Abstract: An electric outboard motor transom clamping system with two spaced apart side plates pivotally connected by at least one main pivot bolt or pin. Each side plate includes a clamp configured to press against the transom and hold the side plate in a rearward extending fixed position. Each slide plate also includes a ratchet slot located below the main bolt and a plurality of downward oriented pin slots transversely aligned the pins slots on the opposite side plate. Each pin slot is angled upward and rearward between 5 and 25 degrees from the center axis to a line that extends from the bottom of each pin slot to the main pivot bolt. A block member with two longitudinally aligned pins extend into the two ratchet slots. The pins engage the pin slots on the two side plates and hold the block member in fixed position between the two side plates.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus includes a cage, a cover, a mounting member, an operation member, and a resilient member. The cage is adapted to mount the fan module and defines a cutout. The cover is secured to the cage. The mounting member is secured between the cage and the cover. The operation member is slidably mounted to the mounting member and received in the cutout. The resilient member is secured between the operation member and the mounting member. The operation member is slidable between a locked and an unlocked position relative to the cage. When the operation member is in the locked position, the hook extends out of the cutout and is adapted to engage in a latching slot of a chassis. When the operation member is in the unlocked position, the hook is slid back and received in the cutout and is disengaged from the latching slot.

Abstract: An imaging device includes phase difference detection pixels. The imaging device receives an image formed by an optical system and includes a plurality of pixels that are two-dimensionally arranged. Each of the plurality of pixels include a micro lens; a photoelectric conversion unit positioned below the micro lens; and an optical aperture disposed between the micro lens and the photoelectric conversion unit and that is eccentric with respect to an optical axis of the micro lens, wherein the plurality of pixels of the imaging device output a signal for obtaining phase difference. The imaging device performs phase difference detection on the entire surface of a captured image without addition of pixels.

Abstract: A hybrid ADC having a successive approximation register (SAR) ADC mode for generating a bit of a digital signal and a ramp ADC mode for generating an additional bit of the digital signal is disclosed. When in the SAR ADC mode, a control circuit is configured to disable a ramp signal generator; disable a counter; and enable a register to control an offset stage to set the magnitude of an offset voltage that is provided to an input of a comparator of the ADC. When in the ramp ADC mode, the control circuit is configured to enable the ramp signal generator to provide a ramp signal to the input of the comparator; enable the counter to begin providing the digital count in response to the output of the comparator; and disable the register so that the offset stage is not providing the offset voltage.

Abstract: A foldable frame assembly is adapted for an optical touch device. The foldable frame assembly includes a first frame, a second frame and a third frame. The second frame is pivotally connected to a first end of the first frame and the third frame is pivotally connected to a second end of the first frame, wherein the first end is opposite to the second end. The second frame and the third frame can rotate with respect to the first frame so as to be folded or expanded with respect to the first frame.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include an electron counter with a charge-coupled device (CCD) register configured to transfer electrons to a Geiger-mode avalanche diode (GM-AD) array operably coupled to the output of the CCD register. At high charge levels, a nondestructive amplifier senses the charge at the CCD register output to provide an analog indication of the charge. At low charge levels, noiseless charge splitters or meters divide the charge into single-electron packets, each of which is detected by a GM-AD that provides a digital output indicating whether an electron is present. Example electron counters are particularly well suited for counting photoelectrons generated by large-format, high-speed imaging arrays because they operate with high dynamic range and high sensitivity. As a result, they can be used to image scenes over a wide range of light levels.

Abstract: The controlling circuit of the image censor circuit controls the row decoder to address the light receiving cell with the address signal to turn on the first MOS transistor and turns on the switch circuit with a switch controlling signal, and then controls the row decoder to turn off the first MOS transistor and then turns off the switch circuit with the switch controlling signal.

Abstract: A radiation image pickup apparatus capable of setting an optimum threshold value used for instantaneously and highly accurately detecting the presence/absence of irradiation includes a pixel array having a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, where each of the pixels includes a conversion element and a switch element, a drive circuit for supplying a drive signal for controlling the switch element between a conducting state and a non-conducting state, a detection unit for outputting a detection signal varying with the intensity of irradiation of the pixel array, and an arithmetic unit for calculating an end threshold value used to detect end of irradiation on the basis of the signal output from the detection unit during a period of time during which irradiation is applied to the pixel array in which the switch elements of the pixels are set in a non-conducting state by the drive circuit.

Abstract: A sensor includes an array of pixels, and a global shutter configured to expose the array of pixels. Each pixel includes storage elements configured to independently store successive frames within a predetermined time period. Each storage element is configured to be independently read out.

Abstract: An image sensor includes a plurality of self-resetting pixels including: a mechanism converting detected electromagnetic energy into a proportional electric current; an integrating capacitor including a mechanism for fast charging to a first electric level and for controlled discharging to a second electric level; a mechanism for comparing the controlled discharge; a loopback mechanism, allowing automatic repetition of fast charging and controlled discharging cycles and counting of number of cycles occurring during a determined integration time; a mechanism measuring a residual electric charge present in the integrating capacitor on completion of the integration period; and a calibration mechanism using the measurement mechanism to measure and compensate for operating and production dispersions specific to each pixel.

Abstract: In order to suppress a variation of a signal held by each signal holding unit, a solid-state imaging apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that, when a clamp operation of a pixel output signal is performed in the signal holding unit, a time changing rate of an amplitude of a drive pulse supplied to the selecting unit for turning from a non-conducting state to a conducting state is not larger than a time changing rate of the amplitude of the drive pulse supplied to the selecting unit for turning from the conducting state to the non-conducting state.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radiographic imaging including, provided at an insulating substrate, sensor portions for radiation detection that generate charges due to receive radiation or light converted from radiation, first signal lines that are connected to the sensor portions for radiation detection and through which flow electric signals that correspond to the charges generated at the sensor portions for radiation detection, and second signal lines having a substantially same wiring pattern as the first signal lines. Detection of radiation is carried out on the basis of a difference between an electric signal flowing through the first signal line and an electric signal flowing through the second signal line, or a difference between values of digital data obtained by digitally converting an electric signal flowing through the first signal line and an electric signal flowing through the second signal line, respectively.

Abstract: Expansion of the dynamic range was difficult in conventional amplifying photoelectric conversion devices designed to have a large gain because, when used for high input light intensity, the electric current exceeds the electric current capacity of a near-minimum sized transistor obtained with the design rules. Also, in conventional photoelectric conversion devices, techniques for varying the electric signal outputs in real-time at the device level are necessary for real-time import of observation targets or images having a high contrast ratio and for visualization of local areas in real-time. In order to solve this problem, the present invention provides a gain varying method, a variable gain photoelectric conversion device, a photoelectric conversion cell, a photoelectric conversion array, a read-out method thereof, and a circuit therefor in which amplifying photoelectric conversion devices and field-effect transistors are combined.

Abstract: A correlation confocal microscope uses correlated photon pairs to improve resolution. It employs a source of a light beam converging to a point location on a sample, and an objective that gathers light from the point location and generates an image beam. A modulator applies a spatial pattern of modulation to the source light beam to define spatially correlated photons whose spatial correlations are preserved in modulated light gathered from the sample. A filter applies a modulation-selective filter function to the image light beam to generate a filtered light beam of like-modulated photons. A coincidence detector detects temporally coincident photon pairs in the filtered light beam, generating a pulse output that indicates the magnitude of a light-detectable property (such as transmissivity or reflectivity) of the sample at the point location. The modulator may apply phase modulation and the filter may be a phase-sensitive component such as an interferometer.

Abstract: The calibration/verification system and method for gas imaging infrared cameras standardizes the procedures to objectively and consistently check performance of gas imaging infrared cameras. This system includes a background board maintaining a uniform temperature, a target cell filled with a target compound and disposed in front of the background board, a reference cell filled with a reference compound and disposed in front of the background board, and an analyzer coupled to the camera that captures images of the gas cell and the reference cell. The analyzer compares the intensity difference and the temperature difference of rays passing through the target cell and reference cell to a reference relationship data of a quality control chart to determine whether the camera is in a working condition. The method is further extended to provide a quantitative measurement of a hydrocarbon plume from a gas imaging infrared camera.

Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer has a pair of electrodes and midway along the drill chamber. A high field is applied between the electrodes and sufficient to modify ions in the region of the electrodes such that they move at a different rate towards the collector plate. This is used to modify the time of flight of selected ions or ion clusters and enable identification of ambiguous peaks on the IMS spectrum.

Abstract: The production and use of silicon microcolumn arrays that harvest light from a laser pulse to produce ions are described. The systems of the present invention seem to behave like a quasi-periodic antenna array with ion yields that show profound dependence on the plane of laser light polarization and the angle of incidence. By providing photonic ion sources, this enables enhanced control of ion production on a micro/nano scale and direct integration with miniaturized analytical devices.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for mass spectrometry analysis of samples. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a mass spectrometry probe including at least one porous material connected to a high voltage source, in which the porous material is discrete from a flow of solvent.

Abstract: Ions that are transported from an ion source to a mass spectrometer for mass analysis are often accompanied by background particles such as photons, neutral species, and cluster or aerosol ions which originate in the ion source. Background particles are also produced by scattering and neutralization of ions during collisions with background gas molecules in higher pressure regions with line-of-sight to the mass spectrometer detector. In either case, such background particles produce noise in mass spectra. Apparatus and methods are provided in which a multipole ion guide is configured to efficiently transport ions through multiple vacuum stages, while preventing background particles, produced both in the ion source and along the ion transport pathway, from reaching the detector, thereby improving signal-to-noise in mass spectra.

Abstract: An electrostatic lens (3), including five cylindrical electrodes (31-35) arrayed along an ion-optical axis (C) and an aperture plate (38) located on a common focal plane of two virtual convex lenses (L1 and L2) formed under an afocal condition, is used as an ion-injecting optical system for sending ions into an orthogonal acceleration unit. The diameter of a restriction aperture (39) formed in the aperture plate (38) determines the angular spread of an exit ion beam. When voltages for making the electrostatic lens (3) function as an afocal system are set, a measurement with high mass-resolving power can be performed at a slight sacrifice of the sensitivity. When voltages for making the lens function as a non-afocal system having the highest ion-passage efficiency are set, a measurement with high sensitivity can be performed at a slight sacrifice of the resolving power.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for mass spectrometry analysis of samples. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a mass spectrometry probe including at least one porous material connected to a high voltage source, in which the porous material is discrete from a flow of solvent.

Abstract: The invention proposes a method for the collective ejection of ions from a 3D RF ion trap with a ring electrode and two end cap electrodes, which comprises the following steps: (a) the RF voltage of a high-quality resonant circuit applied to the ring electrode is replaced with a second RF voltage at the two end cap electrodes which can be changed or switched faster than the high voltage at the ring electrode, keeping the ions stored, (b) the second RF voltage at the end cap electrodes is then switched down or off abruptly, releasing the ions, and (c) the released ions are ejected through an opening in one of the end cap electrodes by switching on a DC voltage on at least one of the end cap electrodes.

Abstract: Technique capable of achieving shortening of settling time, which is caused by ringing, etc. of a blanking control signal is provided. A measuring/inspecting apparatus is configured to have a main blanking unit and a correction blanking control unit as a high-speed switching control unit of an electron beam. During the period of switching of a main blanking control signal from ON to OFF, a correction blanking control signal is applied in real time in synchronization with the switching. The ringing, etc. caused by the main blanking are corrected so as to be cancelled out by that, the settling time is shortened as a result.

Abstract: A crystal material lattice strain evaluation method includes illuminating a sample having a crystal structure with an electron beam in a zone axis direction, and selectively detecting a certain diffracted wave diffracted in a certain direction among a plurality of diffracted waves diffracted by the sample. The method further includes repeating the illuminating step and the selectively detecting step while scanning the sample, and obtaining a strain distribution image in a direction corresponding to the certain diffracted wave from diffraction intensity at each point of the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for determining an unknown degree of amorphicity in a bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy. A specimen can be prepared from the alloy, irradiated with passive radiation, imaged to provide a thermal image, and the image analyzed to assess the differences in emissivities in the image. The degree of amorphicity can be determined based on the differences in thermal emissivities.

Abstract: A method of determining directionality of radiation is disclosed which comprises dividing the tensioned metastable fluid liquid volume adjacent to a radioactive source into a plurality of sectors, determining the opposing sector ratio of the respective sector and determining the direction of the radiation based on the opposing sector ratios of the plurality of sectors. The method further comprising determining directionality of incoming radiation from the tension pressure assisted elongation of bubble shapes pointing towards direction of radiation particles that interacted with nuclei of tensioned metastable fluid detector system. A device capable of carrying out these methods is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a radiation entry window (10) for a radiation detector (2), in particular for a semiconductor drift detector (2), with a flat window element (11), which is at least partially permeable for the radiation to be detected by the radiation detector (2), as well as with a window frame (12), which laterally frames the window element (11), wherein the window frame (12) consists of a semiconductor material and is considerably thicker than the window element (11).

Abstract: The present invention is thus directed to an automated system and method of varying the optical path length in a sample that a light from a spectrophotometer must travel through. Such arrangements allow a user to easily vary the optical path length while also providing the user with an easy way to clean and prepare a transmission cell for optical interrogation. Such path length control can be automatically controlled by a programmable control system to quickly collect and stores data from different path lengths as needed for different spectrographic analysis. Such a methodology and system, as presented herein, is able to return best-match spectra with far fewer computational steps and greater speed than if all possible combinations of reference spectra are considered.

Abstract: By mating a main part with a first prism part or second prism part, a terahertz-wave spectrometer can easily switch between optical paths of a terahertz wave T propagating within a spectroscopic prism. When the main part mates with the first prism part, the terahertz wave T incident on an entrance surface passes through a depression, so as to be reflected by an arrangement part, whereby reflection spectrometry can be performed. When the main part mates with the second prism part, the terahertz wave T incident on the entrance surface is refracted by the depression, so as to pass through an object to be measured within a groove, whereby transmission spectrometry can be preformed.

Abstract: A total reflection measurement method using a total reflection spectrometer 1 is a total reflection measurement method comprising arranging an object to be measured on a total reflection surface 31c of an internal total reflection prism 31 and measuring an optical constant concerning the object 34 according to a terahertz wave totally reflected by the total reflection surface 31c after passing the prism 31, wherein a liquid 50 incapable of dissolving the object 34 is interposed at least between the total reflection surface 31c and the object 34. A force such as an adhesion force acting between the liquid 50 and the object 34 can place the object 34 closer to the total reflection surface 31c, thereby stably generating an interaction between an evanescent component and the object 34.

Abstract: Positron emission tomography (PET) systems suitable for use with dirty (positron+prompt gamma) emitters are provided. One or more prompt gamma detectors are added to the PET system, where the prompt gamma detectors are responsive to the prompt gammas provided by the dirty emitter, but are not responsive to 511 keV annihilation photons. The prompt gamma detectors can surround the imaging PET detector array and/or be disposed as end caps relative to a generally cylindrical PET detector array. The prompt gamma detectors need not provide spatial resolution, because coincidence events in the PET detector array are classified as 2-photon or 3-photon events depending on whether or not there is a time-coincident signal from the prompt gamma detectors. One application of this approach is dual isotope PET where distinct tracers labeled with clean and dirty positron emitters are simultaneously imaged.

Abstract: An index value is calculated for rating an eyeglass with respect to protection against UV hazard. The index value is based on an integrated UV transmission value through the eyeglass and an integrated UV reflection value related to a back face of the eyeglass. Thus, the index value takes into account actual wearing conditions where UV eye exposure is due either to transmission through the eyeglass or reflection on the eyeglass back face. Respective index values obtained for a set of eyeglasses allow easy sorting of the eyeglasses with respect to UV protection efficiency.

Abstract: A radiation image pickup apparatus includes a pixel array having pixels each including a conversion element and a switch element, a drive circuit for controlling the switch element between a conducting state and a non-conducting state, a detection unit for outputting a detection signal varying with the intensity of irradiation of the pixel array, and an arithmetic unit for calculating a start threshold value used to detect start of irradiation based on the signal output from the detection unit during a period when radiation is not emitted onto the pixel array in which the switch elements are sequentially set in a conducting state on a row-by-row basis by the drive circuit and the signal output from the detection unit during a period when radiation is emitted onto the pixel array in which the switch elements are sequentially set in a conducting state on a row-by-row basis by the drive circuit.

Abstract: A water soluble composition mitigates and diffuses energy, such as laser energy, infrared energy and electron beams with minimum backing height. The composition of the present invention presents no environmental hazard or residual liability of waste or byproducts.

Abstract: A structured substrate is described which is suitable for forming and hosting a crystal array, as well as associated methods for making and using such a structured substrate. The structured substrate is made by injection molding and has on one side a combination of macro- and micro-structured features. Each macro-structured feature comprises an edge that forms a perimeter around an enclosed area containing a large number of the micro-structured features. When a droplet of a solution containing molecules of interest and a solvent is deposited onto one of the enclosed areas such that it extends somewhat beyond the perimeter, the droplet slowly dries and shrinks through evaporation of the solvent, during which the edge acts to seed crystallization of the molecules, and the micro-structured features act to direct crystal growth from the seed into the enclosed area. The crystal thus forms over the whole of the enclosed area in a shape that conforms to the perimeter.

Abstract: A sleeve holder assembly for a radiation source is disclosed. The sleeve holder assembly comprises: an elongate radiation transparent sleeve element; a sleeve holder receptacle portion coupled to the elongate radiation transparent sleeve element; a sleeve bolt assembly portion coupled to the sleeve holder receptacle portion; a first sealing element disposed between the sleeve holder receptacle portion and the sleeve bolt assembly portion; and a locking element configured to prevent decoupling of the sleeve bolt assembly portion and the sleeve holder receptacle portion. The first sealing element is configured to provide a substantially fluid impermeable seal between the elongate radiation transparent sleeve element and the sleeve holder receptacle portion.

Abstract: A device has a weathering chamber, in which a UV radiation device is arranged and at least one sample can be arranged. The UV radiation device has a plurality of UV light emitting diodes (UV LEDs) containing UV LEDs of different emission bands. The UV LEDs can be driven in such a way that in each case UV LEDs of a specific emission band can be switched on and off jointly, independently of UV LEDs of the other emission bands. In the method, at least one sample is irradiated with radiation from at least one UV LED of a specific emission band and variations of the sample on account of the irradiation are subsequently analyzed.

Abstract: A laser scanning imaging system and method for obtaining an extended-depth-of-field image of a volume of a sample are provided. The system includes a laser module generating an input laser beam, a beam shaping module including an axicon and a Fourier-transform lens, and an imaging module including an objective lens and a detecting assembly. The axicon, Fourier-transform lens and objective lens are formed and disposed to successively convert the input laser beam into an intermediate non-diffracting beam, an intermediate annular beam, and an excitation non-diffracting beam. The excitation beam is projected onto the sample and has a depth of field and transverse resolution together defining a three-dimensional excitation region. The detecting assembly collects electromagnetic radiation from the excitation region to obtain one pixel of the extended-depth-of-field image.

Abstract: Scintillators of various constructions and methods of making and using the same are provided. In some embodiments, a scintillator comprises at least one radiation absorption region and at least one spatially discrete radiative exciton recombination region.

Abstract: A UV light emitting diode (UV-LED) is arranged in a weathering chamber and a UV light receiving diode, which is constructed on the same material basis as the UV LED, is arranged relative to the UV LED in such a way that a portion of the radiation emitted by the UV LED impinges on the UV light receiving diode during the operation of the device.

Abstract: A target supply apparatus mounted in a chamber in which extreme ultraviolet light is generated by introducing a target material and a laser beam into the chamber may include a target generator having a nozzle, a first pipe configured to cover the nozzle, a cover opening provided in the first pipe to allow the target material to pass through the first pipe, and a first valve configured to open and close the cover opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides frequency tunable solid-state radiation-generating devices, such as lasers and amplifiers, whose active medium has a size in at least one transverse dimension (e.g., its width) that is much smaller than the wavelength of radiation generated and/or amplified within the active medium. In such devices, a fraction of radiation travels as an evanescent propagating mode outside the active medium. It has been discovered that in such devices the radiation frequency can be tuned by the interaction of a tuning mechanism with the propagating evanescent mode.

Abstract: An extreme ultraviolet light source apparatus generating an extreme ultraviolet light from plasma generated by irradiating a target material with a laser light within a chamber, and controlling a flow of ions generated together with the extreme ultraviolet light using a magnetic field or an electric field, the extreme ultraviolet light source apparatus comprises an ion collector device collecting the ion via an aperture arranged at a side of the chamber, and an interrupting mechanism interrupting movement of a sputtered particle in a direction toward the aperture, the sputtered particle generated at an ion collision surface collided with the ion in the ion collector device.

Abstract: A proportional valve is provided comprising a valve (1) comprising a housing (2) having an inlet (3) and an outlet (4), a valve element (5) being positioned between said inlet (3) and said outlet (4), said valve element (5) being moveable in said housing (2), said valve element (5) having a pilot valve opening (7), a first pressure chamber (16), a pressure in said first pressure chamber (16) acting on said valve element (5) in a first direction, a second pressure chamber (17), a pressure in said pressure chamber (17) acting on said valve element (5) in a second direction opposite to said first direction, a pilot valve element (6) cooperating with said pilot valve opening (7) to form a pilot valve, said pilot valve element (6) being actuated by drive means (8), wherein a flow resistance between said inlet (3) and said first pressure chamber (16) is smaller than a flow resistance between said inlet (3) and said second pressure chamber (17).

Abstract: A valve device for electrically regulating a pressure in a hydraulic fluid flow through the valve device in response to an actuating force during a normal operation and mechanically regulating said pressure during a fail-safe operation when no actuating force is present is disclosed. The valve device has a valve chamber. A first valve member is movable within the valve chamber in an axial direction to interact with a first valve seat in response to the actuating force in order to restrict the hydraulic fluid flow into the valve chamber during normal operation. The first valve member is spring-loaded away from the second seat in a direction opposite that of the actuating force such that the first valve member is movable in the axial direction. A second valve member forms a movable chamber wall portion defining a part of the valve chamber. The second valve member is spring-loaded in the direction of the actuating force.

Abstract: A solenoid valve of the type with a flat core and a flat spring. The present invention related to a solenoid valve comprising a coil, a fixed core arranged inside the coil, a movable core arranged outside the coil, bearing a valve gasket, and a flat return spring to stress the movable core into a rest position, the solenoid valve being characterized in that the flat spring has variable stiffness, preferably bearing without embedding on corresponding surfaces of the solenoid valve.

Abstract: A valve comprising a drive part having a valve block with at least one outlet opening; a valve part having a tappet that can be moved by a drive, wherein the tappet opens or closes the outlet opening depending on its position; and a spring that is disposed between the valve block and the tappet.

Abstract: A mesofluidic scale digital valve includes a valve body including a bore aligned along a longitudinal axis, a solenoid disposed substantially adjacent to the valve body and extending along the longitudinal axis, a poppet carried within the bore and configured to translate a fixed distance in response to a magnetic field generated by the solenoid, an orifice carried within valve body and configured to cooperate with the poppet in response to the magnetic field generated by the solenoid, and a bias element carried within the valve body and configured to encourage the poppet to engage the orifice to form a seal.

Abstract: An continuous meat grinding reclaiming system that comprises a primary meat grinder unit and a secondary meat grinding unit for continuously and simultaneously processing a meat batch in a single processing run. The primary meat grinder unit is designed to grind a batch of meat by initially separating or extrapolating pure meat from the meat that contains bone; collecting the pure meat into a container; and transferring the meat that contains the bone to the secondary meat grinder unit. The secondary meat grinder unit is designed further grind the batch of meat by separating additional pure meat from the meat that contains the bone; collecting this additional pure meat into the container with the original pure meat; and discard any remaining “undesirables”. The meat grinding reclaiming system also provides an inventive variable valve reducer for controlling the flow of the undesirables through the secondary transfer pipe.

Abstract: A damper having a first seal and a second seal disposed to cooperatively engage an adjacent first blade end portion and second blade end portion such that a dead air space is created between the adjacent first seal and second seal in a damper closed position, and a first thermal gap and a second thermal gap disposed within said dead air space in the damper closed position.