Abstract: A scanning apparatus for scanning a light beam includes a mirror configured to reflect an incident light beam, a motor configured to rotate the mirror to change a direction along which the light beam reflected by the mirror travels, and a detector configured to obtain a detection value corresponding to a tilt of a detected region of the mirror, with the detection value being changed in accordance with a rotation angle of the mirror. In addition, a processor is configured to obtain a tilt angle of the mirror based on the detection value obtained by the detector and the rotation angle of the mirror.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the adjustment of a laser light spot of high intensity for the laser processing of work pieces as well as a laser device for performing the proposed process. The laser device comprises a laser emitting a laser beam and at least one focusing lens for converging the laser beam as well as an optical operating element for adjusting the beam diameter of the laser beam. The invention proposes to use as operating element a diffractive optical element that separates the laser beam emitted by the laser into partial laser beams, with the partial laser beams generated by the diffractive optical element being assembled to form a resulting laser beam that acts on the work piece. By means of a suitable design of the diffractive optical element it is possible to adjust, in particular enlarge, the diameter of the laser light spot as required.

Abstract: An electric arc welder for creating a welding process in the form of a succession of AC waveforms between a particular type of cored electrode, with a sheath and core, and a workpiece by a power source comprising a high frequency switching device for creating the individual waveforms in the succession of waveforms, each waveform having a profile is formed by the magnitude of each of a large number of short current pulses generated at a frequency of at least 18 kHz where the profile is determined by the input signal to a wave shaper controlling the short current pulses; a circuit to create a profile signal indicative of the particular type of electrode; and a select circuit to select the input signal based upon the profile signal whereby the wave shaper causes the power source to create a specific waveform profile for the particular type of cored electrode.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved liquid cooling of a tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding torch are provided. The improved welding torch may feature conduits for conveying coolant from a cooling system to a collar, which holds a tungsten electrode of the welding torch, and back. A coolant return conduit may be disposed in a coolant supply conduit to improve thermal insulation of an outer surface of the welding torch. Some embodiments may feature a helical channel formed in the collar for conveying coolant around the electrode multiple times before returning the coolant through the return conduit.

Abstract: An electrode for use in a welding process may comprise a finite length electrode core. The electrode core may be encapsulated at least partially within a coating comprising a flux material. One end of the electrode core may be tapered from a first diameter D to a second smaller diameter D1. The tapered end may further be covered with a coating that enhances the arc starting capabilities of the electrode.

Abstract: A method and device for creating a temperature gradient among a plurality of temperature gradient devices. Each device is formed of a first layer of conductive material having a top surface and a bottom surface. The first layer is adjacent to a second layer of conductive material and has electrical resistive heating properties. A power supply is used to provide a current flow through at least the first layer when the power supply is activated. When activated, the resulting current flow causes the second layer to heat and thus create a temperature gradient between the bottom surface of the second layer and the top surface of the first layer. Activation of the power supply is controlled by a control unit so that activation of adjacent temperature gradient devices is avoided for a predetermined time after activation of the first temperature gradient device.

Abstract: Provided is a window glass sheet fitted with a seal member and incorporated with a device such as a deicer which facilitates the device and the seal member to be installed in a proper manner. The automotive window glass sheet comprises a laminated glass sheet including a first glass sheet and a second glass sheet placed on an outboard side of the first glass sheet, and a seal member fitted on a peripheral part of the laminated glass sheet.

Abstract: A cooking appliance have at least one burner operable in an ON condition for producing heat and an OFF condition for not producing heat and a Hot Surface Indicator having an illumination source that may be operated when the burner is not producing heat as well as a method for illuminating the Hot Surface Indicator.

Abstract: A temperature auto-compensation grill includes rotatingly connected upper and lower grilling units; a heating circuit including a heater and a thermostat having a change-over switch; and an operating mechanism including a linkage that is slidingly connected to the lower grilling unit, a first end of the linkage making contact with the change-over switch and a second end of the linkage extending from the lower grilling unit and making contact with the withstand portion of the upper grilling unit in an open position. The upper grilling unit has a withstand portion withstands that contacts the second end of the linkage and slidingly pushes the linkage when the upper grilling unit rotates from a closed position to an open position. The thermostat has a first steady temperature in the closed position, and a second steady temperature in the open position, and the first steady temperature is lower than the second steady temperature.

Abstract: Control circuitry for controlling a spa water heater, wherein a microcontroller is configured to detect zero crossings of an A.C. line voltage from a voltage sense signal, to cause closing of a first heater relay and a second heater relay, to detect the time at which heater current is initially sensed by a current sensor after the initial closing of the second heater relay, to measure a time delay between the time that the second heater relay is closed and the time at which heater current is initially sensed, and to adjust the time at which a second closing of the second heater relay occurs such that zero crossings of the heater current occur at the same time as zero crossings of the voltage waveform. The control circuitry further includes a voltage sense circuit comprising a first diode connected in series with a current limiting resistance connected in series with a Zener diode, which is in turn connected in series with an optical coupler LED.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring the temperature and vibration of equipment, comprising a central digital computer, a MESH communication network, wherein the network feeds signals to the central digital computer, a plurality of heating elements for heating the equipment, temperature/vibration sensors adapted to measure the temperature of the equipment, wherein each sensor is adapted to provide a signal representing the temperature/vibration of the piece of equipment to which the sensor is associated, to the network, wherein each temperature/vibration sensor can also be used to control the electric heaters, a temperature sensor that monitors the ambient temperature of the facility, and current transducers associated with the heaters, to monitor the energy use and current loss of the heaters, wherein the central computer uses the data it receives from the other elements of the monitoring system to determine when the equipment is not at the correct temperature/vibration and diagnoses the reason why.

Abstract: A combined seat heater and capacitive occupancy sensor comprises a heating element (10) connected between a first (21) and a second (22) node, and a capacitive sensing network connected to the heating element to apply an oscillating voltage thereto and to derive the capacitive load of the heating element. A common mode choke (16) connects the first and second node to a third (23) and fourth (24) node, respectively. The capacitive sensing network comprises an oscillator (28), AC-coupled to the third and/or the fourth node to drive oscillating voltage into that node, and a transimpedance amplifier (32), which has a first input to receive the oscillating voltage as reference voltage and a second input operatively connected to the heating element. The transimpedance amplifier maintains a voltage on its second input equal to the reference voltage by driving a current into the second input. An output signal (44) indicates the AC component of the current driven into the second input.

Abstract: A combination cooking appliance controls a radiant heating element provided in an oven cavity, both a blower and a convection heating element provided in an air plenum, and microwave energy sources to provide for numerous potential operating modes. The present invention is particularly concerned with the manner in which the various cooking components are configured and flexibly controlled to provide for short cook cycles in a variety of operational modes.

Abstract: A transparent or translucent glass-ceramic plate, capable of covering or receiving at least one underlying heating element. The plate has a coating which at least partly masks the underlying heating element(s), while still allowing the heating element(s) and optional displays to be detected. At least 90% of the coating is on the face of the plate to be turned toward the heating element(s) and optional displays in the use position. The coating has a region or a group of regions known as a background region(s), wherein the background region(s) occupy most of the surface of the coating. The coating also has a region or a group of regions known as indicating region(s), wherein the indicating region(s) making it possible to display, relative to the background region(s), a pattern, a sign and/or the location of functional elements while also making it possible to detect if the elements are in operation.

Abstract: A hob includes at least one heating zone having several heating elements, a user interface for setting a heating capacity of the heating zone, and a control unit for operating the heating elements and for distributing the heating capacity among the heating elements according to a heating capacity distribution. In order to improve the efficiency of the hob, the control unit is configured to distribute the heating capacity among a larger number of heating elements when the heating capacity is below a threshold value than in the case, when the heating capacity is above the threshold value.

Abstract: An induction cooking system with an induction heating system, a cooktop, and cool touch cookware that has a target that is heated by induction. An absolute cookware temperature is directly sensed at one or more locations of the cookware, for example at the target. A relative cookware temperature can be determined based on the value of an electrical variable of a circuit that includes the target. The cookware can include a layer of thermal insulation directly below and spaced from the target by a gap. The insulation and gap act as the major heat insulating elements to keep the outer surface of the cookware cool. This allows the induction coil to be placed just below the cooktop, without any insulation between the coil and the cooktop. The cooktop can be cooled by placing a cooling chamber just below the cooktop and drawing air through the cooling chamber. The induction coil can be located in the cooling chamber.

Abstract: A high-frequency induction hardening apparatus used for metal objects, including a heating coil holder (4) carrying a heating coil (40) for hardening a metal object (2), an eccentric rotor assemble housing a cam mechanism for allowing the heating coil to eccentrically rotate through the heating coil holder (4); and a pair of supporters (11), (12) for keeping the heating coil holder (4) in a desired position, the supporters (11), (12) limiting the movement of the heating coil holder (4) to a plane intersecting the axis (21) of the cam carried in an eccentric rotor mount (13).

Abstract: An induction heating system includes an induction heating coil operable to inductively heat a load with a magnetic field, a detector for detecting a current feedback signal corresponding to a current flowing through the induction heating coil, and a controller for detecting a switching transient in the current feedback signal and determining a resonant frequency of the system based on a characteristic of the switching transient.

Abstract: In a method for forming conductive patterns, a substrate is provided, and a pattern is formed on the substrate using a conductive pattern-forming composition and a printing method. The substrate with the pattern formed is positioned between two microwave-permeable panels and the pattern is fired using microwave. In a method for forming conductive patterns, the substrate is fixed by the microwave-permeable material during the firing of conductive patterns, and accordingly the deformation of substrate can be prevented and the firing process can be facilitated.

Abstract: A multi-slot resonant microwave device comprises a plurality of slot microwave resonator units and at least one microwave emitting source. Each of the plurality of slot microwave resonator unit is defined as a slot resonant cavity. Whenever at least one of the microwave emitting sources emits microwave power into the plurality of slot microwave resonator units, the plurality of slot microwave resonator units resonate simultaneously, and produce an electromagnetic field with the same polarization direction. Therefore, the multi-slot resonator device can deal with large-area microwave heating with greater microwave effect to shorten operating time and accomplish the objective of homogeneous and megathermal microwave heating.

Abstract: A microwave oven includes a top wall, side walls, and a bottom wall at least partially defining a cavity of the microwave oven, and a table coupled to the bottom wall. The table has a top surface and an opposing bottom surface. The top surface is configured to support an item within the cavity. A light source directs light to the table. The table is configured to diffuse light emitted from the light source into the cavity.

Abstract: A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead having destructive elements. The weapon also includes a folding lug switch assembly that provides a mechanism to attach the weapon to a delivery vehicle and is configured to close after launching from the delivery vehicle, thereby satisfying a criterion to arm the warhead. The weapon still further includes a guidance section including an antenna configured to receive mission data before launching from the delivery vehicle and further configured to receive instructions after launching from the delivery vehicle to guide the weapon to a target.

Abstract: An intensity of radiation emitted from at least two laser diodes of a projecting apparatus is optimized by providing an offset distance between at least two focal points of the at least two laser diodes and providing a maximum value for radiation intensity emitted by each of the laser diodes, irrespective of simultaneous transmission by one of the laser diodes with another of the laser diodes. The intensity of the radiation emitted from each of the at least two laser diodes is adjusted such that an aggregated value of the radiation intensity emitted by all of the laser diodes within a predefined period of time may exceed a threshold value allowed for the maximum permissible exposure to radiation.

Abstract: Aspects relate to improved optically black reference pixels in a CMOS iSoc sensor. A system can include a pointer P1 that indicates pixels to be read out during a readout time interval, a pointer P2 that indicates pixels to be reset during the time interval, and a pointer P3 that preserves a validity of a frame. The system also includes a pointer P4 configured to mitigate an integration time of column fixed pattern noise (FPN) rows independently of the integration time of other rows. In some aspects, pointer P4 can mitigate blooming into sampled rows from surrounding rows. Pointer P4 can be continuously rotated, in an aspect. Further, in some aspects, pointer P4 can jump on a second cycle to arrive one line before pointer P1.

Abstract: An image sensor and a row averaging method for an image sensor capable of simultaneously selecting the pixels of the same color in the same column of different rows in a pixel array and performing a signal process, thereby preventing an increase in an area and a decrease in the sensing speed of the pixels in the sub-sampling mode and the binning mode of the image sensor.

Abstract: The solid-state imaging device 1 includes an imaging photodetecting section 10, a trigger photodetecting section 20, a row selection section 30, a column selection section 40, a holding section 50, a pixel data output section 60, a trigger data output section 70, and a control section 80. The control section 80, when an absolute value of trigger data has changed into a state of being in excess of a first threshold, and then the state has continued for a predetermined time ?1 or more, judges it as a start of a light incidence, and starts a charge accumulating operation for each pixel unit, and when an absolute value of trigger data has changed into a state of being less than a second threshold, and then the state has continued for a predetermined time ?2 or more, judges it as an end of a light incidence, and causes a charge transferring operation and a data outputting operation to be performed for each pixel unit.

Abstract: A method and system for image processing comprising an opening for entrance of light for forming an image by the system; at least one optical element through which the light passes; a variable aperture operatively associated with the at least one optical element placed in the optical train at an image plane and comprising a plurality of settings comprising first mask settings for shielding portions of the light and second mask settings for selectively masking portions of the light that pass through the first mask settings; an imager, the at least one processor being operatively connected to the variable aperture and imager for controlling the passage of the light through the variable aperture by selecting one of plurality of first mask settings and associated second mask settings, obtaining image results using the settings, comparing image results obtained by the respective mask settings, and determining the optimal first mask setting.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a solid state imaging device includes a first SiGe layer provided at an uppermost layer of a photoelectric conversion layer from the viewpoint of an incident light side, and a second SiGe layer provided under the first SiGe layer in the photoelectric conversion layer and having a higher Ge concentration than the first SiGe layer.

Abstract: To provide a photodetector circuit capable of obtaining signals in different periods without being affected by characteristics of a photoelectric conversion element. The photodetector circuit has n signal output circuits (n is a natural number of 2 or more) connected to the photoelectric conversion element. Further, the n signal output circuits each include the following: a transistor whose gate potential varies in accordance with the amount of light entering the photoelectric conversion element; a first switching element which holds the gate potential of the transistor; and a second switching element which controls a signal output from the transistor. Thus, after data based on the amount of light entering the photoelectric conversion elements is held as the gate potentials of the transistors, the second switching elements are turned on, whereby signals in different periods can be obtained without being affected by characteristics of the photoelectric conversion element.

Abstract: A radiation sensor is provided comprising: one or more first pixels and one or more second pixels. A first optical element is provided over the first and second pixels, having a first field of view. A second optical element is provided over the one or more second pixels, having a second field of view. The second optical element is positioned between the first optical element and the one or more second pixels, wherein the first field of view is substantially narrower than, and lies substantially within, the second field of view.

Abstract: The invention discloses a photo detector with first and second groups of electrodes. The electrodes of each group are connected to a first common conductor for the group, and are located on a layer of photosensitive material. The electrodes are parallel to and interlaced with each other. The first common conductors are essentially plane, arranged at the same end of their group of electrodes, and arranged as upper and lower conductors parallel to and overlapping each other separated by a dielectric material, and form a signal electrode and a ground plane of a first microstrip line. The first microstrip line acts as a first combiner for currents induced in the electrodes of the two groups and as a matching network for the electrodes and for a load which can be connected to the photo detector.

Abstract: A capacitive transimpedance amplifier for a detector unit capable of generating first and second detection currents comprises: a read-out circuit including an integration capacitor coupled between an input node connected to the detector unit, and a common node between first and second transistors connected in series, and a sampling and holding unit coupled between the first common node and an output node for sampling and holding a voltage at the first common node; and a switch unit connected to control ends of the first and second transistors and the input node, and operable between a first state, where the first detection current is read out, and a second state, where the second detection current is read out.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a pixel includes at least two switches, each switch having a control terminal and first and second current carrying terminals. The control terminals of the first and second switches are commonly connected together. In accordance with another embodiment, a method for transferring charge from a first switch to a capacitance includes applying voltage to the commonly connected control terminals of the first and second switches.

Abstract: An embodiment of an image pickup apparatus according to the present invention includes, on a semiconductor substrate, an imaging area having a plurality of pixel columns and a plurality of column circuits each of which is provided for each pixel column or a plurality of pixel columns. Each of the column circuits has a first circuit block and a second circuit block, and the first and second circuit blocks receive a bias voltage via a common wire. The first circuit block includes an amplifier circuit. The second circuit block is configured to be capable of switching between a first mode and a second mode with smaller power consumption than the first mode. A shift period from the second mode to the first mode by the second circuit block is a period excluding a period during which an amplifier circuit in the first circuit block is performing an amplifying operation.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for detecting the presence of an object near a detection device, comprising: emitting pulses of an incident photon beam, detecting photodiodes which trigger avalanche after the reception by the photodiode of at least one photon of a reflected photon beam produced by a reflection of the incident beam on an object near the detection device, determining a distance between the photodiodes and an object in a detection area, as a function of the time between a transmit time of the incident beam and avalanche triggering times of the photodiodes, and correcting the distance determined as a function of a calibration measurement obtained in the absence of object in the detection area, to compensate for photon reflections on a transparent plate arranged between the photodiodes and the detection area.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a focus adjustable apparatus adapted to be disposed on a transparent substrate to modulate a plurality of rays passing through the transparent substrate. The focus adjustable apparatus includes a light modulation device, an eye tracking device, an eyesight status device and a controller. The light modulation device receives the rays from the transparent substrate and adjusts an emergent angle of each ray. The eye tracking device tracks a position of a user and estimates a distance between the user and the focus adjustable apparatus. The eyesight status device obtains an eyesight data of the user. The controller provides a control signal to drive the light modulation device by estimating the emergent angle of the each ray according to the distance between the user and the focus adjustable apparatus and the eyesight data of the user.

Abstract: A photoelectric converter includes a circuit board, a laser diode, a plurality of optical sensors mounted on the circuit board, a transmission body, and a first lens set, a second lens set, and a plurality of optical fibers mounted on the transmission body. The transmission body defines a reflection groove and a plurality of optical signal splitting holes. A first sidewall of the reflection groove is inclined relative to the transmission direction of the optical signals. A bottom surface of each optical signal splitting hole is inclined relative to the first sidewall and to the second surface. The optical signals transmitted by the first lens set are reflected by the first sidewall. Most of the reflected optical signals are transmitted to the optical fibers via the second lens set, and a small remaining portion of optical signals are reflected by the bottom surface to the optical sensors.

Abstract: Disclosed is monolayer and/or few-layer graphene on metal or metal-coated substrates. Embodiments include graphene mirrors. In an example, a mirror includes a substrate that has a surface exhibiting a curvature operable to focus an incident beam onto a focal plane. A graphene layer conformally adheres to the substrate, and is operable to protect the substrate surface from degradation due to the incident beam and an ambient environment.

Abstract: A through casing formation evaluation tool string 1000, 2000, 3000 including a conveyance string 100, a sonic array tool 200, a pulsed neutron tool 400 and one or more downhole memory modules 160, 540, 550. A method of through casing formation evaluation and casing and cementing integrity evaluation includes lowering a tool string into a cased wellbore; concurrently collecting data with the sonic array tool and pulsed neutron tool and transmitting at least a portion of the collected data via a conveyance string to a CPU located at the surface of the earth; storing a portion of the collected data in a memory module disposed in the tool string; removing the tool string from the wellbore; processing the collected data in the CPU to obtain selected rock property data about the one or more of the geologic formations and/or cement integrity.

Abstract: There is provided a mass spectrometry apparatus comprising: an ion source arranged in a substantially horizontal orientation and from which a quantity of ions may be sourced, an ion filter device arranged for receiving a stream of ions for filtering thereof; and, an ion guide arranged so as to guide ions sourced from the ion source toward the ion filter device. The ion source and the ion filter device are arranged relative to one another so that the profile of the apparatus is reduced so as to minimize the effective footprint of the apparatus.

Abstract: A collision or fragmentation cell is disclosed comprising a plurality of electrodes wherein a first RF voltage is applied to an upstream group of electrodes and a second different RF voltage is applied to a downstream group of electrodes. The radial confinement of parent ions entering the collision or fragmentation cell is optimized by the first RF voltage applied to the upstream group of electrodes and the radial confinement of daughter or fragment ions produced within the collision or fragmentation cell is optimized by the second different RF voltage applied to the downstream group of electrodes.

Abstract: Microchips which are particularly suitable for use with a mass spectrometer include a microchip body with at least one fluid channel formed into the microchip body and at least two flat monolithic closely spaced integrated ESI (electrospray ionization) emitters defined by shaped projections formed to extend from one side of the microchip body, a respective one being in fluid communication with a fluid channel. Related systems and methods are also described.

Abstract: Mass spectrometers and methods for measuring information about samples using mass spectrometry are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing mass spectrometry of a nanoparticle or virus analyte. Apparatus may include a laser desorption plate, a mass analyzer configured to measure mass over the range of m/z from 105 to 1010, an electrical shield surrounding the mass analyzer, and a charge sensitive detector, wherein the laser firing is phase lock synchronized with the applied radiofrequency voltages.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for S/TEM sample preparation and analysis. Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide improved methods for TEM sample creation, especially for small geometry (<100 nm thick) TEM lamellae. A novel sample structure and a novel use of a milling pattern allow the creation of S/TEM samples as thin as 50 nm without significant bowing or warping. Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide methods to partially or fully automate TEM sample creation, to make the process of creating and analyzing TEM samples less labor intensive, and to increase throughput and reproducibility of TEM analysis.

Abstract: A method of electron microcopy passes an electron beam through a phase plate, specifically a Zernike type phase plate, comprising a central hole, and a thin film causing a phase shift of the electrons passing through said film. This phase shift causes the Contrast Transfer Function (CTF) to change from a sine-like function to a cosine-like function. The phase plate is equipped with a film in the form of an annulus, carried by a much thinner film. As a result only in a small spatial frequency range (for low frequencies) the phase is changed (and thus the CTF), and for other spatial frequencies the phase shift is negligible, and thus the CTF remains unchanged. Due to the much smaller thickness of the carrier film the scattering of electrons is negligible as well.

Abstract: Provided is an electron microscope capable of enhancing a magnetic shield function even though the structure thereof has an objective tens that projects into a sample chamber space. The electron microscope includes: an objective lens (6) which focuses an electron beam to irradiate a sample (4) with; a sample chamber (5) which forms a sample space to contain the sample (4); a sample chamber magnetic shield (7) provided inside the sample chamber (5); and an objective lens magnetic shield (8) of a tubular shape which surrounds the periphery of the objective lens (6). A first and a second hole, which face to each other in a traveling direction of the electron beam, are provided in an upper plate (10) serving as an upper wall of the sample chamber (5) and in an upper shield (9) of the sample chamber magnetic shield (7). The objective lens (6) is held inside the first hole provided in the upper plate (10).

Abstract: An embodiment is to provide a technique that continuously applies a certain amount of an electron beam to a sample by selecting a beam applied to the sample from an electron beam emitted from an electron source in a scanning electron microscope. A charged particle apparatus is configured, including: a mechanism that detects the distribution of electric current strength with respect to the emitting direction of an electron beam emitted from an electron source; a functionality that predicts a fluctuation of an electric current applied to a sample by predicting the distribution of the electric current based on the detected result; a functionality that determines a position at which a beam applied to the sample is acquired based on the predicted result; and a mechanism that controls a position at which a probe beam is acquired based on the determined result.

Abstract: A protective enclosure for a thermal imager having a window and protective grid. The protective grid is designed in relation to the lens of the thermal imaging device such that the grid pattern geometry and size accommodate the thermal imaging device's pupil size.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a diffraction grating which diffracts electromagnetic waves from an electromagnetic wave source, a shield grating which shields a part of the electromagnetic waves diffracted by the diffraction grating, a detector which detects an intensity distribution of the electromagnetic waves through the shield grating, and an adjusting unit which adjusts the attitude of at least one of the diffraction grating and the shield grating on the basis of the detection result by the detector, wherein the adjusting unit divides the intensity distribution detected by the detector into a plurality of regions and adjusts the attitude of at least one of the diffraction grating and the shield grating on the basis of the intensity distributions of the plurality of regions.