Abstract: The present invention relates to a suspension system for a vehicle seat. The system comprises a top portion (9) and a first part (1) having a base portion (2), means (3b, 20) to receive the top portion and means (3, 4) to allow movement of the base portion (2) and top portion (9) towards and away from each other. The system further comprises a second part consisting of a spring element (10, 14) adapted in use to control movement of the base portion (2) and top portion (9) towards and away from each other. The top portion (9) and the second part (10, 14) are, in addition, releasably connected (13, 11a, 20) to the first part (1). This suspension system allows for flexibility in the manufacturing process and the replacement of parts.

Abstract: A flow-through concrete edge forming system utilizes a body member that has perforations thereon. The body member is placed at an elevation transition area of a monolithic slab as an edge forming form. Once the slab is poured, a parge coating is placed on the outer surface of the body member such that the parge coating either binds to the outer surface or penetrates the body member through a series of perforations on the body member in order for the parge coating to bind with the concrete of the slab which has yet to set thereby producing a clean and solid finish of the outer surface of the slab at the transition area. The body member may have either a rectangular profile, a keyhole profile or may have the perforations on a series of inwardly directed deformations.

Abstract: A construction system for floors and/or roofs includes a foam form configured to engage one or more beams. When the form engages the beams, the form is further attached and secured by an attachment system. Other attachment and support components are added to the form and/or beam. Concrete is poured onto the form to create one distinct monolithic unit.

Abstract: A concrete form for columns and beams includes two or more panels, a connector system, and fasteners. In one embodiment of the invention the two or more panels are comprised of expanded polystyrene. The connector system connectors two or more panels positioned opposite each other, while the fasteners secure two or more panels positioned adjacent to each other. Concrete is poured into the form creating a distinct monolithic unit.

Abstract: An exterior wall system includes two or more wall sections configured to be placed in any arrangement to create a wall system having any length, width, height, and shape. Wall sections of the exterior wall system may be positioned on top of, adjacent to, or opposite each other. Wall fasteners engage top portions of wall sections positioned adjacent to each other. Wall connectors engage interior sides of wall sections positioned opposite each other. In addition, wall sections may be attached to anchor base plates configured on the floor of a building. When the wall sections and other components are configured in a desired arrangement, concrete is poured into exterior wall system creating exterior walls of a building having minimal structural discontinuities and enhanced structural integrity.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the characteristics of multiple sensors. The system includes: multiple sensing diodes adapted to convert light to current; whereas each sensing diode is connected to an output circuit that includes a trans-impedance amplifier connected to an adjustable voltage source; wherein changes in a voltage signal provided by the adjustable voltage source affect a sensing diode characteristic.

Abstract: The invention aims to provide an optical information reader which can identify precisely, reliably, and with high sensitivity, even when the quantity or the wavelength of light from a measuring object from which optical information is to be read, extends over a wide range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for driving a modulated radiation source (which can be, for example, an infrared light source). The method affects the power driving a light source in such as way so as to minimize the warm-up time of the source. The apparatus permits feedback control of a light source to specified powers or temperatures. Disclosed embodiments can improve source performance and lifetime and decrease the operating costs of the source.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a computer microscope is disclosed. The system includes a portable enclosure that encloses an interior, a source of light mounted on the enclosure that illuminates the interior, an imager mounted on the enclosure that can generate an image of the interior, wherein the imager has no image viewer and a communication channel that can provide the image on an output. A computer is connected to the communication channel to be able to display the images from the imager.

Abstract: A system and method for imaging one or more objects in the presence of unknown phase and amplitude aberrations is described. Multiple images are collected so as to have measurement diversity and processed using a model-based approach to estimate the aberrations. An incoherent imaging model may be constructed to estimate the dependence of the imagery upon the object and the optical system, including the aberrations. A probability density function may then be calculated using the estimated model. Next, a maximum-likelihood estimate may be calculated and optimized, thus yielding a close approximation of the phase and amplitude aberrations. The estimates may then be used to estimate an image of the object or correct the system for future imaging.

Abstract: A readout system, including a data channel for conveying data, and detector units. Each detector unit includes an input which receives a pulse having a magnitude, a storage buffer which stores an indication of the magnitude, and output circuitry which outputs a request-to-read signal in response to the storage unit receiving the pulse. The units output the indications to the data channel upon receiving a select signal in response to the request-to-read signal. The system includes a processor, which receives the request-to-read signal, and in response transmits the select signal and reads the indication from the data channel. The system also includes selectors, coupled as a tree of hierarchical rows having decreasing numbers of selectors, which convey the request-to-read signals from the detector units to the processor. The selectors also convey the select signals from the processor to the detector units, thereby causing the processor to read the indications.

Abstract: The semiconductor device includes a first photodiode, a second photodiode which is shielded from light, a first circuit group including a voltage follower circuit, a second circuit group, and a compensation circuit, in which an output from the first photodiode is inputted to the voltage follower circuit of the first circuit group, an output from the first circuit group is inputted to the compensation circuit, and an output from the second photodiode is inputted to the compensation circuit through the second circuit group. By adding or subtracting these inputs in the compensation circuit, an output fluctuation due to temperature of the first photodiode is removed. Note that a reference potential is supplied to the first photodiode so that an open circuit voltage is outputted, and a potential is supplied to the second photodiode so that a forward bias is applied to the second photodiode.

Abstract: A multi-channel low coherence interferometer having sensing and reference arms, at least one of which has variable delay. The sensing arm includes an optical switch for connecting to two or more probe arms. The distal ends of the probe arms collect source light backscattered from a sample. The backscattered light collected by the distal end of a probe arm is combined with reference light and a low coherence interferometric signal is produced by a sweep of a variable delay of the device or a sweep of a variable frequency laser light source. The interference signal produced by the interaction of reference and sensing light at a detector measures backscattered light, which may be used to characterize the sample. The low coherence interferometric signals can provide information about the morphology, physical nature, composition, and properties of the sample.

Abstract: A detector for detecting the presence of an object at a prescribed location, the detector comprising:— an optical source arranged for emitting a collimated optical beam towards the prescribed location, an optical detector for detecting optical signals emitted by said optical source, an optical collector arranged for collecting optical beams scattered by an object located at the prescribed location and for forwarding said optical beams to said optical detector for optical detection; and control circuitry for monitoring output of said optical detector and for determining the presence or absence of an object at said prescribed location by monitoring said output.

Abstract: A system and method for laser source detection. An exemplary embodiment of the system includes a first array of lenses, a second array of opto devices (including light sources and light detectors), and at least one processor. By positioning the array of lenses to determine the lens position at which energy from an incoming laser is greatest on the light detectors, the approximate location of the laser source may be determined. Upon determining the source, responsive action may be taken. If the incoming laser is from a friendly party, a friendly-party notification may be provided. If the incoming laser is from an enemy, reciprocal targeting or false reflections may be employed.

Abstract: An optical encoder includes a coding element having a track with a track pattern that comprises multiple optically distinguishable sections. The optical encoder compares photodetector outputs with transition-specific thresholds that correspond to transitions between the optically distinguishable sections of the track. The comparisons are used to determine when the transition between two optically distinguishable sections of the track has passed the photodetector. Knowledge of the transition between two optically distinguishable sections is then translated into digital position information.

Abstract: A composite laser beam is swept as a pattern of scan lines on a projection surface, and selected pixels arranged along each scan line are illuminated to project an image of high quality and in color. A data frequency of a video signal supplied by a host is matched to a scan frequency of a scan mirror to reduce the amount of buffer memory required and to make the projected image brighter and more uniform in brightness.

Abstract: A novel digital camera module includes an image capture device, a circuit substrate, a lens unit and a housing that is mounted to the circuit substrate before the image capture device is mounted to the circuit substrate. In one particular embodiment, the housing is formed onto the circuit substrate via molding. The housing includes a bore to receive the lens unit, with the diameter of the bore being larger than the diagonal of the image capture device such that image capture device can be mounted to the circuit substrate through the bore. In another particular embodiment, the circuit substrate includes an aperture so as to facilitate the flip-chip bonding of the image capture device. The order in which the image capture device and the housing are coupled to the circuit substrate helps prevent damage to the image capture device during the mounting of the housing to the circuit substrate.

Abstract: Chromatograms and mass spectra produced by an LC/MS system are analyzed by creating a two-dimensional data matrix of the spectral and chromatographic data. The two-dimensional matrix can be created by placing the spectra generated by the mass spectrometer portion of the LC/MS system in successive columns of the data matrix. In this way, the rows of the data matrix correspond to chromatographic data and the columns of the data matrix correspond to the spectra. A two-dimensional filter is specified and applied to the data matrix to enhance the ability of the system to detect peaks associated with ions. The two-dimensional filter is specified according to desired criteria. Rank-1 and rank-2 filters can be specified to improve computational efficiency. One method of applying the two-dimensional filter is through convolution of the data matrix with the two-dimensional filter to produce an output data matrix. Peaks corresponding to detected ions are identified in the output data matrix.

Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer includes a protective housing. A drift tube having at least one inlet and at least one outlet confines a drift gas. An ion gate is positioned in the drift tube. The ion gate defines a reaction region and a drift region in the drift tube. An ion detector is positioned in the drift tube downstream of the ion gate at an end of the drift region. A helical resistive wire coil is positioned around the drift tube. A power supply generates an electric field in the helical resistive wire coil that rapidly controls the temperature of the drift gas.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising an ion mobility spectrometer or separator (4) and an ion guide (6) arranged downstream of the ion mobility spectrometer or separator (4). A plurality of axial potential wells are created in the ion guide (6) so that ions received from the ion mobility spectrometer or separator (4) become confined in separate axial potential wells. The potential wells maintain the fidelity and/or composition of ions received from the ion mobility spectrometer or separator (4). The potential wells are translated along the length of the ion guide (6).

Abstract: A high-field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometer (FAIMS) with enhanced ion focusing is provided. The apparatus comprises an outer electrode with a central region and inner surface and an inner electrode disposed in the central region of the outer electrode. The inner and outer electrodes are positioned to form a non-uniform gap between the inner electrode and outer electrode inner surface. A method of using the apparatus to analyze ionized samples is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to mass spectrometry and the analysis of chemical samples, and more particularly to ion guides for use therein. The invention described herein comprises an improved method and apparatus for transporting ions from a first pressure region in a mass spectrometer to a second pressure region therein. More specifically, the present invention provides a segmented ion funnel for more efficient use in mass spectrometry (particularly with ionization sources) to transportions from the first pressure region to the second pressure region.

Abstract: A method for applying MALDI matrix substances to a surface, especially a histologic thin tissue section, for spatially-resolved mass spectrometric measurements of substance distributions in or on the surface uses vibration to nebulize a solution of the matrix substance without the assistance of a gas and deposits the nebulized droplets, preferably cyclically, on the surface.

Abstract: A portable mass spectrometer system is described. The system includes a mass spectrometer device incorporated within an evacuated chamber. The chamber includes a permeable membrane located between the mass spectrometer device and an entrance port to the chamber. Located between the membrane and the entrance port is a valve. The valve is provided in an normally closed state and has an open state, such that, in use, the adoption of the open state allows the flow of the sample into the chamber through the membrane and into contact with the spectrometer device.

Abstract: An ion cyclotron resonance cell has at least one trapping electrode comprised of electrically isolated sections that are used for the detection of an induced ion image signal. Such an arrangement increases the sensitivity of image signal detection without a significant increase in the amplitude of parasitic harmonics. When a multielectrode detection arrangement is used, the resolving power of an analyzer incorporating such a cyclotron resonance cell multiplies without a corresponding sensitivity loss.

Abstract: A method of improving the signal intensity of precursor ions in the flow tube of a SIFT-MS instrument by separately and simultaneously injecting a first buffer gas and a second buffer gas into the flow tube through separate concentric apertures in a flange located in a venturi type inlet, the venturi including a central orifice through which precursor ions art also injected into the flow tube.

Abstract: A radiometric measuring device for mounting at a container fillable with a filling substance. The measuring device, which is cost-favorable both in installation and operation, includes: A radioactive source, which, during operation, sends radioactive radiation through the container; at least two detectors, which serve for registering radiation passing through the container and for producing electrical pulse rates corresponding to the registered radiation; wherein the detectors are connected together and with a superordinated unit by a single line running outside of the detectors. The pulse rates and, in the form of offsets, status of the detectors are transmitted on the single line.

Abstract: In order to establish processing techniques capable of making multi-tip probes with sub-micron intervals and provide such microscopic multi-tip probes, there is provided an outermost surface analysis apparatus for semiconductor devices etc. provided with a function for enabling positioning to be performed in such a manner that there is no influence on measurement in electrical measurements, at an extremely small region using this microscopic multi-tip probe, and there are provided the steps of making a cantilever 1 formed with a plurality of electrodes 3 using lithographic techniques, and forming microscopic electrodes 6 minute in pitch by sputtering or gas-assisted etching a distal end of the cantilever 1 using a focused charged particle beam or using CVD.

Abstract: A night-vision system for motor vehicles includes a camera having a radiation-sensitive image-sensor surface, which is configured for recording electromagnetic radiation from the infrared range, in particular. To improve distant-vision characteristics beyond the low-beam range, the system according to the present invention includes a filter element which is positioned in the optical path of the night-vision system in such a way that it causes an attenuation of the recorded radiation to predefined partial regions of the image sensor. This allows an attenuation of the radiation from the low-beam range, which would otherwise be too intense.

Abstract: A radiation sensor that can operate in the THz regime comprising: a micro antenna, which may comprise a two-dimensional patterned thin-film metallizations on a thin dielectric pellicle fabricated by micro machining of a silicon wafer; a thermally isolated microstructure; a coupling mechanism for coupling the energy from the micro antenna to the microstructure, the coupling mechanism providing high thermal isolation between the micro antenna and the microstructure; a temperature signal detector on the microstructure; and signal processing electronics for receiving the temperature signal and processing it into useful data.

Abstract: Method and apparatus enable direct measurement of at least one flow velocity for one or more phases within a multiphase fluid mixture flowing in a conduit. Some embodiments provide determination of actual individual phase flow rates for three phases (e.g., oil, water and gas) that are distinct from one another within the fluid mixture. A multiphase flowmeter according to embodiments of the invention includes at least two optical sensors spatially distributed along a length of the conduit and designed to detect light interactions with the fluid mixture unique to the phases such that detected time-varying signals can be processed via cross-correlation or an array processing algorithm to provide desired individual phase flow velocity for oil, water and/or gas phases. This flow velocity can be applied to phase fraction measurements, which can be obtained utilizing the same flowmeter or another separate device, to calculate the flow rates for the phases.

Abstract: A method for reducing a need for physical memory includes compressing a sub-region of an intermediate histogram to obtain a compressed result, and storing the compressed result in a physical or virtual file.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reconstructing 3D image. The method may include the steps of: detecting a plurality of line of responses (LORs) emitted from an object; transforming the plurality of LORs into first sinogram data; back-projecting the first sinogram data with a plurality of projection angles to produce image data for the object; and projecting the produced image data with the plurality of projection angles to transform the image data into second sinogram data. The back-projecting may include filling pixels of image plane for each of the plurality of projection angles with the first sinogram data and rotating a coordinate axis of the image plane with corresponding projection angle to produce the image data. The projecting may include rotating the image data with corresponding projection angle in an opposite direction before projecting the image data with the plurality of projection angles. The projecting and the back-projecting may use symmetry properties in coordinate space.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling medical imaging are provided. A proximity sensor arrangement for an imaging system is provided. The proximity sensor arrangement includes at least one light emitter and at least one light detector. The proximity sensor arrangement further includes at least one reflector configured to reflect light waves from the at least one light emitter to the at least one light detector to form at least one light path to determine a proximity to the at least one imaging component of the imaging system.

Abstract: An X-ray detector is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the X-ray detector includes a detector housing including a plurality of detector modules that extend into an interior space of the detector housing, the detector housing being designed to feed a coolant into the interior space. In order to cool the detector modules, in at least one embodiment the latter are respectively arranged on a hollow module carrier forming a cooling channel, it being possible for coolant to flow through the cooling channel during operation.

Abstract: A radiation or neutron detector wherein lateral side light detecting optical fibers prepared from clear optical fibers that are scraped on a lateral side to permit side incidence of fluorescence are used to detect the fluorescence from a phosphor or a scintillator such that the background to gamma-rays is reduced. If desired, the optical fibers may be bent at 90 degrees and guided to a photomultiplier tube in order to reduce the size of the detector. Fabrication and maintenance of the detector can be facilitated by adopting such a design that a detecting block comprising a detection medium and lateral side light detecting optical fibers is separated from a readout block comprising clear optical fibers.

Abstract: The semiconductor radiological detector 1 minimizes a dead space resulting from the draw-out of a signal line from an electrode and which allows a number of semiconductor devices to be densely arranged to improve sensitivity and spatial resolution. The semiconductor radiological detector 1 comprises a semiconductor device 2, an anode 3 attached to one surface of the semiconductor device 2, and a cathode 4 attached to the other surface of the semiconductor device 2. A signal line 5 is provided on the anode 3; the signal line 5 extends straight from the anode 3 and is connected to an X axis wire 12. Another signal line 13 is provided on the cathode 4; the signal line 13 extends straight from the cathode 4 and is connected to a Y axis wire 14.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an apparatus and methods for detection and identification of target radionuclides and threatening radionuclides that may be present in a sample volume. One aspect of the invention discloses a digital computational apparatus that determines similarity or identity to a target radionuclide or a threatening radionuclide. In another aspect, the invention discloses a high throughput apparatus for detection of a target radionuclide in a sample volume, or for identifying a target radionuclide present in a sample volume, or both, that includes a detecting means, an analyzing means, and an identifying means. In a further aspect the invention discloses a high throughput apparatus for communicating the presence of a target radionuclide in a sample volume, the identity of a target radionuclide in a sample volume, or both to appropriate personnel.

Abstract: There is disclosed a multipole lens that can be machined with improved accuracy. A method of fabricating this lens is also disclosed. The multipole lens has a blank material from which polar elements will be fabricated. The blank material is sandwiched vertically between two layers of filmy insulator. The blank material and the two layers of filmy insulator are sandwiched vertically between an upper ring and a lower ring. These members are provided with injection holes for injecting a curing agent. The injection holes of these members are aligned. The curing agent is injected into the holes and cured. Then, the blank material is machined by electric discharge machining to form the polar elements.

Abstract: Various aspects of the invention provide improved approaches and methods for efficiently: Vaporizing decaborane and other heat-sensitive materials via a novel vaporizer and vapor delivery system; Delivering a controlled, low-pressure drop flow of vapors, e.g.

Abstract: A chamber for exposing a workpiece to charged particles includes a charged particle source for generating a stream of charged particles, a collimator configured to collimate and direct the stream of charged particles from the charged particle source along an axis, a beam digitizer downstream of the collimator configured to create a digital beam including groups of at least one charged particle by adjusting longitudinal spacing between the charged particles along the axis, a deflector downstream of the beam digitizer including a series of deflection stages disposed longitudinally along the axis to deflect the digital beams, and a workpiece stage downstream of the deflector configured to hold the workpiece.

Abstract: A chamber for exposing a workpiece to charged particles includes a charged particle source for generating a stream of charged particles, a collimator configured to collimate and direct the stream of charged particles from the charged particle source along an axis, a beam digitizer downstream of the collimator configured to create a digital beam including groups of at least one charged particle by adjusting longitudinal spacing between the charged particles along the axis, a deflector downstream of the beam digitizer including a series of deflection stages disposed longitudinally along the axis to deflect the digital beams, and a workpiece stage downstream of the deflector configured to hold the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and system from doing mechanical and electrical measurements and manipulation on nano or micro sized objects using a sample holder adapted to fit in situ of a transmission electron microscope. The sample holder comprise at least two arms each with at least one connector whereby the sample (206) may be mounted between the two connectors forming a bridge closing a gap between the two arms of the sample holder. The sample holder is arranged to provide mechanical forces to a sample mounted on the sample holder and measuring and/or applying electrical signals from the sample while at the same imaging using the transmission electron microscope. Each arm of the sample holder may comprise three substantially parallel beams for electro-thermal actuation.

Abstract: A method of testing a substrate includes separating the substrate from a larger substrate using a separating device and repositioning the substrate to be tested to a processing station apart from the separating device. The substrate is positioned on a holder for inspection.

Abstract: The invention relates to reflective features formed from multiple inks. In one embodiment, the reflective feature comprises a substrate having a first region and a second region, the first and second regions having different surface characteristics; a first reflective element disposed on the first region; and a second reflective element disposed on the second region, wherein the first reflective element is more adherent than the second reflective element to the first region. In another embodiment, the reflective feature comprises multiple layers formed from different inks exhibiting enhanced reflectivity and/or durability. The invention is also to processes for forming these features, preferably through a direct write printing process.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for screening inanimate objects for detecting concealed radioactive substances. The apparatus and method use a combination of at least one gamma-emission detector and the generation of a transmission image to non-invasively evaluate the contents of an inanimate object, such as a container, in order to determine the presence of absence of a radioactive substance. A variety of configurations of gamma-emission detectors and transmission detectors may be used to rapidly scan objects for the presence or absence of a radioactive substance.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a lithography apparatus with improved lithography throughput. The lithography apparatus includes a first lens system; a first substrate stage configured to receive a first radiation energy from the first lens system, and designed operable to move a substrate during an exposing process; a second lens system, having a higher resolution than that of the first lens system; and a second substrate stage approximate to the first substrate stage and configured to receive a second radiation energy from the second lens system, and designed operable to receive the substrate from the first substrate stage and move the substrate.

Abstract: An emitter for an electron-beam projection lithography system includes a photoconductor substrate, an insulating layer formed on a front surface of the photoconductor substrate, a gate electrode layer formed on the insulating layer, and a base electrode layer formed on a rear surface of the photoconductor substrate and formed of a transparent conductive material. In operation of the emitter, a voltage is applied between the base electrode and the gate electrode layer, light is projected onto a portion of the photoconductor substrate to convert the portion of the photoconductor substrate into a conductor such that electrons are emitted only from the partial portion where the light is projected. Since the emitter can partially emit electrons, partial correcting, patterning or repairing of a subject electron-resist can be realized.

Abstract: An apparatus that can change an irradiating direction of the beam and a method of recognizing an irradiation-enabled area with respect to a processing course for a work piece. The method establishes an irradiation-enabled area at a focal length that corresponds to one point along the processing course, even when the beam irradiating device is moved away from the one point along the processing course of the work piece. The method further recognizes the irradiation-enabled area with respect to the one point along the processing course.