Abstract: A method for building a wall out of lime and hemp, prefabricated blocks made of hemp and lime for the use of the method and a device for molding such prefabricated blocks.

Abstract: A tooth mold retaining frame comprises an L shape seat; a pivotal block; a universal connector; a first positioning block; a second positioning block; and a first fine adjust unit. By using the first fine adjust unit, second fine adjust unit and the fine-adjust device, an upper teeth mold, and a lower teeth mold can move with respect to one another precisely. By a universal connector, the upper teeth mold can move three directionally and can lift or descend proportionally so as to avoid the error in manufacturing of the teeth mold. Thus the teeth mold can be made precisely and the condition of the teeth mold can be viewed conveniently. Furthermore, the teeth mold can be sent directly without needing to send the teeth frame. Thus, the manufacturer can make the teeth mold continuously without affecting the working time.

Abstract: Remote control systems that can distinguish predetermined light sources from stray light sources, e.g., environmental light sources and/or reflections are provided. The predetermined light sources can be disposed in asymmetric substantially linear or two-dimensional patterns. The predetermined light sources also can output waveforms modulated in accordance with one or more signature modulation characteristics. The predetermined light sources also can output light at different signature wavelengths.

Abstract: A method of capturing a focused image of a continuously moving slide/objective arrangement is provided. A frame grabber device is triggered to capture an image of the slide through an objective at a first focus level as the slide continuously moves laterally relative to the objective. Alternatingly with triggering the frame grabber device, the objective is triggered to move to a second focus level after capture of the image of the slide. The objective moves in discrete steps, oscillating between minimum and maximum focus levels. The frame grabber device is triggered at a frequency as the slide continuously moves laterally relative to the objective so multiple images at different focus levels overlap, whereby a slide portion is common to each. The image having the maximum contrast value within overlapping images represents an optimum focus level for the slide portion, and thus the focused image. Associated apparatuses and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method of capturing a focused image of a continuously moving slide/objective arrangement is provided. A frame grabber device is triggered to capture an image of the slide through an objective at a first focus level as the slide continuously moves laterally relative to the objective. Alternatingly with triggering the frame grabber device, the objective is triggered to move to a second focus level after capture of the image of the slide. The objective moves in discrete steps, oscillating between minimum and maximum focus levels. The frame grabber device is triggered at a frequency as the slide continuously moves laterally relative to the objective so multiple images at different focus levels overlap, whereby a slide portion is common to each. The image having the maximum contrast value within overlapping images represents an optimum focus level for the slide portion, and thus the focused image. Associated apparatuses and methods are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a light beam intensity non-uniformity correction device that includes an optical element having a light entrance face with an antireflective property. According to the invention the antireflective property is locally amended in order to enhance light beam intensity uniformity.

Abstract: This invention is an LED lighting intensity control by subdivision of PWM intervals to resolve the wavelength and luminance shifting problems that are caused by increasing heat and junction temperatures.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling brightness of illumination systems, illumination systems and display using the same. The apparatus includes a photo-sensor and a control circuit. The photo-sensor detects a luminous output of the illumination systems and correspondingly outputs a detection signal. The control circuit gets the detection signal during the light source being turned off, and adjusts and controls the brightness according this feedback signal. The method and apparatus of the invention can offer a stable output to illumination systems and displays using the same.

Abstract: A solar lighting fixture and method thereof, is provided which comprises an outer cover lens containing a plurality of gripping protrusions that is coupled to a housing. The housing, and outer cover lens being made of hard, durable and resilient poly-carbonate like material which extends the longevity of the outer lens 3 because it is able to withstand an elongated exposure to weather conditions and normal wear and tear. Said housing contains a solar panel board comprising of a plurality of solar panels coupled to a printed circuit board such as a PCM board. PCM board being electrically coupled to at least one light emitting diode or light and is also electrically connected to at least one condenser battery. Said solar panels convert sunlight into electrical power which is stored within the condenser battery until night time when such power is released resulting in the activation of the LED's which allows the solar lighting unit to illuminate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing an indication of solar panel condition is disclosed. The method involves receiving operating condition signals including an irradiance signal representing electromagnetic radiation received by the solar panel, and an age signal representing age of the solar panel. The method also involves receiving a power signal representing actual power output from the solar panel and producing a power estimate in response to the operating condition signals and irradiance and age adjustment factors. The power estimate represents an expected power output from the solar panel and the adjustment factors are for adjusting the irradiance signal and the age signal respectively. The method further involves causing a warning signal to be generated in response to a difference between the power signal and the power estimate.

Abstract: A cascaded image intensifier device is presented. In one embodiment the device comprises: at least two sections in cascade, each of a first section and a last section out of the at least two sections including a photocathode unit adapted to convert photons to electrons and a screen unit adapted to convert electrons to photons; wherein the first section includes a reducing element adapted to: (i) reduce ion-caused degradation of a photocathode unit of the first section, and (ii) reduce a number of photons exiting from the first section from a first value to a second value; and wherein the last section outputs a number of photons that equals or exceeds the first value. Also disclosed are methods and systems using the disclosed cascaded image intensifier device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a detector comprising first and second lenses for use with respective first and second sensing means; each lens comprising a plurality of Fresnel facets having respective fields of view adapted such that the fields of view of the first lens are alternately arranged with the fields of view of the second lens such that the fields of view of the first lens are adjacent only to, but do not over-lap with, the fields of view of the second lens in a single direction.

Abstract: An optical element comprises a substantially transparent material having opposing first and second transmission surfaces and a substantially flat mounting surface between them, an alignment mark, and an optical coating. The optical element is mounted self-supporting on a substrate with the mounting surface on a mating portion thereof. With the alignment mark aligned to a corresponding mark on the substrate, waveguides on the substrate can be end-coupled by reflection from the first transmission surface. The transmission and mounting surfaces are arranged to position the transmission surfaces at respective orientations relative to the substrate surface so that an optical beam propagating substantially parallel to the substrate surface and entering the optical element through the first transmission surface propagates as an optical beam through the optical element above the mounting surface and exits the optical element through the second transmission surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evaluating the quality of a sample of a product, an ingredient, an environment or process by measuring multiple parameters thereof, including light emitted from a reacting sample containing ATP, ADP, alkaline phosphatase or other parameters such as pH, temperature, conductivity, reduction potential, dissolved gases, specific ions, and microbiological count. The apparatus comprises an integrated sample testing device used to collect a sample, mix reagents, react the sample, and collect it in a measurement chamber. The apparatus also comprises an instrument having a photon detection assembly for use with the sample testing device. The instrument can also comprise one or more sensing probes and a communication port to facilitate data collection, transfer and analysis.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a positron emission tomography scanner of a radiation therapy device is provided. The method includes applying at least one defined radiation dose in a sample body; measuring the activity generated by the radiation dose using the positron emission tomography scanner; and calibrating the positron emission tomography scanner based on the measured activity.

Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer is disclosed wherein the ionization element is a corona discharge source (300) consisting of: a first chamber (308) provided with an inlet (309) for a gas to be analyzed and with at least one first opening (311) for communication between the internal space of the first chamber and the reaction zone of the spectrometer; a second chamber (303), contained in the first chamber, provided with an inlet (306) for an ultra-pure gas or a mixture of ultra-pure gases, and with at least one second communication opening (310, 310?) between the first and the second chamber; a pair of electrodes (304, 302?), at least one of which (304) is needle-shaped, arranged in the second chamber, with the pair of electrodes and the second opening arranged in such geometrical relationships that there is no optical path between the zone of the corona discharge and the ion detector of the IMS instrument.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to ion source and vacuum housings for use in MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry which operates with any type of mass analyzer including linear, reflector, or tandem TOF-TOF instruments. By removing the requirement for the vacuum lock, the present invention allows operation of the ion source vacuum chamber at a pressure at least two orders of magnitude higher than conventional instruments. The present invention also requires only a single valve that isolates the ion source vacuum housing from the TOF analyzer vacuum housing. This is a significant improvement over vacuum locks in the art where the valve opening must be sufficiently large to allow the sample plate to pass through.

Abstract: The invention comprises apparatus and methods for rapidly and accurately determining mass-to-charge ratios of molecular ions produced by a pulsed ionization source, and for fragmenting all of the molecular ions produced and rapidly and accurately determining the intensities and mass-to-charge ratios of the fragments produced from each molecular ion.

Abstract: A method includes: accumulating ions having a plurality of m/z values in an ion trap during a time interval; deriving from the accumulated ions a respective intensity value for each of the m/z values; and adjusting each of the intensity values as a function of the time needed by the ion trap to begin collecting ions with the corresponding m/z value. According to a different aspect, an apparatus includes a first portion with an ion trap, and a second portion. The second portion causes the ion trap to accumulate ions with a plurality of m/z values during a time interval, derives from the accumulated ions in the ion trap a respective intensity value for each of the m/z values, and adjusts each of the intensity values as a function of the time needed by the ion trap to begin collecting ions with the corresponding m/z value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a time-of-flight (TOF) mass analyzer. The system includes an analyzer vacuum housing isolated from the evacuated ion source vacuum housing by a gate valve maintained at ground potential. A pulsed ion source is located within the ion source housing, and the gate valve is located in a first field-free region at ground potential. A second field-free drift space within the analyzer housing is biased at high voltage with opposite polarity to the voltage applied to the pulsed ion source. Novel ion detectors are provided with input surfaces in electrical contact with the second field-free drift space with output connected to an external digitizer at ground potential.

Abstract: Many applications in the study of metabolics and proteomics require measurements on peptides and small molecules with high resolving power and mass accuracy. These are often present in complex mixtures and sensitivity over a relatively broad mass range, speed of analysis, reliability, and ease of use are very important. The present invention is a time-of-flight mass spectrometer providing optimum performance for these and similar applications.

Abstract: The present invention comprises apparatus and methods for rapidly and accurately determining mass-to-charge ratios of molecular ions produced by a pulsed ionization source, and for fragmenting substantially all of the molecular ions produced while rapidly and accurately determining the intensities and mass-to-charge ratios of the fragments produced from each molecular ion.

Abstract: LC/MS data generated by an LC/MS system is analyzed to determine groupings of ions associated with originating molecules. Ions arc grouped initially according to retention time, for example, using retention time or chromatographic peaks in mass chromatograms. After initial groupings are determined based on retention time, ion peak shapes are compared to determine whether ions should be excluded. Ions having peak shapes not matching other ions, or alternatively a reference peak shape, are excluded from the group.

Abstract: The TOF mass spectrometer disclosed places an even number of ion mirrors in close proximity to a MALDI ion source and a field-free drift space between the exit from the mirrors and an ion detector. This “reversed geometry” configuration may be distinguished from a conventional reflecting TOF analyzer employing a single ion mirror where a large fraction of the total drift space is located between the ion source and the mirror.

Abstract: An ion source is disclosed for forming multiply-charged analyte ions from a solid sample. A beam of pulsed radiation is directed onto a portion of the sample to desorb analyte molecules. A retaining structure holding a solvent volume is positioned proximate the sample. Desorbed analyte molecules contact a free surface of the solvent and pass into solution. The solution is then conveyed through an outlet passageway to an electrospray apparatus, which introduces a spray of charged solvent droplets into an ionization chamber.

Abstract: A multipole mass filter having improved mass resolution. The multipole mass filer having a first electrode set coupled to at least a RF voltage source and a second electrode set interposed and parallel to the first electrode set. The second electrode set having a variable AC voltage coupled to two radially opposing electrodes of the second electrode set.

Abstract: A data processing device, comprising a plurality of emitter antennas (140) arranged on a movable data acquisition device and adapted to emit electromagnetic radiation including data acquired by the movable data acquisition device, a plurality of receiver antennas (150) each adapted to receive the electromagnetic radiation emitted by each of the plurality of emitter antennas (140), and a data processing unit (118) coupled to the plurality of receiver antennas (150) and adapted to extract the data acquired by the movable data acquisition device from the electromagnetic radiation received by the plurality of receiver antennas (150).

Abstract: A calibration standard specimen is provided to have formed therein calibrating patterns of a lattice shape discontinuously arrayed, and particular alignment patterns respectively disposed near the calibrating patterns so that the positioning of the specimen can be made to match the calibrating patterns to the measurement points.

Abstract: Inspection equipment using a microcolumn is disclosed. The inspection equipment of the present invention can conduct inspection of a fine circuit, which could not be conducted using conventional optical inspection equipment. Furthermore, the present invention can rapidly inspect a display, having a relatively large area, and can have a precise inspection function and a repair function. The inspection equipment of the present invention includes a plurality of microcolumns, a shaft, to which the microcolumns are coupled, and which is disposed in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which an object is moved, and a detector for detecting electron beams radiated from the microcolumns onto the object to determine whether errors exist in a circuit of the object.

Abstract: A mechanically stable and oriented scanning probe tip comprising a carbon nanotube having a base with gradually decreasing diameter, with a sharp tip at the probe tip. Such a tip or an array of tips is produced by depositing a catalyst metal film on a substrate (10 & 12 in FIG. 1(a)), depositing a carbon dot (14 in FIG. 1(b)) on the catalyst metal film, etching away the catalyst metal film (FIG. 1(c)) not masked by the carbon dot, removing the carbon dot from the catalyst metal film to expose the catalyst metal film (FIG. 1(d)), and growing a carbon nanotube probe tip on the catalyst film (16 in FIG. 1(e)). The carbon probe tips can be straight, angled, or sharply bent and have various technical applications.

Abstract: When conditions for an electron gun mainly represented by extraction voltage V1 and accelerating voltage V0 are changed, a charged particle beam is once focused on a fixed position by means of a condenser lens and a virtual cathode position is calculated from a lens excitation of the condenser lens at that time and the mechanical positional relation of the electron gun to set an optical condition. For more accurate setting of the optical condition, a deflecting electrode device is provided at a crossover position of the condenser lens and a voltage is applied to the deflecting electrode device at a constant period so as to control the lens excitation of the condenser lens such that the amount of movement of an image is minimized on an image display unit such as CRT.

Abstract: A micro-protruding structure which has a high positional precision and an angular (directional) precision, which is made of a linear material having a large aspect ratio, and which is provided for an analyzer, a display device, a machining device, a measuring device and an observation device. The micro-protruding structure is fabricated by growing a linear material of a carbon nano-tube from the bottom of the hole structure perforated by a focused ion beam. This permits a direction from the bottom of the hole structure to the opening to become nearly in alignment with the direction of the linear material that protrudes from the hole structure.

Abstract: An ultra-sensitive optical detector with large time resolution, using a surface plasmon. The optical detector is configured to detect at least one photon, and including a dielectric substrate, and on the substrate, at least one bolometric detection component, that generates an electrical signal from the energy of received photon(s). Additionally, at least one coupling component is formed on the substrate, distinct from the detection component and including a metal component, and generates a surface plasmon by interaction with the photon(s) and guiding the plasmon right up to the detection component, which then absorbs the energy of the surface plasmon.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for determining fuel quality and ethanol content. A mobile fuel analysis apparatus including a vehicle is provided. A database includes near-infrared spectra of standard fuel from a plurality of suppliers to establish correlation between quality parameter and the spectra of the oils. A near-infrared spectrometer is equipped on the vehicle and transported to a fuel distribution point. A near-infrared spectrum of a fuel sample is collected from the fuel distribution point. The collected spectrum is compared to the near-infrared spectra in the database, and converted into corresponding quality parameters.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically identifying and tracking a ROI over all planar acquisition view angles of a nuclear imaging system, such as a gamma camera used for SPECT or planar imaging. Temporal intensity variation in emission projection imaging is measured to identify a region of interest (ROI) such as the myocardium. The method automatically tracks the location of the ROI over different planar view angles and adapts detector head orbit and positioning to bring the ROI within a predefined preferred area or so-called “sweet spot” within the FOV of a collimator attached to the front of a scintillation detector surface. After initial positioning of the detector head by the user, the system automatically tracks the ROI location as the detector head(s) rotate about the patient and re-position the detector head(s) appropriately to maintain the ROI within the optimal collimation area of the detector FOV.

Abstract: In a radiation detector, a response is approximated as a primary delay system, and when a time constant T indicating the characteristic of the response is known, a final response value N0 is forecasted from dose rates or counting rates N1 and N2 of two points in the initial or middle stage of response. When the time constant T is unknown, the final response value N0 is forecasted from dose rates or counting rates N1, N2, and N3 of three points in the initial or middle stage of response. Simultaneously, a time constant is obtained and the soundness of the radiation detector is also evaluated. Thereby, a dose rate in an existence field of radiation or a counting rate in an existence field of radioactive materials is quickly and accurately forecasted, whereby the measurement time is shortened.

Abstract: An infrared (IR) radiation detector adapted to detect IR radiation by measuring pneumatic expansion of a sense chamber that is caused by a temperature increase within that chamber due to the absorbed energy of the IR radiation. A reference chamber mechanically coupled to the sense chamber controls the pneumatic expansion of the sense-chamber. The expansion is detected either electrically or optically.

Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting radiation are described. A detector for detecting radiation comprises a housing containing an ionisable gas, an array of anode wires extending substantially in a first plane, and arranged to be held at a first potential for attracting electrons, and at least one cathode wire spaced in a predetermined relationship from the anode wires, arranged to be held at a second, lower potential. The detector further comprises at least one additional electrode positioned adjacent a periphery of the array of anode wires, and arranged to be held at a third potential, greater than the second potential. A window for a radiation detector is described and comprising a housing containing an ionisable gas is also described. The window comprises a layer formed of an electrically conductive material forming an electrode, a layer formed of a plastic, arranged to support the layer formed of electrically conductive material, and a layer of gas impermeable material.

Abstract: A detector is provided that includes a plurality of layered hemispherically shaped elements. Each element is configured to sense the detection of an event. The detector further includes a lead for each element. Each lead is configured to pass a detection signal when its associate element detects an event.

Abstract: The invention refers to X-ray devices, an X-ray detector and a method of correcting intensity signals. An X-ray detector then comprises for determining the intensity of X-rays, which comprise a proportion of primary radiation having an irradiation direction and a proportion of scattered radiation, at least a first sensor elements, which are each provided for converting the X-rays into first and second intensity signals, and a filter element, which is provided for decreasing the proportion of scattered radiation in the intensity of the X-rays, wherein the second sensor elements are arranged in irradiation direction behind the filter element and wherein the first sensor element fastened to the filter element is provided for determining the intensity of the X-rays before leaving the filter element. The proportion of the scattered radiation calculated from the measuring data of the first and second sensor elements is provided for correcting the second intensity signals for the following image generation.

Abstract: An electron emitter for a display provides an electron source, an electron accelerator, an electron collector disposed between the electron source and the electron accelerator, and one or more electron deflectors to selectively deflect electrons in an electron beam or electron plane towards the electron collector phosphorous coating on a display screen, within a non-metallic vacuum chamber having an adjustable vacuum. Pinhead electrode electron deflectors may each control one color of a pixel, and each set of three adjacent pinhead electrodes may comprise a complete pixel on the display screen.

Abstract: A spectroscopic based optical fiber sensor includes a sensitive optical fiber, a probing light source, a power supply, a detector means, a signal processing means, and a display means. The sensitive optical fiber is optically affected by the presence of at least one measurand. The probing light source, adjacent to the sensitive fiber, transversely illuminates the fiber from the outside. The probing light is modified by the sensitive fiber, coupled into the optical fiber core, either as bound modes or leaky modes, as a light signal and guided to a detector means located at the terminus of the optical fiber. The detector means correlates the intensity of the light signal with an electric signal and transmits the electric signal to the signal processing means, wherein the electric signal is correlated to the quantity being measured. The correlated quantity being transmitted and displayed on the display means.

Abstract: A system and method of hyperspectral chemical imaging (fluorescence or absorption based) to provide an automated approach for a more detailed analysis of disease status of a biological sample. When a biological sample is labeled with a fluorescent or light-absorbing contrast-enhancing agent, interactions between the contrast-enhancing agent and one or more constituents (or cellular components) of the biological sample may be manifested through spectral contents of a plurality of regions in a hyperspectral chemical image of the sample. Observations of such manifestations through analysis of corresponding spectral contents may greatly assist a user (e.g., a pathologist) in detecting and differentiating diseased portions of the stained sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a luminescence sensor (10), such as a luminescence biosensor or a luminescence chemical sensor, comprising at least one aperture (1) having a first lateral dimension larger than the diffraction limit of excitation radiation (3) in a medium the at least one aperture (1) is filled with and a second lateral dimension below the diffraction limit of excitation radiation (3) in a medium the at least one aperture (1) is filled with. The invention furthermore relates to a method for the detection of luminescence radiation (5), e.g. fluorescence radiation, generated by at least one optically variable molecule (2), e.g. fluorophore, in the at least one aperture (1). The excitation radiation (3) is preferably polarised to suppress the excitation radiation (3) in the apertures (1). The luminescence sensor (10) according to the present invention is able to detect relatively low concentrations of optically variable molecules (2), e.g. fluorophores.

Abstract: An Ag film as a light-reflecting film is formed on one surface of an a-C substrate of a scintillator panel. The entire surface of the Ag film is covered with an SiN film for protecting the Ag film. A scintillator having a columnar structure, which converts an incident radiation into visible light, is formed on the surface of the SiN film. The scintillator is covered with a polyparaxylylene film together with the substrate.

Abstract: There is provided a material activating device capable of being formed in any one of various shapes and having an improved material activating effect. A material activating device formed by superposing a plurality of polymer film 31 each having one surface coated with a metal film 32, and radioactive layer 33 of a radioactive means has a very small thickness and is very flexible. The metal films 32 are insulated from each other by the electrically insulating polymer films 31 and are spaced from each other by a distance corresponding to the thickness of the polymer films 31. Consequently, the material activating effect of the radioactive rays emitted by the radioactive layer 33 of the radioactive means is enhanced.

Abstract: A low maintenance path tracing apparatus comprising at least one marker including an emitter of a tracer signal and a receiving medium for recording the path of the tracer signal. The apparatus further includes a power providing arrangement comprising a base unit which wirelessly provides power to the marker for powering the emitter.

Abstract: Various mechanisms are provided relating to plasma-based light source that may be used for lithography as well as other applications. For example, a device is disclosed for producing extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light based on a sheared plasma flow. The device can produce a plasma pinch that can last several orders of magnitude longer than what is typically sustained in a Z-pinch, thus enabling the device to provide more power output than what has been hitherto predicted in theory or attained in practice. Such power output may be used in a lithography system for manufacturing integrated circuits, enabling the use of EUV wavelengths on the order of about 13.5 nm. Lastly, the process of manufacturing such a plasma pinch is discussed, where the process includes providing a sheared flow of plasma in order to stabilize it for long periods of time.

Abstract: A radiation attenuating head cover configured to at least partially cover a head of a user is disclosed. The radiation attenuating head cover includes a radiation attenuating portion positionable across a forehead of the user and extending in a vertical direction between an upper edge and a lower edge. The lower edge is configured to remain above the eyes and ears of the user. The radiation attenuating head cover also includes an attachment device for securing the radiation attenuation head cover to the user. The radiation attenuating portion is configured to protect the user from radiation during a radiological procedure.

Abstract: A light source having a first mixing chamber, a light pipe structure, and a controller is disclosed. The first mixing chamber includes a first plurality of LEDs, the first mixing chamber having a first transparent window through which light from the first plurality of LEDs exits the first mixing chamber. The light pipe structure has a first end optically coupled to the window such that light from the first plurality of LEDs enters the first end and a second end through which the light exits. The controller determines the power that is applied to the first plurality of LEDs and includes a photodetector optically coupled to the second end of the light pipe structure. The photodetector generates signals indicative of an intensity of light generated by the LEDs, the controller causing the LEDs to be powered such that the signal matches a target value.