Abstract: An electronic percussion instrument includes input means, comparison means, and musical tone generation control means. The input means allows for the input of a vibration of a head section and a vibration of a rim section that have been detected by a striking detection section. The comparison means allows for a comparison of a size of the vibration of the head section and a size of the vibration of the rim section. The musical tone generation control means allows for controlling a generation of a musical tone based on a result of a comparison by the comparison means such that the musical tone corresponds either to the vibration of the head section or to the vibration of the rim section. In those cases where the musical tone corresponds to the vibration of the rim section, the generation of the musical tone can be further controlled.

Abstract: Determination is made, in accordance with acquired performance information, as to whether a crossfade characteristic should be changed or not, and a crossfade characteristic of crossfade synthesis having already been started at the time of the acquisition of the performance information was acquired are automatically changed in accordance with a result of the determination. Because the crossfade characteristic is automatically changed during the course of the crossfade synthesis, the time length of the crossfade synthesis can be expanded or contracted as compared to the time length that had been preciously set at the beginning of the crossfade synthesis, and thus, the time position of a succeeding one of rendition style modules to be time-serially combined in accordance with the acquired performance information can be allotted to a time position displaced by an amount corresponding to the expanded or contracted time.

Abstract: As the protocol used to transmit the MIDI message, TCP and UDP used widely as the transmission protocol are employed. A player terminal on the transmitter side classifies the transmitted MIDI message into the system exclusive message that should never be lost absolutely and other MIDI message. The player terminal on the transmitter side transmits the system exclusive message by using TCP with high reliability and transmits other MIDI message by using UDP with low reliability.

Abstract: An electronic keyboard instrument includes a keyboard attachment frame section having a keyboard section; a rear frame section joined to a rear portion of the lower surface of the keyboard attachment frame section and having pedals provided at its bottom portion; and an electronic circuit that generates heat when activated and includes a power transformer and an amplifier. The electronic circuit is vertically provided on the inner surface of a rear body section of the rear frame section. Hole portions and ventilation holes are provided at a bottom portion of the rear body section. Ventilation holes are provided at the keyboard attachment frame section.

Abstract: A connector (20) to a couple breathing conduit to a patient interface or another conduit. The connector allows for an electrical connection (22a, 22b) in a first conduit (14a) to be connected to another electrical connection (21a, 21b) in a patient interface or second conduit (14b). The connector is capable of swivelling without disrupting the gas flow through the conduits of the electrical connection.

Abstract: A telescoping in-use cover plate that includes at least two inter-fitting members that enable the cover to be retracted to the wall when not in use and expanded to increase the depth of the outlet cover and allow a plug to be plugged into the outlet when the cover is closed. Specific implementations allow for vertical and horizontal mounting and installation, knockouts and/or adapter plates for conversion to alternate electrical configurations.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a weatherproof electrical outlet box assembly for shielding and protecting electrical components from moisture including a faceplate for attaching to an outlet box, the faceplate being substantially planar, and perimetrically bounded by a substantially rectangular side edge, the faceplate having at least one aperture for receiving an electrical component and; the faceplate including a first hinge socket and a second hinge socket extending respectively from the side edge in substantially orthogonal orientation.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a sleeve (1) for cable entries, pipe penetrations etc. The sleeve (1) has a central part (3) with a through central opening and one flange (2) at one end of the central part (3). The flange (2) is directed radially away from the central part (3). A compressible part (4) is arranged the flange (2) and a compression means (5), here in the form of a ring. The ring is arranged slidable on the outside of the central part (3). By means of screws (6) the compression means (5) may be forced towards the flange (2) of the central part (3), compressing the compressible part (4). By means of the compression of the compressible part (4) the sleeve (1) is fixed to a plate (7) or the like.

Abstract: A device for receiving and organizing twisted pairs of conductors from a cable having a plurality of twisted pairs of conductors includes a block with upper and lower surfaces, first and second opposing end walls that define a longitudinal axis, and first and second opposing side walls. The block further comprises at least one aperture extending from the upper surface toward the lower surface, the aperture being sized and configured to receive each of the plurality of twisted pairs of a cable. Each of the side walls includes at least one open-ended slot opening downwardly, each of the slots being sized and configured to receive a respective twisted pair of conductors. In this configuration, the device can facilitate termination of twisted pair conductors onto IDCs or the like and can provide a termination with less dimensional variation (and, in turn, less variation in electrical performance) than prior termination devices.

Abstract: A wiring board has a base insulating film. The base insulating film has a thickness of 20 to 100 ?m and is made of a heat-resistant resin which has a glass-transition temperature of 150° C. or higher and which contains reinforcing fibers made of glass or aramid. The base insulating film has the following physical properties (1) to (6) when an elastic modulus at a temperature of T° C. is given as DT (GPa) and a breaking strength at a temperature of T° C. is given as HT (MPa). (1) A coefficient of thermal expansion in the direction of thickness thereof is 90 ppm/K or less (2) D23?5 (3) D150?2.5 (4) (D?65/D150)?3.0 (5) H23?140 (6) (H?65/H150)?2.3.

Abstract: A multi-strand printed circuit board substrate for ball-grid array (BGA) assemblies includes a printed wiring board (11) having a plurality of BGA substrates (12) arranged in N rows (14) and M columns (16) to form an N by M array. N and M are greater than or equal to 2 and the size of the N by M array is selected such that each of the plurality of BGA substrates (12) maintains a planarity variation less than approximately 0.15 mm (approximately 6 mils). The printed wiring board (11) has a thickness (26) sufficient to minimize planarity variation and to allow a manufacturer to use automated assembly equipment without having to use support pallets or trays.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a system for wiring conduit by use of an airflow-assisted pulling line and various components of the system. The system generally includes an airflow supply, a flexible pulling-line, a conduit-interface tube, and an airflow adapter for connecting the airflow supply with the wiring conduit. The adapter having a first end dimensioned to receive a conduit-interface tube and a second end adapted to receive an airflow source supply member. The preferred airflow supply is a conventional shop vacuum, but may be a blower rather than a vacuum source.

Abstract: An electronic digital controller, such as a load cell indicator, is disclosed in which a number of components, such as a circuit board, display, and keypad are placed within an enclosure, and the enclosure is bonded closed, such as using an adhesive, to render the enclosure watertight. The keypad is a touch sensitive, capacitive keypad with no moving parts, and it is housed behind a rigid panel. An optoelectronic transceiver allows for data exchange with an electronic memory device housed in the adhesively sealed enclosure and allows for data exchange and for updating or modification of software code housed therein. Other components, such as another circuit board, a power supply, and block connectors, are placed in an adjacent enclosure, and the circuit boards in the two enclosures are electrically connected. The power supply is preferably a potted AC power supply but may also include a battery.

Abstract: A push-switch for vehicle, and a method of manufacturing the same, including fixed contacts and movable contact brought into and out of contact in accordance with upward and downward movements of operating member, in which at least one of the contacts is provided on surfaces thereof with a plurality of fine projections and depressions produced by arcing discharges between the contacts or machining work. Contacts at a large number of points are attained by the provision of the plurality of fine projections and depressions, hence a switch capable of stable contact can be provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a control panel assembly for a washing machine, which provides an improved structure enabling a knob smoothly to rotate without making noise. The present invention includes a board having a switch and parts mounted thereon, a control panel installed at one side of a cabinet of the washing machine to cover the board to protect, and a knob connected to the switch to penetrate the control panel wherein a rear end is partially contacted with a backside of the control panel.

Abstract: The operation mechanism for electric apparatus is provided. An operation mechanism includes a switch element mounted on a circuit board, an upper housing formed with an opening and covering the circuit board, and an operation grip that has an operation shaft hanging therefrom and which is rotatably supported by the upper housing. When the operation grip is oscillatingly operated, the operation shaft drives actuators of the switch element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a force applied to a pantograph. A bidirectional snubber and a velocity controller are used to dampen the applied force. Linkages between a shaft and the bidirectional snubber and between the bidirectional snubber and the velocity controller are used to rotationally translate the applied force.

Abstract: A switching mechanism of an air circuit breaker that allows the overall size of the air circuit breaker to be minimal by making the width of the switching mechanism relatively small. The switching mechanism of the air circuit breaker includes both side plates, a main shaft, a main shaft lever, a first link, a closing spring unit, a charging cam, a rotational shaft of the charging cam, a third link, a driving lever, a spring support pin and an end portion supported by the spring support pin, and a third link elastic bias spring having an end portion supported by the spring support pin and an operation portion for providing elastic force onto one surface of the third link to bias the third link to be rotated in one direction. A third link elastic bias spring directly provides the elastic force onto the third link in order to minimize the distance between a pair of driving levers and thus minimize the width of the switching mechanism.

Abstract: A system (100) and method for sorting mail (112) includes a first database (106) containing addresses and zipcodes for a plurality of mail item recipients, a second database (104) containing a plurality of individual and firm names and their associated addresses, and an imaging device (114) for capturing an image of address information on a mail item (112). Based on identified elements from the captured address information image, a subsystem (110) containing an algorithm compares the elements with the first database (106) and determines if there is a match of all elements. If one or more address information elements are unmatched, the algorithm compares the elements to the second database (104), and applies a set of criteria to the address information elements matched in the second database (104) to determine if a match exists.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sorting device which includes a mail item buffer storage having storage pouches, circulating in a conveying loop and moving past charge station. Below straight handover sections of the conveying loops, circulating mail from containers, displaced in a conveying path and open to the top, are provided as the sorting terminal points. The mail items are charged into the mail item containers according to their read-out target addresses by controlled opening of the respective storage pouch at that time at which the respective pouch arrives in the respective position above the associated mail item container.

Abstract: A device for sorting flat mailings has a pouch loop system defining a transport path including a lower level and an upper level coupled via level transitions. The transport path has several partial loops including the level transitions and arranged within an inner area of the pouch loop system. The level transitions are positioned adjacent to one another within the inner area of the pouch loop system. The device includes further pouches and pouch loading stations coupled to the pouch loop system, wherein each partial loop includes at the lower level one of the pouch loading stations, and wherein the pouch loading stations are arranged adjacent to one another on the lower level. The pouches travel along the pouch loop system, wherein each pouch receives one flat mailing, and is configured for a controlled emptying corresponding to a read target address and a sorting plan.

Abstract: An electrical switch which includes an insulative housing having a wall defining an axial bore therein, a first electrical contact disposed in the housing bore and a second electrical contact movably disposed in the housing bore between an open position and a closed position. When the contacts are in their open position, the second electrical contact is spaced apart from the first electrical contact and when the contacts are in their closed position, the second electrical contact is in electrical contact with the first electrical contact. The switch includes features to enhance safety and operation by reducing the possibility of arcing or flashover before and during the switching operation and to provide of visual indication of the state of the switch.

Abstract: A plasma spray device is provided. The plasma spray device includes a plasma chamber region for having a plasma formed and a throat region coupled to the plasma chamber region. The throat region has an end surface and an axial bore. The axial bore is formed substantially along a longitudinal axis of the throat region, and has a non-circular cross-sectional shape. The axial bore at the end surface is for ejecting a plasma stream. The axial bore may include a plurality of grooves formed substantially along the longitudinal axis of the throat region. The cross-sectional shape of the axial bore may alternatively be defined by a plurality of overlapping substantially circular lobes. The plasma stream has a flow that is lineated before the plasma stream is ejected from the axial bore. The plasma stream has an overall particle pattern angle of less than about 50° after the plasma stream exits the axial bore.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for marking an object, particularly a vehicle, by disrupting the material of the interior or surface of the object. The system comprises a laser emitter (102), a laser beam delivery means (104) which can be flexible, and a marking heading (105) which is light enough to be carried by an operator. The laser marking system is very flexible in use, allowing many parts of objects, particularly vehicles, to be marked.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of forming a root bead in a gap between spaced ends of at least one workpiece. The gap includes an open root. A metal cored electrode having a metal sheath and core materials is used to for the root bead in the open root. The core materials include little or no flux agents. The metal cored electrode is advanced at a given wire feed rate toward the open root to weld the ends together by at least partially filling the open root in a first weld pass. A welding current having a controlled waveform is used. The waveform includes a succession of welding cycles each having a short circuit portion and a metal the metal cored electrode and to cause the metal cored electrode to melt and transfer to the ends in the open root to form a root bead. The formed root bead has little or no slag on the upper surface of the root bead. A shielding gas is used to at least partially protect the molten metal in the open root from the atmosphere.

Abstract: A heat generating element is constructed of at least a substrate, an insulating film disposed on the substrate, a heat generating portion provided with a thin film resistor disposed on at least a part of the insulating film, and a protective film disposed on the above-described insulating film and the above-described heat generating portion, wherein the above-described substrate and the above-described heat generating portion are composed of the same member. Additionally, a medical therapeutic instrument includes a treatment portion provided with the above-described heat generating element to heat a living body tissue by using the heat generated from the heat generating element and treat the living-body tissue. The heat generating element is mounted on the above-described treatment portion in such a manner that an outer surface of the above-described substrate of the heat generating element serves as a treatment surface.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for an image heating apparatus for heating an image on a recording material by a heat from a heat generating element for producing heat by a magnetic flux generated by magnetic flux generating means, the apparatus including a magnetic flux confining member for confining a magnetic flux directing toward a predetermined region of the heat generating element from the magnetic flux generating means, and a first drive transmission member, provided at one end of the magnetic flux confining member, for transmitting rotational drive to the magnetic flux confining member and a second drive transmission member, provided at the other end of the magnetic flux confining member, for transmitting rotational drive to the magnetic flux confining member, the method comprising an adjusting step of adjusting such that first and second drive transmission members are supported by the magnetic flux confining member with a predetermined rotational position relation, using marks provided on the first and second

Abstract: An adaptive optics system is provided. The system includes a light source, a pair of deformable mirrors and a detection module. The light source is configured to provide an outgoing beam. The outgoing beam has an amplitude and a phase. The first deformable mirror is configured to reflect the outgoing beam and adjust its associated amplitude. The second deformable mirror is configured to reflect the outgoing beam reflected from the first deformable mirror and adjust its associated phase. The detection module is configured to detect an incoming beam and the reflected outgoing beam from the second deformable mirror and generate certain signals. The signals are used to control the first and second deformable mirrors such that the amplitude of the outgoing beam is the same as that of the incoming beam and the phase of the outgoing beam is opposite that of the incoming beam.

Abstract: A light-sensing module and arrays of two or more light-sensing modules are described. Each light-sensing module comprises a mounting support structure that may include an air vehicle guidance section and an optical element adapted to direct incident light to a detector array that comprises an array of photodiodes and is attached to the mounting support structure. The detector array is adapted to receive the directed light and convert the received light to a set of electrical pulses via a plurality of photodetectors each of which is operatively coupled to an amplifier and a threshold circuit adapted to output a detection to a memory store adapted to associate a detection with a time-of-arrival. The light-sensing module may be adapted to output the associated detection and time-of-arrival. Air vehicles including the light-sensing modules are also disclosed.

Abstract: An image sensor and method thereof. In an example, the image sensor, may include a pixel array including a plurality of unit pixels, each of the plurality of unit pixels having a charge transfer unit for transferring charges accumulated in an optoelectronic converter to a charge detector via a charge transfer driving signal. The example image sensor may further include a row driving unit generating a boosted voltage, the boosted voltage set to a boosted voltage level higher than a power voltage level, the boosted voltage selectively boosted in response to a boosting voltage variable control signal. The row driving unit may selectively apply the charge transfer driving signal to the pixel array. In another example, the method may include selectively adjusting a voltage level of a charge transfer driving voltage and transferring the charge transfer driving voltage to a charge transfer unit for controlling an operation of the charge transfer unit.

Abstract: A functional device includes a light sensor for outputting a signal control signal relative to received light, a temperature sensor for outputting an additional control signal relative to an ambient temperature, a control means for controlling the signal control signal, and an output means for outputting a sensory signal perceivable by a sensory organ based on the signal control signal. The control means controls the signal control signal by using the additional control signal.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement, in particular as part of a reflection light barrier, includes a carrier as well as a photodiode, a first light emitting diode for emitting a measuring light beam, and a second light emitting diode for emitting a reference light beam, in particular a reference light beam pulsed offset in time with respect to the measuring light beam, arranged on the carrier, and further includes a light permeable housing enclosing the photodiode and the two light emitting diodes. The second light emitting diode is arranged on the carrier and in the housing such that the reference light emitted by it is essentially not incident on the side of the photodiode but rather is reflected internally in the housing to be incident onto an upper surface of the photodiode.

Abstract: An optical path delimiter having a lens is disposed so as to be in contact with a transparent lid bonded to a surface of a solid-state image sensor, and is fixed without bonded. Further, the solid-state image sensor to which the transparent lid is bonded, the optical path delimiter disposed so as to be in contact with the transparent lid without bonded, a DSP serving as a signal processor, a circuit part and a wiring board are fixed by being sealed in a synthetic resin. Even when distortion occurs due to warpage, flexure or the like on a board where the solid-state image sensor is disposed, the accuracy of the alignment of the lens with respect to the solid-state image sensor never decreases. In addition, the solid-state image sensor or the signal processor is never damaged by an external shock.

Abstract: The invention relates to a phantom for the quality control of a radiotherapy treatment virtual simulation system which comprises a medical imaging device, characterized in that it comprises: a support casing (1), a core (4) which is arranged in the support casing (1) and which is constituted by a plurality of elements (5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17) of different shapes, dimensions and densities, the densities simulating the densities of various organs and media of the human body, two of these elements (11, 12) being constituted by two truncated pyramids of different densities which are fitted one inside the other, at least one of them not being completely symmetrical relative to the longitudinal axis thereof, balls (9, 10, 13) of a non-radiotransparent material arranged in the core (4), at least two removable lateral faces (18, 21) which face each other and which comprise metal wires which define geometric figures.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer having an ion source section capable of creating positive ions and negative ions at high efficiency. The ion source is comprised of an ion source section for creating ions of a sample gas, a mass spectrometric section for conducting mass separation of created ions, linear RF generating multipole electrodes, magnetic fields generation means, a sample gas introduction system, a reaction gas introduction system and an electron source in which the linear RF generating multipole electrodes generate linear RF multipole electric fields. A static magnetic fields is applied in parallel on the center axis where the linear RF multipole electric fields are zero. A sample gas and a reagent gas are introduced into the ion source section. Electrons are injected for creating reaction of the positive ions or negative ions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to, inter alia, methods and apparatuses for electron transfer dissociation (ETD) that vary the internal energy of precursor ions for ETD. The methods and apparatuses are particularly useful in mass spectrometry.

Abstract: A multi-channel high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometer (FAIMS) is provided. The apparatus provides for substantially simultaneous FAIMS analysis of plurality of ions from a single sample. The apparatus has a analyzer region comprising a hollow electrode, a plurality of plate electrodes positioned parallel to and distanced from the hollow electrode, a contact for applying an high voltage asymmetric waveform to the hollow electrode and a plurality of contacts for applying a compensation voltage to the plurality of plate electrodes. A method for substantially simultaneous FAIMS analysis of plurality of ions from a single sample is also provided.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides a mass spectrometry system, having an ion source including an ionization device for producing ions, a collection conduit adjacent to the ionization device for collecting ions produced by the ionization device, a first gas source for supplying gas to desolvate ions produced by the ionization device, a second gas source for supplying gas at a defined flow to the ionization region, and a detector downstream from the ion source for detecting ions produced by the ion source. The invention also provides an ion source including an ionization device for producing ions, a collection conduit adjacent to the ionization device for collecting ions produced by the ionization device, a first gas source for supplying gas to desolvate ions produced by the ionization device, and a second gas source for supplying gas at a defined flow to the ionization region. A method for producing analyte ions is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for mass analyzing molecules includes a mass spectrometer configured to select precursor ions having a mass to charge ratio range, a metastable species generator configured to generate a metastable species for introduction into the mass spectrometer, and a mass detector configured to detect a mass of the product ions. The apparatus also includes interaction region in the mass spectrometer where the precursor ions are converted into product ions via interaction of the precursor ions with the metastable species. The mass spectrometer includes at least one of a three-dimensional ion trap, a linear ion trap, or an ion guide. The interaction region is located inside the three-dimensional ion trap, the linear trap, or the ion guide; and at least one of the precursor ions or at least one of the product ions are excited by an alternating electric field or collisionally activated to produce additional product ions.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for integrated measurement of a sample that has miniature features. The apparatus has an optical measuring unit for illuminating the sample with a global test radiation over an optical test region and obtaining an optical response, such as scattered or transmitted radiation from the optical test region. In addition, the apparatus has a local measuring unit for making a nanometer scale measurement of a local material parameter ? of the sample. The local parameter ? is determined with a mechanical, optical, magnetic, electric or other physical measurement performed in the nanometer range with a scanning probe tip at a test location lying within the optical test region. The material parameter ? is selected such that it is substantially constant or uniform over the illuminated area.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting a sample using a scanning electron microscope includes a sample stage, a first electron-optical system to scan an electron beam of a first beam current on the sample, a second electron-optical system to scan an electron beam of a second beam current smaller than the first beam current on the sample, a mechanism to move the sample stage, a detector provided in each of the first and second electron-optical systems to detect a secondary electron. The first electron-optical system is operable in a first mode and the second electron-optical system is operable in a second mode with higher resolution than that of the first mode. In the first mode, the sample is observed while the sample stage is moved continuously, and in the second mode, the sample is observed by detecting a secondary electron using the detector while the sample stage is held stationary.

Abstract: Electrophotographic charging devices that can be used to charge or discharge, for example, a receptor in the electrophotographic process are provided. According to various embodiments, the exemplary charging devices can include a coronode disposed opposing and spaced apart from a receptor, and a plurality of nanostructures, wherein each of the plurality of nanostructures has an end, edge, or side in electrical contact with the coronode. The exemplary charging devices including the nanostructures can use less power, i.e. voltage and/or current than conventional charging devices and produce a reduced amount of oxidizing agents, such as, ozone and NOx. The nanostructures can serve to increase the intensity of the local electric fields for more efficient charge generation at reduced voltages.

Abstract: When making a characteristic line, a plurality of different small amount reference light beams is caused to impinge upon the photodetector element, a zero-light signal value is obtained by extrapolation of the relation between the small amount side reference light beams and the signal values which are respectively output from the photodetector element in response to the small amount side reference light beams, a large amount reference light signal value which is output when a large amount light beam impinges upon the photodetector element is obtained, and a characteristic line representing a relation between the amount of light which the photodetector element receives and a value of the signal which is output from the photodetector element is made on the basis of the zero-light signal value and the large amount reference light signal value.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the light yield of a doped scintillation crystal may include a reducing step if the crystal includes a dopant, such as cerium in a first oxidation state, such as the 4+ state. The scintillation crystal may include a rare earth silicate. The reducing may include heating in an oxygen-free ambient. The reducing may be used after an oxygen vacancy filling step that causes at least some of the dopant to increase in its oxidation state.

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

Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring the fluorescence of nanodrop liquid samples is described in which the sample is held by surface tension between two anvil surfaces. Each anvil surface has an embedded optical fiber with its end finished flush with the surface in the containment area wetted by the sample with the fiber in line. Sample excitation is provided from the side of the sample remote from the containment area. By selection of the fiber transmission numeric aperture the impact of exciting and ambient light on the measurement is minimized. A method of virtual filtering is taught in which any ambient or exciting light that does impinge on the measuring sensor is corrected by subtracting a scaled representation of the source from the measurement. The method and apparatus is capable of detecting 1 femptomole of sodium fluorescein in 1 microliter of TE buffer.

Abstract: A radiation image photographing apparatus configured to detect radiation includes a radiation detecting panel configured to convert received radiation into an electrical signal, and a support substrate configured to support the radiation detecting panel. In addition, a housing is configured to contain the radiation detecting panel and the support substrate. A plurality of openings are formed on a side of a surface of the support substrate, with the surface being opposite to a surface of the support substrate configured to support the radiation detecting panel.

Abstract: An improved method of, and apparatus for, nuclear imaging takes advantage of the ability to determine the depth of gamma ray/electron interaction within a semiconducting gamma ray detector to determine the (most highly probable) location of the first gamma ray/electron interaction within the detector. Lines of interaction constructed between opposing detector arrays, extending between the location of the first gamma ray/electron interaction in each detector associated with the coincident detection of gamma radiation, permits a positron-emitting object of interest to be imaged according to protocols known in the art, but with better spatial resolution than previously believed to have been known.

Abstract: Improved systems, apparatus, and methods for detecting positions of moving stages and accurately compensating position error during operation (in “real time”) are provided. For some embodiments, rather than rely on two dimensional position measurements, measurements in at least three dimensions may be taken allowing compensation for pitch and roll and, therefore, more accurate position measurements. Further, by including a measurement of a beam column, compensation for movement of the beam may be performed.

Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus includes conduits which supply utilities to components in a vacuum chamber such as object tables and/or associated motors and/or sensors. The conduits are shielded from exposure to the vacuum by conduit conducts having at least the same number of degrees of freedom as their associated object table.