Abstract: A method and apparatus for multi process welding includes providing a controlled short circuit output and a pulse output in response to a user selection across a workpiece output stud and a torch output stud.

Abstract: Weld deposit compositions with improved crack resistance, improved wear resistance, and improved hardness are provided by controlling matrix grain size and balancing Titanium and/or Niobium with Carbon and/or Boron content. Additionally, the presence of coarse chromium carbides is drastically decreased to reduce the amount of check-cracking. Preferably, the weld deposit is produced from a flux-cored or metal-cored wire. The weld deposit characteristics include a matrix having a fine grain size, small evenly dispersed carbides within the matrix, and a small amount of Carbon in the matrix.

Abstract: A passenger seat device includes a seat heater embedded in a seat and a detector electrode embedded underneath the seat heater. Electric power is supplied to the seat heater from an on-board battery through seat heater switches. Alternating voltage or current is supplied to the detector electrode. The detector electrode potential relative to the ground is lowered when the seat is occupied by a passenger. The changes in the potential of the detector electrode is detected by an occupant detector including a microcomputer. The detection is performed when the seat heater is brought to a floating state to suppress an amount of capacitance formed between the seat heater and the detector electrode. Thus, a sensitivity of the occupant detector is improved. The detector electrode may be eliminated, and the occupant conditions may be detected based on a potential of the seat heater to which alternating current or voltage is supplied.

Abstract: In an electrically-heated glazing unit including a plurality of collector conductors configured to supply a plurality of heating conductors with an electric current used to heat up the heating conductors and the glazing unit, at least one partial region of the surface of the glazing unit includes an arrangement of parallel heating conductors in which the current flows in opposing directions. The arrangement of the heating conductors in the partial region of the surface is tuned to minimize by mutual compensation or eliminate the magnetic field acting locally within this partial region and perpendicularly to the plane of the glazing unit when the current flows. The operation of an apparatus sensitive to magnetic fields, for example a compass, in the immediate vicinity of the glazing unit thus becomes more reliable.

Abstract: A spa system comprises an electrically powered heater. The electrically powered heater comprises a heating element capable of drawing a rated current when switched on to an AC line voltage. An electronic control system is programmed to control the heating element to draw less than the rated current.

Abstract: The heating apparatus comprises a substrate extending in one direction and a plurality of heat generating members provided on one surface of the substrate along a longitudinal direction thereof and wherein at least one of the plural heat generating members has heat generating regions having different heat generation amount per unit length in the longitudinal direction, substrate reinforcing members are provided on the other surface of the substrate in correspondence to the high heat generating regions provided on one surface of the substrate. By the virtue of the invention, cost can be reduced, emergency safety upon occurrence of overrun of a CPU can be achieved, and increase in temperature of a sheet non-passing portion can be suppressed.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat treating semiconductor wafers is disclosed. The apparatus includes a heating device which contains an assembly linear lamps for emitting light energy onto a wafer. The linear lamps can be placed in various configurations. In accordance with the present invention, tuning devices which are used to adjust the overall irradiance distribution of the light energy sources are included in the heating device. The tuning devices can be, for instance, are lamps or lasers.

Abstract: A thermal processing apparatus and method with predictive temperature correction. Distances are measured from a backside of the wafer relative to a reference plane. Heat is transferred to the backside of the substrate in relation to the measured distances. This allows a baking unit to uniformly heat the substrate to compensate for irregularities or warpage.

Abstract: An enamel coating including a phosphate-based ingredient is provided on an inner surface of a cooking chamber and the inner surface of the cooking chamber is cleaned using high-temperature cleaning water. Therefore, the cleaning of the cooking chamber can be performed more efficiently.

Abstract: A domestic apparatus, such as a cooking appliance, uses hydrogen and, optionally electrical heating, to cook food. The cooking appliance may have a cooking surface (e.g. a grilling surface) so as to result in an indoor barbeque, which may be used with no venting or reduced venting requirements.

Abstract: A countertop multi-function oven has a baking and a toasting mode. The oven uses a rotating input dial as a function selector. A second rotating input dial is used to allow a user selection of a bake time or a toasting load.

Abstract: A cooking appliance control system for use during the Jewish Holidays or Sabbath. A timer is in communication with the oven heater element programmed to provide for scheduled activations and deactivations of the element during the Holidays. Prior to the Holiday the timer is programmed, the oven is activated to the predetermined temperature, and the timer program is then activated to provide for activation of the heater element to the predetermined temperature and deactivation in accordance with the schedule during the Holiday. Additionally, a switch selectively activates and deactivates the ignition circuits of the burners. This permits, one of the gas burner heater elements to be lighted by the appliance before the Holiday when the ignition circuits are activated to provide a flame to light the other burners when the ignition circuits are deactivated during the Holiday.

Abstract: The present invention provides an operation device which has a stable operation feeling with a simple configuration and has a high reliability and an excellent operability. An electrode terminal portion which is arranged just below an operation region on a top plate made of a material having an electric insulating property, and serves as an electrostatic capacity type touch switch has a detection portion which comes into close contact with a back surface of the operation region, a spring portion which has an elastic force pressing the detection portion to the back surface of the top plate, and a slide portion which is movably retained in the guide holder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a warm window system that utilizes individual buss bars that are placed within the space between an inside window pane and an outside window pane and creates sufficient physical force to create an electrical contact on the tin oxide layer on the inside surface of the inside pane of glass. The buss bars have a modulus of elasticity to ensure sufficient electrical contact with the tin oxide layer to prevent the formation of hot spots and securely hold the buss bars in place. Both a z buss bar and c buss bar are also disclosed that are capable of generating a sufficient amount of reactive force to create a secure contact with a tin oxide layer on the interior surface of an interior pane of glass in a warm window system to hold the buss bar in place and provide a large contact surface area to provide sufficient electrical contact with the tin oxide layer to prevent hot spots.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle including a controller operating in a search mode of operation where a receiver of an acquisition sensor searches for a target and causes flight control surfaces to guide the vehicle in a downward spiral path, a terminal mode of operation where the acquisition sensor detects a target and causes flight control surfaces to direct the vehicle toward the target, and an activation mode of operation where a trigger sensor detects a target within a predetermined distance to the vehicle and the controller activates a responder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a guidance system comprising estimation means able to estimate, in the course of flight, the attitude and the aerodynamic speed of a projectile, as well as the variations in the speed of the wind, on the basis of guidance orders formulated by guidance means of the guidance system, of a reference trajectory and of measurements obtained by measurement means of the system, using a model of the dynamic behavior of the projectile and a model of the dynamics of the wind.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for controlling a vehicle in motion through a fluid medium. A manipulable flare assembly is mounted to a load bearing structure, the structure being configured for mounting to the vehicle. An actuating mechanism has a rotational member operably associated with the flare assembly, the actuating mechanism being configured for selectively providing relative rotation between the rotational member and the load bearing structure. The actuating mechanism is configured for manipulating the flare assembly responsive to selective relative rotation between the rotational member and the load bearing structure. A vehicle is also provided incorporating the apparatus.

Abstract: A laser scanning device includes a laser output unit, a scanner, a light splitting unit, an imaging compensation unit, a detection unit, and a control unit. A scanning focusing unit included in the scanner focuses a laser beam emitted by the laser output unit to scan an object. A visible light beam received by the canning focusing unit is reflected by the light splitting unit and is incident into the imaging compensation unit. Next, the detection unit receives the visible light beam passing through the imaging compensation unit, and outputs a detection signal. The control unit adjusts the detection signal according to the wavelength of the visible light beam, the wavelength of the laser beam, the scanning focusing unit, and the imaging compensation unit. Therefore, the laser scanning device may compensate the aberration and the dispersion caused when the visible light beam passes through the scanning focusing unit.

Abstract: A sun-locating apparatus includes a substrate, a mounting unit, a photo-detecting unit, an optical element and a cover. The mounting unit is provided on the substrate and formed with an upper aperture and a lower aperture in communication with the upper aperture. The photo-detecting unit is located in the lower aperture. The photo-detecting unit includes at least four photodiodes. The optical element is provided on the mounting unit for covering the upper aperture. The cover is provided on the substrate for covering the mounting unit, the photo-detecting unit and the optical element.

Abstract: Described herein are technologies pertaining to computing the solar irradiance distribution on a surface of a receiver in a concentrating solar power system or glint/glare emitted from a reflective entity. A mobile computing device includes at least one camera that captures images of the Sun and the entity of interest, wherein the images have pluralities of pixels having respective pluralities of intensity values. Based upon the intensity values of the pixels in the respective images, the solar irradiance distribution on the surface of the entity or glint/glare corresponding to the entity is computed by the mobile computing device.

Abstract: An imaging device may be formed in a semiconductor substrate including a matrix array of photosites extending in a first direction and a second direction. The imaging device may include a transfer module configured to transfer charge in the first direction and an extraction module configured to extract charge in the second direction.

Abstract: A pixel cell, and a method of use thereof, the pixel cell including: an output, a photosensor configured to generate a first measuring current in a first measurement cycle and a second measuring current in a second measurement cycle as a function of radiation, an output node, a power storage device configured so that in a first operating mode a current can be injected by the power storage device as a function of the first measuring current, and so that in a second operating mode the power storage device is configured to hold the injected current so that the injected current can be detected at the output node, and a switching unit configured to form a difference between the injected current and the second measuring current at the output node in a reading cycle and to couple the output node to the output.

Abstract: A system for measuring one or more characteristics of light of a photon energy Eph from a light source, that can be determined from measuring three-photon absorption events, the system comprising: a) a detector having a band gap material characterized by gap energy between 2.1 and 3 times Eph; b) an optical element configured to concentrate a beam of light from the light source on the detector; c) a signal amplifier that amplifies an output signal indicative of when three photons produced by the light source undergo a three-photon absorption event in the band gap material; and d) an analyzer that analyzes the output signal to count or measure a rate of the three-photon absorption events, and determines the one or more characteristics of the light from the light source.

Abstract: A method is provided of at least partly assembling a light sensor module having at least one light sensing element optically coupled to a further optical element, for receiving light therefrom. The method comprises coupling the at least one light sensing element to an intermediate layer, wherein the intermediate layer is adapted to provide at least a predetermined level of optical coupling between the optical element and the at least one light sensing element when assembled by subsequently coupling, for example as part of a separate method, the intermediate layer to the optical element, with the intermediate layer being arranged between the optical element and the at least one light sensing element. An optical element other than a light sensing element, for example a light source element, can be used in place of the or each light sensing element, with in that case the or each optical element providing light to the further optical element rather than receiving light therefrom.

Abstract: A counter for seeds in a duct includes a first point source transmitter on a first mounting on one side of the duct spaced outwardly from the duct so as to project light through a front wall and a set of phototransistors in a transverse row carried on a second mounting on a rear wall. The side walls of the duct lie on a triangle with an apex at the light source. The phototransistors are connected in series so that the output current is determined by that phototransistor on which the majority of the shadow from the seed falls. In this way the momentary reduction in current output has a larger amplitude to better distinguish from dust in the duct. The duct is formed by a housing attached to the peripheral wall of the metering device with a seed transport tube attached to the bottom of the housing.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion module includes a transmission side photoelectric conversion part for converting an electrical signal into an optical signal, a transmission side circuit board on which the transmission side photoelectric conversion part is mounted on a top surface side of the transmission side circuit board, a reception side photoelectric conversion part for converting an optical signal into an electrical signal, a reception side circuit board on which the reception side photoelectric conversion part is mounted on a top surface side of the reception side circuit board, and a housing. The transmission side circuit board and the reception side circuit board are placed such that a back surface of the transmission side circuit board is opposite to the housing and a back surface of the reception side circuit board is opposite to the housing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for evaluating an earth formation though a drillstring during tripping of the drillstring, particularly locating an area of circulation loss in a wellbore. The apparatus may include a neutron source and at least one radiation detector, which may be disposed on a logging instrument, configured to be dropped or pumped into a drillstring at the end of drilling. The logging instrument may be configured to make measurements through a homogenous portion of the drillstring while the drillstring is being tripped. The apparatus may include a memory and processor for logging data for later retrieval. The method may include adding a radiation absorbing substance to drilling fluid in the wellbore; exposing the earth formation to neutron radiation; and making a plurality of measurement indicative of radiation measurements of sigma or distinct energy peaks along the wellbore.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for reducing unwanted isotopes of an ion implantation species from an ion beamline. The apparatus herein disclosed is a mass analysis variable exit aperture that selectively reduces the size of an exit aperture as seen by an ion beam. In one embodiment, the variable mass analysis exit aperture is located within a mass analyzer at a position upstream of a resolving aperture and effectively limits the size of an exit aperture so as to allow passage of desired implantation isotope(s) while blocking the passage of unwanted implantation isotopes. In one particular embodiment, the mass analysis variable exit aperture has a mechanical drive mechanism that enables a blocking structure to be moved into the path of an ion beam in a graduated fashion as guided by a control unit that operates based upon one or more characteristics of the ion beam.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide means for solving troubles. Examples of the troubles include sensitivity degradation and resolution degradation of a mass spectrometer, which are caused by an axis deviation of a component, particularly at least one orifice located between an ion source and a detector, to decrease the number of ions reaching the detector, and a variation in performance caused by exchange of components such as the orifice. For example, the invention has the following configuration in order to solve the troubles. A mass spectrometer includes: an ion source; a detector that detects an ion; an orifice and a mass separator that are disposed between the ion source and the detector; and an axis adjusting mechanism that adjusts axis positions of the orifice and/or the mass separator such that an opening of the orifice and/or an incident port of the mass separator is disposed on a line connecting the ion source and an incident port of the detector.

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining the amount of reverse T3 in a sample using mass spectrometry. The methods generally involve ionizing reverse T3 in a sample and detecting and quantifying the amount of the ion to determine the amount of reverse T3 in the sample.

Abstract: An ion trap comprises a ring electrode and opposite first and second endcap electrodes situated at opposite ends of the ring electrode. A waveform generator is configured to vary both frequency and amplitude of an AC waveform applied across the first and second endcap electrodes as a function of time, thereby exciting ions with a band of resonant secular frequencies substantially without exciting ions with adjacent secular frequencies.

Abstract: A detector for time of flight mass spectroscopy uses a microwave resonant cavity excited into resonance by the passage of charged particles as an ion detector. With proper configuration of the frequency of resonance of the cavity, its modes and its quality factor, nanosecond time resolution, should be possible.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a mask inspection apparatus includes a decompression chamber, a holder, a light irradiation unit, a detection unit, an electrode, and a control unit. The holder is provided in the decompression chamber and holds a mask. The light irradiation unit irradiates a major surface of the mask held by the holder with a light. The detection unit is provided in the decompression chamber to detect electrons generated when the major surface of the mask is irradiated with the light. The electrode is provided between the holder and the detection unit and guides the electrons in a direction from the holder toward the detection unit. The control unit compares a detection result of the electrons detected by the detection unit with a reference value.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a method of inspecting a site location on a target substrate. Contours are obtained, the contours having been generated from a reference image using a design clip. A target image of the site location is acquired. The contours are aligned to the target image, and contrast values are computed for pixels on the contours. A threshold is applied to the contrast values to determine contour-based defect blobs. Another embodiment relates to a method of generating contours for use in inspecting a site location for defects. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for generating an enhanced image of an object. The method includes obtaining images of an area of an object generated using a probe of having a probe size greater than or equal to a minimum probe area size. An enhanced image of the area of the object is generated by accurately computing the emission intensities emitted from pixel areas smaller than the minimum probe size and within the area of the object. This is repeated for other areas of the object to form other enhanced images. The enhanced images are combined to form an accurate enhanced image of the object.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to sample inspection using an ion-beam microscope. In some embodiments, the disclosure involves the use of multiple detectors, each of which provides different information about a sample.

Abstract: Provided are a scintillator panel and a radiation detector which give a radiation image reduced in sensitivity unevenness and sharpness unevenness. Also provided are processes for producing the scintillator and the detector. The scintillator panel comprises a support and, deposited thereon, a phosphor layer comprising columnar crystals of a phosphor which have been formed by the vapor deposition method. The panel is characterized in that the columnar crystals of a phosphor comprise cesium iodide (CsI) as a base ingredient and thallium (Tl) as an activator ingredient and have, in a root part thereof, a layer containing no thallium, and that the coefficient of variation in thallium concentration in the plane of the phosphor layer is 40% or less.

Abstract: Provided is a scintillator used for detecting radiation in an X-ray CT scanner or the like, the scintillator having a unidirectional phase separation structure having an optical waveguide function, which eliminates the need of formation of partition walls for preventing crosstalks. The scintillator has the phase separation structure including: a first crystal phase including multiple columnar crystals having unidirectionality; and a second crystal phase filling space on the side of the first crystal phase. The second crystal phase includes a material represented by Cs3Cu2[XaY1-a]5, where X and Y are elements which are different from each other and which are selected from the group consisting of I, Br, and Cl, and 0?a?1 is satisfied.

Abstract: A flat panel radiation detector is disclosed, comprising a scintillator panel provided on a support with a phosphor layer comprising columnar crystals and a protective layer sequentially in this order, and the scintillator panel being coupled with a planar light receiving element having plural picture elements which are arranged two-dimensionally, in which the difference between to average void fraction of an edge portion of the phosphor layer and the average void fraction of a base portion is not less than 5% and not more than 25%, and the void fraction decreases from the base portion to the edge portion. There is provided a flat panel radiation detector with a phosphor layer which exhibits enhanced physical resistance to shock and is superior in sharpness and emission efficiency.

Abstract: A radiation detection apparatus includes a scintillator, a photoelectric conversion unit, and a grid for removing scattered radiation. The photoelectric conversion unit includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a two-dimensional array on a substrate. Each pixel is configured to convert visible light output from the scintillator into an electric signal. The grid, the substrate, the photoelectric conversion unit, and the scintillator are disposed in this order from a radiation-incident side of the radiation detection apparatus to an opposite side thereof. In this radiation detection apparatus in which the scintillator is disposed on the side opposite to the radiation-incident side, scattered radiation is effectively removed.

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 radiographic imaging device includes a plurality of pixels, each having a generation section that generates charges according to irradiated radiation, an accumulation section that accumulates charges generated by the generation section, and a switching element that reads out the charges accumulated in the accumulation section, and that outputs electrical signals corresponding to the charges. The device also includes an amplification section that amplifies the electrical signals output from the switching elements and a setting section that sets an amplification factor of the amplification section corresponding to the charges accumulated during an accumulation period, during which charges are accumulated, based on the electrical signals output from radiation detection pixels during the accumulation period.

Abstract: A process for evaluating a cleaning solution is described. The process includes: (a) subjecting a solution, including a solute and a solvent, to sonic energy to create a sonicated solution; (b) measuring UV absorption of the sonicated solution to produce a sample UV absorbance spectra; (c) obtaining a reference UV absorbance spectra; (d) scaling the reference UV absorbance spectra to the sample UV absorbance spectra at a lower range of the UV spectrum; (e) subtracting from the reference UV absorbance spectra the sample UV absorbance spectra to produce a differential UV spectra; and (f) evaluating at or near a peak of the sample UV absorbance spectra the differential UV absorbance spectra to determine whether the sonicated solution is activated.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices and methodologies relating to an ion induced impact ionization detector and uses thereof. In certain implementations, the detector can include a dielectric layer having one or more wells. An anode layer defining apertures to accommodate the openings of the wells can be disposed on one side of the dielectric layer, and a cathode such as a solid resistive cathode can be disposed on the other side so as to provide an electric field in each of the wells. Various design parameters such as well dimensions and operating parameters such as pressure and high voltage are disclosed. In certain implementations, such an ion detector can be coupled to a low pressure gas volume to detect ionization products such as positive ions. Such a system can be configured to provide single ion counting capability. Various example applications where the ion detector can be implemented are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is an electrostatic lens for charged particle radiation with a lens performance relatively comparable to that of a magnetic type lens. A plurality of electrodes arranged on the incident side of charged particles form a first electric field area, wherein orbit radii of the charged particles are reduced without exceeding, on the way, the initial orbit radii that are orbit radii at the incident time, and a second electric field area, wherein force in the direction advancing in parallel with a central axis is applied to the charged particles that have passed through the first electric field area. A plurality of electrodes arranged on the projection side form a third electric field area, wherein the orbit radii of the charged particles do not exceed the initial orbit radii on the way and are curved to intersect with a central axis at angles larger than orbit angles defined with respect to the central axis of when the charged particles are projected from the second electric field area.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a cold cathode field-emission electron gun with low aberration, to thereby provide a high-brightness electron gun even in the case of a large current. The present invention provides a field-emission electron gun which extracts an electron beam from a cathode and converges the extracted electron beam, the field-emission electron gun including: a magnetic field lens which is provided such that the cathode is disposed inside of a magnetic field of the lens; and an extraction electrode for extracting electrons from the cathode, the extraction electrode being formed into a cylindrical shape without an aperture structure. The present invention can provide an electron gun having a function of converging an electron beam using a magnetic field, the electron gun which is capable of reducing an incidental electrostatic lens action and has small aberration and high brightness.

Abstract: An ink composition includes a colorant visible under visible light and a tagging composition, including a carrier and a detectable marker dispersed or dissolved in the carrier. The detectable marker is an isotope of an element, the isotope being present in the ink composition in a concentration ranging from about 1 parts per billion (ppb) to about 1000 ppb.

Abstract: A charged particle beam writing apparatus and a charged particle beam writing method capable of shortening the time necessary to generate shot data and improving writing throughput. A graphic pattern defined in write data is divided into graphics represented in shot units. The divided graphics are temporarily stored in a memory and are distributed to their corresponding subfield areas while developing position information defined in a state of being compressed to write data. When each pattern is written by multi-pass writing, graphics divided at a first pass are used for distribution to subfield areas after a second pass.

Abstract: A system for improving ion beam quality is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the system comprises an ion source, having a chamber defined by a plurality of chamber walls; an RF antenna disposed on a first wall of the plurality of chamber walls; a second wall, opposite the first wall, the distance between the first wall and the second wall defining the height of the chamber; an aperture disposed on one of the plurality of chamber walls; a first gas inlet for introducing a first source gas to the chamber; and a second gas inlet for introducing a second source gas, different from the first source gas, to the chamber; wherein a first distance from the first gas inlet to the second wall is less than 35% of the height; and a second distance from the second gas inlet to the first wall is less than 35% of the height.

Abstract: A variable aperture within an aperture device is used to shape the ion beam before the substrate is implanted by shaped ion beam, especially to finally shape the ion beam in a position right in front of the substrate. Hence, different portions of a substrate, or different substrates, can be implanted respectively by different shaped ion beams without going through using multiple fixed apertures or retuning the ion beam each time. In other words, different implantations may be achieved respectively by customized ion beams without high cost (use multiple fixed aperture devices) and complex operation (retuning the ion beam each time). Moreover, the beam tune process for acquiring a specific ion beam to be implanted may be accelerated, to be faster than using multiple fixed aperture(s) and/or retuning the ion beam each time, because the adjustment of the variable aperture may be achieved simply by mechanical operation.