Patents Issued in May 3, 2007
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Publication number: 20070096010Abstract: Multifunctional optical sensor, comprising a matrix of photodetectors of the CCD or CMOS type, having a sensitive area divided into sub-areas, each of which, individually or combined with others, is dedicated to a specific function of monitoring the scene or measuring environmental parameters. The optical sensor comprises a matrix of microlenses, each of which is set to focus the radiation coming from a portion of solid angle on the associated photodetector or cluster of mutually contiguous photodetectors. Each function is associated to a single microlens or to a single subgroup of mutually contiguous microlenses or to multiple, not mutually contiguous microlenses or to multiple, not mutually contiguous subgroups of microlenses. The angular separation between the central directions of the portions of solid angle subtended by adjacent photodetectors or adjacent clusters of photodetectors is not constant within the matrix.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2006Publication date: May 3, 2007Inventors: Nereo Pallaro, Davide Capello, Piermario Repetto, Roberto Finizio, Cosimo Carvignese, Luca Liotti
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Publication number: 20070096011Abstract: An imaging device driver that drives an imaging device, comprising a controller, is provided. The imaging device has the light receiving surface divided into a plurality of pixel blocks. Each pixel block has a plurality of pixels. The pixel generates a pixel signal according to received light amount. The imaging device generates an image signal. The image signal is formed by a plurality of the pixel signals. The image signal corresponds to an optical image of an object during a single frame period. The controller causes the pixel located at a first and a second area in the pixel block to generate the pixel signal in a first and a second frame period, respectively, if the imaging device is driven to output the image signal while thinning out the pixel signals. The second frame period follows the first frame period.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2006Publication date: May 3, 2007Applicant: PENTAX CorporationInventors: Koichi SATO, Akifumi TABATA
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Publication number: 20070096012Abstract: A machine-vision vehicle wheel alignment system configured with a high-speed communications network and protocol for communicating data between one or more imaging sensors and at least one system processor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2006Publication date: May 3, 2007Applicant: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANYInventor: David Voeller
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Publication number: 20070096013Abstract: A light-receiving amplifier circuit of the present invention includes: a first preamplifier circuit to which a light-receiving element is connected; a second preamplifier circuit which is the same type as the first preamplifier circuit and which is apart from the light-receiving element; and a differential amplifier circuit for amplifying output voltage differential between the preamplifier circuits, wherein each of the first preamplifier circuit includes an amplifier and first and second plural feedback resistors, each of which resistors has an end commonly connected to an input terminal of the amplifier; an amplification factor of the differential amplifier circuit is less than one; and the first preamplifier circuit includes an output voltage expanding circuit which is connected to (i) another end of the first feedback resistors in the first preamplifier circuit and (ii) an output terminal of the amplifier, and which circuit is for expanding an output voltage range from the amplifier and supplying the expaType: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2006Publication date: May 3, 2007Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Kohichiroh Sugimoto
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Publication number: 20070096014Abstract: There is achieved a confocal scanner capable of being adjusted can be achieved with ease so as to be in a well-balanced state where a utilization ratio of an excited light is high and light quantity distribution on the cross-section of beams is excellent in evenness even in the case of being coupled with an optical fiber varying in a beam spread-angle. The confocal scanner is provided with a collimator lens for causing beams outgoing from an emission end of an optical fiber for guiding an excited light, with a predetermined spread-angle, to be converted into collimated beams before falling on a microlens disk, wherein a beam spread-angle adjusting means for adjusting the spread-angle is provided between the emission end, and the collimator lens.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2006Publication date: May 3, 2007Applicant: YOKOGWA ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Kenta Mikuriya, Takashi Yoshida, Yasuhito Kosugi
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Publication number: 20070096015Abstract: A sensor for detecting moisture on a pane includes a coupler having prisms arranged in coupling areas for coupling light from a transmitter into the pane at an input angle and prisms arranged in decoupling areas for decoupling light reflected from the pane to a receiver at a corresponding output angle. The prisms in the coupling areas have prism surfaces perpendicular to the input angle and the prisms in the decoupling areas have prism surfaces perpendicular to the output angle. Each prism includes a prism flank. The prism flanks in the decoupling areas may be arranged parallel to the output angle. Some of the prism flanks in the decoupling areas are opaque or roughened. Alternatively, some of the prism flanks in the decoupling areas are tilted from running parallel to the output angle. Alternatively, some of the prism flanks in the decoupling areas include at least one additional superimposed prism.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2006Publication date: May 3, 2007Applicant: Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Matthias Richwin, Thomas Weber
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Publication number: 20070096016Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2006Publication date: May 3, 2007Inventors: Jin Li, Jiutao Li, Ulrich Boettiger, Loriston Ford
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Publication number: 20070096017Abstract: A positioning device includes a housing and a shaft that is able to swivel relative to the housing and at one end of which an element to be positioned is attachable. The positioning device further includes a roller-bearing unit for supporting the shaft with respect to the housing, a swivel drive and a position-measuring device. The shaft is arranged in a manner that it is torsionally stiff, but axially movable relative to the housing via a ring diaphragm secured to the roller-bearing unit and to the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2006Publication date: May 3, 2007Inventors: Gerhard Scheglmann, Volker Hoefer
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Publication number: 20070096018Abstract: A rotary encoder includes a shaft which serves as a rotation axis, a disc supporting plate fixed to the shaft, an encoder disc having a center hole, a first side face, and a second side face opposing the first side face, an elastic member contacting and pressing the second side face of the encoder disc, and a retaining member retaining the second side face of the encoder disc via the elastic member. The first side face is contacted with a surface of the disc supporting plate. The shaft is inserted into the hole. A belt conveyance apparatus includes an endless belt, a roller configured to rotate the endless belt, including a shaft and the rotary encoder. The rotary encoder is provided on the shaft of the roller. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit and the belt conveyance apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2006Publication date: May 3, 2007Inventor: Hiroshi Yoshioka
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Publication number: 20070096019Abstract: A method of providing input to an inspection system for inspecting material laid by a composite material placement machine. A placement machine component that drives a first encoder output is used to drive a second encoder output. The second encoder output is used to trigger image acquisition by the inspection system. Existing components can be used to provide encoding capability for a placement machine inspection system. Because encoder output signals for material placement and for material inspection are driven by the same component, material placement locations can be determined more precisely compared with other methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2005Publication date: May 3, 2007Inventors: Roger Engelbart, Reed Hannebaum, Jeff Putnam
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Publication number: 20070096020Abstract: In the optical element fixing method, when optical element 10 is adhesively fixing member 20 by using the optical-curing adhesive, the optical-curing adhesive is applied on at least one of the adhesion sections of the optical element and the adhesive section of the fixing member, and the optical-curing adhesive is irradiated with the light from the light source through the loading jig while the load is being applied to the adhesion fixing section through loading jig 31 made of light-transmissive material.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2006Publication date: May 3, 2007Applicant: KONICA MINOLTA HOLDINGS, INC.Inventors: Naoki Mitsugi, Hiroshi Miyakoshi, Yoshiki Shibuya
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Publication number: 20070096021Abstract: A first mass spectrum and a second mass spectrum of the same ion sample can be analyzed to determine reaction pairs. These reaction pairs are determined based on a selected neutral difference by shifting the second mass spectrum by the neutral difference relative to the first mass spectrum to provide a shifted mass spectrum. Then, the shifted mass spectrum is compared with the first mass spectrum of the ion sample to determine the reaction pairs based on the neutral difference.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2005Publication date: May 3, 2007Inventors: Yves LeBlanc, Nic Bloomfield
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Publication number: 20070096022Abstract: The present invention relates to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) in which a collision cell is employed to selectively remove unwanted artifact ions from an ion beam by causing them to interact with a reagent gas. The present invention provides a first evacuated chamber (6) at high vacuum located between an expansion chamber (3) and a second evacuated chamber (20) containing the collision cell (24). The first evacuated chamber (6) includes a first ion optical device (17). The collision cell (24) contains a second ion optical device (25). The provision of the first evacuated chamber (6) reduces the gas load on the collision cell (24), by minimising the residual pressure within the collision cell (24) that is attributable to the gas load from the plasma source (1). This serves to minimise the formation, or reformation, of unwanted artifact ions in the collision cell (24).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2005Publication date: May 3, 2007Applicant: Thermo ElementalInventor: Philip Marriott
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Publication number: 20070096023Abstract: A MEMS mass spectrometer having metal walls connected between a lid and base, with the walls defining a plurality of interior chambers including sample gas input chambers, an ionizer chamber, a plurality of ion optics chambers and a ion separation chamber. A detector array at the end of the ion separation chamber includes a plurality of V-shaped detector elements positioned along two parallel lines and arranged to intercept all of the ionized beams produced in the mass spectrometer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2005Publication date: May 3, 2007Inventor: Carl Freidhoff
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Publication number: 20070096024Abstract: A digital camera automatically determines a scene for image capturing. A temperature sensor detects the temperature of a field, and a temperature-based information characteristic extraction circuit classifies the temperature into any of “high temperature,” “body temperature,” and “low temperature” categories. A scene determination circuit determines a scene by combination of temperature characteristics with movements, a hue, saturation, luminance, and the like, of an image detected by an image characteristic extraction circuit. For instance, when a lower portion of the screen has a low color temperature and a low saturation level, the scene is determined to be snow scene. According to the determined scene, a CPU controls exposure, shutter speed, the quantity of strobe light, and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2006Publication date: May 3, 2007Inventors: Hiroaki Furuya, Kunihiko Kanai
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Publication number: 20070096025Abstract: A sensor system according to various aspects of the present invention comprises a sensor viewing an area via an optical path and a strut at least partially interposed across the viewing area. The strut is configured to taper along the optical path towards the sensor. In an exemplary embodiment, the strut includes at least two sides forming an angle along their common edge exposed to the sensor along the optical path.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2005Publication date: May 3, 2007Inventor: David Jenkins
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Publication number: 20070096026Abstract: An optical system includes a light source 102 disposed for generating light preferably in a line. An optical element 104 includes a stepped reflecting surface 106 that includes reflecting surfaces 132 and step surfaces 130. The reflecting surfaces 132 have a metalized coating thereon so that the plurality of metalized reflecting surfaces reflect light therefrom. Each reflecting surface is a circular sector that increases in radius from an adjacent circular sector.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2005Publication date: May 3, 2007Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Jeffrey Remillard
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Publication number: 20070096027Abstract: A system and method for providing emission mammography are provided. The system includes a first gamma emission detector and a second gamma emission detector. The first and second gamma emission detectors are configured to compress an object therebetween. The system further includes a radioactive transmission source. A least one of the first and second gamma emission detectors is configured to detect gamma ray photons from the radioactive transmission source.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2005Publication date: May 3, 2007Inventor: Brian McParland
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Publication number: 20070096028Abstract: The present invention provides a nuclear medicine imaging apparatus and image data generation method that achieves restarting of the generation of projection data and at an early stage while monitoring a variation of count values for detecting an occurrence of non-permissible body movement of a patient. The image processing apparatus consistent with the present invention detects a pair of gamma-rays successively emitted from an object with a radioactive isotope through a pair of detector modules in a data detecting unit. A data processing unit and an incident direction calculating unit in the image processing apparatus respectively calculate a gamma-ray detection position and a gamma-ray incident direction based on the acquired detection signals. A projection data generating unit in the apparatus generates monitoring projection data based on each count value of the detection signals in correspondence to the gamma-ray detection position and the gamma-ray incident direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2006Publication date: May 3, 2007Applicants: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION, KABUSHHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventor: Takashi Tanaka
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Publication number: 20070096029Abstract: Methods and systems for an imaging system including a detector and a data acquisition system are provided. The data acquisition system includes a plurality of terminations, at least one of the terminations coupled to a signal lead of a respective detector element, the circuit board connector positioned proximate the detector to facilitate reducing an input capacitance of the respective detector element signal leads, and at least one connector slot configured to receive a single analog to digital converter board (A/D board), the connector slot further configured to receive two A/D boards in a back-to-back configuration with respect to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2005Publication date: May 3, 2007Inventors: Swaminathan Narasimhan, Koji Bessho
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Publication number: 20070096030Abstract: The present invention discloses a solid state detector module structure, comprising: an upper support plate and a lower support plate provided opposing to each other, a collimator provided between the upper support plate and the lower support plate for collimating the incident rays; and solid state detector arrays provided between the upper support plate and the lower support plate at the rear side of the collimator in the transmitting direction of the rays, wherein the solid state detector arrays comprises an upper and lower rows, with the upper row of the solid state detector array fixed under the upper support plate, and the lower row thereof fixed on the lower support plate. The present invention further discloses a radiation imaging system having the same. The solid state detector module structure of present invention decreases the scattering of ray beams, increases the capabilities of scattering resistance and the definition of image and enhances inspection speed compared with prior art.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2006Publication date: May 3, 2007Applicants: Tsinghua University, Nuctech Company LimitedInventors: Yuanjing Li, Qingjun Zhang, Shuqing Zhao, Zhude Dai, Nianming Jiang, Qitian Miao, Zhijun Li
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Publication number: 20070096031Abstract: A modular radiation detector (10) with scintillators (13) and semi-conductor photodiodes (12) and integrated readout (15) can be used in positron emission tomography (PET) for functional imaging of humans and animals. Spatial resolution is improved by measuring the depth-of-interaction and modules using photodiodes and integrated readout circuits according to the invention instead of photo-multipliers give rise to lighter and less bulky tomographic instruments. The invention uses very large scale integrated (VLSI) electronic readout circuits for measuring signals from photo-diodes. The electronic readout circuits (15) are located on the module and allow data to be measured and processed at very high rates on the module level rather than on the system level. The use of photodiodes promises greater stability during operation and improved reliability over photo-multipliers. The invention can be used in magnetic fields and therefore allows PET and MRI/NMR imaging techniques to be combined.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2004Publication date: May 3, 2007Applicant: IDEAS ASInventors: Dirk Meier, Bjorn Sundal
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Publication number: 20070096032Abstract: The radiation image pickup apparatus is provided with a sensor array in which a plurality of pixels are two-dimensionally arranged, in which the pixels are provided with a conversion element for converting radiation into electric charge and a switch element for transferring an electrical signal according to the electric charge to the outside, a reading circuit for reading the electrical signal transferred from the switch element through a signal wiring, a driving circuit for supplying a drive signal to the switch element through a drive wiring in order to transfer the electrical signal to the reading circuit and a control unit for changing the voltage value of the drive signal in accordance with the number of drive wirings through which the drive signal is simultaneously supplied from the driving circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2006Publication date: May 3, 2007Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tomoyuki Yagi, Tadao Endo, Toshio Kameshima, Katsuro Takenaka
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Publication number: 20070096033Abstract: A detector is disclosed, in particular for X-radiation. The detector includes an array of photodiodes, each respectively corresponding to a pixel with regard to size of their photosensitive receiving surface. Each photodiode is subdivided in the same way into at least two sub-photodiodes. Further, each photodiode includes at least one electric switch such that only one or all the sub-photodiodes of the photodiode are connectable to an evaluation circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2006Publication date: May 3, 2007Inventors: Andreas Freund, Thomas Hilderscheid
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Publication number: 20070096034Abstract: A scintillator, for use in a radiation imaging device, has a light-emitting face, a radiation receiving face, and a perimeter extending between the light-emitting face and the radiation receiving face, the perimeter including an edge, the edge having an edge thickness. The scintillator emits scintillation light from the light emitting face in response to radiation incident on the radiation receiving face. The scintillator has one or more light guides formed therein with guides within a peripheral region being deeper than guides in a non-peripheral region.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2006Publication date: May 3, 2007Inventor: Jack Juni
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Publication number: 20070096035Abstract: In a solid state radiation detector which includes an electrostatic recording section having a photoconductive layer that shows conductivity when exposed to recording light, and is constructed to receive recording light representing image information to record the image information in the detector, and to output image signals representing the recorded image information, the photoconductive layer is swept by an amount of major carrier greater than or equal to an amount of current that flows through the photoconductive layer at the time of recording to facilitate the recombination of minor carriers (residual charges) accumulated in the photoconductive layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2006Publication date: May 3, 2007Inventor: Shinji Imai
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Publication number: 20070096036Abstract: Disclosed is a method of discriminating materials by employing fast neutron and continuous spectral X-ray and an equipment for the same. The method comprising the steps of: (a) transmitting a fast neutron beam produced by a fast neutron source and a continuous spectral X-ray beam produced by a continuous spectral X-ray source through inspected objects; (b) directly measuring the intensity of the transmitted X-rays and the intensity of the transmitted neutrons by a X-ray detector array and a neutron detector array respectively; and (c) identifying the materials of the inspected object by Z-dependency curves formed by the attenuation differences between the neutron beam and X-ray beam transmitted through different materials of the inspected object. This direct measurement of transmitted dual-ray technique has much more efficient than secondary radiations measurement such as neutron activation analysis, has much more material discrimination sensitivity than dual-energy x-ray technique.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2006Publication date: May 3, 2007Inventors: Kejun Kang, Haifeng Hu, Yali Xie, Qitian Miao, Yigang Yang, Yuanjing Li, Zhiqiang Chen, Xuewu Wang
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Publication number: 20070096037Abstract: A radioactive material detection system includes a plurality of radioactive material detection apparatuses and a command center. Each apparatus is disposed in or on a cargo receptacle. Each apparatus includes a wireless transmitter, a radiation sensor, a detection controller and an identification tag. The radiation sensor is configured to detect radiation over a predetermined or commanded period of time. The command center is configured to receive the wirelessly transmitted information directly or indirectly from each of the wireless transmitters of the plurality of radioactive material detection apparatuses. The system is configured to detect fissile or nuclear material that emits radiation. The system is reconfigurable from a passive sensing system to an at least partially active sensing system in the event that the system detects a nuclear anomaly within a cargo receptacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2004Publication date: May 3, 2007Inventors: Dale Shapiro, Jerry Bohinc
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Publication number: 20070096038Abstract: The bio-sample (e.g., a live cell) is labeled with a proper number of nanoparticles. Each nanoparticle is pre-co-doped with a controlled ratio of fluorophore donors and acceptors. Two laser pulses are applied to the bio-sample. The first laser pulse has a center wavelength near the peak of absorption spectrum of acceptors. The intensity of first laser pulse is adjusted such that FRET saturation occurs near the center of the focal spot. The focal spot of the first laser pulse is a diffraction-limited Airy disk that has the highest laser intensity in the center of the focal spot. The second laser has a center wavelength in the emission spectrum of acceptors and with a uniform intensity distribution throughout the focal spot. The fluorescence emission from acceptors after two laser pulses is from an area that is smaller than the diffraction-limited focal spot. Hence, a higher than diffraction-limit resolution is achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2005Publication date: May 3, 2007Applicant: Laser Microtech, L.L.C.Inventors: Hai-Lung Tsai, Ya Cheng
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Publication number: 20070096039Abstract: A method of flow cytometry analyzes a stream of sample material having more than one fluorescing species. The method comprises the steps pf providing a plurality of intensity-modulated excitation light beams each being modulated at a respective unique frequency; directing the intensity-modulated excitation light beams to interact with the sample material; detecting fluorescence emission light from the sample material to provide signal information representative of detected light intensity versus time; and extracting a plurality of component emission signals from the signal information, wherein each component emission signal corresponds to a respective one of the modulated excitation light beams. Apparatus for implementing the method include flow cytometers and bulk sample analytical optical systems. The invention is helpful in determining species concentrations in cases where the fluorescing species have overlapping or substantially the same emission spectra.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2006Publication date: May 3, 2007Inventors: Rakesh Kapoor, Martin Casstevens
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Publication number: 20070096040Abstract: The radiographic image conversion panel includes a recording layer formed of a first accumulative phosphor that is irradiated with a radiation as a first primarily exciting light beam to excite primarily and accumulate energy, and is irradiated with a first secondarily exciting light beam to excite secondarily and generate a stimulating light beam and a correction marker for detecting a position formed of a second accumulative phosphor that is irradiated with a second primarily exciting light beam to excite primarily and accumulate the energy, and is irradiated with a second secondarily exciting light beam to excite secondarily and generate light with a wavelength shorter than a wavelength of the first secondarily exciting light beam. The radiographic image acquisition system uses the radiographic image conversion panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2006Publication date: May 3, 2007Inventors: Ken Hasegawa, Seiji Tazaki, Takao Kuwabara, Tatsuya Taneichi
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Publication number: 20070096041Abstract: The stimulable phosphor panel includes a support having a substrate or the substrate and a sealing member, a stimulable phosphor layer formed on the substrate being the support through gas phase deposition, a moisture-proof protective layer for sealing the stimulable phosphor layer and a sealing adhesive layer for bonding an outer periphery of the moisture-proof protective layer to the support. The sealing adhesive layer has a moisture permeability of 1,000 g/m2·day or less as an adhesive after curing, a width of 2 mm to 10 mm, and a thickness of 0.5 ?m to 20 ?m. The producing method forms the stimulable phosphor layer on the support through gas phase deposition, forms the adhesive layer and bonds the moisture-proof protective layer to the support through the adhesive layer. The stimulable phosphor panel is capable of preventing deterioration of its characteristics due to moisture absorption over a long period of time.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2006Publication date: May 3, 2007Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.Inventors: Seiji Tazaki, Yuichi Hosoi
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Publication number: 20070096042Abstract: An apparatus for producing wavelength stabilized electromagnetic radiation is provided, the apparatus comprising a broadband semiconductor radiation source configured to produce broadband electromagnetic radiation having a mean wavelength ?m, and a bandpass radiation filter, an input of said bandpass radiation filter being in optical connection to an output of said radiation source, and a common temperature stabilizer being in thermal contact with both, the radiation source and the radiation filter. In a preferred embodiment, the radiation source—which is, for example, a superluminescent light emitting diode—and the bandpass radiation filter are provided on a common mount which is in contact with a thermoelectric cooler acting, together with temperature sensing means and control means, as temperature stabilizer.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2005Publication date: May 3, 2007Applicant: EXALOS AGInventors: Christian Velez, Lorenzo Occhi, Christopher Armistead
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Publication number: 20070096043Abstract: An exemplary alignment apparatus (2) includes a light source (50) for emitting light (501), a polarized light generator (51) for receiving the light and generating polarized light (504), a polarized light separator (52) for receiving the polarized light and separating the polarized light into a reflection polarized light beam (521) and a transmission polarized light beam (522) having capability to interfere with each other, a light reflector for changing transmission directions of the reflection and transmission polarized light beams to make the reflection and transmission polarized light beams parallel to each other, and a convergent lens (53) for making the reflection and transmission polarized light beams converge and interferingly irradiate a photosensitive polymer layer (30) to obtain an alignment layer (60). Unlike with conventional alignment apparatuses, because the alignment apparatus is no-rubbing, no-contact alignment apparatuses, debris and electrostatic charge are avoided or even eliminated.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2006Publication date: May 3, 2007Inventor: Ming-Hung Tsai
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Publication number: 20070096044Abstract: A system and method for imaging the characteristics of an object (2) having at least a first (2a) and a second (2b) layer. The object (2) is illuminated by means of incident light (4), and light (5b) reflected from the object (2) is detected by means of an imaging sensor (6) in which the detected light is converted into electrical charges, according to which a representation of the object (2) is created. Information on light scattered (5a) in the first layer (2a) and the second layer (2b) of the object (2) is obtained from the representation and this information is compared to stored information in order to detect defects on the object (2).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2004Publication date: May 3, 2007Applicant: Sick IVP ABInventors: Mattias Johannesson, Mats Gokstorp
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Publication number: 20070096045Abstract: For a solid state radiation detector of multi-layered body including a photoconductive layer, the photoconductive layer is sealed by a polymer film formed by chemical vapor deposition as the sealing method that does not develop any gap in the sealing section and requires no adhesive, in order to prevent the problems of spotty image, discharge breakdown, and the like caused by a gap developed in the sealing section or adhesive when sealing the photoconductive layer from the air.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2006Publication date: May 3, 2007Inventors: Ryouzou Kaito, Shigeru Nakamura
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Publication number: 20070096046Abstract: The present invention provides a chuck for a container having a valve assembly biased towards a primary closed position, where the valve assembly can be actuated to a secondary open position for dispensing fluid. The chuck includes a fixation element which is engageable with the valve assembly of the container, as well as a biasing element which actuates the valve assembly of the container into the secondary open position in order to dispense fluid, allowing hands-free operation of the container. The fixation element may include a first and second prong positionable proximate the valve assembly of the container, while the biasing element may include a third prong having a protrusion for overcoming the predisposed primary closed position of the valve assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2005Publication date: May 3, 2007Inventor: Mark Dubois
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Publication number: 20070096047Abstract: A throttle device comprises a device housing with an inlet and an outlet and a throttle element arranged in a connecting duct connecting the inlet and the outlet, said throttle element comprising at least two throttle components to be adjusted relative to one another and by the relative position of which an opening surface of the throttle element is determined, at least the first throttle component being actively connected with a drive means for an adjustment relative to the second throttle component.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2006Publication date: May 3, 2007Applicant: CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATIONInventor: Klaus Biester
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Publication number: 20070096048Abstract: A valve to perform lung volume reduction procedures is described. The valve is formed of a braided structure that is adapted for endoscopic insertion in a bronchial passage of a patient's lung. The braided structure has a proximal end and a distal end and is covered with a non porous coating adapted to prevent flow of air into the. A constricted portion of the braided structure is used to prevent flow of air through a central lumen of the structure, and to define at least one funnel shaped portion. The funnel shaped portion blocks the flow of air towards the constriction, i.e. towards the core of the lung. At least one hole is formed in the braided structure to permit flow of mucus from the distal end to the proximal end, to be expelled out of the lungs.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2005Publication date: May 3, 2007Inventor: Claude Clerc
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Publication number: 20070096049Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a lie loaded packing assembly for a valve which comprises a valve body defining a passage having a valve stem moveably disposed therein and selectively moveable between open and closed positions. Extending about a portion of the valve stem is a packing. One end of a sleeve of the valve bears axially onto and compresses the packing, with a spigot of the valve being cooperatively engaged to the opposite end of the sleeve. A clamp of the valve is cooperatively engaged to the valve body, with a pair of bolts extending between and being secured to the clamp, the spigot, and a flange member which is itself cooperatively engaged to the spigot. The combination of the bolt, spigot and flange member provide an integral spring construction for the valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2005Publication date: May 3, 2007Inventor: Charles Hart
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Publication number: 20070096050Abstract: A highly efficient apparatus for actuating a valve. An input mechanism drives the apparatus through an input member. Torque is increased as a plurality of driver discs eccentrically rotate about a central shaft member and engage an output member via low-friction, roller means. The output member engages a valve stem which opens or closes the valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2005Publication date: May 3, 2007Inventor: Dan Jones
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Publication number: 20070096051Abstract: Disclosed herein are flame suppression compounds and methods of use thereof. The compounds include unsaturated fluorocarbons appropriate for use in fire protection applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2006Publication date: May 3, 2007Inventors: Mario Nappa, Ekaterina Swearingen, Allen Sievert
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Publication number: 20070096052Abstract: A composition for use as a stain blocker and a method of treating substrates therewith, said composition comprising a polymer of Formula 1 having the following repeating units in random sequence wherein R1 is H, methyl or ethyl; R2 and R3 are each independently H, C1 to about C10 alkyl, —COOR4, CONR5R6, or —CN; R4 is M, C1 to about C20 alkyl, or C6 to C10 aryl; R5 and R6 are each independently H, C1 to C10 alkyl, C6 to C10 aryl, or R5 and R6 together with the nitrogen atom form a morpholine, pyrrolidine, or piperidine ring; R7 is a C4 to C8 alkyl group; M is H, an alkali metal or alkali earth metal; h is about 10 to 100 mole %; i is 0 to about 80 mole %; j is 0 to about 60 mole %; k and n are each independently 0 to about 40 mole %; and m is 0.01 to about 0.5; provided that h+i+j+k+n equals 100, and provided that i+j+k+n is greater than zero, except when h is 100%.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2005Publication date: May 3, 2007Inventors: Steven Shuey, Stephen Jacobson, Melea Langley, Peter Murphy, Mukesh Shah
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Publication number: 20070096053Abstract: Provided are methods for producing hydrofluorocarbons via the selective reduction of a halocarbon blend comprising 1,3-dichloro-1,1,2,2,3-pentafluoropropane.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2005Publication date: May 3, 2007Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Haridasan Nair, Sudip Mukhopadhyay, Michael Van Der Puy
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Publication number: 20070096054Abstract: The present invention provides a coolant composition having a glycol as a main component, which prevents iron and aluminum from being corroded, and in particular, has excellent corrosion preventing properties for aluminum and aluminum alloys at high temperatures, and the coolant composition is characterized by containing: (a) 0.1-10% by weight of at least one component selected from among aromatic monobasic acids and the salts thereof; (b) 0.0001-0.1% by weight of at least one component selected from among strontium compounds, magnesium compounds and calcium compounds; and (c) 0.01-1.0% by weight of 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid or the salt thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2006Publication date: May 3, 2007Inventors: Hiroshi Egawa, Nobuyuki Kaga
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Publication number: 20070096055Abstract: An oxidizing agent useful for oxidative polymerization of high conductive polymers is provided. This oxidizing agent is a kind of organic metal complex formed of metal ion salts having oxidizing capability and nitrogen-containing compound having lone pair electrons with partial ?-electron character. This organic metal complex has weak oxidizing strength for monomers at room temperature. As such, a mixture of the organic metal complex and the monomers has long-term stability under room temperature. While, at a high temperature, the organic metal complex provides proper oxidative polymerization capability for the monomers. The conductive polymers synthesized by the organic metal complex have excellent conductivity.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2006Publication date: May 3, 2007Applicant: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Li-Duan Tsai, Yi-Chang Du
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Publication number: 20070096056Abstract: A one component resin composition curable with a combination of light and heat, which comprises (1) an epoxy resin, (2) an acrylic ester monomer and/or methacrylic ester monomer, or an oligomer thereof, (3) a latent epoxy curing agent, (4) a photo radical initiator, and (5) a compound having two or more thiol groups per molecule, wherein the ingredient (5) is contained in an amount of 0.001 to 5.0 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of this resin composition. According to the present invention, a one component resin composition curable with a combination of light and heat, which has excellent curability especially in a light-shielded area can be provided. Also, a liquid crystal sealant composition curable with a combination of light and heat, which is applicable to the one-drop-fill method and has excellent curability in light-shielded areas and adhesion reliability, especially high-temperature and high-humidity adhesion reliability, can be provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2004Publication date: May 3, 2007Applicants: MITSUI CHEMICALS, INC., SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Fumito Takeuchi, Takahisa Miyawaki, Kenji Itou, Kenichi Yashiro, Kei Nagata, Souta Itou, Tazo Ikeguchi, Nobuo Sasaki, Makoto Nakahara
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Publication number: 20070096057Abstract: A particulate luminescent composition is disclosed that, when excited by electromagnetic radiation at a first frequency, emits electromagnetic radiation at a second frequency equal to or within 1500 cm?1 of the first frequency. The luminescent composition comprises substantially spherical particles having a weight average particle size of less than about 10 ?m and a particle size distribution such that at least about 90 weight percent of the particles are not larger than twice the average particle size.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2006Publication date: May 3, 2007Applicant: Cabot CorporationInventors: Mark Hampden-Smith, Liam Noailles, Richard Anthony Einhorn, Darryl Williams
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Publication number: 20070096058Abstract: A phosphorescent phosphor having excellent afterglow luminance characteristics, even under low illumination intensity of radiation conditions, compared to conventional strontium aluminate phosphorescent phosphors of the same type, and particularly a phosphorescent phosphor having excellent initial afterglow luminance characteristics and excellent afterglow luminance characteristics at 60 and 90 minutes after cessation of the excitation, with following requirements: 0.015<Eu/(Sr+Ba+Eu+Dy)?0.05, 0.3?Dy/Eu?2, 0.03?Ba/(Sr+Ba)?0.2 and 2.1?Al/(Sr+Ba+Eu+Dy)?2.9.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2004Publication date: May 3, 2007Applicant: NEMOTO & CO., LTD.Inventors: Yoneichi Hirata, Tomoya Sakaguchi, Nobuyoshi Takeuchi
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Publication number: 20070096059Abstract: The invention relates to an oleaginous corrosion-inhibiting composition, and the use of said composition to protect metal from corrosion. The composition comprises, in parts by weight, from about 20 to 60 parts of lubricating oil, 10 to 40 parts of organic solvent, 20 to 60 parts of corrosion-inhibitor consisting of a sulfonic acid-carboxylic acid metal complex or a mixture of said metal complex with a small but effective amount of an oil soluble alkyl phosphate, from 0.1 to 2.0 parts of an oil soluble antioxidant, from 0.1 to 5.0 parts of a water-displacing compound and from 0.0 to 1.0 part of a metal deactivator.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2005Publication date: May 3, 2007Inventors: El Sayed Arafat, Judy Butler-Kowalik, Kenneth Clark, David Gauntt