Abstract: A device for hanging items on a conventional stemware rack or other shelf unit that has a structure defining a track, slot, or hole through which the hanger can be inserted. The device includes a planar base member adapted to selectively and slideably insert on the track, a downward extending support member extending from the planar base member, and an downward extending hook member extending from the support member to form an L- or U-shape. The device adapts to selectively slide on an existing stemware rack or set down through an opening in a support structure, thus converting the rack for dual use for both stemware and for hanging items.

Abstract: A system for supporting and leveling a light fixture having a fixture body supporting one or more light sources, and connectors on the fixture body, and a pair of V-shaped hanger rods, where each hanger rod has an apex area and first and second ends, and the first and second ends are each configured to be coupled to one of the connectors. A pair of suspension rods are each configured to engage an overhead structure. A pair of spring clip brackets each having a slot and an aperture are releasably and adjustably secured along the length of one of the suspension rods, and also have a receptacle with a locking tab that receives and retains the apex area of one of the hanger rods.

Abstract: A movement device having a Stewart platform has a supporting body disposed on a horizontal plane, a movable platform, and four extensible links rotatably connected between the supporting body and the platform. The extension directions of the upper extensible links are in parallel with one another. When the movement device is in an equilibrium condition, the upper extensible links lie in a first common plane. When the movement device is in an equilibrium condition, vertical projections of the extension directions of the extensible links on a normal plane slant toward the horizontal plane; the vertical projection of the extension direction of the first bottom extensible link slants toward a first direction whereas the vertical projections of the extension directions of the other three extensible links slant toward a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A gearbox bracket and a power seat sliding device are provided at low cost. A base part 351 includes a main body part 353 configured to support a gearbox 331, and a first protruding part 355 and a second protruding part 357 continuously connected to the main body part 353 and protruding in the direction of the output shaft. A side portion of the first protruding part 355 and a side portion of a first mounting part 371 are connected by a first vertical wall part 361 and a second vertical wall part 363. A side portion of the second protruding part 357 and a side portion of a second mounting part 373 are connected by a third vertical wall part 365 and a fourth vertical wall part 367.

Abstract: Disclosed is a towel and blanket anchoring device. The device includes an ornamental top portion with a clip disposed along its lower surface, and an elongated, vertical stake having a pointed lower tip. The pointed lower tip enables a user to easily secure the device to the ground, while the clip easily secures any towel, blanket, or a ground covering thereto. In one embodiment, the stake may be detached so that the device may be used without the stake. The present invention may be composed of rigid material that provides durability for repeated use over time. The present invention provides an aesthetically pleasing accessory for beach goers and the like while providing a securing device to prevent a towel or blanket from blowing away or bunching while in use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing an operation on a structure. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus comprises a tool system and a movement system. The tool system is configured to perform an operation at a location on a structure. The movement system is configured to move the tool system along an elongate frame on the structure to the location.

Abstract: A mold insert (1) for an injection mold, having a forming region (4) for forming a brush part-body (21) and having receiving holes, extending into the forming region (4), for bristle bundles (7), is configured in multiple parts. The mold insert (1) here includes a first mold-insert part (2), having the forming region (4) for the brush part-body (21) and having partial receiving holes (5) for region-wise receiving of bristle bundles (7), and a second mold-insert part (3), having partial receiving holes (6) which, in the use position, adjoin the partial receiving holes (5) of the first mold-insert part (2).

Abstract: An imaging device and a method of driving the imaging device including a plurality of pixels and a control circuit to apply a signal to the pixels, wherein the pixels include a photodiode, a floating diffusion node, a first storage node and a second storage node connected in parallel between the photodiode and the floating diffusion node, a first shift switching unit to selectively shift charges integrated in the photodiode to the first storage node, a second shift switching node to selectively shift the charges integrated in the photodiode to the second storage node, a first transfer switching unit to selectively transfer charges integrated in the first storage node to the floating diffusion node, a second transfer switching unit to selectively transfer charges integrated in the second storage node to the floating diffusion node, and a reset switching unit.

Abstract: An imaging device including a plurality of pixels and a control circuit to apply a signal to the pixels, wherein the pixels include a photodiode formed on a substrate and a first terminal and a second terminal, a shift switching unit to be connected to the first terminal, a first storage node, a transfer switching unit, a second storage node, and a reset switching unit, when an operating mode is set as a first mode, the control circuit allows charges integrated in the photodiode to be shifted to the first storage node during a first interval and the second terminal during a second interval, and when the operating mode is set as a second mode, the charges integrated in the photodiode are not shifted to the second terminal.

Abstract: An avalanche photodiode includes a cathode region and an anode region. A lateral insulating region including a barrier region and an insulating region surrounds the anode region. The cathode region forms a planar optical guide within a core of the cathode region, the guide being configured to guide photons generated during avalanche. The barrier region has a thickness extending through the planar optical guide to surround the core and prevent propagation of the photons beyond the barrier region. The core forms an electrical-confinement region for minority carriers generated within the core.

Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation detection circuit includes a photodetector transforming the received electromagnetic radiation into an electric current. A bias circuit is connected to the photodetector. An amplifying circuit has an input terminal coupled to the photodetector. An amplifying transistor has a first low-impedance electrode forming the input terminal of the amplifying circuit and a second low-impedance electrode coupled to an output terminal of the detection circuit. The transistor is configured to conduct the current applied on the first electrode. A high-impedance electric load is connected to the second electrode to deliver a voltage representative of the electric current originating from the photodetector.

Abstract: In a method of operating an optical sensor circuit (11) in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, main reset is performed prior to sensing of incident light with use of a PIN diode (4) and, between the main reset and next main reset, auxiliary reset is performed so that a potential of a cathode terminal of the PIN diode (4) is reduced within a predetermined range within which storage of carriers is not induced in an intrinsic region of the PIN diode (4).

Abstract: A CMOS detector with pairs of interdigitated elongated finger-like collection gates includes p+ implanted regions that create charge barrier regions that can intentionally be overcome. These regions steer charge to a desired collection gate pair for collection. The p+ implanted regions may be formed before and/or after formation of the collection gates. These regions form charge barrier regions when an associated collection gate is biased low. The barriers are overcome when an associated collection gate is high. These barrier regions steer substantially all charge to collection gates that are biased high, enhancing modulation contrast. Advantageously, the resultant structure has reduced power requirements in that inter-gate capacitance is reduced in that inter-gate spacing can be increased over prior art gate spacing and lower swing voltages may be used. Also higher modulation contrast is achieved in that the charge collection area of the low gate(s) is significantly reduced.

Abstract: A connector includes an input terminal, a light splitting module, and a number of output terminals. The input terminal is electrically connected to a first electrical device, and receives a first electrical signal from a first electrical device, and converts the first electrical signal to a first optical signal. The light splitting module converts the first optical signal to a number of second optical signals. The output terminals correspond to the first light emitters. Each of the output terminals converts a corresponding second optical signal to a second electrical signal, and transmits the second electrical signal to a second electrical device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical receptacle that can generate monitor light and can be also produced by integral molding, and an optical module having the optical receptacle. The optical receptacle has a first optical face on which light emitted from a light emitting element is incident, reflection surfaces that reflect the light to a light receiving element, a light splitting section that splits the light into monitor light heading for the light receiving element and signal light heading for an end face of an optical fiber, and a second optical face that emits the signal light toward the end face of the optical fiber. The light splitting section has a divided transmission surface and a divided reflection surface. The divided reflection surface is an inclining surface with respect to an optical axis of the light reflected by the reflection surfaces.

Abstract: A reference point detection light-receiving unit receives light from a reference point detection pattern by first to fifth light-receiving elements. The first to fifth light-receiving elements are arranged in a first direction and outputs first to fifth signals, respectively. A reference signal generation circuit outputs a reference signal that starts at a period where a level of a signal, which is obtained by adding first and second signals, and a level of a signal, which is obtained by adding third and fourth signals, will become equal, and ends at a period where a level of a signal, which is obtained by adding the second and third signals, and a level of a signal, which is obtained by adding fourth and fifth signals, become equal.

Abstract: A reference signal generation circuit generates a reference signal from a reading result of the reference point detection pattern. The first light-receiving element array includes a first light-receiving element that outputs a first signal, and a second light-receiving element that is disposed in a first direction of the first light-receiving element and outputs a second signal. A second light-receiving element array includes a third light-receiving element that outputs a third signal, and a fourth light-receiving element that is disposed in the first direction of the third light-receiving element and outputs a fourth signal. The second light-receiving element array is disposed in a second direction of the first light-receiving element array. The reference signal generation circuit outputs a reference signal that starts at a period when levels of the first and second signal become equal and ends at a period when levels of the third and fourth signal become equal.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for actively controlling the temperature of an integrated computational element used in an optical computing device in order to affect its performance. One method includes providing an integrated computational element configured detect a characteristic of a substance and provide a transmission profile via a detector corresponding to the characteristic, and controlling a temperature of the integrated computational element in order to maintain the transmission profile within an optimal operating range.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of calibrating a sensor is disclosed. A voltage is applied to a first carbon nanotube layer to obtain a first temperature of the first carbon nanotube layer. A thermally conductive layer is used to provide a substantially uniform temperature related to the first temperature of the first carbon nanotube layer by smoothing a spatial variation of the first temperature. A second carbon nanotube layer receives the substantially uniform temperature and emits a first blackbody radiation spectrum to calibrate the sensor. The apparatus may be used to emit a second black body radiation spectrum by altering the applied voltage.

Abstract: A radiation detector package includes a support apparatus at least part of which is constructed from a naturally occurring radioactive material. A scintillator is associated with the support apparatus. The support may include a detector housing carrying a photodetector and the scintillator, and the detector housing may be constructed from the naturally occurring radioactive material.

Abstract: A scintillator detector package includes a housing, with a scintillator in the housing. There is a radioactive reflective material between at least a portion of the scintillator and the housing. The radioactive reflective material may be a naturally occurring material, such as Lu2O3, and may be in powdered form. A photodetector may be optically coupled to the scintillator package, and gain stabilization circuitry may perform gain stabilization based upon detecting scintillations of the scintillator caused by radiation emitted by the radioactive reflective material striking the scintillator.

Abstract: A method for characterizing wellbore response of a pulsed neutron instrument includes inserting a pulsed neutron instrument into a plurality of simulated wellbores each filled with materials representing gas and liquid and measuring response of the pulsed neutron instrument in the simulated wellbores.

Abstract: Techniques and apparatus are provided for downhole sensing using optical couplers in a downhole splitter assembly to split interrogating light signals into multiple optical sensing branches. Each optical branch may then be coupled to an optical sensor (e.g., a pass-through or an optical single-ended transducer (OSET)) or to another optical coupler for additional branching. The sensors may be pressure/temperature (P/T) type transducers. Some systems may exclusively use OSETs as the optical sensors. In this manner, if one of the OSETs is damaged, it does not affect light traveling to any of the other sensors, and sensing information from remaining sensors is still returned.

Abstract: Solid state lasers are disclosed herein. An example laser disclosed herein includes a monolithic body having a first end and a second end. The monolithic body includes a first reflector disposed on the first end, a second reflector disposed on the second end, and a solid state gain medium and a Q-switch disposed between the first reflector and the second reflector. The example laser also includes a pump source to cause a population inversion in the solid state gain medium to cause the monolithic body to output a laser pulse. Various applications of the solid state laser are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a solution by means of which the content of organic silicon compounds in anthropogenic and/or biogenic gases containing methane can be determined in the simplest and most reliable manner possible using a method for determining the content of organic silicon compounds in anthropogenic and/or biogenic gases containing methane, such as biogases, sewer gases, and landfill gases. The aim is achieved by using ion mobility spectrometry as a measurement method, wherein the anthropogenic and/or biogenic gas containing methane is used as a measurement gas.

Abstract: Systems and related methods are disclosed herein that generally involve focusing dispersed ions using one or more DC ion funnels. In some embodiments, a DC ion funnel is provided that includes a plurality of ring-shaped electrodes, each having an aperture formed therein such that the funnel defines an interior volume extending between an ion inlet and an ion outlet. A controller applies a DC potential to each of the electrodes without applying an RF potential to any of the electrodes, such that ions entering the funnel are substantially confined within said volume. The interior volume can have any of a variety of shapes, such as cylindrical, frusto-conical, and curved frusto-conical. In addition, any of a variety of DC potentials can be applied to the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: An improved nanoparticle sizing apparatus comprised of a unipolar charger operatively coupled to a radial differential mobility analyzer in combination with a condensation particle counter and powered by a power source such as a battery or solar cell, thereby providing a portable sizing device.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described to improve the separation capacity of an ion analyzer incorporating at least two stages of ion mobility analysis. The new invention utilizes possible use of different mixtures of gases and dopants in each stage, control over different concentrations of gases and dopants in each stage, and allowance of passage of the selected ions from one stage to the next while avoiding the mixing of the gases and dopants among stages. The new invention also includes a method to reduce the time required to identify the physical properties in a set of ion filters where at least one of the filters is a scannable ion mobility analyzer. The present invention also includes how to provide a set of scannable ion mobility analyzers operating in series, wherein each stage can be operated as a filter, or allowing for the passage of all ions.

Abstract: A mass spectrometry system for screening a sample for one or more analytes includes a pre-mass spectrometry screening apparatus configured to pre-screen an ionized sample to generate output correlated to the composition of the sample, and a mass spectrometer. A sample gate is opened to allow flow of at least a portion of the ionized sample to the mass spectrometer and closed to prevent flow of the ionized sample to the mass spectrometer. A processing system compares results of the pre-mass spectrometry screening to an analyte database, wherein correlation of the results to an analyte within the analyte database comprises a preliminary positive identification. When the processing system determines that a preliminary positive identification is made, it causes the gate to open for a period of time. However, when the processing system determines that a preliminary positive identification is not made, it causes the gate to remain closed.

Abstract: A method of operating a mass spectrometer vacuum interface comprising a skimmer apparatus having a skimmer aperture and downstream ion extraction optics. An expanding plasma is skimmed through the skimmer aperture. Within the skimmer apparatus, a portion of the skimmed plasma adjacent the skimmer apparatus is separated from the remainder of the skimmed plasma by providing means to prevent, inhibit or impede, the separated portion from reaching the extraction optics while allowing the remainder to expand towards the extraction optics. This allows removal of ions liberated from deposition matter on the skimmer apparatus surface, thereby discriminating against such ions, and offering reduced memory effects. The remainder of the plasma can expand towards the extraction optics, so interaction and mixing between the boundary layer and the remainder of the plasma can be reduced or minimized.

Abstract: Mass spectrometers and related methods of making and using the same are disclosed herein that generally involve positioning a blocking or masking element in the path of an ion beam passing through the mass spectrometer so as to selectively block at least a portion of the ions in the ion beam from entering an accelerator. Mass spectrometers and related methods are also disclosed in which an ion beam passing through the mass spectrometer is deflected or otherwise aimed so as to approach a TOF axis of an accelerator at a non-zero angle.

Abstract: An ion source is disclosed comprising a nebuliser and a target. The nebuliser is arranged and adapted to emit, in use, a stream of analyte droplets which are caused to impact upon the target and to ionise analyte to form a plurality of analyte ions.

Abstract: A mass spectrometry method for analyzing isobarically-labeled analyte compounds comprising (a) ionizing compounds including the isobarically-labeled analyte compounds to generate a plurality of precursor ion species comprising different respective m/z ratios, (b) isolating a precursor ion species, (c) fragmenting the precursor ion species to generate a plurality of first-generation fragment ion species comprising different respective m/z ratios, and (d) selecting and co-isolating two or more of the first-generation product-ion species, the method characterized by: (e) fragmenting all of the selected and isolated first-generation product ion species so as to generate a plurality of second-generation fragment ion species including released label ions; (f) generating a mass spectrum of the second-generation fragment ion species; and (g) generating quantitative information relating to at least one analyte compound based on peaks of the mass spectrum attributable to the released label ions.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer including chromatogram creation means for creating a chromatogram showing changes over time in an ion intensity within a predetermined mass range based on the MS analysis results, and timing determination means for determining a timing to perform MS/MS analysis based on the chromatogram. The timing determination means determines, as a timing to perform MS/MS analysis, a point in time at which a signal intensity in the chromatogram reaches a predetermined upper limit after exceeding a predetermined lower limit or a point in time at which a signal intensity in the chromatogram reaches a top of a peak without reaching the upper limit after exceeding the lower limit. It is thus possible to collect precursor ions at a timing at which the signal intensity of a peak originating from sample components is highest between the upper limit and lower limit, thereby obtaining a high quality MS/MS spectrum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultraviolet diode and an atomic mass analysis ionization source collecting device using an MCP. In the manufacturing of a portable atomic mass analyzer, an object of the present invention is to use an MCP electron multiplier plate, whereby ultraviolet photons emitted from an ultraviolet diode are irradiated on a front surface plate of the MCP electron multiplier plate to induce primary electrons, an amplified electron beam is collected from the electrons, and an electron beam is generated at a low temperature and low power and having a discharge time that is accurately controlled.

Abstract: A device for mass selective determination of at least one ion or of a plurality of ions is used, for example, in a measuring apparatus having an ion trap. The ion trap has a ring electrode having a first opening. A first electrode is arranged at the first opening. Furthermore, an amplifier for providing a radio-frequency storage signal for the ion trap and a first transformer are provided, said first transformer being connected to the amplifier and the first electrode in such a way that the radio-frequency storage signal is coupled into the first electrode via the first transformer.

Abstract: A scanning electron beam device having: a deflector (5) for deflecting an electron beam (17) emitted from an electron source (1); an objective lens (7) for causing the electron beam to converge; a retarding electrode; a stage (9) for placing a wafer (16); and a controller (15); wherein the stage can be raised and lowered. In the low acceleration voltage region, the controller performs rough adjustment and fine adjustment of the focus in relation to the variation in the height of the wafer using electromagnetic focusing performed through excitation current adjustment of the objective lens. In the high acceleration voltage region, the controller performs rough adjustment of the focus in relation to the variation in the height of the wafer by mechanical focusing performed through raising and lowering of the stage, and performs fine adjustment by electrostatic focusing performed through adjustment of the retarding voltage.

Abstract: A directional-position sensing fast neutron sensor system is disclosed. The system includes one or more acoustically tensioned metastable fluid detector (ATMFD) for determining the direction of the source of incident neutron radiation. The system has been used to detect the position of a 1 Ci Pu—Be neutron radiation source. The ATMFD detector is comparable in technical performance with directional fast neutron detector-bank technologies but is significantly more economical, smaller, and has little to no interference from nonneutron background radiation. The ATMFD detector can be used to locate hidden neutron sources and has been used in blind tests to do so. Specifically an ATMFD system (with a 6×10 cm cross-sectional area) provides directional information for incoming neutron radiation from an 8 kg Pu source from a distance of 25 m with a resolution of 11.2° at a 68% confidence within 60 seconds. Position and neutron source image sensing were also demonstrated using two ATMFDs.

Abstract: An infrared sensor element according to the present invention includes a substrate, and a lower electrode layer, a pyroelectric layer, and an upper electrode layer sequentially formed on the substrate. The substrate has a linear thermal expansion coefficient higher than that of the pyroelectric layer, and the pyroelectric layer includes a polycrystalline body having an in-plane stress in a compressive direction. Thus, the infrared sensor element realizes the pyroelectric layer having a high orientation in a polarization axis direction, an excellent pyroelectric property.

Abstract: A medication assurance system for verification of both the medication and the patient is disclosed. A portable spectrometer is used to obtain a light spectrum of the medication. A subject identification or biometric device is used to identify the patient. A controller coupled to the portable spectrometer and the subject identification device identifies the medication by performing a chemometric analysis of the light spectrum. Based on the medication identified and the patient identified, the controller can determine if the medication is to be taken by the patient.

Abstract: In an optical non-destructive inspection method which can perform inspection accurately in a short time. In the method, a heating laser beam source, at least one infrared detector, a control unit, and a storage unit are used. The storage unit stores a parameter state-time constant characteristic in which a parameter corresponding to a state of the measurement object is correlated with a time constant indicating the curve shape of the temperature rise characteristic that varies depending on the state of the parameter. The control unit determines the time constant based on the curve shape of the temperature rise characteristic, which extends from a heating start time point to a time point at which a saturated temperature is reached, and determines the state of the parameter of the measurement object based on the determined time constant and the parameter state-time constant characteristic.

Abstract: A security scanner includes a scanner configured to transmit a scanning beam toward a target and detect a returned beam. The security scanner also includes a processing circuit configured to receive a characteristic of the target to be scanned, determine an allowable dosage based on the characteristic, adjust a parameter of the scanning beam based on the allowable dosage, and cause the parameter to be used in the scanning of the target.

Abstract: A detecting apparatus includes a substrate that permits visible light to pass therethrough, a converting element that includes a pixel electrode, an impurity semiconductor layer, and a semiconductor layer arranged in that order from a side adjacent to the substrate and is configured to convert radiation or light into charge, and a light source configured to emit the visible light through the substrate to the converting element. The pixel electrode includes a metal layer that permits the visible light to pass therethrough.

Abstract: There is a problem that in an image sensor including an amplifier in each pixel, when a thin-film semiconductor is used as a transistor constituting the amplifier, voltage continues to be applied between source and gate of the transistor and thereby a threshold voltage value of the transistor varies, resulting in a variation of signal voltage. To solve the problem, a thin-film transistor formed with an oxide semiconductor is used as the transistor constituting the amplifier, and during a period other than a period of outputting an output of the amplifier, source potential of the transistor is controlled to be equal to drain potential thereof.

Abstract: A neutron detector includes a microchannel plate having a structure that defines a plurality of microchannels, and layers of materials disposed on walls of the microchannels. The layers include a layer of neutron sensitive material, a layer of semiconducting material, and a layer of electron emissive material. For example, the layer of neutron sensitive material can include boron-10, lithium-6, or gadolinium.

Abstract: A system for authenticating a document includes a document having a substrate comprising an optical brightener; printing a background with a ultraviolet (UV) absorbing material on the substrate comprising a first pattern of lines having a first frequency and a first orientation; printing a security mark with the UV material on the substrate comprising a second pattern of lines having a second frequency and a second orientation; a lenticular lens; placing the lenticular lens over the security mark and background; a UV lamp; illuminating the security mark and background through the lenticular lens with UV light; orienting the lenticular lens to match either the first orientation or the second orientation; and authenticating the document if the security mark matches a predetermined security mark.

Abstract: A system for detecting and counting ions comprises a source of atoms, a hot filament ion source, means for generating an electric field and a magnetic field, and means for detecting and counting the ions, and the filament comprises a portion that is concave along its longitudinal and/or transverse axis.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a back scattered electron detector suitable for implementing a method for determining beforehand in which region of a sample an X-ray detector can obtain an accurate X-ray detection image and perform an appropriate analysis. A Coax-BSE detector which is a back scattered electron detector includes a BSE element, a support member that supports the BSE element, and a fixing member to fix the support member to the X-ray detector, in which the fixing member fixes the support member by clamping a side portion on the distal end side which is an X-ray receiving side of a housing that covers the X-ray detector.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at a sensing apparatus which includes a light emitting device including quantum dot light emitting diodes. The light emitting device transmits light towards a sample of interest to assist the sensing apparatus in determining if a target material is present or absent within the sample of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for spectrometric analysis of light-emitting samples. The device comprises a particle beam source, which generates a primary particle beam directed to the sample in such a way that the primary particle beam is incident on the sample and photons are released from the sample due to the interaction between primary particle beam and sample material. Moreover, the device comprises a plurality of light-pickup elements, which are suitable for capturing the photons released from the sample, wherein the light-pickup elements capture the photons emitted in the respectively assigned solid-angle range. Furthermore, the device comprises conduction elements, which are embodied to forward captured photons to an evaluation unit, and an analysis system, which comprises a plurality of evaluation units in such a way that photons captured by each light-pickup element are analyzed spectrally.