Abstract: An apparatus and method that can measure flux density in-situ under high vacuum conditions includes a means for confining a collection of identical, elemental sensor particles to a volume of space by initial cooling by laser or another method, then confinement in a sensor volume using externally applied magnetic and/or optical fields.

Abstract: A system of optical measurements for wellbore survey comprises a light conveyable cable, an optical measurement apparatus optically coupled to one end of the light conveyable cable, and a light source optically coupled to another end of the light conveyable cable. The light source produces light used for optical measurements in the optical measurement apparatus.

Abstract: The invention is a process for finding the accurate masses of subfragments comprising an unknown compound from the accurate-mass mass spectral data of the unknown compound obtained on a mass spectrometer. This process generates these accurate masses of subfragments using mass differences of fragment ions and a listing of plausible masses. In this way, the accurate masses of subfragments, useful for generating modular structures, can be obtained very rapidly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature devices and methods for performing gas chromatography and liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. The device and method feature a removable housing which housing contains the gas samples when the mass spectrometry receives gas samples. The device fits an atmospheric pressure ionization housing and upon removal, the atmospheric pressure ionization housing receives liquid samples.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for trapping charged particles and performing controlled interactions between them are provided. The apparatus includes a substrate and RF electrodes and dedicated DC electrodes arranged on the substrate and configured to generate a trapping potential for trapping the charged particles above the substrate. The RF and dedicated DC electrodes include at least one RF trapping electrode configured to be driven with an RF voltage for contributing to the trapping potential, an array of two or more trapping site DC electrodes configured to be biased with a DC voltage for contributing to the trapping potential, and a first individually drivable RF control electrode arranged between a first pair out of the two or more trapping site DC electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pump device 50 which is usable to dilute a sample 52 before analysis. A first pump 54 pumps the sample to a mixing region 58 where it mixes with a diluent 66. A second pump 64 pumps the diluted sample to the analysis instrument. The flow of the diluent to the mixer is equal to the difference of the flow of the sample to the mixer and the flow of the diluted sample to the instrument. Pumps 54 and 64 are independently controllable by a controller unit which is arranged so that data from the instrument can be used to determine the dilution factor of the sample. Thus, the controller can control this dilution factor in real time, upon receipt of such data from the instrument, by change either one of (or both) the pump's flow rate.

Abstract: A method for marking a petroleum hydrocarbon, biodiesel fuel or ethanol fuel by adding to the petroleum hydrocarbon, biodiesel fuel or ethanol fuel at least one compound having formula (I) wherein R1 and R2 independently represent at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C1-C12 alkyl, C1-C12 alkoxy and nitro; and R3 and R4 independently represent hydrogen, methyl or ethyl.

Abstract: Provided are monodisperse synthetic dendrimer calibrants for mass spectrometry. The calibrants are distinguished by their relative ease and rapidity of synthesis, comparatively low cost, long shelf life, high purity, and amenability to batch synthesis as mixtures. The latter characteristic enables parallel preparation of higher molecular weight compounds displaying useful distributions of discrete molecular weights, thereby providing multi-point mass spectrometry calibration standards. Methods of making and using said calibrants are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of liquid column chromatography in which preparative chromatography is performed in-line with analytical chromatography. In particular aspects a monolithic preparative column is used to purify an analyte of interest from a mixture of other substances by applying the mixture to the column, reversing the flow through the column to elute the analyte, which is applied to an analytical column provided in-line with the preparative column. In other aspects, a single monolithic column is used to perform both the preparative chromatography and analytical chromatography steps in succession. In another aspect, a chromatography system is provided to perform preparative and analytical chromatography using a single monolithic column.

Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer has two drift chambers and a common, doped reaction region. Each drift chamber includes an ion modifier, such as one that fragments the doped ions by a high electrical field. One of the drift chambers is doped and the other is undoped. In this way, the dopant adducts are removed by the modification process but then recombine with dopant only in the doped chamber so that different outputs are produced by the two drift chambers.

Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer is disclosed wherein ions are passed through an ion mobility spectrometer (5) and become temporally separated. Ions having a relatively high ion mobility are transmitted by a non-destructive ion gate (6) but ions having a relatively low ion mobility are subsequently trapped within the ion mobility spectrometer (5) when the ion gate (6) is switched so as to prevent ions from being onwardly transmitted. Ions which are transmitted by the ion gate (6) are trapped in a downstream ion trap (7). The ions are then returned back upstream to a second upstream ion trap (4).

Abstract: This invention is to high-pressurize the maximum pressure for use of a gas analyzer, and comprises an ionizing part having an opening part to lead out ions of a sample gas to the outside, an ion drawing electrode arranged outside of the opening part of the ionizing part, a quadrupole part that selectively passes the ions lead out to the outside by the ion drawing electrode, and an ion detecting part that detects the ions passing the quadrupole, and an opening size of the opening part of the ionizing part is set to be smaller than an imaginary inscribing circle inscribed on all of four pole electrodes constituting the quadrupole part.

Abstract: A spectrometer is offered which can reduce ion loss compared with the prior art even when ions selected by the mass analyzer are modified. The spectrometer includes an ion source for ionizing a sample, an ion storage portion for repeatedly performing a storing operation for storing ions created by the ion source and an expelling operation for expelling the stored ions as pulsed ions, the mass analyzer for passing pulsed ions expelled from the ion storage portion and selecting desired ions according to their mass-to-charge ratio, a detector for detecting pulsed ions passed through the mass analyzer and outputting an analog signal responsive to the intensity of the detection, and a controller for maintaining constant the mass-to-charge ratio of the desired ions selected by the mass analyzer while pulsed ions including the desired ions are passing through the mass analyzer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pretreatment apparatus that performs concentration and separation of a sample, and in particular, in order to provide a sample pretreatment apparatus using a solid-phase extraction column, and a mass spectrometer using the same, which is particularly suitable for clinical analysis in which qualitative/quantitative analysis of a biological sample such as blood is performed, according to each operational step for a solid-phase extraction treatment, for example, a collection device serving as flow passages or containers for collection of waste liquid or extracted matter is installed on a bottom face of the solid-phase extraction column, and the extracted matter is separately collected without being mixed with waste liquid by switching the positions of the collection device.

Abstract: A cathode configuration for emission of electrons has a reaction zone connected to an entrance opening for the supply of neutral particles. The opening communicates with the cathode configuration for the ionization of the neutral particles and an ion extraction system communicates with the reaction zone. Ions from the extraction system are sent to a detection system and a mechanism for the evacuation of the mass spectrometer arrangement. The cathode configuration includes a field emission cathode with an emitter surface, wherein at a short distance from this emitter surface, an extraction grid is disposed for the extraction of electrons, which grid substantially covers the emitter surface. The emitter surface encompasses herein at least partially a hollow volume such that a tubular structure is formed.

Abstract: A proposed approach to determining both the Energy of an electron in an atom, and time of its existence is presented. The approach utilizes information about the physical system involved to overcome the limitation of the uncertainty principle.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a detection unit of a charged particle imaging system. More particularly, portion of the detection unit can move into or out of the detection system as imaging condition required. With the assistance of a Wein filter (also known as an E×B charged particle analyzer) and a movable detector design, the present invention provides a stereo imaging system that suitable for both low current, high resolution mode and high current, high throughput mode. Merely by way of example, the invention has been applied to a scanning electron beam inspection system. But it would be recognized that the invention could apply to other system using charged particle beam as an observation tool.

Abstract: A method for preparing an electron microscope specimen is provided. The method includes providing a wafer sample with an analysis region disposed thereon. A dicing process is performed to cut a sample piece from the wafer sample. The sample piece includes a target pillar structure wherein the analysis region is located on a top portion of the target pillar structure. A thinning process is performed to thin the top portion of the target pillar structure. The invention further provides an electron microscope specimen and a method of forming a 3D image.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device capable of probing with minimal effect from electron beams. Rough probing is made possible using a lower magnification than the magnification usually viewed. When target contact of semiconductor is detected, measurement position is set in the center of picture usually to move probe without moving stage. With the miniaturization, contact can be confirmed only at high magnification, although probe can be confirmed at low magnification on the contrary but it is necessary to display it in real time. Static image obtained at high magnification once is combined with image obtained at low magnification in real time from target contact required for probing and characteristic of probe to be displayed, so that probing at low magnification can be realized to reduce the effects of electron beams and obtain accurate electrical characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention provides a scanning charged particle beam device including a sample chamber (8) and a detector. The detector has: a function of detecting light at least ranging from the vacuum ultraviolet region to the visible light region, of light (17) having image information which is obtained by a light emission phenomenon of gas scintillation when the sample chamber is controlled to a low vacuum (1 Pa to 3,000 Pa); and a function of detecting ion currents (11, 13) having image information which are obtained by cascade amplification of electrons and gas molecules. Accordingly, it becomes possible to realize a device which can deal with observation of various samples. Further, an optimal configuration of the detection unit is devised, to thereby make it possible to add value to an obtained image and provide users in wide-ranging fields with the observation image.

Abstract: A battery-free electromagnetic leakage detector includes a substrate, an antenna, a filter circuit electrically connected with the antenna, a clamp circuit electrically connected with the filter circuit, and an indicating member electrically connected with the clamp circuit. Accordingly, the battery-free electromagnetic leakage detector is structurally simple and compact and can detect electromagnetic waves and display the detection without connection with any external power source.

Abstract: A radiation detector of the present invention includes: a substrate; a first inclined thin film disposed on a first main surface of the substrate, the first inclined thin film having crystal planes serving as a factor in inducing anisotropy, and the crystal planes being aligned inclined to the first main surface; a second inclined thin film disposed on a second main surface of the substrate opposite to the first main surface, the second inclined thin film having crystal planes serving as a factor in inducing anisotropy, and the crystal planes being aligned inclined to the second main surface; a first electrode pair of electrodes disposed on the first inclined thin film, the electrodes being opposed to each other in a direction in which the crystal planes of the first inclined thin film are aligned inclined to the first main surface; and a second electrode pair of electrodes disposed on the second inclined thin film, the electrodes being opposed to each other in a direction in which the crystal planes of the s

Abstract: Influence of external light is suppressed. With a photodetector including a photodetector circuit which generates a data signal in accordance with illuminance of incident light and a light unit which overlaps with the photodetector circuit, a first data signal is generated by the photodetector circuit when the light unit is in an ON state, a second data signal is formed by the photodetector circuit when the light unit is in an OFF state, and the first data signal and the second data signal are compared, so that a difference data signal that is data of a difference between the two compared data signals is generated.

Abstract: A radiation sensor can include a first layer and a second layer. The first layer can include a first scintillation material to produce first light in response to receiving a first targeted radiation, and the second layer can include a second scintillation material to produce second light in response to receiving a second targeted radiation. The first scintillation material can be different from the second scintillation material, and the first targeted radiation can be different from the second targeted radiation. The first layer can be configured to receive and transmit the second light. In an embodiment, the radiation sensor can be part of a radiation detection system that includes a photosensor that can produce an electronic pulse in response to the first and second lights. A method of detecting radiation can include using the radiation detection system to distinguish different radiations by differences in pulse shape.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a radiation source, coincident positron emission detectors configured to detect coincident positron annihilation emissions originating within a coordinate system, and a controller coupled to the radiation source and the coincident positron emission detectors, the controller configured to identify coincident positron annihilation emission paths intersecting one or more volumes in the coordinate system and align the radiation source along an identified coincident positron annihilation emission path.

Abstract: This invention relates to a collimator. Specifically, the invention relates to a collimator comprising alternate layers of a foam and a radiation blocking elements, and methods for fabricating the same.

Abstract: A PET scanner (10) includes a ring of detector modules (16) encircling an imaging region (18). Each of the detector modules includes one or more sensor avalanche photodiodes (APDs) (34) that are biased in a breakdown region in a Geiger mode. The sensor APDs (34) output pulses in response to light from a scintillator corresponding to incident photons. A reference APD (36) also biased in a breakdown region in a Geiger mode is optically shielded from light and outputs a voltage that is measured by an analog to digital converter (44). Based on the measurement, a bias control feedback loop (42) directs a variable voltage generator (48) to adjust a bias voltage applied to the APDs (34, 36) such that a difference (86) between a voltage of a break-down pulse (68) and a preselected logic voltage level (70) is minimized.

Abstract: A radiation detection apparatus including: a sensor panel having a first face on which a pixel region is formed and a second face that is opposite the first face and including a connecting portion at one or more sides; a scintillator layer formed over the pixel region; and a protective film covering the scintillator layer and a portion of the sensor panel is provided. The protective film has a hot-pressed part. At the side of the sensor panel where the connecting portion is formed, the hot-pressed part is formed in a portion of the protective film covering the first face. At other sides of the sensor panel, the hot-pressed part is formed in at least one of a portion of the protective film covering a lateral face of the sensor panel and the second face.

Abstract: The invention provides a CMOS CT detector design with high linearity, quantum-limited noise, good scalability, high fill factor with a single CMOS chip utilizing synchronous partial quantization. The CMOS CT detector includes a pixel array, digital column buses, analog column buses, column processing circuits, a shift register, a control signal generation circuit, and a reference generation circuit, and implements a synchronous partial quantization scheme with reset, integration and analog readout phases. Each pixel of the pixel array further includes a photodiode; an integration capacitor; an OPAMP; a reset switch; a comparator; a 1-bit dynamic random-access-memory (DRAM) cell; a circuit block for enabling subtraction of a substantially fixed amount of charge from the integrated photocharge if the integrated photovoltage increases beyond the reference voltage; an integration node; an analog buffer; and a switch coupled between the output of the DRAM cell and the digital column bus.

Abstract: A two dimensional radiation detector array includes a plurality of detector cards, each of the detector cards including: a plurality of radiation detectors arranged in a linear array; and a plurality of amplifiers, each of the amplifiers being electrically coupled to a respective one of the plurality of radiation detectors; and a separator between first and second detector cards of the plurality of detector cards.

Abstract: One embodiment disclosed relates to an apparatus for reflection electron beam lithography. The apparatus includes an electron source, a patterned electron reflector generator structure, a stage, a demagnifying electron lens, and an ExB separator. The ExB separator configured to bend a trajectory of the electron beam towards the dynamic pattern generator structure. The patterned electron reflector structure is configured to reflect select portions of the electron beam so as to form a patterned electron beam. The ExB separator is further configured to allow the patterned electron beam to pass straight through towards the demagnifying electron lens. The demagnifying electron lens is configured to demagnify the patterned electron beam and project the demagnified patterned electron beam onto the target substrate. The apparatus disclosed herein has a straight projection axis and substantially reduces the electron beam path by a factor of three-to-one (compared to a prior apparatus which uses a magnetic prism).

Abstract: An ion implantation system, method, and apparatus for abating condensation in a cold ion implant is provided. An ion implantation apparatus is configured to provide ions to a workpiece positioned in a process chamber. A sub-ambient temperature chuck supports the workpiece during an exposure of the workpiece to the plurality of ions. The sub-ambient temperature chuck is further configured to cool the workpiece to a processing temperature, wherein the process temperature is below a dew point of an external environment. A load lock chamber isolates a process environment of the process chamber from the external environment. A light source provides a predetermined wavelength of electromagnetic radiation to the workpiece concurrent with the workpiece residing within the load lock chamber, wherein the predetermined wavelength or range of wavelengths is associated with a maximum radiant energy absorption range of the workpiece, wherein the light source is configured to selectively heat the workpiece.

Abstract: A workpiece scanning system is provided having a scan arm that rotates about a first axis and a chilled end effector rotatably coupled to the scan arm about a second axis for selectively securing a workpiece. The chilled end effector has a clamping plate and one or more cooling mechanisms for cooling the clamping plate. A bearing is positioned along the second axis and rotatably couples the end effector to the scan arm, and a seal is positioned along the second axis to provide a pressure barrier between an external environment and an internal environment. One or more of the bearing and seal can have a ferrofluid associated therewith. A heater assembly is positioned proximate to the bearing and seal, wherein the heater assembly selectively provides a predetermined amount of heat to the bearing and seal, therein increasing a propensity of the end effector to rotate about the second axis.

Abstract: An ultraviolet light source includes a casing holding therein UV lamp tubes and a translucent panel above the UV lamp tubes, a filter panel, a side frame surrounding the filter panel, and a hinge connected between the casing and side frame for enabling the filter panel to be turned with the side frame about the axis of the hinge relative to the casing. Moreover, the hinge and the side frame are made of metal material or metal alloy for avoiding breakage of the part of the filter panel connected with the hinge under long radiation of the emitted ultraviolet light. When in use, a bio-sample is placed on the translucent panel, and then the filter panel is closed on the casing over the bio-sample, so that the user can observe the bio-sample or pickup the image of the bio-sample without exposing the body to the emitted ultraviolet light.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for analyzing a fluid with particle analytes, where the fluid is fed through a passageway within an optical fiber and excitation light is guided by the optical fiber across the passageway and intersects the fluid therein. The optical core is made multimode and is adapted to shape the excitation light with a uniform spatial illumination over a cross-section of the optical core and the passageway is configured relative to the optical core such that the particle analytes are exposed to substantially equal excitation light while circulating in the passageway.

Abstract: A microfluidic diagnostic device (1, 50) comprising a substrate (4); a compatible layer (6) formed on a first face (4a) of the substrate (4); a structural layer (8), formed on top of the compatible layer (6); a channel (10), formed in the structural layer (8) and limited underneath by the compatible layer (6), optically accessible by a first luminous radiation having a first wavelength (?e); and a cover layer (18) made of a material transparent to the first wavelength (?e), arranged on top of the structural layer (8) and sealing the channel (10) at the top, wherein the compatible layer (6) has a thickness equal to approximately a quarter of the first wavelength (?e) divided by the refraction index of the compatible layer (6), or equal to an odd multiple of a quarter of the first wavelength (?e) divided by the refraction index of the compatible layer (6).

Abstract: Methods and systems for real-time monitoring of optical signals from arrays of signal sources, and particularly optical signal sources that have spectrally different signal components. Systems include signal source arrays in optical communication with optical trains that direct excitation radiation to and emitted signals from such arrays and image the signals onto detector arrays, from which such signals may be subjected to additional processing.

Abstract: Radiation doses are optimized by providing a model of the set of beams and a target dose in normalized forms. A Gram matrix is determined from the model. The target dose is subsampled to determine initial intensity values for the set of beams. Then, the following steps are iterated until convergence. A very small positive value, 0<?<<1, is added to each intensity value to ensure the intensity value is greater than zero. Each intensity value is multiplied by the Gram matrix to determine a product, which is divided element-wise into the normalized target dose to determine corresponding ratios. If the ratios are all close to 1, within a numerical error tolerance, the intensity values of the set of beam are output. Otherwise, the intensity values are multiplied by the ratios before a next iteration.

Abstract: In a charged particle beam drawing apparatus, if at least one of calculating portions is free and at least one memory includes a free portion, a report that a next process can be additionally started by using at least one free calculating portion and the free portion of the memory, is transferred from a daemon to a writing control unit, and the next process is additionally started by the daemon on the basis of a start request transferred from the writing control unit to the daemon. If there is a possibility of a shortage of the calculating portions and the memory, and if a start request for starting a next process is transferred from the writing control unit to the daemon, the start request for starting the next process is refused by the daemon.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method is provided for preventing condensation on a workpiece in an end station of an ion implantation system. A workpiece is cooled in a first environment, and is transferred to a load lock chamber that is in selective fluid communication with the end station and a second environment, respectively. A workpiece temperature monitoring device is configured to measure a temperature of the workpiece in the load lock chamber. An external monitoring device measures a temperature and relative humidity in the second environment, and a controller is configured to determine a temperature of the workpiece at which condensation will not form on the workpiece when the workpiece is transferred from the load lock chamber to the second environment.

Abstract: An intra-oral device for protecting oral tissues during radiation treatment is disclosed. In an embodiment, the device includes substantially a U-shaped upper member and lower members coupled to the upper member at their first and the second ends, and a substantially oval-shaped protective element disposed between the first ends of the upper and lower members and the second ends of the upper and lower members and movably coupled with one of the upper or lower members so as to provide for a three-dimensional spatial adjustment of the protective element between the first and second ends of the upper and lower members. The upper and lower members are configured to receive upper and lower teeth of a patient and the protective element is configured to engage a tongue of the patient so that the tongue is selectively positioned for treatment and/or diagnostic procedures.

Abstract: An electromagnetic shielding composition includes a carrier, a plurality of metal nanowires, and a plurality of nanoparticles. The plurality of metal nanowires are dispersed within the carrier and are in an amount of from 1 to 95 percent by weight of the electromagnetic shielding composition. The plurality of nanoparticles are dispersed within the carrier and are in an amount of from 0.5 to 60 percent by weight of the electromagnetic shielding composition.

Abstract: A microflow analytical system includes a laminate pump assembly connectable with one or more sources of fluid, one or more pneumatic control pumps, a mixer, and a sensor. The laminate pump assembly is adapted to deliver predetermined volumes of the fluid(s) through a plurality of flow paths which are formed within layers of the assembly. Each flow path can include an inlet valve, a pump valve, and an outlet valve each of which are controllable by the pneumatic control pumps. A series of manifolds can be formed within the layers of the pump assembly to provide for simultaneous activation of selected flow paths. Delivered fluid volumes can be mixed in the mixer which, in some embodiments, may be integral with the laminate pump assembly. The sensor can measure one or more characteristics of the mixed fluids to determine one or more properties of the fluids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic valve assembly having a cartridge insert valve in a bore hole designed in a valve block and connected to the flow channels arranged in the valve block comprising a valve sleeve inserted in the bore hole and a closing member guided into said sleeve, wherein the valve sleeve forms a valve seat for the closing member in the closing position thereof and the closing member can be moved by means of a connected hydraulic pre-control between the closed position thereof seated on the valve seat and separating the flow channels from one another, and an opened position pushed into the valve sleeve, and the bore hole is sealed tight by the cartridge insert valve inserted the rein via a valve cover connected to the valve block.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve, which has a magnet armature chamber, a pressure medium chamber, a pressure medium inlet channel and a pressure medium outlet channel respectively connected to the pressure medium chamber, a valve seat, and a valve closure member that, upon bearing contact on the valve seat, blocks the connection between the pressure medium inlet channel and the pressure medium outlet channel, and a valve guide extending between the magnet armature chamber and the pressure medium chamber. A sealing ring made of a polymer, which surrounds the valve closure member and separates the magnet armature chamber from the pressure medium chamber, extends between the valve closure member and the valve guide. The geometric design of the sealing ring to the valve guide provides wear resistance for the sealing ring.

Abstract: A valve driving device to open or close a valve includes a cam having a cam groove, a follower movably fitted in the cam groove, and a rod having a pivot rotatably supporting the follower. The rod has a first end connected to the cam through the follower and the pivot, and a second end connected to the valve. The rod applies a load to the valve in a load applying direction corresponding to an axis direction of the rod. A center axis of the rod is perpendicular to a tangent of a contact face between which the cam and the follower are contact with each other when the valve is totally closed or opened.

Abstract: A needle valve that adjusts the flow of liquid fluid and an open/close valve that makes it possible to fully close a flow path of the liquid fluid are accommodated inside a casing of a flow adjusting valve. The needle valve is provided with a reciprocating movement section that adjusts the flow of the liquid fluid by moving a needle valve piece toward and away from the valve seat. The open/close valve is provided with an opening/closing section that utilizes a basal outer surface of the needle valve piece facing the valve seat as a fully-closing valve piece and that reciprocatingly moves the fully-closing valve piece, independently of the reciprocating movement section, between a closed position, where the fully-closing valve piece is in close contact with the valve seat, and an open position, where the fully-closing valve piece is moved away from the valve seat.

Abstract: A quick connect fluid valve assembly comprises a housing, a flow passage insert, and a movable connector. The flow passage insert is disposed at least partially within the housing and is movable relative to the housing. The flow passage insert forms a flow path from a first end of the flow passage insert to a second end of the flow passage insert. The movable connector is disposed in fluid communication with the flow path of the flow passage insert and the movable connector has at least one orifice. The movable connector is movable between a forward fluid flow position that allows forward fluid flow within the flow path of the flow passage insert and a backward fluid flow position that prevents backward fluid flow within the flow path of the flow passage insert.

Abstract: A valve with an integral bleed passage includes a valve body including a threaded bore, a bonnet having a first threaded portion arranged to be securable to the bore of the valve body and having a second portion disposed outside the valve body, and a cavity defined between the valve body and the first portion of the threaded bonnet. A bleed passage is formed in the bonnet and includes an entrance aperture formed in the first portion of the bonnet and in flow communication with the cavity, the passage including an exit aperture formed in the second portion of the bonnet, and a main portion providing flow communication between the entrance aperture and the exit aperture. The cavity and the entrance aperture are positioned to expose the passage to an interior portion of the valve prior to removal of the bonnet from engagement with the valve body.

Abstract: A composition comprising at least one expandable styrene polymer component and at least one cyclohexanecarboxylic ester and also optionally further components can be processed to mechanically robust foam materials.