Abstract: An omni-directional sensor device is provided for detecting radiation emission sources, such as nuclear and atomic weapons and dirty bombs. The omni-directional sensor device is constructed as a three-dimensional structure formed of a plurality of walls of gamma ray detector arrays. The walls face in multiple directions to establish omni-directional sensing of incident gamma rays from substantially all directions. As constructed, a first wall of the device intercepts an incident gamma ray at a first location. The gamma ray experiences a Compton scattering effect whereby a deflected gamma ray is emitted into the inner chamber of the device before intercepting a second wall of the device at a second location. The first and second locations can be used to trace the location of the emission source. Also provided are radiation detection systems including the omni-directional sensor devices, and methods of locating a radiation emission source.

Abstract: A radiation sensing unit for a radiation detection system can include a scintillator and a photosensor optically coupled to the scintillator. In an embodiment, the radiation detection system may provide an output signal to a particular radiation flux that is substantially temperature independent over a normal operating temperature range for the scintillator. The radiation sensing unit may further include a controllable radiation source configured to emit radiation and another photosensor coupled to controllable radiation source. A radiation detection system can include a radiation sensing unit and a control module that is coupled to the controllable radiation source and the photosensors. The control module may control the controllable radiation source and control a power supply coupled to the second photosensor in response to signals from the photosensors. In another aspect, a dynode tap from a photomultiplier tube can be used during calibration. Methods of using the foregoing are disclosed.

Abstract: A scintillator layer is applied onto a photosensor layer to produce an x-ray detector or an x-ray detector element for imaging detection of ionizing radiation. The production process is improved by, in the production of the scintillator layer, an adhesive layer with a protective layer is applied onto the scintillator layer. This can occur layer by layer or a transfer adhesive tape that already includes the protective layer as a protective film can also be used.

Abstract: An embodiment of a photomultiplier device is formed by a base substrate of insulating organic material forming a plurality of conductive paths and carrying a plurality of chips of semiconductor material. Each chip integrates a plurality of photon detecting elements, such as Geiger-mode avalanche diodes, and is bonded on a first side of the base substrate. Couplings for photon-counting and image-reconstruction units are formed on a second side of the base substrate. The first side of the base substrate is covered with a transparent encapsulating layer of silicone resin, which, together with the base substrate, bestows stiffness on the photomultiplier device, preventing warpage, and covers and protects the chips.

Abstract: The invention relates to a low interference sensor head for a radiation detector and a radiation detector containing said low interference sensor head. Preferably, the radiation detector according to the invention is an X-ray detector. The invention further relates to the use of the low interference sensor head or the radiation detector, in particular of the X-ray detector for radiation analysis, in particular for (energy dispersive) X-ray analysis in microscopy using optics for charged particles.

Abstract: A neutron porosity measurement device uses semiconductor detectors located at different distances from a cavity configured to accommodate a neutron source. Each of the semiconductor detectors includes (i) a semiconductor substrate doped to form a pn junction, and having microstructures of neutron reactive material formed to extend from a first surface inside the semiconductor substrate, and (ii) electrodes, one of which is in contact with the first surface of the semiconductor substrate and another one of which is in contact with a second surface of the semiconductor substrate, the second surface being opposite to the first surface. The electrodes are configured to acquire an electrical signal occurring when a neutron is captured inside the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A radiographic image detecting apparatus and a radiographic image capturing system are provided. The radiographic image detecting apparatus includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements for generating electric charge by emission of radiation, a bias line through which a bias voltage is supplied to the photoelectric conversion elements, a power supply for applying the bias voltage to the photoelectric conversion elements through the bias line, a current detector for detecting a bias current flowing through the bias line, and a reading circuit including an amplifying circuit. The current detector includes a current mirror circuit connected between the bias line connected to the photoelectric conversion elements and the power supply.

Abstract: When all TFTs are turned on, an electric signal is compared with a first threshold value. If the electric signal is equal to or more than the first threshold value, a first judgment unit judges that X-ray irradiation has been started. A second judgment unit compares second and third threshold values with a first-order differentiation value of an electric signal that is outputted in a state of turning off all the TFTs. If the first-order differentiation value is within or out of a range defined by the second and third threshold values throughout a verification period, the second judgment unit verifies that the judgment of the first judgment unit is correct. When the judgment of the first judgment unit is verified to be correct, the TFTs are kept turned off, and an FPD continuously carries out charge accumulation operation for capturing an X-ray image.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radiation detection element and a radiographic imaging device that may provide optimal resolution that corresponds to the purpose of imaging and to imaging speed, and that may suppress increase in device size. Namely, TFTs of plural pixels in a column direction are connected to the same signal lines. When a moving image is imaged, a control signal is output via a control line, the TFTs of the pixels are turned on, and the charges are read-out from sensor sections. Since the two pixels×two pixels are operated as one pixel and the charges are extracted, resolution may be lowered when compared with a still image and a frame rate may be improved.

Abstract: A radiation detection system can include a photo sensor to receive light from a scintillator via an input and to send an electrical pulse at an output in response to receiving the light. The radiation detection system can also include a pulse analyzer that can determine whether the electrical pulse corresponds to a neutron-induced pulse, based on a ratio of an integral of a particular portion of the electrical pulse to an integral of a combination of a decay portion and a rise portion of the electrical pulse. Each of the integrals can be integrated over time. In a particular embodiment, the pulse analyzer can be configured to compare the ratio with a predetermined value and to identify the electrical pulse as a neutron-induced pulse when the ratio is at least the predetermined value.

Abstract: A radiographic image detecting apparatus and a radiographic image capturing system are provided. The radiographic image detecting apparatus includes photoelectric conversion elements for generating electric charge by emission of radiation, a bias line through which a bias voltage is supplied to the photoelectric conversion elements, a power supply for applying the bias voltage to the photoelectric conversion elements through the bias line, a current detector for detecting a bias current flowing through the bias line based on a voltage drop across a resistor inserted in the bias line, a first amplifying circuit, a second amplifying circuit connected to an output of the first amplifying circuit, and a controller for correcting the electric signal by increasing a gain of the second amplifying circuit depending on decrease in a sensitivity of the photoelectric conversion element, the decrease being caused by the voltage drop.

Abstract: Disclosed is a radiation image capturing device including a control section which detects at least a start of irradiation based on a current value of a current detected by a current detection section, wherein the control section applies an ON-state voltage having a predetermined voltage value from a scan driving section to a switch section via each of scan lines simultaneously so as to perform reset processing of each of radiation detection elements before radiation image capturing, and thereafter, decreases the voltage value of the ON-state voltage simultaneously, monitors the current value outputted from the current detection section while keeping the decreased voltage value of the ON-state voltage, and waits for the start of the irradiation.

Abstract: There is provided a particle beam irradiation apparatus in which two or more pairs of scanning electromagnets are utilized so that scanning of a charged particle beam can be performed with a high accuracy and with a high flexibility in the speed, from a low speed to a high speed.

Abstract: A laser light is emitted from a laser light source and focused inside a cluster-gas. A nozzle is installed in a vacuum. The nozzle is configured so that a jet of gas can be jetted from its top into the vacuum. The gas is a mixed gas of helium and carbon dioxide. The gas jetted into the vacuum undergoes adiabatic expansion with a steep cooling, which produces the cluster-gas. In the cluster gas, a large number of CO2 molecules aggregate into nanosized CO2 clusters which suspend in the gas of He atoms. It is preferred that the light focal point be located in a rear part of the cluster-gas. The most preferred are 80% to 100% positions of the orifice as seen from the front side.

Abstract: A mount (100, 200) for holding an electron microscopy sample carrier (310) comprises a base plate (101) having an opening (103) through a middle region thereof and a support surface (107) for the sample carrier (310) extending at least partly around the opening (103), a holding apparatus (104a, 104b) for frictionally engaged holding of the sample carrier (310) on the support surface (107) being provided on the base plate (101), the holding apparatus (104a, 104b) comprising at least two mutually independent clip elements (104a, 104b) that extend from the base plate (101) toward the opening (103) and by means of which edge regions (313a, 313b), spaced apart from one another, of the electron microscopy sample carrier (310) are holdable on the support surface (107). The invention further encompasses a loading apparatus for loading a mount with an electron microscopy sample carrier, and a method for using the loading apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a robotic arm including a supporting member, a cavity body and a telescopic member. The cavity body includes a gate. The cavity body accommodates the supporting member. The telescopic member is connected with the supporting member for driving the supporting member to extend out of or back to the cavity body through the gate. The present invention discloses a transporting device with the robotic arm. The robotic arm and the transporting device with the robotic arm utilizes the structure of the cavity body to maintain the cleanliness during transporting plates.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an optical detector for detecting radiation. The optical detector includes an optical light guide that incorporates a sensing region. The sensing region includes a sensing material that emits luminescence light when the sensing material is exposed to suitable ionizing radiation and accrues trapped charge which is released and produces optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) when the sensing material is optically stimulated. The optical detector also includes a light source for optically stimulating the sensing material and a light detector for detecting the OSL. The optical light guide is arranged to guide light through the sensing region and between the sensing region and the luminescence light detector.

Abstract: An energy application device applies optical energy on an adhesion sheet by a light radiator and, subsequently, applies heat energy on the adhesion sheet by a heater. With this arrangement, even the adhesion sheet, which includes an adhesive layer having an energy barrier that cannot be overcome only with optical energy, is enabled to start a photoreaction by overcoming an energy barrier with the heat energy from the heater.

Abstract: The invention concerns a passive terahertz radiation source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation having frequency in the range of 10 GHz to 50 THz and a method for generating a terahertz radiation. The passive terahertz radiation source comprises: a source of a pulsed excitation light; an emitter comprising one or more emitter elements, each emitter element comprising a semiconductor layer being arranged such that at least a portion of a first major surface of said semiconductor layer is exposed to the excitation light, wherein each emitter element is configured such that upon exposure to the excitation light, a gradient of the charge carrier density is generated in the semiconductor layer in the area of transition between a first area of the semiconductor layer and a second area of the semiconductor layer, the gradient being substantially parallel to the first major surface of the semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A collimator is disclosed for a radiation detector including at least three spacing elements arranged on a radiation exit face of the collimator. In at least one embodiment, they are embodied so as to mount the collimator in a stable manner with respect to a radiation converter of the radiation detector. The at least three spacing elements enable a very precise and stable alignment of the collimator in respect of the radiation converter despite manufacturing-related curves or unevennesses in the radiation exit face and/or the mounting surface on the part of the radiation converter. At least one embodiment of the invention also relates to a manufacturing method for such a collimator, as well as a method for manufacturing a radiation detector.

Abstract: A 2D collimator is disclosed for a radiation detector. In at least one embodiment, the 2D collimator includes 2D collimator modules arranged in series, wherein adjacent 2D collimator modules are glued together to establish a fixed mechanical connection to facing module sides, and wherein, on their free-remaining side, the outer 2D collimator modules have a retaining element for mounting the 2D collimator opposite a detector mechanism. A method for manufacturing such a 2D collimator is also disclosed.

Abstract: A control valve for pressure reduction, in particular for liquids containing solids and having an inlet, an outlet and a channel between the inlet and outlet, wherethe channel is formed as an elastic through-flow channel with a free line cross section which can be reduced along its longitudinal axis over an extended line section.

Abstract: A gas valve unit for adjusting a volumetric gas flow supplied to a gas burner of a gas appliance, in particular a gas cooking appliance, includes at least two open/close valves which can be actuated by moving at least one magnetically active body, in particular a permanent magnet, relative to the open/close valves. For actuating an open/close valve, a position of the magnetically active body, which is preferably implemented in the form of a permanent magnet, can be varied relative to the shut-off body of the open/close valve.

Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus is disclosed which includes: a base body; and a housing to be fixed to one surface of the base body. The housing includes an opening facing the one surface of the base body. The opening includes a flange portion formed on and projected outwardly from an opening edge portion. The flange portion includes a screw-formed housing fixing hole for fixing the housing to the base body using a fastening member and a reference hole for provisionally fixing the housing when assembling parts to the housing. The reference hole is formed by lightening the flange portion and arranged parallel to the housing fixing hole.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automating the operation of a manual control valve upon the occurrence of a specified condition includes a valve handle engaging member mounted on an operating shaft turned by a motor held by a housing or support which is mountable to the manual valve body or associated conduit. The motor is operated by a motor control circuit when a sensor detects the condition. The structure and method of mounting may include a quick disconnect mechanism. The control circuit may operate at different power levels depending on the state of the sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved needle valve, where, in some preferred embodiments, the needle valve includes a stem having a ball linkage and a seat having a ball linkage housing. The ball linkage can be snap-fit to the seat, and the ball linkage and ball linkage housing cooperate to form a ball-and-socket joint. In some embodiments, an axis is formed at least in part by the stem, and the ball-and-socket joint allows rotation of the seat about the axis and inhibits rotation of the seat about another axis. A gap may be provided between the seat and the stem to accommodate deformation of the seat. Also disclosed herein is an improved needle valve, where, in some preferred embodiments, a stem and a handle are provided with mating geometry and a biased snap-fit mechanism to facilitate ease of assembly.

Abstract: A needle valve includes a body, a needle assembly sized to be received in the body, and a handle sized to move the needle assembly relative to the body. A captive screw may be provided and is sized to mount the handle to the needle assembly. Further, a packing gland may be provided and is sized to be received in the body and sized to cover a portion of the needle assembly. An inert material, such as a nylon patch, is applied to a portion of the packing gland to lock the packing gland within the body. The needle valve could include a two piece, non-rotating stem.

Abstract: Oxide film formed on a spring-retaining flange by heat treatment gets unlikely to peel off, thereby improving wear resistance of a contact surface of the spring-retaining flange with a valve spring. The oxide film 15 of the part of the spring-retaining flange 3 with the valve spring 7 is at least partially removed to make thickness of the oxide film to 0.00 to 0.02 ?m.

Abstract: A gate valve seat has structure formed on it to provide a sealing edge or lip which flexes when loaded. The lip forms a dual seal against portions of the gate valve body when the seat is placed under load.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of composite materials as thickening agents for aqueous solutions, said material comprising carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and at least one hydrophilic (co)polymers. The invention relates more particularly to the use of the materials described above as thickening agents n one of the fields chosen: from the following: the papermaking field, the oil field and also the fields of paint, water treatment, detergents, ceramics, cements, or hydraulic binders, civil engineering, inks and varnishes, and textile sizing.

Abstract: A method for conducting froth flotation using a collector which is primarily hydrocarbon in nature or is a mixture of hydrocarbons with certain oxygenates, the collectors being substantially free of polynuclear aromatics, sulfur and nitrogen.

Abstract: The present invention is an expandable vinyl aromatic polymer which comprises: a) a matrix of a branched aromatic ionomer, b) 1-10% by weight calculated with respect to the polymer (a), of an expanding agent englobed in the polymeric matrix, c) 0-20% by weight, calculated with respect to the polymer (a), of a filler homogeneously distributed in the polymeric matrix, in which, the branched aromatic ionomer comprises the product of co-polymerizing a first monomer comprising an aromatic moiety and an unsaturated alkyl moiety and a second monomer comprising an ionic moiety and at least two unsaturated moieties, wherein the ionic moiety has at least two ionizable groups, a cationic group that ionizes to form cations and an anionic group that ionizes to form anions, and wherein the cationic group is polyvalent and one capable of forming bridges to other molecules. The present invention also relates to the use of the expandable vinyl aromatic polymer to make expanded articles, in particular insulation boards.

Abstract: The invention provides a piezoelectric polymer material comprising a helical chiral polymer having a weight average molecular weight of from 50,000 to 1,000,000 and optical activity, the piezoelectric polymer material having: crystallinity as obtained by a DSC method of from 20% to 80%; a transmission haze with respect to visible light of 50% or less; and a product of the crystallinity and a standardized molecular orientation MORc, which is measured with a microwave transmission-type molecular orientation meter at a reference thickness of 50 ?m, of from 40 to 700.

Abstract: A magnetic material composition for ceramic electronic components that is excellent in sintering properties and magnetic properties (in particular, a Q-factor) and a manufacturing method thereof, and a ceramic electronic component using the magnetic material composition are provided. The magnetic material composition includes Ni—Zn—Cu ferrite powder formed of 47.0 to 49.5 parts by mole of a mixture of iron oxide (Fe2O3), cobalt oxide (CoO), and titanium oxide (TiO2), 16.0 to 24.0 parts by mole of nickel oxide (NiO), 18.0 to 25.0 parts by mole of zinc oxide (ZnO), and 7.0 to 13.0 parts by mole of copper oxide (CuO). A ceramic electronic component manufactured using the magnetic material composition has an excellent Q-factor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a working fluid composition for a refrigerator machine comprising a base oil comprising an ether-based compound, a carbodiimide compound, and an unsaturated fluorinated hydrocarbon refrigerant. The present invention also provides a refrigerating machine oil comprising a base oil containing an ether-based compound and a carbodiimide compound, the refrigerating machine oil being used together with an unsaturated fluorinated hydrocarbon refrigerant.

Abstract: Provided herein is a coated electroactive particle, comprising i) an electroactive agglomerated particle that comprises a first and second electroactive materials; and ii) a polymeric overcoating on the surface of the electroactive agglomerated particle. Also provided herein is a coated electroactive particle, comprising i) an agglomerated particle that comprises subparticles of a first electroactive material and subparticles of a second electroactive material; and ii) a polymeric overcoating on the surface of the electroactive agglomerated particle.

Abstract: The invention provides a hydrogen storage material consisting essentially of a hydride of lithium and magnesium, the material having the general formula: LixMgyHn wherein: (i) x is in the range of from 0.17 to 0.93; (ii) y is in the range of from 0.07 to 0.83; and (iii) n is not greater than (x+2y); with the proviso that n is not (x+2y) when (a) x=y; (b) x=2y or (c) 2x=y. Methods of producing the hydrogen storage material and its use to store hydrogen reversibly or irreversibly are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mat of mineral fibers which comprises an agent capable of trapping formaldehyde present in particular in dwellings or offices and transportation vehicles. The agent capable of trapping formaldehyde is chosen from compounds comprising active methylene(s), hydrazides, tannins, amides, amino acids and sulfites. Another subject matter of the present invention is the processes for the manufacture of said mat of mineral fibers.

Abstract: A metal adsorbent which can adsorb a wide variety of metals, can conform to various uses, and adsorbs metals in large amounts. Metal adsorbents in various forms, which have the property of highly efficiently adsorbing metals, are produced by (a) a method in which a polyamine polymer is chemically bonded and immobilized to a porous support, (b) a method in which a polyamine polymer is blended into a solution of a raw material for fibers and the mixture is formed into fibers by wet-spinning or dry spinning, and (c) a method in which a polyamine polymer is blended into a solution of a film-forming polymer and the mixture is formed into a film by a method of film formation from solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of protecting membranes by treatment with an aqueous solution containing at least one water-soluble, nucleophilic compound, and the use of this aqueous solution for protecting matrices.

Abstract: A LC compound and a LC mixture are provided. The LC mixture includes a compound represented by (I) and at least one compound selected from a group consisting of compounds represented by (II) to (IV): in which X1 is F, —Cl, —CF3, or —OCF3; R, R11, and R12 are independently H, a C1-C15 alkyl group, or a C2-C15 alkenyl group; A1 is 1,4-phenylene; A11, A12, A13, and A14 are independently selected from a group consisting of 1,4-phenylene, 1,4-cyclohexylene, and 2,5-tetrahydropyranylene; at least one of A2, A3, and A4 is 2,5-indanylene, and the others are independently selected from a group consisting of 1,4-phenylene, 1,4-cyclohexylene, and 2,5-tetrahydropyranylene; L1 is —F2CO—; Z11, Z12, and Z13 are independently a single bond, —O—, —F2CO—, or —COO—; m is 1; n, o and p are independently 0, 1, 2 or 3, and n+o+p?3.

Abstract: To provide a liquid crystal composition exhibiting a blue phase, which enables higher contrast, and a liquid crystal display device including the liquid crystal composition. The liquid crystal composition contains a chiral agent and liquid crystal containing a compound having three electron-withdrawing groups as end groups of a structure where a plurality of rings including at least one aromatic ring is linked to each other directly or with a linking group laid therebetween. The peak of the diffracted wavelength on the longest wavelength side in the reflectance spectrum of the liquid crystal composition is less than or equal to 450 nm, preferably less than or equal to 420 nm. Further, a liquid crystal display device can be provided using the liquid crystal composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oxide luminescent materials activated by trivalent thulium and their preparations. The luminescent materials are the compounds with the following general formula: (RE1-xTmx)2O3, wherein a range of x is 0<x?0.05 and RE is one or two selected from Y, Gd, La, Lu and Sc. These materials are Prepared by Sol-Gel Method or high temperature solid phase method using metal oxide of Tm3+, chloride of Tm3+, nitrate of Tm3+, carbonate of Tm3+ or oxalate of Tm3+, and one or two of oxide Y3+, Gd3+, La3+, Lu3+ or Sc3+, chloride Y3+, Gd3+, La3+, Lu3+ or Sc3+, nitrate Y3+, Gd3+, La3+, Lu3+ or Sc3+, carbonate Y3+, Gd3+, La3+, Lu3+ or Sc3+ and oxalate of Y3+, Gd3+, La3+, Lu3+ or Sc3+ as raw material. The present oxide luminescent materials activated by trivalent thulium have high stability, color purity and luminous efficiency, and the methods can easily be operated.

Abstract: Compounds of Formula I, which include both cerium and europium, may be useful as phosphors in solid state light emitting devices. Light emitting devices including such phosphors may emit warm white light.

Abstract: The invention relates to solvent compositions predominantly comprising at least one oxide of an organic sulfide, more particularly dimethyl sulfoxide, to which is added at least one odour-masking agent comprising at least one compound selected from monoesters, diesters or triesters, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes and terpenes.

Abstract: “A composite electrode includes a mixture of active matter (AM) particles and EC material particles generating an electronic conductivity, the mixture being supported by an electrical lead forming a DC current collector. The electrode can be manufactured by a method which consists of modifying the AM particles and the EC particles so as to react with each other and with the material of the collector in order to form covalent and electrostatic bonds between said particles, as well as between the particles and the current collector, and then placing the different constituents in contact.

Abstract: A process for preparing transition metal mixed oxide precursors, including: (A) precipitating, from aqueous solution at a pH of 8.0 to 9.0, a compound of formula (I): M(CO3)bOc(OH)dAmBe(SO4)fXg(PO4)h??(I), wherein: M is one or more transition metals, A is sodium or potassium, B is one or more metals of groups 1 to 3, excluding Na and potassium, X is halide, nitrate or carboxylate, b is 0.75 to 0.98, c is zero to 0.50, d is zero to 0.50, where the sum (c+d) is 0.02 to 0.50, e is zero to 0.1, f is zero to 0.05, g is zero to 0.05, h is zero to 0.10, m is 0.002 to 0.1, and (B) separating the precipitated material from the mother liquor, where the particles of material of formula (I) have a spherical shape.

Abstract: The electrode material includes metal oxide nanoparticles formed by applying shear force and centrifugal force to reactants containing a reaction inhibitor in a rotating reaction vessel during a chemical reaction; and carbon nanotubes with a specific area of 600 to 2600 m2/g to which shear force and centrifugal force are applied for dispersion in the rotating reaction vessel during the chemical reaction. The metal oxide particles are highly dispersed and carried on the carbon nanotubes. Preferably, the metal oxide is lithium titanate.

Abstract: Provided is a carbon nanotube dispersion including: carbon nanotubes, a solvent, and a dispersant, in which a mutifunctional ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer acts as the dispersant. The carbon nanotube dispersion provides excellent dispersion stability in aqueous and organic systems. Therefore, the carbon nanotube dispersion is suitable for a transparent electrode.

Abstract: Provided are a conductive polymer-carbon nanotube composite including a carbon nanotube and a conductive polymer filled therein, and a method of manufacturing the same. The conductive polymer-carbon nanotube composite where a conductive polymer is filled in a carbon nanotube is manufactured by introducing a monomer of the conductive polymer into the carbon nanotube using a supercritical fluid technique and polymerizing the monomer. The conductive polymer-carbon nanotube composite is a novel nano-structure material which can overcome limitations that conventional materials may have, and thus can be applied to various applications such as sensors, electrode materials, nanoelectronic materials, etc.