and the running rail.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and a communication system for providing relatively constant warning time at a rail grade crossing for trains with prediction of the approach of a train from a remote controller via rail-based communications to a crossing controller. A first communication signal is generated when a prediction occurs and a second communication signal is generated for slower moving trains, with the second signal temporarily overriding the first signal to provide relatively constant warning time at the crossing. Cancellation timers with timing intervals are used to resolve situations where the train does not enter the approach or where the train leaves by way of a switch or backs out. Directional logic is used to determine the direction of movement of the train and, in conjunction with cancellation timers, causes the warning devices to be activated when the timers expire.

Abstract: An ornamental display stand for lawn and garden accessories comprises a plurality of rods having a first end and a second end, a plurality of upper brackets and a plurality of lower brackets. The upper brackets are positioned near the first end of the plurality of rods and comprise a plurality of holes for receiving the rods. The lower brackets are positioned near the second end of the plurality of rods and comprise a plurality of holes for receiving the rods. A first rod is rigidly joined with one of the holes of each of the upper and lower brackets. A second rod and a third rod are engagable with holes of the upper and lower brackets.

Abstract: A thigh-attached mouse pad (10), also known as “the kneePAD™”, consisting of a pad assembly (12) and a pad-to-thigh strap assembly (60). The strap assembly (60) is adjustably attached around a person's thigh (98) adjacent the person's knee (99). The pad assembly (12) is designed to be detachably attached to the strap assembly (60). The pad assembly (12) has an ergonomic shape consisting of an upper circular section (16) that overlaps a smaller, lower circular section (18) to form a modified “keyhole” shape. The upper surface of the pad assembly (12) has a smooth surface that allows a mouse user to easily and comfortably traverse the mouse (100) across the upper surface of the pad assembly (12). The pad assembly (12) also includes a mouse pouch (36) that is dimensioned to partially enclose a mouse when the mouse is not in use or to enclose a resilient hand and wrist support (54) when the mouse is in use.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes any current limitations of model displaying technology by offering a wall mountable device which may pivot at a wall mount point and may also pivot and rotate at an adjustable model mount point.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, there is provided a system including a multi-display mount with a first member rotatably coupled to a second member about a first axis, wherein the first member has a rotational path of travel between a substantially horizontal and vertical orientations of the first member, a first display mount coupled to a first end portion of the first member, a second display mount coupled to a second end portion of the first member, wherein the first display mount is disposed vertically above the second display mount in the vertical orientation.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a camera tripod head comprising a camera plate (7) to be mounted on a sliding plate (3), with at least one stop (9) being releasable to the effect that the sliding plate (3) can be detached from the tripod head and replaced in the opposite direction. This makes it possible to perform a shift in the center of gravity within a larger scope.

Abstract: The invention provides a height adjustable support or leg assembly for a table or similar object, said assembly having two components, an L-shaped inner leg and a square outer leg constructed to create a perfect fit between them using means for adjusting the height of the assembled unit. The height adjustment means consists of a plurality of holes bored in the outer component and T-nut studs to connect the legs together at specific height adjustment and to secure the components together firmly and safely.

Abstract: An installation system for use with a motor comprising a motor base coupled to the motor and having a first aperture through the motor base, and a first post coupled to a support structure and configured to cooperate with the first aperture, wherein the first post is configured to temporarily support the motor while the motor is removably coupled to the support structure. The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing the motor installation system.

Abstract: A device for holding an elongated item includes a base member and first and second mounting brackets positioned on the base member. First and second fittings are positioned on the mounting brackets. The fittings are respectively engageable with ends of the elongated item. The second mounting bracket is movable on the base member to permit positioning of the elongated item between the fittings. A restraining mechanism is positioned between the base member and the second mounting bracket for holding the bracket in a predetermined position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mirrored document holder including a supporting arm, whereby the invention functions as a document holder, a mounted mirror, and an advertising vehicle. The document holder includes a copyholder with spring biased plates and a mirror included on at least one of the plates. A plate may be sized to allow placement of advertising indicia in addition to supporting the document in place in a breezy environment. The present invention further includes a flexible supporting arm with joints that are, while flexible, capable of firmly supporting heavy documents. The document holder of the present invention may, for example, be mounted on a computer monitor or a dashboard.

Abstract: A corner form assembly for forming inside corners of concrete structures, including first form subassembly for forming a first surface of the concrete structure and a second form subassembly for forming a second surface of the concrete structure oriented at an angle less than 180° relative to the first surface. A corner form assembly is pivotally attached to the second form assembly for movement between a set position for forming the concrete structure and a folded position. The corner form assembly is releasably secured to the first form assembly when in the set position and is provided with a relief angle to permit folding of the second form assembly relative to the concrete structure.

Abstract: A night vision device comprising a first detector, a beam splitter, a user optical output and a camera. The first detector is configured to detect and transmit a scene image in a first spectral band along a first optical path. The beam splitter is configured to receive the first optical path image; to output, along a second optical path, a first portion of the first optical path image, and to output, along a third optical path, a second portion of the first optical path image. The user optical output is configured to receive and output images traveling along the second optical path. The camera is configured to receive and store images traveling along the third optical path.

Abstract: A multiple photosensor pixel image sensor sense differentiated color components of light. The multiple photosensor pixel image sensor has a plurality of photo-sensing devices formed with the surface of the substrate. Each photo-sensing device has a structure adjusted to convert photons of the light to photoelectrons representative of a magnitude of the color component of the light for which the structure of the photo-sensing device is adjusted. Each multiple photosensor pixel image sensor includes at least one storage node to selectively receive photoelectrons from each photo-sensing device and triggering switches connected to selectively and sequentially transfer the photoelectrons from each of the plurality of photo-sensing devices to the storage node. At least one reset triggering switch is connected to the one storage node to place the storage node to a reset voltage level after integration and sensing of the photoelectrons.

Abstract: Methods and systems for low power switching are provided. In one embodiment, an optical switching system is provided. The system comprises at least one optically controlled switch adapted to maintain one of an open state and a closed state based on an associated light signal; and at least one light source adapted to output the associated light signal to the at least one switch, wherein the at least one light source cycles the light signal on and off, wherein the at least one light source is cycled on for a sufficient duration of time and with a sufficient periodicity to maintain the optically controlled switch in one of an open state and a closed state.

Abstract: A level detector includes a light receiving element unit having a plurality of light receiving elements; a first amplifier circuit configured to amplify a light receiving signal; a first gain switching circuit; a first peak hold circuit; an arithmetic control device configured to analyze a light receiving position of the position detection unit; a second amplifier circuit; and a second gain switching circuit configured to switch and set a gain of the second amplifier circuit, the arithmetic control device analyzes the light receiving position of laser light received by the position detection unit, based on a signal output from the second amplifier circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a display device with a detection system for detecting an input po- sition on a screen (301) of the display. A light guide (302) is arranged adjacent to the screen (301). The light guide (302) has a light source (308) arranged to emit light (310) into the light guide (302). The optical matching between the light guide (302) and its surroundings is adapted such that the light (310) of the light source (308) is normally confined within the light guide (302) by means of total internal reflection. However, a user establishing physi- cal contact with the light guide (302) perturbs the state of total internal reflection, and light (310) will be extracted from the light guide (302). In the display device, light detecting means (303) are arranged to detect said light (310) and relate this detection to an input position where the user contact occurred. The display is preferably an LCD, O-LED or P-LED type display.

Abstract: An integrated spectral sensing engine featuring energy sources and detectors within a single package that includes sample interfacing optics and acquisition and processing electronics. The miniaturized sensor is optimized for specific laboratory and field-based measurements by integration into a handheld format. Design and fabrication components support high volume manufacturing. Spectral selectivity is provided by either continuous variable optical filters or filter matrix devices. The sensor's response covers the range from 200 nm to 25 ?m based on various solid-state detectors. The wavelength range can be extended by the use of filter-matrix devices. Measurement modes include transmittance/absorbance, turbidity (light scattering) and fluorescence (emission). On board data processing includes raw data acquisition, data massaging and the output of computed results. Sensor applications include water and environmental, food and beverage, chemical and petroleum, and medical analyses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a neutral particle beam processing apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to a neutral particle beam processing apparatus comprising a plasma discharging space inside which processing gases are converted to plasma ions through a plasma discharge, a heavy metal plate which converts the plasma ions into neutral particles through collisions, a plasma limiter which prevents plasma ions and electrons from passing through and allows the neutral particles produced by collisions of the plasma ions with the heavy metal plate to pass through, and a treating housing inside which a substrate to be treated is located, wherein the plasma discharging space is sandwiched between the heavy metal plate and the plasma limiter.

Abstract: A method and device for reducing the thermal-mechanical motion of a defecting body is disclosed, in which the device includes a semiconductor injection laser used as both a light source and a dual-mirror optical cavity for precisely measuring the motion of the body. The thermally induced motion of the mechanical structure is quenched using a force-feedback technique, in which the information from the structural-motion detector is coupled to the forcing mechanism such that the motion of the deflecting structure is counteracted and thereby reduced.

Abstract: A method and system for generating modulated optical vortices. Optical vortices can be used for a variety of applications, such as applying controlled torque or controlled force patterns to objects from a few nanometers to hundreds of micrometers in size. Numerous optical modes of optical vortices can be created to meet virtually any desired need in manipulating of objects. Furthermore, one can modify the wavefront of a beam of light in a specific way to create a new type of optical trap useful for manipulating mesoscopic materials. When the modified beam is brought to a focus, the resulting optical trap exerts forces transverse to the optical axis that can be used to transport mesoscopic matter such as nanoclusters, colloidal particles, and biological cells.

Abstract: A desired ion is isolated in an ion trapping volume by applying an ion isolation signal to a plurality of ions in the ion trapping volume, including the desired ion to be retained in the ion trapping volume and an undesired ion to be ejected from the ion trapping volume. The ion isolation signal includes a plurality of signal components spanning a frequency range. The plurality of signal components includes a first component having a frequency near a secular frequency of the desired ion, and an adjacent component having a frequency adjacent to the frequency of the first component. The first component has an amplitude greater than the amplitude of the adjacent component.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of optimizing operating parameters of an analytical instrument (e.g. lens voltages of a mass spectrometer) includes steps taken to minimize the method duration in the presence of substantial instrument noise and/or drift. Some methods include selecting a best point between a default instrument parameter set (vector) and a most-recent optimum parameter set; building a starting simplex at the selected best point location in parameter-space; and advancing the simplex to find an optimal parameter vector. The best simplex points are periodically re-measured, and the resulting readings are used to replace and/or average previous readings. The algorithm convergence speed may be adjusted by reducing simplex contractions gradually. The method may operate using all-integer parameter values, recognize parameter values that are out of an instrument range, and operate under the control of the instrument itself rather than an associated control computer.

Abstract: A method of preventing analyte electrolysis in use with electrospray ionization, electrophoresis, electro osmosis, electrodialysis and any apparatuses involving contact of liquids and electrodes is disclosed. The method for preventing analyte alteration by electrolysis reactions at electrode surfaces of an electrochemical system and in an electrochemical process includes coating the electrode surface using electrically insulating material including but not limited to polymers, plastics, and organic compounds by coating methods including but not limited to liquid spraying, spinning, molding, Sol Gel, dipping, physical vapor deposition and chemical vapor deposition at various ambient and substrate temperatures.

Abstract: A method of producing a microarray including: (A) ejecting a liquid sample from an outlet onto an inspection carrier to form inspection spots, inspecting the resultant inspection spots for their quality to determine whether the inspected spots are defective or successful, and detecting a defective discharge unit, if any; (B) making the detected defective discharge unit stop discharging the liquid sample to prevent formation of the defective sample spot; (C) forming successful sample spots on a carrier using successful discharge units to provide a successful microarray on which the successful spots are aligned in a predetermined pattern on the carrier; and (D) forming a successful spot to be formed originally on the successful microarray at the position of the defective spot where no spot is formed in step (B).

Abstract: In a tandem mass spectrometer ions are created only once and stored in an ion reservoir. A particular ion species to be analyzed is then exported from the reservoir through a mass selective ion gate without damaging the other ion species remaining in the reservoir. All subsequent analyses are conducted on these stored ions, without adding further ions so that no changes in the concentrations of the stored ion species occur. The exported ions are fragmented, and a fragment ion mass spectrum is measured in a mass analyzer, preferably in a time-of-flight mass analyzer with orthogonal ion injection. The processes of exporting a selected ion species with subsequent fragmentation and the acquisition of the fragment ion spectrum can be repeated for any number of ion species stored in the reservoir.

Abstract: A field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometer apparatus and system including a sample preparation and introduction section, a head for delivery of ions from a sample, an ion filtering section, an output part, and an electronics part wherein the filter section includes surfaces defining a flow path, further including ion filter electrodes facing each other over the flow path that enables the flow of ions derived from the sample between the electrodes and wherein the electronics part applies controlling signals to the electrodes for generating a filter field for filtering the flow of ions in the flow path while being compensated to pass desired ion species out of the filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mass spectrometer capable of breaking even a sample molecule having a large molecular weight by a CID process. In an embodiment of the present invention, the mass spectrometer includes an ionizing source 10 for turning a sample into ions, mass-separating sections 40 and 60 for mass-separating the sample ions, a detecting section 20 for detecting the mass-separated ions, and a collision section (collision cell) 51 located on an ion path extending from the ionizing source 10 through the mass-separating sections 40 and 60 to the detecting section 20. It also includes a cluster generator 30 for producing clusters of atoms or molecules. The clusters produced by the cluster generator 30 are introduced into the collision cell 51. The use of the clusters having a huge mass as the target gas in the CID process enables the collision energy of the sample ions to be efficiently assigned to the breaking of the ions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for efficient photodetachment and purification of negative ion beams. A method of purifying an ion beam includes: inputting the ion beam into a gas-filled multipole ion guide, the ion beam including a plurality of ions; increasing a laser-ion interaction time by collisional cooling the plurality of ions using the gas-filled multipole ion guide, the plurality of ions including at least one contaminant; and suppressing the at least one contaminant by selectively removing the at least one contaminant from the ion beam by electron photodetaching at least a portion of the at least one contaminant using a laser beam.

Abstract: A probe for a scanning thermal microscope includes a cantilever beam, an insulating layer, a conductive layer and a carbon nanotube. The cantilever beam includes a microtip at a distal end thereof, and the microtip has a conductive exterior portion with a pointed part. The insulating layer is formed on a part of the conductive exterior portion other than the pointed part thereof. The conductive layer is formed on the insulating layer and has a coupling portion in contact with the pointed part of the conductive exterior portion of the microtip, the coupling portion of the conductive layer and the pointed part of the conductive exterior portion thereby cooperatively form a thermocouple junction. The carbon nanotube has one end arranged on the thermocouple junction. The probe for a scanning thermal microscope increases spatial resolution of scanning thermal microscope and can prevent excessive current leakage.

Abstract: An electron beam applying apparatus includes: a thermal field emission type electron source emitting an electron beam; an electrostatic lens disposed immediately below the electron source and acting as a condensing electrode for condensing the electron beam in a first angular aperture emitted by the electron source in a second angular aperture smaller than the first angular aperture; a condenser lens disposed on a downstream side of the electrostatic lens and condensing the electron beam condensed in the second aperture angel by the electrostatic lens in a crossover point; and an objective lens disposed on a downstream side of the condenser lens and condensing the electron beam condensed in the crossover point by the condenser lens on the surface of the material.

Abstract: The invention provides a substrate-examining apparatus which is capable of measuring the detailed shape of a contact hole and the state of a hole bottom. A substrate-examining apparatus includes an electron source (21) for generating an electron beam, a deflector (22) for irradiating a surface of a substrate to be examined with the electron beam from the electron source so as to scan the electron beam, and substrate current detecting means for detecting a current caused to flow from the substrate to a reference potential portion of the apparatus.

Abstract: In the present invention, the structure of an electrification control electrode is changed from a grid type to a slit type and thereby shadows are not formed when a wafer is irradiated with a beam. Further, a beam forming slit is disposed ahead of an electrification control slit, thus the electrification control slit is prevented from being irradiated with an electron beam for preliminary electrification, and thereby secondary electrons which disturb the control of the electrification are inhibited from being generated. The shape of the slit is designed so that the strength of an electron beam may gradually decrease toward both the ends of an electron beam irradiation region in the longitudinal direction thereof. Furthermore, a preliminary static eliminator to remove or reduce the unevenness in an electrification potential distribution which has undesirably been formed earlier is disposed.

Abstract: A pattern observation apparatus includes: a defect position information input unit which downloads defect position information for a pattern, the defect position information having been detected by an external inspection apparatus with regard to a specimen in which the pattern is formed; a moving unit which moves the specimen so as to bring a place detected as defective by the inspection apparatus into a field of view on the basis of the defect position information; a charged particle source which generates a charged particle beam and applies the charged particle beam to the specimen; a signal processing unit which detects at least one of secondary charged particles, reflected charged particles and back scattering charged particles emitted from the specimen due to the application of the charged particle beam and which outputs data on an inspection image of a specimen surface in the defective place; an inspection unit which re-detects an abnormality of the place detected as defective, on the basis of the inspe

Abstract: There is disclosed a charged particle beam device which judges whether or not an image based on a dark-field signal has an appropriate atomic number contrast. Input reference information, a bright-field image or a back-scattered electron image is compared with a dark-field image, and it is judged whether or not a correlation value between them or the dark-field image has a predetermined contrast. According to such a constitution, it is possible to obtain information by which it is judged whether or not the dark-field image has an appropriate atomic number contrast.

Abstract: A corona discharge emitter tip device comprising an electrically conductive ceramic material. A method for controlling electrostatic charge comprising: providing a voltage source; providing the emitter tip comprising an electrically conductive ceramic material; connecting the voltage source to the emitter tip; and electrically energizing the emitter tip. A corona discharge device comprising a voltage source connectable to the emitter tip, and an arrangement for preparing a work piece for manufacturing by steps for controlling the electrostatic charge of the work piece.

Abstract: A terahertz imaging system uses a terahertz light source to illuminate a target object with a series of short pulses of terahertz light. The pulses have a low average output power but a high peak output power, thereby enabling imaging of the suspicious object or person at a safe distance while avoiding injury to the person being imaged. For each pulse, the reflection of the light is imaged by a detector array. The terahertz light pulses are individually narrow band and the emitted pulse train is rapidly tuned in wavelength across a wide frequency range in the terahertz band. Within the terahertz frequency range, molecules have unique absorption spectra. The energy reflected from the illuminated threat object is measured for each of the discrete narrow frequency bands and compared to the absorption spectra of known dangerous materials to determine whether the threat object contains or carries a known dangerous material.

Abstract: A scintillator comprising a matrix material body and nano-material scintillator media carried by the matrix body. One embodiment provides a scintillator apparatus comprising a matrix material body with nano-material scintillator media carried by the matrix body. In one embodiment the nano-material scintillator media is quantum dots. In another embodiment the nano-material scintillator media is nanowires.

Abstract: In a method for generation of a scintigraphic exposure of a patient, a contrast agent emitting gamma quanta is administered to the patient, and a parallel collimator is arranged between the patient and a planar image detector of an x-ray system. Image data are generated in the planar image detector by gamma quanta passing through the collimator and irradiating the planar image detector. The image data are read out from the planar image detector as a scintigraphic exposure. An imaging system for generation of a scintigraphic exposure of a patient has an x-ray system with a planar image detector supplying image data and a parallel collimator for gamma radiation that can be arranged between the patient and the planar image detector.

Abstract: A PET scanner for an object includes a plurality of detectors. The scanner includes a support for the object which moves continuously in a predetermined way. The detectors disposed about the support. A method for scanning an object includes the steps of moving a support with the object continuously in a predetermined way. There is the step of obtaining data from the object with detectors disposed about the support as the support is moving continuously. A PET scanner for an object includes a mechanism for obtaining data from the object. The scanner includes a mechanism for supporting the object which moves continuously in a predetermined way. The obtaining a mechanism disposed about the support a mechanism.

Abstract: Correction of time-of-flight (TOF) PET data for scattered radiation explicitly models the TOF of the annihilation photon pairs along their individual scattered paths, yielding a distinct, accurate estimated scatter contribution for each time offset bin of the measured TOF data. This is accomplished by extending the single scatter simulation algorithm to include a new detection efficiency function ?TOF,n.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for measuring charged particle and photon coincident radiation. The method and apparatus measure radioisotopes having beta-gamma coincident spectroscopies, providing spectral resolution and efficency that improve calibration and maintenance characteristics as well as isotope identifying characteristics important in industrial, defense, security, and human health applications.

Abstract: An x-ray detector, which is portable, light, and rugged, includes layers of foam that encase its imaging panel. The electronics are situated outside the footprint of the imaging components. The components of the detector are housed within an impact-absorbing cover assembly.

Abstract: An x-ray detector has a detector housing in which a base element is arranged that has a fiber optic. The fiber optic is optically coupled with a scintillator layer that is arranged on the top side of the base element and with a photosensor that is arranged over an optically-transparent adhesive layer on the underside of the base element. Such an x-ray detector exhibits a compact structural shape and a large active surface.

Abstract: By considering ratio of emissions at one or more pairs of energies to threshold values, the invention provides for the determination of the dispersion format of a radioactive material within a matrix, wherein said radioactive material is potentially present in a dispersion format which is self-shielding against emissions arising from said radioactive. In particular the presence of lumpy material or the confirmation that lump material is absent may be provided. The following pairs of energies: 143.8 keV and 185.7 keV; 163.3 keV and 185.7 keV; 205.3 keV and 187.5 keV may be used.

Abstract: A charged particle beam apparatus and a method for measuring an emission pattern of such an apparatus are provided. The apparatus comprises an emitter with an emission pattern including at least two emission peaks, a gun lens, and a diaphragm, wherein the gun lens comprises a deflector unit and the deflector unit is adapted to direct an emission peak of the at least two emission peaks to an opening of the diaphragm to thereby select the emission peak of the at least two emission peaks from the emission pattern.

Abstract: We have developed a method and apparatus for cooling electromagnetic lens coils of the kind used in charged particle beams. The method and apparatus provide not only a symmetrical cooling effect around the optical axis of the charged particle beam, but also provide improved uniformity of heat transfer. This improved uniformity enables control over the optical axis of the charged particle beam within about 1 nm for high current charged particle beam columns, wherein the current ranges from about 100 nanoamps to about 1000 nanoamps. The use of a squat and wide electromagnetic lens coil in combination with an essentially flat modular cooling panel, which provides uniform cooling to the electromagnetic lens coil, not only enables control over the optical axis of the charged particle beam, but also provides mechanical stability for the charged particle beam column.