Abstract: A device for raising and lowering an adapter. A slider having an adapter fastened thereto is assembled to a frame such that the slider can be raised and lowered, and hinge parts of a lever moving member having a stop lever assembled thereto are assembled to hinge parts of the frame by way of springs. The stop lever is always biased toward stopper grooves of the slider by spring force of the springs so that engagement teeth of the stop lever are engaged in the stopper grooves so as to maintain the slider in a fixed state. When the stop lever is moved rightward by manipulating the lever moving member, the engagement teeth of the stop lever are disengaged from the stopper grooves of the slider so that the slider can be freely raised and lowered.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a bracket for mounting a vertical cable manager to a rack. The bracket includes a first portion extending in a first direction, a second portion extending from the first portion in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and a third portion extending from the second portion in a third direction substantially perpendicular to the second direction and substantially parallel to the first direction. The first portion of the bracket is adapted to be snap-fitted to the vertical cable manager.

Abstract: There is provided a support device (10) comprising a peripheral region (14), in the form of a closed loop and arranged to receive a receptacle, such as a synthetic plastics bag or refuse sack; a lid (12) being hinged to said peripheral region (14) and arranged to close over said region (14) when desired; at least one clip adapted to engage with the peripheral region (14) so as to retain the receptacle in a position; and a handle (16) for carrying the support device (10).

Abstract: In an apparatus support console comprising a pedestal having a foot, a support column extending from the foot and pivot joint structures supported on the column and carrying an apparatus or an apparatus holder, a telescopic member is pivotally supported on the column that is between the pivot joint structures so as to be extendable or retractable and the telescopic structure is provided with locking means for locking the telescopic member to permit secure positioning of the apparatus and locking it in any position convenient to a user of an apparatus supported by the support console.

Abstract: A support for supporting an object such as audiovisual equipment within a motor vehicle in operable position for viewing by passengers of the motor vehicle. The support may comprise an expansible post comprising spring urged telescoping sections and an adjustable shelf. The shelf may comprise a collar having a setscrew enabling selective positioning of the shelf along the post both along the length and also at a selected angular orientation. A variable length arm may fix the shelf at a selected orientation within a range from vertical to horizontal when the post is vertically mounted within the motor vehicle. The post may have a soft pad for protecting the ceiling surface of the motor vehicle. The spring may be exposed at the bottom end of the post.

Abstract: The Vehicle Headrest Accessory (VHR) mount is a direct substitution part for the OEM installed headrest in commercially manufactured vehicles. The VHR mount is only an accessory mounting structure or framework which utilizes the existing support structure or framework of a vehicle seat equipped with an adjustable headrest. The VHR mount is an improvement of a vehicle seat manufactured or adapted to receive an adjustable headrest and it is a unique item of manufacture in its spirit, purpose, and scope by providing surface area to attach unspecified accessories in an otherwise occupied space.

Abstract: The disclosed bracket has bottom and side walls configured to define an open top channel sized to removably receive with limited side clearance a toll transducer until resting against the bottom wall. An opening or break in one of the side walls exposes the operative face of the transducer. A tab formed off a bracket wall is used to secure the bracket to a vehicle, typically a motorcycle, with the operative face of the transponder positioned forwardly. The positioned transponder can sense a toll charging signal from an authorizing toll collecting transmitter. A successful signal connection with a cash rich transponder will thus provide payment of the needed vehicle toll. The vehicle operator need not hold or handle the transponder during toll payments, making this arrangement particularly advantageous for use on motorcycles, where two hand motorcycle operations might be preferred.

Abstract: A hanger and method for hanging is disclosed, the hanger for the purposes of hanging objects on substantially vertical surfaces such as walls, beams and posts. The hanger comprises a single-piece bracket of substantially flat suitable material. One portion of the bracket is attachable to the object to be hung using fasteners or other means and supports the weight of the object on support hardware using a concave support edge. The support edge is a tapered concave edge which may have a slotted center designed to fit typically used vertical support hardware (such as nails, screws of pegs) extending from a substantially vertical support surface such as a wall, beam or post. Another portion of the bracket extends away from the support edge and beyond the outer edge of the object to be hanged and includes a fastener opening for securing the alignment of the object relative to the vertical support using typical fasteners (such as nails or screws).

Abstract: Arrangements and methods for connecting and mounting decorative ornaments, for example, beads, crystals, or gems, are disclosed. The arrangements and methods are particularly useful in mounting ornaments in decorative fixtures, such as chandeliers. In one aspect, an arrangement is provided that includes a first ornament having two mounting apertures and a second ornament having at least one mounting aperture; and at least one connector for connecting the first ornament to the second ornament whereby when hung the two apertures of the first ornament are laterally disposed from each other. Multiple pre-formed connectors are disclosed for use in connecting ornaments, such as ornament chains. Mounting hooks, mounting devices, and mounting arrangements are also provided for attaching ornaments to a support, for instance, mounting devices fabricated from thin plate, for example, by laser cutting.

Abstract: A mounting clip for mounting a component on a supporting part having an aperture includes a head section for attaching the component. A shank section is insertable in the aperture. At least two latching fingers are resiliently held apart from the head section on opposite shank section sides which spread outward toward the head section. At free ends the latching fingers have latching surfaces that rest against a supporting part underside when the mounting clip is inserted in the aperture. The shank section has on one side which extends perpendicular to the sides having the latching fingers, a contact surface that is supported on the aperture inner edge, and has on the side opposite the contact surface an elastically resilient rib or tongue that is supported with a preload against the aperture inner edge after the mounting clip is placed in the aperture.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for supporting a plurality of different shaped and sized containers in an inverted position for draining the containers. The apparatus can support the different shaped and sized containers through a plurality of retaining structures within the apparatus. Advantageously, the apparatus provides universal support in a single structure for small containers (e.g., cosmetic bottle, etc.) up to large containers (e.g., laundry detergent, shampoo, etc.).

Abstract: An adjustable lamp holder has a mounting structure arrayed about a longitudinal axis. A pair of hollow pivot pillars extends from the mounting structure parallel to the longitudinal axis and a receptacle is positioned on the mounting structure parallel to the longitudinal axis and substantially opposite the pivot pillars. A body with a body axis coaxial with the longitudinal axis has a pair of pivots formed thereon for engaging the pivot pillars. A projection is formed on the body substantially opposite the pivots and an angle adjuster, having a proximal end and a distal end, has the proximal end positioned in the projection and the distal end positioned in the receptacle. Movement of the angle adjuster tips the angle of the lamp.

Abstract: A device for displaying and holding mat board corner samples is provided. The device includes two end members, between which mat board corner samples can be seated. The end members may include a plurality of notches so that a plurality of generally L-shape mat board corner samples can be seated at varying offsets relative to each other. The end members may alternatively include flat surfaces so that generally chevron-shaped mat board corner samples can be slidably seated between the end members at varying offsets relative to each other. The end members are attached to a support and can be removable seated on a display board. Art work can be removable mounted on the display board as well. Thus, mat board corner samples that are seated between the two end members can be displayed in conjunction with art work to be framed.

Abstract: A suspension device has a first body and a second body which, when secured together, define a channel in between to accommodate an elongated horizontal member. Each of the first body and the second body includes a suspension plate having a suspension plate aperture positioned intermediate the upper end and lower end; a lower mounting plate extending perpendicularly from the inside face at the lower end of the suspension plate; and an upper mounting plate extending perpendicularly from the inside face at the upper end of the suspension plate. The first body and the second body are secured together around an elongated horizontal member by overlapping the lower mounting plates and extending a first fastener though a lower mounting plate aperture of both the first and second bodies, and by extending a second fastener through the suspension plate aperture of the first and second bodies.

Abstract: A lift system for a panel, provided with a chain, a drive and a housing, wherein the housing is arranged to attach the system to a frame, wall and/or ceiling, wherein, near an end, the chain is arranged to attach a panel, wherein the drive is arranged to retract at least the end of the chain into the housing and to release it from the housing for storing and releasing the panel, respectively, wherein at least a number of successive links of the chain are pivotable relative to one another as far as a stop under the influence of gravity, so that, in use, back parts of the links, of at least a released part of the chain, form an arc.

Abstract: An adjusting device with a diminutive adjustment has an inner tube, an outer tube, an adjusting seat, and a diminutive positioning assembly. The inner tube is movably mounted in the outer tube. The outer tube has a through hole. The adjusting seat is mounted on the outer tube and covers the through hole of the outer tube and has a recess. The diminutive positioning assembly is mounted in the recess of the adjusting seat and has an operating tab. It is convenient and safe to operate the operating tab to diminutively position tan armrest the support or the like of a chair or an exercise machine.

Abstract: A suction cup comprising: a convex surface; a concave surface located on an opposite side of the convex surface; a perimeter located on an outer edge of the concave surface; a concentrated pressure band located on the concave surface when the suction cup is in use; and at least one annular band of soft, resilient and sticky material located on the concave surface.

Abstract: An actuation lever according is provided for a longitudinal adjustment device of a car seat, and includes, but is not limited to a gripping section, which a person uses to grab the actuation lever, and at least one attachment section for mechanically coupling the lever with a locking unit of the longitudinal adjustment device. The actuation lever is at least section ally, but preferably completely, made out of an injection molded plastic part.

Abstract: A mechanical structure is provided with a crystalline superelastic alloy that is characterized by an average grain size and that is characterized by a martensitic phase transformation resulting from a mechanical stress input greater than a characteristic first critical stress. A configuration of the superelastic alloy is provided with a geometric structural feature of the alloy that has an extent that is no greater than about 200 micrometers and that is no larger than the average grain size of the alloy. This geometric feature is configured to accept a mechanical stress input.

Abstract: A non-conductive stabilizer bar device for aligning and stabilizing fine pitch electronic components, specifically a nanominiature connector, while these components are being mounted to a printed circuit board. The stabilizer bar device provides for alignment and stability in the all directions. The stabilizer bar device provides a series of grooves having detents that come into contact with fine pitch electronic leads and hold fast the fine pitch electronic leads providing stability by maintaining the true positioning of the terminal ends of the contacts.

Abstract: Methods for reducing vibration or noise from the exhaust system of a motor vehicle, especially of an automobile, by producing a thermoplastic vulcanizate muffler hanger and mounting it between the exhaust system and the body of the motor vehicle. Also, the thermoplastic vulcanizate muffler hangers so produced.

Abstract: Various structures, such as microstructures and wall-like structures, can include parts or surfaces that are oblique. In some implementations, a cantilevered element includes a spring-like portion with a uniformly oblique surface or with another artifact of an oblique radiation technique. In some implementations, when a deflecting force is applied, a spring-like portion can provide deflection and spring force within required ranges. Various oblique radiation techniques can be used, such as radiation of a layer through a prism, and structures having spring-like portions with oblique radiation artifacts can be used in various applications, such as with downward or upward deflecting forces.

Abstract: A filling machine assembly having supports for supporting any suitable fixture. At least one of the supports includes a plurality of modules with each of the modules including at least one coupling member for interlocking adjoining modules to form a continuous uninterrupted support. The modules can include sides with at least one coupling member mounted to each side. The coupling members are preferably complementary in configuration with each other for interlocking the first and second modules.

Abstract: A machine and method are disclosed for deconstructing walls and other substantially vertical surfaces. The machine comprises a static, stand-alone support-frame. A carriage is movably mounted on the support-frame, which carriage can be raised and lowered along the support-frame. The carriage includes a carrier-bar, which may be straight or curved. One or more nozzles are mounted to the carrier-bar by means of a nozzle carrier that moves back and forth along the length of the carrier-bar. The nozzles are connected to a high-pressure supply of an erosive material, preferably water. The erosive material, when forced through the nozzles, form jet streams that are directed against the surface of the workface, thereby eroding the surface. Optionally, the invention comprises means of yawing and rotating the nozzles, and means of adjusting the nozzles towards or away from the workface. Optionally, the invention comprises a work platform mounted on the support-frame.

Abstract: A device for the support and linear movement of a rotohammer. The device includes an elongated shaft, pole or rail having a first end, and a second end, the latter proximate to an object to be drilled and having a longitudinal axis. An L-shaped bracket is provided having a first leg slidably mounted on the elongated shaft, pole or rail along its longitudinal axis and a second leg projecting perpendicularly from the first leg, the L-shaped bracket being sized to receive and support the rotohammer. A handle is pivotable on the elongated shaft, pole or rail and a linkage bridging the handle and L-shaped bracket is movable by movement of the handle such that in moving the handle from a first at rest position to a second position, the L-shaped bracket is caused to move along the elongated shaft, pole or rail toward its second end for extending the rotohammer in the direction of the object to be drilled.

Abstract: A foot device for wooden furniture includes a main body made of a wood-plastic composite and having a top end, a bottom end, and an outer peripheral face which interconnects the top and bottom ends and which has a plurality of interconnected flat face portions each extending from the bottom end to the top end. A plurality of decorative layers are respectively attached to the flat face portions and each have a wood grain pattern. A screw rod is fixed to the main body, is surrounded by the flat face portions, and projects upwardly from the top end of the main body. The foot device has a wood-like appearance and can be produced from waste wood.

Abstract: A multi-purpose part (32), comprising: a frusto-conical projection (322?) in a lower end INF; a frusto-conical housing (322) in an upper end SUP, arranged to match the frusto-conical housing (322?); a falling mortar pipe (326) extending from the upper end SUP to the lower end INF of the pillar and having, at the lower end (INF), a portion (326?) which curves from a downward vertical plane toward a front face of the frusto-conical projection (322?) for the introduction of mortar; a rising mortar pipe (327) extending from the lower end INF to the upper end SUP of the pillar and having, at the lower end INF, a portion (327?) which is bent from a horizontal plane toward an upward vertical plane so that the mortar introduced rises until a cavity defined by the mortar pipes (326, 327), the frusto-conical housing (322) and the frusto-conical projection (322?) is filled.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of fabricating a mould and the mould fabricated by such method. The mould is fabricated by providing a support structure having a predefined shape; applying a heat distribution layer on the support structure; applying a heating element network upon the heat distribution layer; applying at least one glass composition layer upon the heating element network; applying a resin composition to each of the heating element network and the at least one glass composition layer; and integrating the heat distribution layer, heating element network, the at least one glass composition layer and the resin composition to form a mould unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a form aligner for concrete formwork, having a fastening part that extends along an axis (A), with a base for purposes of placement onto a structural component and having an opening with an abutment for a fastening element as well as at least one form alignment contact point for a formwork wall. With such a form aligner, several elongated form alignment contact points running coaxially to the axis (A) are provided, of which at least two form alignment contact points constitute form alignment pairs that are in a shared plane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photopolymerization device (100) comprising a polymerization light source (111) and optical means (113) for guiding and/or directing the light energy produced by said source towards a zone photopolymerizable material. The photopolymerization device (100) further comprises means (117, 118) for measuring the intensity of the light reflected by the material for polymerizing, and in that said intensity measurement means are in communication with processor and control means (300) for controlling the light source and responding to the intensity measurement to adjust automatically at least the duration of the illumination by the light source (111) as a function of the measured intensity of said reflected light.

Abstract: A physiological sensor includes a light source in optical communication with a light detector. A controller is in communication with the light detector via a connector. A booster circuit is in communication with the light detector and the connector. The booster circuit may be configured to buffer signals generated by the light detector and reduce an input capacitance on either the controller or terminals of the connector. In various embodiments, the booster circuit may be disposed on the connector for a reusable cable or a disposable sensor pad.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a unit cell is provided. The unit cell may include a high sensitivity path and a low sensitivity path. The high sensitivity path may include a first transistor and a first switch. The first switch may couple an output node to the first transistor. The low sensitivity path may include a capacitor. A second switch may couple the high sensitivity path to the low sensitivity path. A third switch may couple the high sensitivity path and the low sensitivity path to a voltage node.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solid-state imaging device including: a pixel part configured to include a plurality of light receiving regions corresponding to different wavelengths; and an element isolator configured to separate the plurality of light receiving regions from each other in such a way that each of the light receiving regions in the pixel part has a size suited to an energy profile of light irradiation with a wavelength handled by the light receiving region.

Abstract: A solid state imaging device comprises a pixel unit, a first controller, and a second controller. The pixel unit has a two dimensional matrix of pixels and each of the pixels is arrayed in the matrix. The first controller independently controls the output unit row by row. The second controller independently controls the first reset unit row by row. The each of pixels comprises a photoelectric conversion element, a first reset unit, a charge retention unit, a transmitter, a second reset unit, and an output unit. The element converts incident light into a signal charge and accumulates the converted signal charge. The first reset unit resets the signal charge. The charge retention unit retains a signal charge output from the photoelectric conversion element. The transmitter transmits the signal charge to the charge retention unit. The second reset unit resets the signal charge. The output unit outputs a pixel signal in response to the signal charge to a vertical signal line.

Abstract: One sensor pixel includes amplifying transistor, coupled between first bias line and data line; switch transistor, operated by control line and coupled between data line and gate of amplifying transistor; storage capacitor, coupled to second bias line; and sensor being coupled to gate of amplifying transistor. Another sensor pixel includes first amplifying transistor coupled between first bias line and data line; second amplifying transistor being coupled between second bias line and data line; switch transistor being operated by control line and being coupled between data line and gates of first and second amplifying transistors; storage capacitor coupled to gates of first and second amplifying transistors; and sensor coupled to gates of first and second amplifying transistors. Further sensor pixel includes two photo transistors connected to first and second bias lines.

Abstract: In a semiconductor device, where, with respect to a parasitic resistor in a current mirror circuit, a compensation resistor for compensating the parasitic resistor is provided in the current mirror circuit, the current mirror circuit includes at least two thin film transistors. The thin film transistors each have an island-shaped semiconductor film having a channel formation region and source or drain regions, a gate insulating film, a gate electrode, and source or drain electrodes, and the compensation resistor compensates the parasitic resistor of any one of the gate electrode, the source electrode, and the drain electrode. In addition, each compensation resistor has a conductive layer containing the same material as the gate electrode, the source or drain electrodes, or the source or drain regions.

Abstract: The invention provides a semiconductor apparatus provided with at least one set of buried channel type first conductive type MOS transistor and surface channel type first conductive type MOS transistor on the same substrate, in which a first conductive type impurity region is provided below a gate electrode of the buried channel type and surface channel type MOS transistors and between source drain regions. Further, the invention provides a solid state image pickup device having a photoelectric conversion portion and a pixel including a plurality of transistors formed in correspondence to the photoelectric conversion portion, in a substrate, wherein the plurality of transistors includes a buried channel type first conductive type MOS transistor and a surface channel type first conductive type MOS transistor, and a first conductive type impurity region is provided below a gate electrode of the buried channel type and surface channel type MOS transistors and between source drain regions.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment comprises a method and system for generating an image of a subject or area comprising a processor; at least one incoherent light source which illuminates the subject or area; a first receiver for receiving light reflected from the subject or area operatively connected to the processor; a second receiver for receiving light from at least one incoherent light source operatively connected to the processor; the first receiver collecting the amount of light reflected from the subject and transmit a value at specific intervals of time; the second receiver comprising a second detector which detects and transmits spatial information regarding the incoherent light source independent of any data concerning the subject at specific intervals of time; wherein the processor correlates the value transmitted by the first receiver with the spatial information derived from the second receiver at correlating intervals of time to create an image of the subject or area.

Abstract: An optical device includes a first optical component and a second optical component that are adjacent to each other in a direction of an optical axis. The optical device further includes a holding member that is formed with a resin material absorbing laser beams and that holds the first optical component via an elastic property of the resin material. The second optical component is formed with a resin material that allows the laser beams to pass and that is compatible with the resin material forming the holding member, and is fixed to the holding member by laser welding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for detecting the emission of a target particle (6) at an emission wavelength, said device comprising: a photo-detector (2, 2A, 2B) comprising a sensitive detection surface having a high optical index; wherein said target particle (6) can be positioned in the vicinity of said sensitive surface in an analysis medium (13) having a low optical index; said device being characterised in that it further comprises: a mask (3) covering said sensitive surface, said mask including at least one area (4) opaque at said emission wavelength and at least one hole (5), said hole being capable of receiving the target particle; and in that the mask includes at least one interface; 7 said device further comprising at least one groove (10, 10A, 10B) provided at said interface, each of said at least one groove surrounding each of said at least one hole.

Abstract: Multispectral filter arrays and methods of making and using the arrays are described herein. Multispectral imaging systems and methods of making and using the systems are also described. A multispectral filter array includes a mosaic of light sensitive elements that includes a first element sensitive to a first narrow spectral region, a second element sensitive to a second narrow spectral region, and a third element sensitive to a third narrow spectral region. A multispectral imaging system includes an illumination system having at least three lighting elements, each of which are configured to transmit light at a different wavelength, and the multispectral filter array.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical measurement system and method for monitoring the condition of a sail, the system comprising: an optical interrogation unit that produces and receives an optical signal; and an optical fibre network that interconnects the interrogation unit with a plurality of optical sensors in communication with the sail, wherein the sensors are mounted onto the sail. The optical system measures parameters of the sail, from which shape, integrity and overall conditions of the sail can be calculated in real-time.

Abstract: An encoder and method for precisely indicating the position of a first member with respect to a second member by utilizing a pattern of machine-sensible elements carried on a track of the first member; the machine-sensible elements being located at successive incremental rotations on the track of the first member and each representing one of the binary values “0” and “1”; and a plurality of “n” sensors, wherein “n” is greater than “3”, carried by the second member at a plurality of spaced locations thereon in proximity to the track of the first member and alignable with the machine-sensible elements of the first member. Each sensor thus senses the binary value of each machine-sensible element with which it is aligned to produce an output corresponding to the binary value of the machine-sensible element with which it is aligned, whereby the outputs of all the sensors constitute a binary code, preferably a Gray code, of “n” bits identifying the position of the first member with respect to the second member.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical system that particularly allows an improved detection of signal light propagating from a light source (1) through a flat glass substrate (11). SC-modes of this signal light that would normally be totally internally reflected at the backside (10) of the substrate (11) are coupled out by a first diffractive optical element DOE (21). To map all signal light leaving the substrate (11) onto a single target location (51), a focusing lens (31) and a second DOE (41) are disposed in the optical path behind the substrate (11). The DOEs (21, 41) may for example be a ID sinusoidal grating or a 2D blaze grating. The optical system may particularly be applied in an investigation apparatus for detecting multiple spots of a fluorescent sample material.

Abstract: Filters and methods for enhancing the identification of peaks in mass spectroscopy data are disclosed. In particular, the invention encompasses methods using hole array filters for the purpose of purifying biological fluids to be used in generating mass spectra data. The methods of the present invention may be used for enhancing relevant peaks in mass spectra data for use in identifying and diagnosing diseases or for predicting responses to particular disease treatments.

Abstract: Radical anions for use in the fragmentation of positively charged biopolymer ions by means of electron transfer are produced from substances previously unknown for use as ETD production substances. The inventive substances produce radical anions that lead to electron transfer dissociations with a high yield of fragment ions. The substances have high volatility that allows them to be kept in unheated containers outside the vacuum system and transported into the vacuum system to an in vacuum electron attachment ion source via unheated lines and low molecular weights that allow the measurement of even very light fragment ions. In one embodiment, a suitable substance is 1-3-5-7-cyclooctatetraene.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods for quantifying individual amino acids in various bodily fluids obtained from a human patient. Also provided are reference ranges for normal amino acid levels in the various bodily fluids (e.g., blood plasma, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and saliva) and for various age groups (e.g., neonates, infants, children, and adults).

Abstract: The present invention is a device to restrict the sampling of analyte ions and neutral molecules from surfaces with mass spectrometry and thereby sample from a defined area or volume. In various embodiments of the present invention, a tube is used to sample ions formed with a defined spatial resolution from desorption ionization at or near atmospheric pressures. In an embodiment of the present invention, electrostatic fields are used to direct ions to either individual tubes or a plurality of tubes positioned in close proximity to the surface of the sample being analyzed. In an embodiment of the present invention, wide diameter sampling tubes can be used in combination with a vacuum inlet to draw ions and neutrals into the spectrometer for analysis. In an embodiment of the present invention, wide diameter sampling tubes in combination with electrostatic fields improve the efficiency of ion collection.

Abstract: One cycle of loop orbit is formed by two identical time-focusing unit structures (T1 and T2). Each of the time-focusing unit structures (T1 and T2) has a time-focusing point (P1) at the injection side and a time-focusing point (P2) at the ejection side. Each of them also has an injection-side free flight space (11) with a length of L1 and an ejection-side free flight space (12) with a length of L1, respectively anterior and posterior to a basic ion optical element (10) for causing ions to fly along a substantially arc-shaped orbit. Another basic ion optical element (30) having the same configuration as that of the basic ion optical element (10) is inserted to the injection-side free flight space (11) so that the distance between the ejection end of the basic ion optical element (30) and the injection end of the basic ion optical element (10) is L1?. The length L0 of the free flight space for injecting ions to the basic ion optical element (30) is set to be the value obtained by L0=2(L1+L2)?(L1?+L2).

Abstract: An interface, a scanning electron microscope and a method for observing an object that is positioned in a non-vacuum environment. The method includes: passing at least one electron beam that is generated in a vacuum environment through at least one aperture out of an aperture array and through at least one ultra thin membrane that seals the at least one aperture; wherein the at least one electron beam is directed towards the object; wherein the at least one ultra thin membrane withstands a pressure difference between the vacuum environment and the non-vacuum environment; and detecting particles generated in response to an interaction between the at least one electron beam and the object.