Abstract: A bus bar substrate for an interior light of a vehicle includes an insulating base plate and a plurality of bus bars. Grooves are formed in the front and back surfaces of the insulating base plate. The plurality of bus bars are fitted to the grooves of the insulating base plate. In preferred embodiments, a bus bar substrate for an interior light of a vehicle will include front and back surfaces and a plurality of front and back securing holes through the insulating base, and front and back bus bars respectively positioned on the front and back surfaces of the insulating base plate. The front securing holes are surrounded by guard walls extending outwardly from the back surface of the insulating plate, and the back securing holes are surrounded by guard walls extending outwardly from the front surface of the insulating plate.

Abstract: An electrical splice assembly includes a bus plate having a plurality of coplanar, spaced male blades extending from the bus plate in cantilever fashion, a plurality of female terminals attached to the male blades, and a generally U-shaped housing of extrudable shape. The housing has an elongate open end portion defining a terminal receiving cavity, a closed end portion and an intermediate portion defining a slot that communicates with the terminal receiving cavity. The bus plate is at least partially disposed in the slot and the spaced male blades are at least partially disposed in the terminal receiving cavity along with the female terminals attached to them. The bus plate is a sheet metal stamping and the housing is an extrusion. The female terminals are attached to selected ones of the male blades to form a sub-assembly that is inserted laterally into the housing so the bus plate is at least partially disposed in the slot and the female terminals are disposed in the terminal receiving cavity.

Abstract: A divided raceway has runs that must traverse a corner in a wall structure. A raceway elbow assembly has an L-shaped base with mutually perpendicular leg portions adapted to abut the wall at that corner. Divider walls are carried by these flat leg portions, but allow flexing of the elbow leg portions as a result of a V-shaped gap between the divider walls at the vertex of the L-shaped elbow, or as a result of the divider wall overlapping one another in this region.

Abstract: Implementations of a discontinuous cable shield system and method include a shield having a multitude of separated shield segments dispersed along a length of a cable. The separated shield segments can serve as an incomplete, patch-worked, discontinuous, ‘granulated’ or otherwise perforated shield for differential transmission lines such as with twisted wire pairs.

Abstract: A multiconductor cable assembly and a method of making a multiconductor cable assembly are disclosed. The multiconductor cable assembly comprises a conductor and a covering comprising a thermoplastic composition. The thermoplastic composition comprises a poly(arylene ether), a polyolefin and a polymeric compatibilizer. The thermoplastic composition may further comprise a flame retardant.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a cord connector that both seals and provides strain relief automatically upon wire insertion. The cord connector comprises a wire passageway through a pliable shell which seals around both the wire inserted through the passageway as well as the knock-out or wall opening into which the connector is secured. A more rigid skeleton supports this shell and is provided with appendages which permit the wire to pass through the passageway but which block or resist any removal of the wire from the passageway. Preferably the shell is overmolded over the skeleton for ease of manufacture.

Abstract: A weighing section includes a plurality of weighing members and a power supply mechanism. The weighing members weigh an object while moving. The power supply mechanism includes a fixed section, a rotatable section moving along the movement of the weighing members, a primary coil provided on the fixed section, and a secondary coil provided on the rotatable section. The power supply mechanism supplies power to the primary coil, retrieves an induced electromotive force from the secondary coil, and supplies power to the weighing members.

Abstract: A conveying device is disclosed that changes the order of containers during conveyance in order to speed up processes, such as a discharging process performed by a combination weighing device and a rank-order sorting process performed by a quality inspection device. With a combination weighing device, a plurality of containers placed on a rotary table are moved by rotatably driving the rotary table. While the containers are being moved, a container arrangement mechanism changes the sequential order of the containers that are specified by a control unit.

Abstract: A modular operating switch assembly comprises a housing defining a plurality of switch operating cells. Each of the operating cells has guide walls, a switch actuating member in sliding contact with the guide walls, and a switch contact carrier configured to be selectively equipped with contact pairs such that each of the contact pairs is associated with at least one said switch actuating member. Each switch actuating member is operable to be selectively connected to a key cap associated with a single switch operating cell, or with a key cap associated with a plurality of adjacent switch operating cells.

Abstract: A tail cap assembly for a light beam generator includes a jack, while a remote dual switch connected by a cable to a plug is removably connectable to the tail cap jack. The remote dual switch preferably includes a momentary tape switch and a pushbutton actuable CONSTANT ON/OFF switch in a resilient housing that is removably securable to a rail of a rail mount structure secured to a firearm or other gun.

Abstract: A dimmer switch module removably connects to a wiring module mounted within an electrical box and connected to a power source. The dimmer switch module is configured to control electrical current flowing from the power source to a power sink, such as a light. The dimmer switch module has a front cover and a back cover housing a circuit board. A dimmer control is accessible on the front cover. Shielded plugs are disposed on the back cover and are configured to mate with corresponding structured sockets of a wiring module so as to electrically connect to a power source routed to the wiring module. A power control element mounted on the circuit board is responsive to the dimmer control so as to vary the amount of electrical current flowing between the shielded plugs.

Abstract: A turn signal switch for a vehicle includes: a resiliently urging means provided between a switch operating element and a switch case so as to urge the switch operating element toward a neutral position and a returned position. The resiliently urging means includes: a return plate having a guide recess which is provided at one end and against which abuts a first pin provided on the switch operating element, the return plate being slidably supported on the switch case; a pair of return springs exhibiting spring forces for urging the return plate in a direction to bring the pin into abutment against the guide recess. The guide recess is curved into a substantially triangular shape, and includes a valley and return cam faces on opposite sides of the valley. The return springs are provided on opposite sides of the valley and between the return plate and the switch case. Thus, it is possible to reduce the length of the turn signal switch in the direction of push-in/return of the switch operating element.

Abstract: A vibration switch includes a conductive housing defining a chamber, a first electrode having a first end projecting outwardly of the housing and a second end projecting into the chamber, a moving element disposed movably in the chamber and spaced apart from the second end of the first electrode, and a resilient conductive member connected conductively to the housing and located between the moving element and the second end of the first electrode. The resilient conductive member has a contact portion that is moved by the moving element to contact electrically the second end of the first electrode.

Abstract: A remote control electrical switch with omnidirectional access provides remote control of electrically connected devices. The remote control electrical switch allows electrical devices to be controlled with minimal physical dexterity, easing the physical efforts required for typical electrical switching devices. A 360 degree switch access allows users to approach the remote control electrical switch from any direction to further facilitate its ease-of-use. A top portion of the remote control electrical switch provides a switch activation leverage area that rests on a switch fulcrum point, allowing activation of the switch via force applied to any point of the switch actuation surface. Instances of the switching mechanism can also include an illumination source to indicate the status of the remote control electrical switch from a visual perspective and/or to provide location of the switching mechanism in ambient light deficient areas.

Abstract: A keyboard structure including a base, a key-cap, and a linking-up mechanism is provided. The key-cap is disposed on the base, and the linking-up mechanism is connected between the base and the key-cap. The linking-up mechanism includes a first frame and a second frame. The first frame is connected to the key-cap. The first frame has two openings and two guide slots on two opposite sides, and the openings are connected to the guide slots correspondingly. The second frame is pivoted to the base, and the first frame is pivoted to the second frame crosswise. The second frame has two pivotal arms and two open slots on two opposite sides. Each pivotal arm has a fixing protrusion pivoted in the opening.

Abstract: Control mechanisms and methods of use include the use of active materials as a blocking element. The control mechanisms generally include a tactile control in operative communication with an electrical circuit, wherein actuation of the tactile control closes the electrical circuit to activate a function. The blocking element includes an active material that is intermediate to the electrical circuit and the tactile control. The active material is adapted to change at least one attribute such as a modulus property in response to an activation signal. The change in the at least one attribute selectively changes a force level for actuating the tactile control.

Abstract: An apparatus for tacking a multi-lumen tubular assembly together comprises a laser, an optical member and a placement tray for retaining the tubular assembly. A portion of the optical member defines a window that is substantially transparent to laser energy emitted from the laser. The window has a substantially concave shaped surface. The placement tray and the window surface define a processing area for positioning at least a portion of the tubular assembly. The processing area receives the laser energy that is emitted from the laser and passed through the window of the optical member. The tubular assembly is defined by an outer tubular member disposed about at least a portion of at least one inner tubular member. The laser energy transmitted into the processing area is transmitted substantially through the outer tubular member and is substantially absorbed by at least one region of the least one inner tubular member.

Abstract: A hot wire igniter for igniting a gaseous or atomized fuel is disclosed. The coil of the hot wire igniter is formed from a thin high temperature, iron, chromium, aluminum alloy having a center section that is tightly wound. The coil turns initially do not touch one another and each end of the coil is attached to a rod that is received within an insulator member. The rods are connected to a power source. The coil portion of the hot wire igniter is received within a gas collector box which is attached to the burner to be ignited. Application of the power source to the lead-in rods causes the coil of wire to reach a temperature in excess of the ignition temperature of the fuel mixture which surrounds same causing the ignition of the mixture.

Abstract: A bake unit includes a cooling plate for cooling a substrate and a lift pin assembly for loading a substrate on the cooling plate. When a wafer is cooled on the cooling plate, a guide groove is formed at the cooling plate to allow a space between the wafer and the cooling plate to communicate with the exterior. Thus, an inner pressure of the space is maintained to be equal to an outer pressure thereof.

Abstract: A redundant control circuit comprises a pair of heater circuits for heating a hot melt adhesive hose assembly to a predetermined temperature level, and a pair of temperature sensors which are used to sense the temperature of the hot melt adhesive hose assembly and to control energization of the heater circuits in order to maintain the desired temperature level. A first one of the heater circuits would initially be electrically connected to the hot melt adhesive hose assembly electrical circuitry, and in a similar manner, a first one of the temperature sensors would likewise be electrically connected to the hot melt adhesive hose assembly electrical circuitry.

Abstract: Functional elements, particularly PTC heating elements, are braced in a hollow reception means, such as a profile tube. The reception means have two at least partly concave top wall areas facing one anther and flat sides of the functional elements and in this way permits a bracing of the functional elements, in that side walls of the reception means, extending substantially perpendicular to the concave top wall areas, are subject to the action of a pressing pressure. In the free space areas defined by the concave top walls can be fitted ends of attachment parts, such as metal lamellas, which are clamped in the same operation, according to the invention, during the bracing of the functional elements. This makes it possible in a simple manner to manufacture assembled devices, particularly electric heating devices.

Abstract: A heating resistance 1 comprises a shaped body of a band made of a conductive material obtained by bending the band in a shape of a wave. The heating resistance 1 is fixed to a substrate made of an insulating material to obtain a heater. Alternatively, the heating resistance comprises a wound body of a band made of a conductive material. According to the present invention, the heating value per a unit length can be easily designed and changed, and the reliability can be improved and abnormal heat generation can be prevented at the interface where the heating value per a unit length is changed.

Abstract: A carbon heating element having an arbitrary specific resistance and an arbitrary shape which are arbitrary necessary as a heating element, and a method of producing the same. The carbon heating element is obtained by uniformly dispersing one or at least two metal or metalloid compounds into a composition having shapability and showing a high yield of a carbon residue after firing, shaping the dispersed material-containing mixture thus obtained, and firing the shaped material under a nonoxidizing atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention is a thermometer assembly adapted to be utilized to sense the temperature of a material within a container, such as a food item heating or cooling container. The assembly includes a spout connected to the container, a closure releasably engageable with the spout, and a temperature sensing element engaged with the closure. The closure and spout allow a food item to be inserted into and withdrawn from the container after preparation, while the temperature sensing element, when engaged with the closure, senses the temperature of the food item within the container and emits both visible and audible signals regarding the temperature of the food item.

Abstract: A computer-based design methodology for photonic bandgap devices that permits determination of both the upper and lower bandgap edges in either a one-dimensional or two-dimensional photonic crystal. Using this methodology, a one-dimensional crystal may be created for use in a waveguide-fed microwave oven as a radiation reflector-suppressor, particularly for undesirable higher harmonic frequencies of about 12 GHz. By conceptually arranging multiple reflectors in a desired geometry, a two-dimensional crystal may be created that is particularly useful as a waveguide or splitter. The waveguide or splitter thus created has especially high efficiency for microwave wavelength ranges of about 9 GHz as compared with the prior art and is particularly useful in communications applications.

Abstract: A microwave oven including a component compartment and a cooking compartment each including a discharging part to discharge air in the cooking compartment through the cooking compartment through portion; a supplying fan introducing the air to the component compartment through portion to cool the component compartment; a discharging fan introducing the air in the cooking compartment to the discharging part through the cooking compartment through portion; a fan motor between the supplying fan and the discharging fan to operate the supplying fan and the discharging fan; and an interfering part to interfere with the fan assembly when at least one of the supplying fan and the discharging fan is not in a predetermined position corresponding to the component compartment through portion and the discharging part.

Abstract: In one method, an operating current of an LED is varied and, at one or more values of the operating current, a corresponding voltage of the LED is measured. The measured voltages are then used as feed-forward variables to set the light intensity of the LED. In another method, an operating current of an LED is modified in a predetermined manner near its nominal operating value. At two or more values of the operating current, a corresponding voltage of the LED is measured. The measured voltages are then used as feed-forward variables to set the light intensity of the LED. Additional methods, as well as apparatus for performing these and other methods, are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a photomultiplier tube (PMT) device having a plurality of dynodes provided between a cathode and an anode, a cancellation circuit provides two different modulation signals to the PMT to cancel the effects of the modulation signals upon the output of the PMT. For one embodiment, a cancellation circuit includes an input to receive an input modulation signal, a first output to provide a first output modulation signal to a first dynode, and a second output to provide a second output modulation signal to a second dynode, wherein the first and second output modulation signals are 180 degrees out-of-phase. For another embodiment, the cancellation circuit provides the input modulation signal to one of the PMT's dynodes, and also subtracts the input modulation signal from the PMT's output signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor device for sensing an image of an object, wherein a detection means (14) for detecting radiation received from the object is supported by a light-emitting semiconductor means (12) for emitting radiation towards said object during a predetermined operation period of the detection means (14). The detection means (14) can be operated even at low light intensity conditions and at a low power consumption. The detection means (14) may be a two-side illuminated detection means, wherein one side is supported by the light-emitting semiconductor means (12) and the other side is a back-etched side with increased sensitivity. A cheap and very small multi-purpose camera or sensor module can thereby be provided.

Abstract: This invention provides an optical receiver, a temperature dependence of which is compensated, and a method for manufacturing the optical receiver. The optical receiver according to the present invention comprises an avalanche photodiode (APD), a voltage source for supplying a bias voltage to the APD and a controller for feedback-controlling the bias voltage based on the monitored temperature of the APD. The input of the controller changes as the temperature of the APD varies, such that the bias voltage to the APD compensates the temperature dependence thereof. One aspect of the invention is that the reference input to the controller depends on the temperature, while another aspect of the invention is that the dividing ratio of the bias voltage changes as the temperature of the APD varies.

Abstract: A pixel cell allows both correlated double sampling (CDS) and automatic light control (ALC) operations through a non-destructive, parallel readout. An image sensor may include an array of pixel cells, some or all of which include a photosensor with two readout circuits attached; peripheral circuitry can sample charges generated from the photosensor through one readout circuit, then perform array readout through the other. One readout circuit connected to the photosensor provides a non-destructive readout of the generated charge. The other readout circuit can, for example, be a multiple-transistor circuit that transfers charge from the photosensor to a floating diffusion node for readout. The image sensor's readout circuitry may thus monitor the light reaching the photosensor of the cell to determine when to read out signals from the entire array.

Abstract: A photosensitive button structure includes a button body and a photosensitive layer. The photosensitive layer is disposed on a bottom side of the button body, and has a plurality of words and pictures formed thereon. Whereby, the photosensitive layer produces a first color change by absorbing light from one angle, and then produces a second color change or more than two color changes by absorbing light from another angle, in order to produce a dual mode visual effect. The present invention solves problems and the defects of the traditional button having only one fixed color, and that the color of the traditional button can only be changed once, because the photosensitive layer can absorb light from different angles. Hence, the present invention not only improves the appearance of the button body, but can also show more than two color changes of any words or pictures on the button structure.

Abstract: A system and method for independently controlling the collimation and lateral positioning of a light beam comprises at least one acousto-optic deflector and a pair of counter propagating acoustic waves with offset frequencies. While the frequency offset controls the lateral positioning of the light beam, a frequency gradient across the acousto-optic deflectors controls the collimation of the light beam.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting and thwarting the use of unauthorized imaging systems at theatrical performances. Sensors are deployed at a theatrical event to detect a focusing signal and/or the RF signal of an unauthorized imaging device. De-focusing signals are used to disrupt the auto focus system of imaging devices that do not use IR focusing systems. A thwarting signal comprising invisible light frequencies may be combined to produce a thwarting signal that is received by the CCD of an imaging device as white light thereby rendering the recorded image unusable. Emission signatures of imaging devices are stored in a datastore and distributed to users of thwarting systems via a network. Emission signatures are associated with thwarting signals to allow detection and thwarting systems to respond quickly to the use of an unauthorized imaging device.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to aisle width sensor for a mobile storage system for determining the width between adjacent movable storage units, particularly when creating an aisle therebetween. The sensor includes a first bracket which is slidable with respect to a second bracket. The first and second brackets are attached to respective first and second arms of a scissor arm arrangement between the adjacent storage units. The sensor provides an output, particularly an analog output, which is proportional to the distance between the adjacent storage units and therefore simple to calculate and process for the central controller of the mobile storage system.

Abstract: In an optical encoder, a plurality of light sources is controlled on and off so as to use light rays to irradiate an optical grating of a scale from a plurality of different directions. The light rays are received by a plurality of photoreceptor elements. Operations are performed using signals output from the photoreceptor elements. Accordingly, the relative position between the photoreceptor elements and the scale is detected precisely.

Abstract: A photoelectric encoder includes a light source of an illumination light beam. The encoder also includes a movable grating which has grating lines and which is displaceable in a direction intersecting the grating lines. An index grating serves as a reference for displacement of the movable grating. A light-receiver receives the illumination light beam via the movable grating and the index grating. A modulator periodically changes a light beam outgoing from the index grating. A displacement detector detects the displacement of the movable grating based on the illumination light beam received by the light-receiver. Accordingly, a signal representing the displacement of a movable body can be accurately generated even when fluctuation of the attitude of the grating occurs.

Abstract: A light source control method and apparatus of an image scanner is disclosed. The invention utilizes a determination means and an illumination control device to perform partial or full illumination and adjust brightness so that the light source can be operated more efficiently and more economically.

Abstract: A main scale 10 has protrusive grating 12 of a thin film of e.g. Cr formed on a base member 11. The base member 11 and the Cr thin film constitute a reflecting face which is set to provide the sufficient quantity of received light on a light receiving side. The protrusive grating 12 can be formed accurately by photo-etching the thin film.

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

Abstract: In a method for mass spectrometry, a plurality of juxtaposed chromatography apparatus connected to a mass spectrometer start eluting at a predetermined time difference and the following mass spectrometer conducts mass spectrometry. A chromatogram in a preceding chromatography apparatus is analyzed on real time base and results of the analysis are used on real time base to change an elusion condition of a succeeding chromatography apparatus. A mass spectrometric system suitable for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: In a quadrupole mass spectrometer which measures partial pressure strength according to a gas type in a vacuum system from ion current intensity, a quadrupole mass spectrometer with a total pressure measurement electrode has a total pressure measurement electrode for examining an ion density disposed in a demarcation space which is comprised of a grid electrode and an ion focusing electrode. And, a vacuum system is provided with only the quadrupole mass spectrometer which measures partial pressure strength according to a gas type in the vacuum system from an ion current intensity and does not have an ionization vacuum gauge other than the quadrupole mass spectrometer.

Abstract: For generation and delivery of ions from an ionization chamber through an ion entrance orifice to a mass analyzer operating at high vacuum, high pass ion filtration is effected within the ionization chamber by application of electrical potentials to an electrode associated with the ion entrance orifice and to an electrode between the ionization region and the ion entrance orifice to create a retarding electric field upstream from the ion entrance orifice. The retarding electric field hinders the movement to the ion entrance orifice of ions having drift velocities below a lower limit, and as the retarding voltage gradient is made steeper, the lower limit increases.

Abstract: An IR camera for recording and presenting a thermal image of an object includes optical receiving elements for focusing infra-red radiation received from the object onto a focal plane array and processing elements for receiving and processing the data from the focal plane array to form a thermal image, presentation elements for presenting the thermal image and storage elements for storing the thermal image. The IR camera further includes receiving elements for receiving from at least one humidity sensor arranged to provide humidity information, information about the humidity in a least one measuring point on the object, and forwarding the humidity information to the processing elements, the processing elements the processing elements being arranged to include the humidity information in the thermal image. In this way the camera can directly identify any points on the object where there is risk for damp.

Abstract: An infrared sensor includes a series capacitor element and a reference capacitor element each exhibiting a predetermined capacitance value; an infrared-detecting capacitor element whose capacitance value varies depending on an intensity of infrared light incident on the element; and an output node being a node at which a first terminal of the series capacitor element, a first terminal of the reference capacitor element and a first terminal of the infrared-detecting capacitor element are connected to one another. The intensity of infrared light is output as a potential difference between the reference potential which is brought to a potential by applying a predetermined voltage between the series capacitor element and the reference capacitor element and the detection potential which is brought to a potential by applying a predetermined voltage between the series capacitor element and the infrared-detecting capacitor element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for finding disconnection of a conductive wire formed on a plate glass. This method includes the steps of (a) applying a voltage to the conductive wire; and (b) imaging thermal radiation from a surface of the conductive wire by an infrared image sensor, while the step (a) is conducted, thereby producing a temperature distribution image. An apparatus for conducting the method includes (a) a power source for applying a voltage to the conductive wire; and (b) an infrared image sensor for imaging thermal radiation from a surface of the conductive wire, thereby producing a temperature distribution image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas sensor arrangement comprising at least one radiation source emitting radiation, a gas measuring chamber which may be filled with a gaseous analyte containing at least one analyte to be measured, and comprising at least one detector device which detects the radiation and generates an output signal indicating the presence and/or the concentration of the analyte. In order to provide an improved gas sensor arrangement of the type mentioned at the outset which ensures, in a particularly simple manner, long-term stable operation of the arrangement even over long periods of time, the control device comprises a power detection unit which may be operated to measure the electrical output consumed by the at least one radiation source.

Abstract: A cold shield of a cryogenic camera. The cold shield reflects external thermal radiation away from the cryogenic camera, so as to shield the cryogenic camera in a cryogenic temperature such that no internal thermal radiation will be generated. The cryogenic camera has a lens assembly and a focal plane array. The cold shield has an upper cold shield member for holding the lens assembly and a lower cold shield member for holding the focal plane array. The upper cold shield member fits over the lower cold shield member by contact friction, such that limited translation and rotation of the lower cold shield member relative to the upper cold shield member are allowable. Therefore, the cold shield allows a fine adjustment for aligning the lens assembly to the focal plane array.

Abstract: An image-reconstruction method in which interactions with particular crystal pairs are detected and a trans-axial component of a geometric system response matrix is retrieved from a storage medium. This component provides an estimate of an axial component of the geometric system response matrix. At least in part on the basis of the axial component and the trans-axial component, an annihilation site distribution of annihilations most likely to have resulted in the interaction with the particular crystal pair is estimated.

Abstract: A method for calibrating multi-headed high sensitivity and high spatial resolution dynamic imaging systems, especially those useful in the acquisition of tomographic images of small animals. The method of the present invention comprises: simultaneously calibrating two or more detectors to the same coordinate system; and functionally correcting for unwanted detector movement due to gantry flexing.