Abstract: A field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometer (FAIMS) has an analyte ion source assembly by which an analyte substance is ionized and supplied to the inlet of the spectrometer. The ion source assembly has an upstream source of clean, dry air and two ion sources of opposite polarity arranged at the same distance along the flow path. The ion sources are arranged so that the overall charge of the plasma produced is substantially neutral. The analyte substance is admitted via an inlet downstream of the ion sources and flows into a reaction region of enlarged cross section to slow the flow and increase the time for which the analyte molecules are exposed to the plasma.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of aligning a capillary needle, a set of electrodes, and an input to a mass spectrometer. The electrode system is formed as an assembly of two separate chips and forms an ionisation device. Each chip is formed on an insulating plastic substrate. The first chip carries mechanical alignment features for the capillary electrospray needle together with a set of partial electrodes. The second chip carries a set of partial electrodes. The complete electrode system is formed when the chips are assembled in a stacked configuration.

Abstract: An atmospheric pressure (AP) mass spectrometry ion source able to ionize analytes in liquid effluents from interfaced liquid separation techniques and from individual containers, as in microtiter plates, by direct introduction of the analyte into the ion source using a moving ribbon, wire, or belt with vaporization of the analyte and subsequent ionization using an electric discharge or photoionization. The AP source may also incorporate atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI), photoionization (APPI) and/or electrospray ionization (ESI), techniques that are commercially available. The source facilitates ionization of volatile and semivolatile compounds by applying heat from a gas stream to vaporize analyte entering the ionization region on a moving transport device. Solvent removal prior to sample entering the ionization region enables ionization of a wider range of compounds than liquid introduction APCI or APPI.

Abstract: A planar component for interfacing an atmospheric pressure ionizer to a vacuum system is described. The component combines electrostatic optics and skimmers with an internal chamber that can be filled with a gas at a prescribed pressure and is fabricated by lithography, etching and bonding of silicon.

Abstract: This invention describes an electrode structure formed from a plurality of individual electrodes, the individual electrodes being provided on separate submounts, the submounts being coupled to one another using kinematic ball mounts. Such a structure may be configured as a RF ion guide, mass filter or ion trap.

Abstract: A slider bearing for use with an apparatus comprising a vacuum chamber (11).

Abstract: An infrared sensor manufacturing method according to this invention includes a step of forming a bridge structure of an insulating material on an Si substrate, a step of forming a vanadium oxide thin film on the bridge structure by a dry film forming method, a step of irradiating laser light onto the vanadium oxide thin film to thereby change material properties thereof, a step of forming the vanadium oxide thin film with the changed material properties into a bolometer resistor having a predetermined pattern, and a step of forming a protective layer of an insulating material so as to cover the bolometer resistor having the predetermined pattern and the bridge structure.

Abstract: A photoconductive device (2) comprises a plurality of photoconductive layers (6, 8, 10, 12), each photoconductive layer comprising photoconductive material (4) and a respective plurality of electrodes (16, 18), wherein the photoconductive layers (6, 8, 10, 12) are electrically connected together.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a multiband infrared (IR) detector array includes a metallic surface having a plurality of periodic resonant structures configured to resonantly transmit electromagnetic energy in distinct frequency bands. A plurality of pixels on the array each include at least first and second resonant structures corresponding to first and second wavelengths. For each pixel, the first and second resonant structures have an associated detector and are arranged such that essentially all of the electromagnetic energy at the first wavelength passes through the first resonant structure onto the first detector, and essentially all of the electromagnetic energy at the second wavelength passes through the second resonant structure onto the second detector. In one embodiment, the resonant structures are apertures or slots, and the IR detectors may be mercad telluride configured to absorb radiation in the 8-12 ?m band. Detection of more than two wavelengths may be achieved by proper scaling.

Abstract: A method for adjusting output ratio of an optic sensor includes the following steps: measuring and obtaining a response spectrum of the optic sensor; analyzing optic response ratios of the response spectrum at different wavelengths; designing a ratio of light reception areas of the optic sensor, the design being carried out in accordance with three aspects of “the response spectrum” “a fixed proportional relationship being present between multiplication of the optic response ratio and the light reception area and an output of light current” and “a proportional relationship being present between the light reception area and the output of the light current”; and obtaining light current outputs of identical proportions (such as 1:1:1) or in a desired ratio (meaning any arbitrary ratio other than 1:1:1, such as 1:2:1, 1:2:3, or 3:4:5) in accordance with the design of the previous step.

Abstract: This bolometric detector for electromagnetic radiation comprises: a first and a second crossed bow-tie antenna intended to collect electromagnetic radiation; a resistive load coupled to said antennas in order to convert the collected electromagnetic power into calorific power; a bolometric micro bridge structure suspended above substrate by support and thermal isolation arms with the micro bridge comprising: the resistive load; a thermometric element coupled to resistive load so that its temperature can rise due to the effect of the calorific power produced. The first antenna is located outside micro bridge and is capacitively coupled with the resistive load and the second antenna is located in micro bridge and is resistively coupled with the resistive load.

Abstract: A conformal coherent wideband antenna coupled IR detector array included a plurality of unit cells each having a dimension that includes an antenna for focusing radiation onto an absorber element sized less than the dimension. In one embodiment, the absorber element may be formed of a mercury cadmium telluride alloy. According to a further embodiment, the antenna array may be fabricated using sub-wavelength fabrication processes.

Abstract: Radionuclide detection devices comprise a fluid cell comprising a flow channel for a fluid stream. A radionuclide collector is positioned within the flow channel and configured to concentrate one or more radionuclides from the fluid stream onto at least a portion of the radionuclide collector. A scintillator for generating scintillation pulses responsive to an occurrence of a decay event is positioned proximate at least a portion of the radionuclide collector and adjacent to a system for detecting the pulses. Methods of selectively detecting a radionuclide are also provided.

Abstract: A radiation detector (100) includes an array of scintillator pixels (102) in optical communication with a photosensor. The scintillator pixels (102) include a hygroscopic scintillator (104) and one or more hermetic covers (106a, 106b). A desiccant (124) may be disposed between a hermetic cover (106a) and the scintillator (104) or between the hermetic covers (106a, 106b).

Abstract: A method and system for reducing scintillator afterglow. Methods for reducing afterglow include conditioning a scintillator by exposing it to high flux densities of ionizing radiation. One technique includes operating an x-ray tube at elevated amperage.

Abstract: A radiation detector includes a neutron sensing element comprising a neutron scintillating composite material that emits a first photon having a first wavelength and an optical waveguide material having a wavelength-shifting dopant dispersed therein that absorbs the first photon emitted by the neutron scintillating composite material and emits a second photon having a second, different wavelength, and a functionalized reflective layer at an interface between the neutron scintillating composite material and the optical waveguide material. The functionalized reflective layer allows the first photon emitted by the neutron scintillating composite material to pass through and into the optical waveguide material, but prevents the second photon emitted by the optical waveguide material from passing through and into the neutron scintillating composite material.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a detector (20) of radon and its daughter products that are present in the ambient air, including in particular aerosols, characterized in that it comprises: A silicon pellet that integrates a PN junction with a deserted zone, designed to emit signals under the action of the radiation that is emitted by said radon and said daughter products, A passivation layer (22) that covers this silicon pellet and that makes it possible for the detector to work in the open air, and A conductive layer (24) that covers the passivation layer and that forms an electrode for collecting radionuclides. The invention also covers the detection device that includes said detector.

Abstract: Static electricity generated in each data line 3 at the time of manufacturing a TFT active matrix substrate 10 is discharged to a common line 110 through a bidirectional diode 30A. Since the bidirectional diode 30A is configured to have a first allowable level higher than a second allowable level of a protection circuit 112, a leak current that are generated in each data line 3 when being driven is discharged to common lines 111A, 111B through the protection circuit 112.

Abstract: Detector for detection of particle radiation, particularly particle radiation having an energy in the range of 150 eV to 300 keV, comprising at least one detector element, said detector element comprising a semiconductor detector material, at least a set of line-shaped electrodes conductively connected to at least one surface of said semiconductor detector material, each set comprising a plurality of line-shaped electrodes extending in parallel, and signal processor communicating with said line-shaped electrodes, wherein, in each set, said line-shaped electrodes are distributed with a strip pitch of less than 3 ?m, and that the thickness of said semiconductor detector material is of less than two times the strip pitch of said line-shaped electrodes.

Abstract: A charged particle optical system comprising a beamlet generator for generating a plurality of beamlets of charged particles and an electrostatic deflector for deflecting the beamlets. The electrostatic deflector comprises first and second electrodes adapted for connection to a voltage for generating an electric field between the electrodes for deflection of the beamlets, the electrodes being at least partially freestanding in an active area of the electrostatic deflector. The electrodes define at least one passing window for passage of at least a portion of the beamlets between the electrodes, the passing window having a length in a first direction and a width in a transverse direction. The system is adapted to arrange the beamlets in at least one row and to direct a single row of the beamlets through the passing window of the electrostatic deflector, the beamlets of the row extending in the first direction.

Abstract: A process of preparing a lamella from a substrate includes manufacturing a protection strip on an edge portion of the lamella to be prepared from the substrate, and preparing the lamella, wherein the manufacturing the protection strip includes a first phase of activating a surface area portion of the substrate, and a second phase of electron beam assisted deposition of the protective strip on the activated surface area portion from the gas phase.

Abstract: Systems and methods that enhance the resolution of a microscope in all three spatial dimensions. A microscope system is provided that typically includes a first objective lens (20), an illumination source that provides excitation illumination (?ex) at a first wavelength through the objective lens (20) in a first direction onto a fluorescent sample so as to induce fluorescent emission in the sample at a second wavelength (?fI) different than the first wavelength. The system also typically includes an element (60) that provides illumination at the second wavelength (?fl) to the sample in a second direction different from the first direction, and a detector (10) for detecting the fluorescent emission. The optical gain of the fluorescent emission at the second wavelength is enhanced through stimulated emission.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromagnetic radiation delivery apparatus (10) for tissue treatment, comprising a source of electromagnetic radiation (14), an emission window (16) which is optically coupled to the source of electromagnetic radiation (14) and is able to emit electromagnetic radiation, at least one recess (18) provided in a skin contact area, and a pressure gauge (20) for measuring a pressure inside the recess (18) or a pressure correlated therewith. In accordance with the invention electromagnetic radiation delivery apparatus (10) for tissue treatment comprises means (22) for creating an overpressure inside the recess (18).

Abstract: A radiotherapy apparatus controller includes: an imperfect three-dimensional data calculating unit configured to calculate an imperfect three-dimensional data based on a plurality of imperfect transmission images which is respectively imaged from a plurality of imperfect directions except a predetermined direction among a plurality of directions different from each other; an imaging unit configured to image an additional transmission image from the predetermined direction by using an imager system; a perfect three-dimensional data calculating unit configured to calculate a perfect three-dimensional data based on the additional transmission image and the imperfect three-dimensional data; and a position calculating unit configured to calculate a position of a part of a subject inside based on the perfect three-dimensional data. The radiotherapy apparatus controller can faster calculate the position with higher precision.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing electromagnetic radiation includes a flow generator configured to generate a flow of liquid along an inside surface of an envelope, first and second electrodes configured to generate an electrical arc within the envelope to produce the electromagnetic radiation, and an exhaust chamber extending outwardly beyond one of the electrodes, configured to accommodate a portion of the flow of liquid. In another aspect, the flow generator is electrically insulated. In another aspect, the electrodes are configured to generate an electrical discharge pulse to produce an irradiance flash, and the apparatus includes a removal device configured to remove particulate contamination from the liquid, the particulate contamination being released during the flash and being different than that released by the electrodes during continuous operation.

Abstract: A tunable radiation emitting structure comprising a discontinuous conducting interface having periodic or quasi-periodic features, wherein the structure emits narrowband terahertz radiation when heated is disclosed.

Abstract: A thermostatic device for selectively opening and closing one of more apertures used for controlling the flow of a coolant fluid includes a housing, at least one fixed element and at least one moveable element. The at least one fixed element is fixedly interconnected to the housing. The at least one moveable is moveably connected to the housing. A fluid path passes through the fixed element and the moveable element. The fluid path is opened and closed in response to movement of the moveable element relative to the fixed element such that when the moveable element is in a first position the fluid path is closed and when the moveable element is in a second position the fluid path is open. A temperature responsive bi-metal element is coupled to the moveable element for moving the moveable element between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: Modular in-line fluid regulators are described. An example fluid regulator apparatus includes a fluid regulator comprising a body defining a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet. The fluid inlet port is configured to interchangeably receive a coupling associated with one-stage fluid regulation or a modular in-line fluid regulator associated with two-stage fluid regulation. The modular in-line fluid regulator is configured to be positioned substantially within the fluid inlet port to change the fluid regulator apparatus from a one-stage fluid regulator to a two-stage fluid regulator. The fluid regulator apparatus includes a diaphragm operatively coupled to a valve assembly to control a flow of fluid through the valve assembly based on a pressure of the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A valve assembly comprising a pilot valve; a solenoid; and a main valve, the main valve having an actuator in communication with a pressure control; the pilot valve may facilitate opening the main valve in proportion to an energized level of the solenoid. The solenoid may move the first disc to isolate the inlet port from the pressure control and/or move the second disc to communicate the outlet port with the pressure control. The actuator may move the second disc to isolate the outlet port from the pressure control and/or move the first disc to communicate the inlet port with the pressure control. The pilot valve may isolate both the inlet port and the outlet port from the pressure control when the pilot valve experiences forces in equilibrium from the solenoid and the actuator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flow control valve that is capable of rapidly supplying hot water at a user's desired temperature by promptly controlling the opening rate of a valve depending on the flow of supplied direct water. In order to implement this, the flow control valve according to the present invention includes a motor that rotates in both directions; an opening and closing member that reciprocates by rotation of the motor to control the opening rate of a channel; a position varying member of which a position varies integrally with the opening and closing member by the rotation of the motor; and a valve opening rate sensing unit that senses the opening rate of the valve from an output voltage varying depending on the position of the position varying member.

Abstract: In order to improve the durability of a rotor, a flow channel switching valve is provided, which includes a stator having a contact plane and a rotor having a contact plane. The stator has circulation openings on the contact plane, and the circulation openings are respectively connected to a plurality of flow channels. The rotor has at least one groove for communicating two of the circulation openings of the stator. The rotor is forced to press against the contact plane of the stator to rotationally slide, so as to switch the circulation openings of the stator that need to be communicated. Polishing is performed on the contact plane of the stator after being applied with a diamond like carbons coating. Furthermore, the contact plane of the rotor is made of a resin.

Abstract: An electromagnetic hydraulic valve (1) is provided having a valve housing (2) with a pressurized hydraulic medium inlet channel (24), a pressurized hydraulic medium outlet channel (25), a magnet coil (3), and a valve seat (23), with a magnet armature (9) that can be excited by the magnet coil and a valve tappet (10, 10?) fixed on this armature. A valve-closing element (13) is activated by the valve tappet and that blocks the connection between the pressurized hydraulic medium channels for contact on the valve seat. The magnet armature with the valve tappet and the valve-closing element are guided so that they can move longitudinally in the valve housing and the valve tappet and the valve-closing element contact each other with facing longitudinal end sides (26, 27) in a way that is free from tensile forces.

Abstract: A fluid conduit connector apparatus that approximates pneumatic characteristics of a removed pneumatic system component when a fluid conduit is removed from a pneumatic system. The fluid conduit connector apparatus includes a port portion having a valve disposed therein. The valve closes to provide a reduced fluid orifice when a fluid conduit is removed from the port. The reduced fluid orifice is configured to provide pneumatic characteristics of the device being disconnected.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a ball valve structure which provide for an improved seal in a trunnion mounted, double piston ball valve, which is especially useful in applications requiring a seal against high pressures, such as in the oil, gas and chemical process industries. Higher pressures on an inlet side of the valve are used, while the valve moves toward and is maintained in a valve closed position, to create movement of a ball element of the valve so as to bias the ball element against both piston seat elements (or rings) used to create the seals. This movement of the ball element thereby effectively uses such upstream pressure to create and enhance a seal between the ball element and both piston seat elements while in the valve closed position.

Abstract: A butterfly valve (1) for media under pressure includes a housing (2) having a passage (4) for the medium and a butterfly (6), which is positioned as a shut-off member within the passage (4). The butterfly (6) is pivotable by means of a shaft (10), which is rotatably mounted at two ends and extends transversely through the passage (4), about an axis of rotation (12) in such a manner that, in an open position, it is orientated with its disc plane approximately corresponding to the direction of the passage and in a shut-off position, lying transversely relative to the passage direction, interacts with a sealing seat (16) on the housing so as to provide a circumferential seal.

Abstract: A valve body 3 is provided at its one side with a part for receiving an operation tool which turns a valve spindle, the valve body further provided at the other side with a part for mounting a connection tool 8 by which an external piping is attached and detached, and the valve body 3 moreover provided at the middle with a part 33 having a non-round cross section and a part 34 concaved from the outside surface of the part 33. A support member 4 consists of an engaging section 43 which engages with the part 33 to restrict or prevent the valve body 3 from turning and shifting in position, and an engaging section 44 which engages with the part 34 to restrict or prevent the valve body 3 from axially shifting in position.

Abstract: A pressure control valve has a non-uniformly tapered valve bore that has an increasing diameter as it extends downstream. An interface angle, defined in part between a valve ball and the valve bore in the area of the smallest gap between them, increases as the valve ball is increasingly displaced away from a valve seat of the valve bore.

Abstract: A seal arrangement for a fluid device includes a seal member that is disposed in a first groove formed in a body and one or more backup members disposed in a second groove formed in the body, with a shoulder between the first and second grooves against which the seal member is supported. The fluid device may be any device that contains a fluid, such as, for example, a valve, a regulator or a fluid connector. The body may be, for example, a stem-like member or other device that is disposed in a bore and for which a fluid-tight seal is needed to prevent fluid flow along the annulus between the stem and the bore wall. The shoulder may be used, for example, to provide a rigid support for the seal member under pressure, in one embodiment supporting about half of the bulk material of the seal member under pressure.

Abstract: In a first aspect a fire fighting foaming composition contains a partially acetylated polyvinyl alcohol. In a second aspect the fire fighting foaming composition contains chitosan together with a surfactant such as a protein derived surfactant or a hydrocarbon surfactant which is either amphoteric or non-ionic. The compositions can form effective fire fighting foams in the absence of fluorinated surfactants and other fluorinated compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating compound for automobile construction, comprising a filler, preferably an aluminum silicate-based filler, which reduces, more particularly prevents, bubbling on transition from the wet state to the dry state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new intermetallic compounds having a crystalline structure of Ni3Sn2 type for the magnetic refrigeration, their use and a process for preparing the same. The present invention further relates to new magnetocaloric compositions for the magnetic refrigeration and their use.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a high thermal conductivity (HTC) paper that comprises a host matrix, such as mica, and HTC materials intercalated into the host matrix. The HTC materials are comprised of at least one of nanofillers, diamond like coatings directly on the host matrix, and diamond like coatings on the nanofillers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stabilized concentrate comprising least one stabilizer selected from the group consisting of polyacrylate polymers of the formula: where R1 is H; R4 is a terminating group; X is and R2 and R3 are each independently hydrogen, an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal, and the sum of m and n provide a number average equivalent weight of less than 6500, and a number average molecular weight of less than 6500. The concentrate comprises 90 or more wt % freezing point depressant. The stabilized coolant concentrate can be diluted with water to provide a final coolant composition.

Abstract: A method relating to making a metal coated filler includes mixing a solution of an organic diol with a plurality of porous filler particles to obtain a support mixture; contacting a metal salt solution with the support mixture forming a reaction mixture; and heating the reaction mixture to a temperature within a temperature range from about 50 degrees Celsius to about 200 degrees Celsius. The metal cations in the metal salt solution are reduced to metal particles by the organic diol and are disposed on the porous filler particles and on filler particle pore surfaces. The metal coated filler may then be optionally isolated. Electrically and/or thermally conductive articles including the metal coated fillers and methods for their manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: A positive electrode material of an electricity storage device maintaining a high capacity at a high output density is provided. In a positive electrode material of a nonaqueous lithium-based electricity storage device comprising a lithium ion storing and desorbing material as a negative electrode active substance, an activated carbon is used for a positive electrode active substance of the positive electrode material and satisfies the following expressions: 0.3<V1?0.8 and 0.5?V2?1.0, where V1 (cc/g) represents a mesopore volume for a pore having a diameter of 20 ? to 500 ? and V2 (cc/g) represents a micropore volume for a pore having a diameter of less than 20 ?.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel polyanion-based electrode active material for use in a secondary or rechargeable electrochemical cell, wherein the electrode active material is represented by the general formula AaMb(SO4)2Zd.

Abstract: A method of increasing the density of carbon nanotube fibres or films containing carbon nanotubes to at least 50% w/w, said method including the steps of exposing the fibre or film to suitable density enhancing agent, or to electromagnetic radiation, or by applying heat, or by mechanical compaction.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of the technique known as “flash sintering” for the synthesis and densification of iodine apatites or iodoapatites. Applications: reprocessing of spent nuclear fuels in order to condition and store, in an apatite, the radioactive iodine present in the aqueous effluents from this reprocessing and, in particular, iodine-129.

Abstract: Disclosed are dielectrically positive liquid-crystalline media containing a dielectrically positive component, component A, containing one or more dielectrically positive compounds of formula I and optionally a second dielectrically positive component, component B, containing one or more dielectrically positive compounds having a dielectric anisotropy of greater than 3, and optionally a dielectrically neutral component, component C, and to liquid-crystal displays, especially active-matrix displays and in particular TN, OCB, IPS and FFS displays, containing these media.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a brightener pigment comprising (a) a water-insoluble urea-formaldehyde resin having a water content of more than or equal to 50% by weight, and (b) a water-soluble fluorescent whitening agent, which process comprises adding together (a), (b) and an inorganic salt, the amount of the inorganic salt being sufficient to effect deposition of the water-soluble fluorescent whitening agent (b) on the water-insoluble urea-formaldehyde resin (a).