Abstract: An infrared sensor includes a substrate including an insulating layer formed thereon, a thermoelectric conversion element mounted on the substrate through the insulating layer, and an infrared absorbing layer mounted on the thermoelectric conversion element. The thermoelectric conversion element includes at least one single element having a heating surface defined as one side face and a cooling surface defined as the opposite face of the heating surface, for generating an electric power from the temperature difference made between the heating surface and the cooling surface. The single element includes a sintered cell including a composite metallic oxide, a pair of electrodes formed on the heating surface and the cooling surface of the sintered cell, and lead wires connecting the electrode on the heating surface and the electrode on the cooling surface electrically in series.

Abstract: A spectroscopic gas sensor is disclosed, which has at least: an IR radiation source for emitting IR radiation, a measuring volume to be completely or partially filled with an air supply volume, in particular an exhaled air, a detector unit having at least one, preferably two detector elements for detecting the IR radiation passing through the measuring volume in at least one first wavelength range and outputting measuring signals, and an analyzer unit for recording the measuring signals and ascertaining a concentration of a measured substance in the air supply volume. A first detector element measures IR radiation in a wavelength range of an absorption band of the measured substance, and the analyzer unit ascertains a concentration of the measured substance in the air supply volume from the ascertained concentrations of the measured substance and a further component in the measuring volume.

Abstract: A radiation detecting apparatus of this invention includes an arithmetic processing device which carries out arithmetic processes for drawing boundaries based on peaks of signal strengths and separating respective positions by the boundaries, and for determining, by using spatial periodicity of the peaks, the number of peaks having failed to be separated, with a plurality of peaks connecting to each other. If the separation fails with a plurality of peaks connecting to each other, the number of peaks in error is determined using spatial periodicity of the peaks. Thus, by using spatial periodicity of the peaks, the number of peaks in error can be determined and boundaries can be set easily. As a result, incident positions can also be discriminated easily, and detecting positions of radiation can be determined easily.

Abstract: In order to ensure an even image quality of digital X-ray recordings, provision is made for an X-ray detector with light-sensitive pixel elements arranged in an active readout matrix and with a reset-light source arranged therebehind in the radiation direction of X-ray radiation, wherein the reset-light source is designed as a planar OLED (organic light-emitting diode) matrix applied to a film.

Abstract: A neutron sensing material detector includes an anode; a cathode; and a semiconductor material disposed between the anode and the cathode. An electric field is applied between the anode and cathode. The semiconductor material is composed of a ternary composition of stoichiometry LiM2+GV and exhibits an antifluorite-type ordering, where the stoichiometric fractions are Li=1, M2+=1, and GV=1. Electron-hole pairs are created by absorption of radiation, and the electron-hole pairs are detected by the current they generate between the anode and the cathode. The anode may include an array of pixels to provide improved spatial and energy resolution over the face of the anode. The signal value for each pixel can be mapped to a color or grey scale normalized to all the other pixel signal values for a particular moment in time. A guard ring or guard grid may be provided to reduce leakage current.

Abstract: The present invention provides an innovative solid-state neutron detector that exhibits superior neutron-sensitivities. One embodiment of the present invention includes a Gadolinium-oxide (Gd2O3)-based neutron detector that is highly sensitive to the presence of neutrons, and experiences significant changes in film conductivity, capacitance or both as a result of thermal neutron exposure thereby providing for detection of nuclear radiation.

Abstract: A radiation detector of this invention includes a Cl-doped CdTe or Cl-doped CdZnTe polycrystalline semiconductor film in which defect levels in crystal grains are protected. This is obtained by grinding CdTe or CdZnTe crystal doped with Cl, and preparing the polycrystalline semiconductor film again by using its powder as the source. The defect levels of crystal grain boundaries in the polycrystalline semiconductor film are also protected by further doping the polycrystalline semiconductor film prepared again with Cl. These features enable manufacture of the radiation detector which has excellent sensitivity and response to radiation.

Abstract: A detector module comprises: a direct conversion crystal for converting incident photons into electrical signals, the direct conversion crystal having an anode layer deposited on a first surface and a cathode layer deposited on a second surface; a redistribution layer deposited on the anode layer, the redistribution layer configured to adapt a pad array layout of the direct conversion crystal to a predetermined lead pattern; an integrated circuit in electrical communication with the direct conversion crystal; and a plurality of input/output electrical paths connected to the redistribution layer to provide connectivity between the imaging module and another level of interconnect.

Abstract: Methods and systems for X-ray imaging are disclosed. An X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray tube to generate X-rays and a detector array to capture scattered X-rays. A rotational collimator directs the X-rays at an object under inspection. Rotational mechanisms rotate the X-ray tube and the detector array about a roll axis and a yaw axis to inspect various portions of the object. A track unit mechanism moves the X-ray imaging system linearly along a track unit to further inspect portions of the object.

Abstract: A phase-contrast imaging apparatus for imaging an object, comprising a radiation source, a first diffracting optical element located to receive radiation from the source, a second diffracting optical element located after the first optical element, a spatially resolving detector for detecting radiation from the source that has propagated through the object and been diffracted sequentially by the first optical element and the second optical element and an actuator for providing a relative translation of the first and second optical elements with respect to and across a propagation direction of radiation transmitted from the source to the detector. The actuator provides the relative translations of the first and second optical element at respectively a first speed and a second speed that is the first speed times a magnification factor of the apparatus.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes a detection unit in which a matrix of pixels converts radiation or light into analog electrical signals, a reading circuit configured to perform signal processing operation by reading the analog electric signals on a row-by-row basis, an A/D converter configured to convert a pixel signal output from the reading circuit into pixel data, and a correction processing unit configured to correct the pixel data. A control unit performs control processing so that the reading circuit outputs reset signals to the A/D converter in a period in which the signal processing operation of a predetermined row is performed, the A/D converter converts the reset signals into pieces of reset data in the period, and the correction processing unit averages the pieces of reset data output from the A/D converter and performs subtraction with the averaged reset data and the pixel data output from the A/D converter.

Abstract: A carrier device for use in conjunction with a casket, the device having side handlebars, end handlebars and handlebar joints that are attached to form a rectangular shape; and a plurality of support structures that span between and attach to the handlebars, wherein the support structures are composed of a plurality of attachment bars and attachment tabs. The carrier device attaches to the bottom face of a casket by the attachment bars of the support structures.

Abstract: A hydrogen ion implanter for the exfoliation of silicon from silicon wafers uses a large scan wheel carrying 50+ wafers around its periphery and rotating about an axis. In one embodiment, the axis of rotation of the wheel is fixed and a ribbon beam of hydrogen ions is directed down on a peripheral edge of the wheel. The ribbon beam extends over the full radial width of wafers on the wheel. The beam is generated by an ion source providing an extracted ribbon beam having at least 100 mm major cross-sectional diameter. The ion source may use core-less saddle type coils to provide a uniform field confining the plasma in the ion source. The ribbon beam may be passed through a 90° bending magnet which bends the beam in the plane of the ribbon.

Abstract: A charged particle beam column includes a charged particle beam source to generate a charged particle beam; an objective lens to focus the charged particle beam in an object plane; a first condenser lens disposed in a beam path of the charged particle beam between the charged particle beam source and the objective lens; a deflector disposed in the beam path between the first condenser lens and the objective lens and configured to change an angle of incidence of the charged particle beam in an object plane; and an aberration corrector disposed in the beam path between the deflector and the objective lens and configured to compensate aberrations introduced by the objective lens. The aberration corrector is also configured to not compensate aberrations introduced by the first condenser lens.

Abstract: Applicants have found that the asymmetrical energy distribution of ions from an ion source allow chromatic aberration to be reduced by filtering ions in the low energy beam tail without significantly reducing processing time. A preferred embodiment includes within an ion beam column a filter that removes the low energy ions from the beam.

Abstract: A hydrogen ion implanter for the exfoliation of silicon from silicon wafers uses a large scan wheel carrying 50+ wafers around its periphery and rotating about an axis. In one embodiment, the axis of rotation of the wheel is fixed and the wheel is formed with tensioned spokes supporting a rim carrying the wafer supports. The spokes may be used for carrying cooling fluid to and from the wafer supports. In one embodiment, a ribbon beam of hydrogen ions is directed down on a peripheral edge of the wheel. The ribbon beam extends over the full radial width of wafers on the wheel.

Abstract: A cell for measuring the fluorescence of a sample comprising an incident wall surface (2), a sample chamber (6) and an emitting wall member (14) which collimates light though a lens (13). The lens (13) is adapted to collect light from the emitting wall member (14) and direct it towards a detector. In addition, the cell comprises a mirrored surface coating which reflects light back to the sample chamber (6), thereby energising the sample further. The cell is suitable for use with small sample volumes, as a result, it allows significant sample cost savings. In addition, fluorescence detection is enhanced by said mirrored surfaces which prevent emitted light from escaping, moreover, the light is reflected back to the sample, thereby energising it further. The collimated light directed to the detector also provides for more stable and reproducible results and higher detection limits when emission energy is low.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for system identification operate by computing phase and amplitude using linear filters. By digitally processing the linearly filtered signals or data, the phase and amplitude based on measurements of the input and output of a system, are determined.

Abstract: A fluorescence detection device includes a flow cell body including a flow channel through which a measurement object flows, a laser light source unit that irradiates, with a laser beam, the measurement object passing through a measurement point in the flow channel, a light-receiving unit that receives fluorescence emitted from the measurement object irradiated with the laser beam and outputs a light-reception signal, and a processing unit that outputs an output value of fluorescence intensity based on the light-reception signal outputted by the light-receiving unit. The flow cell body has a lens provided on a surface thereof so as to traverse an optical path of the laser beam.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally provide an apparatus and method for forming a display screen assembly that comprises multiple panel assemblies which are positioned to form a tiled display device that has improved visual characteristics, is easy to assemble and has a reduced manufacturing cost. In general, each panel assembly is formed so that when it is positioned in a display screen assembly the grid pattern, formed by the gap between the illuminated regions in adjacent panel assemblies, can be minimized. In one embodiment, the unwanted visual effect of the grid pattern is mitigated by minimizing and controlling the space, or gaps, formed between the illuminated area in adjacent panel assemblies. Embodiments of the present invention may also provide an apparatus and method for forming a single panel assembly that is used to display an image.

Abstract: Optical components that maintain transparency (remain clear) in high energy environments, including in applications of high-intensity gamma-ray radiation dosage of 1.29×109 rads and greater, and neutron energy at neutron fluxes ranging from 3×109 to 1×1014 n/cm2 sec and greater, and fluencies ranging from 2×1016 to 8.3×1020 n/cm2 and greater. Further, the optical components have a bulk laser damage threshold of 105+/?20 J/cm2, a surface laser damage threshold of 72+/?15 J/cm2, a Stokes shift of about 9%, and a fractional thermal loading of about 11%.

Abstract: In a complex, multi-processor software controlled system, such as proton beam therapy system (PBTS), it may be important to provide treatment configurable parameters that are easily modified by an authorized user to prepare the software controlled systems for various modes of operation. This particular invention relates to a configuration management system for the PBTS that utilizes a database to maintain data and configuration parameters and also to generate and distribute system control files that can be used by the PBTS for treatment delivery. The use of system control files reduces the adverse effects of single point failures in the database by allowing the PBTS to function independently from the database. The PBTS accesses the data, parameters, and control settings from the database through the system control files, which insures that the data and configuration parameters are accessible when and if single point failures occur with respect to the database.

Abstract: A method of generating a data set defining a plurality of target points in a target volume in a body at which a particle beam is to be directed in a continuous or discontinuous process includes directing a particle beam to each of the target points so as to provide a spatial dose distribution in an area around the respective target point. The target points include a first target point having z-spacing, measured in a direction of the particle beam in a homogenous body equivalent to the body, from an adjacent second target point at a higher or lower particle energy. The method also includes defining the target points in the data set by at least one of the z-spacing and the spatial dose distribution in dependence upon a particle energy of the respective target point.

Abstract: A hydrogen ion implanter for the exfoliation of silicon from silicon wafers uses a large scan wheel carrying 50+ wafers around its periphery and rotating about an axis. In one embodiment, the axis of rotation of the wheel is fixed and the wheel is formed with tensioned spokes supporting a rim carrying the wafer supports. The spokes may be used for carrying cooling fluid to and from the wafer supports. Detachable connections in the cooling fluid conduits in the vacuum chamber may comprise tandem seals with an intermediate chamber between them which can be vented outside the vacuum chamber, or independently vacuum pumped. In one embodiment, a ribbon beam of hydrogen ions is directed down on a peripheral edge of the wheel. The ribbon beam extends over the full radial width of wafers on the wheel.

Abstract: A hydrogen ion implanter for the exfoliation of silicon from silicon wafers uses a large scan wheel carrying 50+ wafers around its periphery and rotating about an axis. In one embodiment, the axis of rotation of the wheel is fixed and a ribbon beam of hydrogen ions is directed down on a peripheral edge of the wheel. The ribbon beam extends over the full radial width of wafers on the wheel. The beam is generated by an ion source providing an extracted ribbon beam having at least 100 mm major cross-sectional diameter. The ribbon beam may be passed through a 90° bending magnet which bends the beam in the plane of the ribbon. The magnet provides intensity correction across the ribbon to compensate for the dependency on the radial distance from the wheel axis of the speed at which parts of the wafers pass through the ribbon beam.

Abstract: An ion implanter includes a process chamber and a coating layer. The process chamber receives a substrate and provides a space to perform an ion implantation process on the substrate. The coating layer is disposed on an inner wall of the process chamber to reduce contamination of the substrate and includes the same material as that of the substrate.

Abstract: A method for producing extreme ultraviolet light includes producing a target material at a target location; supplying pump energy to a gain medium of at least one optical amplifier that has an amplification band to produce an amplified light beam; propagating the amplified light beam through the gain medium using one or more optical components of a set of optical components; delivering the amplified light beam to the target location using one or more optical components of the optical component set; producing with a guide laser a guide laser beam that has a wavelength outside of the amplification band of the gain medium and inside the wavelength range of the optical components; and directing the guide laser beam through the optical component set to thereby align one or more optical components of the optical component set.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shutter system operable between an open position, and a closed position operable to avoid unintended exposure of a surface to radiant flux, wherein said shutter system comprises at least one pair of shields, and an axis for each shield, wherein a first axis is connected to an end part of a first shield, and coincides with the turning axis of the first shield, wherein a second axis, in the shape of an angled arm, is connected to an end part of a second shield and the turning axis of the second shield is parallel to the turning axis of said first shield and is arranged at a distance from the second shield.

Abstract: A method of indicating multi-bit values using a single optocoupler indicates a first multi-bit value in response to a first range of optocoupler output voltages, and indicates a second multi-bit value in response to a second range of optocoupler output voltages. The first range is different from the second range.

Abstract: An embodiment of an optocoupler may provide electrical isolation between signals on a driver side and signals on a receiver side of the optocoupler by generating light signals via a fiber-optic link to the receiver. One embodiment includes driver circuit that may receive an input signal (or a series of input signals) having a specific clock cycle. Instead of driving a light source, such as a light-emitting diode, for the entire duration in which an input signal may be at a high logic level, the LED may be driven with only a pulse to indicate any transitions from high-to-low or from low-to-high. In another embodiment, a receiver circuit may then interpret pulses of differing widths to reconstruct a series of logical signal from only its pulse transitions. By limiting the amount of time in which the LED is on, yet still conveying all underlying data in the input signal, the optocoupler reduces the overall power needed during operation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a technique of purging unwanted particles from the interior of a valve body. Inlet and outlet ports are formed in the valve housing to allow for circulation of the fluid within the valve body. The flow path of the fluid is isolated from the main fluid flow path when the valve is in the open or closed position. Additionally the pressure of the fluid is at a level higher than that of the main fluid flow.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel optical sensors and novel methods for sensing optical radiation. The novel optical sensors and the novel optical sensing methods are used, for example, for controlling the operation of automatic faucets and flushers. The novel sensors and flow controllers (including control electronics and valves) require only small amounts of electrical power for sensing users of bathroom facilities, and thus enable battery operation for many years. A passive optical sensor includes a light detector sensitive to ambient (room) light for controlling the operation of automatic faucets or automatic bathroom flushers.

Abstract: The application relates to a control device comprising a control element that can be rotated on a first functional level, an electronic controller, an electric power supply, and a base for mounting the control device. Said control device is designed to control plumbing appliances comprising a water discharge point and an electronically controlled mixing valve that has a cold water connection and a hot water connection. The flow or the temperature of the water discharged from the water discharge point can be changed by rotating the control element. The control device according to the invention is characterized in that a second functional level can be assigned to the control element by means of an electronic or electric pulse. Said second functional level is mechanically identical to the first functional level. The temperature of the water discharged from the water discharge point can be changed by rotating the control element when the second functional level has been assigned.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solenoid valve for controlling a hydraulic system, having a coil, which is composed of an electrical conductor, having an armature, which is situated at least partially inside the coil and is connected to a valve element for opening and closing a flow opening of the solenoid valve, and having a hydraulic fluid-filled valve chamber that accommodates the armature and communicates fluidically with the hydraulic system. The armature is supported in movable fashion in the hydraulic fluid of the hydraulic system; in order to reduce the viscosity of the hydraulic fluid, the coil is situated so that a heating of the coil produced by a current flow produces a heating of the hydraulic fluid in the valve chamber.

Abstract: A water tight valve with sealed flying leads is presented. The sealing is provided by an adhesive heat shrink collar that is affixed to the insulation of the flying leads. An overmolding is used to provide further protection of the terminal/wire contact interface and to seal against the exterior surface of the collar. The profile of the collar also provides a tortuous path that further prevents the ingress of any conductive fluid to the wire/terminal contact area.

Abstract: An automatic flush device is provided that is mounted in a water tank. The automatic flush device includes an inlet control module, a lever module for discharging water and a tank module. The inlet control module includes an inlet element linked to the inlet tube and a solenoid valve set at the inlet element. The lever module for discharging water has a cup connected with the solenoid valve by a filling tube. An electronic sensing controller controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valve to fill water into the cup. When the cup is full of water, the lever unbalances and slants to control the flushing of the water tank. Therefore, it is easy to control water current while requiring minimal power, thereby saving electric energy.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electromagnetic actuator (7) with a coil (8) and at least two armatures (12, 17) being movable along an axis (16) and being acted upon by a magnetic field generated by the coil (8). It is endeavoured to achieve large control opportunities by simple means. For this purpose, it is provided that one armature (12) is acted upon by a larger drive force from the magnetic field than another armature (17).

Abstract: To reduce invasion and adhesion of foreign matters into and onto the gating-member retreat room in the transition from the gate-open state to the gate-close state including retreat and on-shutting-movement of the gating-member. The shutter, being moved in the shuttering movement room, shuts the entrance aperture by making the shutter sealing contact with the stationary seal by such movement of the shutter itself when the gating-member is accommodated in the gating-member retreat room, and, also being moved in the shuttering movement room, shuts the entrance aperture by making the shutter sealing contact with the second gate seal by such movement of the shutter itself when the gating-member, being moved in the shuttering movement room, shuts the exhaust port by making the first gate seal contact with the stationary seal by such movement of the gating-member itself.

Abstract: Provided is a sliding member which includes a plurality of open pores in a sliding surface, which each comprises one or more opening portions having a circularity of 0.24 or more and a circle equivalent diameter of 10 ?m to 150 ?m. A ratio of the number of open pores having the overlapping degree of 10% or more between the opening portions is 3% or less. Another sliding member includes a plurality of open pores in a sliding surface, which each comprises one or more opening portions having a circularity of 0.24 or more and a circle equivalent diameter of not less than 10 ?m nor more than 78 ?m. A coefficient of variation of the opening portions satisfies the following equation: 1.03??V/X?1.51 where ?V is a standard deviation of circle equivalent diameters, and X is an average value of the circle equivalent diameters. A mechanical seal ring, a mechanical seal and a faucet valve each using the sliding member are also provided.

Abstract: A control ball valve includes a valve body (1), in the valve body (1) is formed a flow passage for fluid to flow through, the flow passage comprises an inlet end (2) and an outlet end (5), the inlet end (2) is a conic channel with a gradually reducing inlet port. The ball valve can reduce flow resistance of the fluid flowing into the chamber of the valve body, reduce pressure loss, and avoid generating large turbulence.

Abstract: A regulator valve is structured such that hydraulic pressure to be output from a regulated pressure output port is regulated according to urging forces, i.e., line pressure to be regulated, throttle pressure, spring force from a compression coil spring, and operating force from a plunger, which are applied to a valve spool. The plunger has a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion having a diameter larger than the diameter of the small diameter portion, both of which are axially displaceably retained in a spring receiving sleeve. The small diameter portion is urged in one axial direction at one end of the plunger that protrudes into a spring chamber and faces the valve spool, while the large diameter portion is urged in the other axial direction by range pressure at the other end of the plunger which is isolated from the small diameter portion located in the spring chamber.

Abstract: Biasing apparatus for use with actuators are described. A biasing apparatus for use with a piston actuator includes a first sleeve at least partially surrounded by and movably coupled to a second sleeve. Additionally, the biasing apparatus includes a stop to limit an amount of movement of the first sleeve relative to the second sleeve and a biasing element positioned between first and second ends of the respective first and second sleeves to urge the first sleeve away from the second sleeve.

Abstract: A three-way poppet valve that can restrict or eliminate backflow without the use of an external check valve. Unlike conventional three-way poppet valves wherein both inlets can be open to the outlet at the same time during movement of the poppet, the valve according to the present invention can be configured to close both inlets prior to opening one of the inlets to the outlet. The valve features a poppet valve assembly that is operable to prevent both inlets from being open to the outlet at the same time. The valve assembly also reduces the force needed to close the valve against at least one of the inlets thereby allowing the use of a smaller actuator. A unique seal including a valve seat that is configured to conform to a valve member under sufficient pressure.

Abstract: A hydraulic medium insert for a control valve in a hydraulic actuator which has a tubular guide sleeve for guiding a control piston, which is disposed in a receptacle, which has passage openings for the hydraulic medium, which are disposed in the guide sleeve and separated by webs. A plastic part is disposed on the exterior side of the guide sleeve and has sealing webs, which are supported on the inside on the webs of the guide sleeve, which separate the passage openings, and press against the inside of the receptacle to form a seal on the outside.

Abstract: By pouring, by means of pressure, melted liquid of magnesium or magnesium alloy into a hollow portion which is formed using a casting mold, a valve body where a channel groove for hydraulic oil for use in a speed change operation of the automatic transmission is formed. In the above, the channel grove for the hydraulic oil is formed due to a convex portion which is formed on the mold so as to project into the hollow portion. As the magnesium has small heat capacity, variation of the temperature of the mold during the cooling and heating cycle can be suppressed. Moreover, as the magnesium melted liquid has no reactivity with respect to the casting mold, the convex portion is not deteriorated. This allows employment of a mold having a thinner convex portion formed thereon, and therefore formation of a valve body having a narrower channel groove.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a procedure for the manufacture of micro-nanofluidic devices for flow control such as microvalves, micropumps and flow regulators, using a photodefinable polymer and an elastomer as structural materials and to the micro-nanofluidic devices for flow control obtained by said procedure.

Abstract: A soil resist composition comprises a) a polyfluoro organic compound having at least one urethane or urea, b) 1,3-propanediol, and c) a surfactant, the soil resist composition having freeze thaw stability.

Abstract: A thermal barrier coating is formed over the substrate. A majority of the thermal barrier coating comprises a multi-phase material comprising a polycrystalline material including two or more phases. Each phase forms an individual grain, adjacent individual grains are separated by grain boundaries, each phase comprises an oxide compound, the multi-phase material is formed from three or more constituents, the three or more constituents consist of different materials that are not completely soluble in each other, and the two or more phases are not completely soluble in each other and do not form only one compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to swimming pools and other pools of standing water, and in particular to a dispensing unit that distributes a chemical solution that reduces evaporation and heat loss by forming a film or monomolecular layer over the surface or substantial surface area of the swimming pool or water pond.

Abstract: An aircraft anti-icing composition includes a freezing point depressant and a thickener including nanocrystalline cellulose. A thickening composition also includes nanocrystalline cellulose. Also taught is the use of nanocrystalline cellulose in the manufacture of an anti-icing composition and the use of nanocrystalline cellulose in a thickening composition.