Abstract: A rear trunnion assembly includes: a modular rear trunnion fitting including a rear connection feature, an upper portion, and a lower portion; a folding hinge fitting including an upper lug, a lower lug, and a forward portion disposed under the modular rear trunnion fitting, the folding hinge fitting disposed on a rear side of the modular rear trunnion fitting, the forward portion including a first mounting hole configured to interface with the upper portion and a second mounting hole configured to interface with the lower portion; and a pivoting latch fitting configured to pivot with respect to the folding hinge fitting about an axis extending from the upper lug to the lower lug. The pivoting latch fitting may be configured to lock in at least one position with respect to the folding hinge fitting.

Abstract: A free float modular handguard is provided. The handguard includes a mounting adapter having an aperture and a barrel nut having an aperture. The barrel nut couples the mounting adapter to an upper receiver of a firearm through the aperture of the mounting adapter. The aperture of the barrel nut receives a barrel therethrough. The handguard also includes a support member having an aperture. The support member is aligned with the aperture of the barrel nut, wherein the aperture of the support member receives the barrel therethrough. The handguard also includes a top member, a bottom member, a first side member, and a second side member, wherein the top member, bottom member, first side member and second side member are each coupled on one end to the mounting adapter coupled on the other end the support member. This creates the free float modular handguard.

Abstract: A handguard securement system and related method are provided. The system can include a barrel nut that secures a barrel to a receiver and forces a handguard against the receiver. The barrel nut can include one or more annular grooves. When the handguard is initially installed loosely adjacent the receiver, over the barrel nut, the grooves are misaligned with corresponding handguard fastener holes, such that portions of the barrel nut obstruct a portion of the holes. When the fasteners are advanced in the holes, and into further registration with the corresponding grooves, this results in a rearward force exerted by the fasteners on the perimeters of the holes to thereby drive with that force the handguard into forced engagement with the receiver. Any gap between the handguard and the receiver can subsequently be eliminated, with the handguard forcibly pushed against the receiver with the force generated by the fasteners.

Abstract: A holster for a wide range of carried items including revolver-type and semiautomatic handguns of various types, models and calibers, pepper- and mace-spray, and other similarly configured items, the holster ambidextrous and adaptable to be worn in various user preferred carry modes and positions. The holster having an interior space created by hinged first and second side plates having a plurality of receptacles accommodating universal securing of carried item and multiple options for attachment points for body mounting facilities. Selectable hinge knuckles, spring-biased opening and adjustable latch provide user-configurable expandable holster capacity for secure carry containment and ease of retrieval of various carried items.

Abstract: A multi-purpose carrier constructed from single continuous sheet of material that is folded along a horizontal axis or a vertical axis in a manner so as to create opposing open top ends and a closed or open bottom end. The opposing left and right sides are folded towards the vertical or horizontal axis in the center of the sheet of material to create opposing left and right channels. The channels have a plurality of apertures located along the outer edge of the channels. A cord or torsion spring is funneled through the channels and apertures to compress the opposing sides of the device together to create a positive compression grip of the contents carried in the carrier.

Abstract: A concealed weapon holster harness and cover convertible between a halter-top configuration and a back crisscross configuration has a first body portion and similar second body portion that releasably and adjustably interconnect using a plurality of spacedly arrayed hook and loop fastener patches to provide infinite adjustability about a user's torso just under the bust area. A halter strap or two crossing back straps secure the apparatus to a user's upper body and a covering conceals the apparatus and any carried firearm from view.

Abstract: A firearm having a top surface to which an optical sight is to be attached having a first portion and an adjacent second portion stepped down from the first portion. An adaptor plate is received in the second portion, its shape corresponding to the second portion to properly orient the adaptor plate. The bottom of the second portion and the underside of the adaptor plate having features to receive a spring. An optical sight is attached with at least one fastener to the first portion and directly to the slide of the pistol with a part of the optical sight cantilevered over the second portion and on the adaptor plate. The upper surface of the adaptor plate has a topography that corresponds to a complimentary topography on the underside of that portion of the optical sight.

Abstract: A weapon training system including a magnetic sensor system is described. The magnetic sensor system is insertable into or integrated with a round of an indirect firing weapon and includes at least one magnetic sensor and a microcontroller communicatively coupled to the at least one magnetic sensor. The microcontroller is configured to perform operations including receiving at least one proximity signal from the at least one magnetic sensor indicating a proximity of at least one magnet of at least one charge to the at least one magnetic sensor, determining, based on the at least one proximity signal, that the at least one charge is removably attached to the round, generating an output signal indicating that the at least one charge is removably attached to the round, and wirelessly transmitting the output signal to an electronic device.

Abstract: A mounting system includes a bracket, a first engagement member, and a second engagement member. The bracket includes a first leg, a second leg, and a bridge portion extending between the first leg and the second leg. The first leg defines a first aperture. The second leg defines a second aperture. The first engagement member is disposed within the first aperture and includes a first engagement surface. The second engagement member is disposed within the second aperture and includes a second engagement surface configured to receive the first engagement surface.

Abstract: A modular dovetail rail clamping assembly includes a polymer body and a metal fixed clamp component. A threaded fastener extends through the body and into the fixed clamp component to draw the fixed clamp component into engagement with the body. The fixed clamp component and the body have mating longitudinal ridge and groove structures which rigidly fix alignment of the fixed clamp component relative to the body when assembled. A metal movable clamp component opposes the fixed clamp. A threaded clamping fastener extends through the movable clamp component and the body, and is received into the fixed clamp component to draw the movable clamp component into engagement with the body. A removable, reversible crossbar extends transversely across the body between the fixed clamp component and the movable clamp component.

Abstract: A scope and mount block assembly for a rifle includes a scope having sets of spaced apart ribs for seating into complementary arcuate grooves in scope mount components. An underside keyseat in the scope aligns with a complementary keyseat in a scope mount block, and a key residing in the combined volume of both keyseat enforces this alignment. The scope mount blocks clamp to any standard rail such as a Picatinny rail. When the scope is removed, leaving the blocks in place, it can be reattached so that the key reestablishes its alignment to the rifle and no re-sighting of the scope is required. Also, careful selection of pitches for the scope ribs and for spaced apart features for engagement of the mount blocks to a mounting rail can offer much finer incremental location of the scope on the rifle for more precise adjustment of eye relief.

Abstract: A window insert assembly providing ballistic protection for a window opening of a vehicle side door. The window insert assembly includes a window insert formed from a ballistic-resistant material and a wedge assembly to wedge the window insert within a window frame of the vehicle door. A method of providing ballistic protection for the window opening.

Abstract: Vehicle window security shield assemblies and related methods of use and/or installation. In some embodiments, an insert-shield assembly may comprise an insert-shield with or without a separate inner shield, one or both of which may comprise a ballistic-rated, transparent material. The assembly may be mounted in and/or to one or more existing windows or other openings of a vehicle. In some embodiments, an inner shield of the shield assembly may be removeable from the assembly. In some embodiments, the entire assembly or a portion thereof may be removed to allow an officer or other user to use the removed portion as a portable shield. The removed portion may be returned to the vehicle following use to enhance the protection of the vehicle.

Abstract: A survivability capsule for the driver compartment of an armored vehicle resists explosive loads and improves the survivability of the driver. The survivability capsule has a seamless unibody structure made from molded composite armor and is installed within the driver compartment of an armored vehicle. The unibody is shaped complementary to the interior shape of the driver compartment for a contour fit therein and is rigidly attached to the frame of the vehicle.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle capture apparatus adaptable to a slingshot with a sling, including a launch handle with handle with a flat surface and attachment wings with apertures, a launch container having nodules fitting into wing apertures, such that sling of slingshot is sandwiched between launch container and launch handle, and an entanglement apparatus including a plurality of solid objects connected to a line.

Abstract: A target shooting base can have a shape that generally defines a triangular prism. The base can have a first end member, a second end member, a first side extending between the first and second end members, a second side extending between the first and second end members, a top member extending between a top portion of first end member and a top portion of the second end member, and a lower support member extending between an intermediate portion of first end member and an intermediate portion of the second end member. The top member and the lower support member can include a plurality of openings that can receive portions of a shooting target.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a polymeric ammunition cartridge and methods of making and using the same. The cartridge includes a substantially cylindrical insert connected to a substantially cylindrical polymeric middle body. The substantially cylindrical insert includes a top surface opposite a bottom surface and a substantially cylindrical coupling element that extends from the bottom surface, a primer recess in the top surface that extends toward the bottom surface, a primer flash hole positioned in the primer recess to extend through the bottom surface, and a flange that extends circumferentially about an outer edge of the top surface.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to broadheads wherein the diameter of the ferrule is relatively smaller than the diameter of the shaft of the arrow or crossbow bolt to which the broadhead is attached. A collar is provided for a smooth transition between the ferrule and the shaft.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a collar for a reduced diameter broadhead wherein a diameter of a ferrule of the broadhead is relatively smaller than an outside diameter of a shaft of an arrow or crossbow bolt to which the broadhead is attached. The collar includes a plurality of spaced-apart tabs, each configured for retaining at least one of a plurality of blades in a retracted position during flight and permitting the retained blade to deploy after the broadhead impacts the target. An outside diameter of the collar at a distal end thereof is substantially equal to the diameter of the ferrule, and an outside diameter of the collar at a proximal end thereof is substantially equal to the outside diameter of the shaft. An outside surface of the collar at the distal end thereof is substantially flush with an outside surface of the ferrule.

Abstract: A broadhead mountable to an arrow shaft for striking a target, upon striking impact is created which deploys the broadhead from a pre-deployment configuration to a post-deployment configuration. The broadhead including a longitudinally extending body, which includes a means for retaining a plurality of mechanically expandable blades while in a post-deployment configuration. The longitudinally extending body including a means for securing the plurality of mechanically expandable blades to the body while in both the pre-deployment configuration and the post-deployment configuration. The broadhead includes a means for not deploying the blades until impact with the target. The broadhead includes a means for deploying a front blade upon impact. The means for deploying the front blade upon impact is mounted over the longitudinally extending body with an alignment position to secure each blade and to set the broadhead in the pre-deployment configuration.

Abstract: A mortar ammunition round which contains at least three fragment producing regions covered by a threadably removable aluminum cowling. Detachment of the cowling provides access to several of the fragment producing regions which are located on a removable cup device. A different cup device may then be selectively inserted and the cowling replaced, forming a new mortar round of different select performance capabilities.

Abstract: A projectile is improved aerodynamically by cutting grooves having parabolic transitions between the depth of the groove and the bearing surface. An ejectable tip is attached to the leading edge of the projectile to facilitate greater ballistic coefficient during flight and improved expansion upon impact at a soft target.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a polymeric ammunition cartridge and methods of making and using the same. The cartridge includes a substantially cylindrical insert connected to a substantially cylindrical polymeric middle body. The substantially cylindrical insert includes a top surface opposite a bottom surface and a substantially cylindrical coupling element that extends from the bottom surface, a primer recess in the top surface that extends toward the bottom surface, a primer flash hole positioned in the primer recess to extend through the bottom surface, and a flange that extends circumferentially about an outer edge of the top surface.

Abstract: A fully automated modular primer processing unit is provided that is controllable, tailorable and increases the safety of operators over current methods. The modular primer process unit is comprised of a plurality of stations. Exemplary stations include: 1) primer cup insertion station, 2) an energetic filling station, 3) a drying station, 4) a consolidation unit, and 5) an anvil insertion station. Additional stations such as a tray feed station, a primer sealing station and a tray stacking station may also be configured with the modular primer processing unit.

Abstract: The cartridge package (100) comprises an elongated housing (110) with a first 5 compartment (120) being divided into two sub-compartments (121, 122) with a flexible intermediate wall (117). Each sub-compartment receives a row (R1, R2) of cartridges (150). Opposite side walls (111, 112) of the housing are provided with a longitudinal slot (160, 162). A mouth portion (130) extending outwards from a top end (E2) of the housing comprises a second compartment 10 (135) having an open top end (E3) and being adapted to receive a mouth portion of a first cartridge magazine in order to load the cartridges from the cartridge package into the first cartridge magazine. The width of each longitudinal slot is dimensioned to receive an edge of a second cartridge magazine in order to push a respective row of cartridges from the cartridge package into the first cartridge magazine.

Abstract: Holders usable to retain a clip, magazine, or other container for ammunition include one or more sidewalls extending from a base surface. The base and sidewalls define a side opening and a top opening that permit passage of a magazine or other container for ammunition. An insertable member extending from the base surface may be configured for insertion into the interior of the container for ammunition to limit movement of the container relative to the holder. The insertable member may be compressible under application of force to enable passage of the insertable member through an opening in the exterior of the container for ammunition, and expandable to a width that contacts the interior of the container for ammunition to limit movement thereof.

Abstract: According to an aspect a bulkhead assembly is provided having particular application with a downhole tool, in particular for oil well drilling applications. The bulkhead assembly includes a bulkhead body and an electrical contact component disposed within the bulkhead body, wherein at least a portion of the electrical contact component is configured to pivot about its own axis, without compromising its ability to provide a pressure and fluid barrier. In an embodiment, a ground apparatus is provided to provide an electrical connection for at least one ground wire. The ground apparatus may be positionable on the bulkhead body of the bulkhead assembly. In an aspect, a downhole tool including the bulkhead assembly and ground apparatus is also generally described.

Abstract: A length-measuring device for measuring a relative position of two objects with respect to each other by scanning a measuring graduation of a scale tape includes a hollow section member in which the scale tape is tensioned along a longitudinal direction of the hollow section member. A tensioner device is configured to tension the scale tape. The tensioner device includes a fixed member which is stationary relative to the hollow section member and a tensioner which is held under tension on the fixed member by a spring acting in the longitudinal direction, as well as a holding member to which the scale tape and the tensioner are attached. The tensioner is detachably secured to the holding member and configured such that the tensioner is separable from the holding member and removable from the hollow section member at an end. An adjuster adjusts the tension of the scale tape.

Abstract: The invention is a fluid container, such as a flask or canteen, positioned in previously unused spaces found in the housing of a measuring tape mechanism. The present invention possesses a fluid container or vessel place inside the external housing of a measuring tape component (with an opening and cap), which simultaneously encloses an internal integrated spooled measuring tape with spring-loaded retracting measuring tape with a locking mechanism. The present invention allows for the simultaneous placement of a fluid container inside previously unused space in a measuring tape housing to store fluids in an efficient and effective manner without requiring two separate vessels or components, to allow for a more efficient and effective incorporation of a useful fluid vessel in previously unused space in a measuring tape mechanism to provide storage of hydration or medicinal fluids in a more efficient and effective manner on construction or work sites.

Abstract: A measurement device includes first and second measurement indicia. First indicia (e.g., on the tape) may include numerals regularly spaced to mark inches or other units of length (e.g., 1, 2, 3, etc.). Also included are second indicia, that are non-numeric (e.g., letters, such as A, B, C, etc.) where the second indicia are regularly spaced to mark fractions of inches or other units of length indicated by the first indicia. The second indicia are positioned between adjacent first indicia. For example, the letters (A, B, C, etc.) may be spaced every sixteenth or other fraction of an inch between the “1” and “2” (adjacent first indicia). Where sixteenths are used, the letters A-O are equally spaced, between the adjacent first indicia (e.g., between the “1” and the “2”). The A-O may repeat between each integral number—between “1” and “2”, between “2” and “3” and so forth.

Abstract: A measurement target and a reference gauge are placed in parallel in an inside of a temperature-controlled chamber. After an interior temperature of the temperature-controlled chamber is set at a first temperature, a relative measurement of a length from a first surface to a second surface of the measurement target is performed with reference to a length from a first reference surface to a second reference surface of the reference gauge. Then, the interior temperature of the temperature-controlled chamber is set at a second temperature and a relative measurement of the length from the first surface to the second surface is similarly performed with reference to the length from the first reference surface to the second reference surface. A CTE of the measurement target is calculated based on the length of the measurement target at the first temperature and the length of the measurement target at the second temperature.

Abstract: A compact portable coordinate measuring machine (CMM) with a large working volume for measuring workpieces is provided. The CMM includes a vertical support, a workpiece stage and a movement configuration that provides relative motion between a measurement probe and a workpiece. The movement configuration includes a vertical translation mechanism with a vertical translation element that couples to a vertical guide and moves over a vertical translation range. The workpiece stage is located above a top end of the vertical support and at least a majority of the vertical guide and the vertical translation range is located below a top end of the workpiece stage. In various implementations, the movement configuration may also include a rotary motion configuration and a horizontal translation mechanism. A controller controls the movement configuration to provide relative motion between the measurement probe and a workpiece that is located in the working volume on the workpiece stage.

Abstract: Magnetoquasistatic through-the-wall non-line-of-sight coupling between a mobile transmitting device located within a building, or indoor, and a fixed receiving device located outside the building, outdoor, enables positioning of the transmitting device through the wall of the building and in non-line-of-sight environments. Systems based on magnetoquasistatic coupling can separately sense the distance and orientation of the transmitting device accurately even in heavy non-line-sight environments such as steel-reinforced buildings. The approach permits sensing and determination of location and attitude of mobile devices in buildings and can be used to locate rescue workers, first responders, or law enforcement officers inside a building.

Abstract: To provide a displacement detection device that detects a displacement of a measuring object housed in a casing without changing the design of the casing or while suppressing the design change of the casing. A displacement detection device includes a pair of magnets arranged outside an injector body housing a needle with a space between the magnets and forming a magnetic field in the space, a soft magnetic material connected to the needle inside the injector body and displaced in accordance with the displacement of the needle and disposed in the magnetic field formed by the pair of magnets, and a sensor disposed outside the injector body and in the magnetic field formed by the pair of magnets, and detecting a change in magnetic flux density in accordance with the displacement of the soft magnetic material.

Abstract: Provided is a displacement detection device which reduces the influence of disturbance noise on a magnetic field to be detected and makes a range detectable by a monopole magnet wider than a pitch of a magnetic detection elements. A displacement detection device includes a magnet which is displaced in a displacement direction Ds, is rod-shaped and has a form in which a longitudinal direction and the displacement direction Ds form a predetermined angle ?, and a sensor IC in which magnetic detection element groups, which detect a magnetic flux density of a magnetic field formed by the magnet in an x direction and a z direction orthogonal to the displacement direction Ds, are arranged in pairs with a predetermined interval dp, and which outputs a difference between outputs of the magnetic detection element groups.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for analysis of synthetic ropes, cords, slings, cables and belts (collectively termed “ropes”) including but not limited to ropes for bearing loads as well as fiber optic cables. The ropes are provided with one or more elements for magnetic detection, wherein the magnetic detection elements each comprise a metal fiber or an appropriately treated synthetic fiber. The methods and apparatuses encompass detection of induced or residual magnetism or magnetic flux in the magnetic detection element(s), to sense for example lay length and/or damage, breakage or wear of the magnetic detection element(s), indicative of the condition of the rope.

Abstract: An electronic feeler gauge comprises a sensor blade, a transmitting system, and a receiving system. The sensor blade comprises transmission induction coils, reception induction coils, and measurement sites, spaced in two dimensions about the sensor blade. Each of the measurement sites is associated with at least one of the transmission induction coils and at least one of the reception induction coils. The transmitting system is configured to drive modulated signals across the transmission induction coils to produce transmitted probe signals from the transmission induction coils. The receiving system is configured to receive response signals from the reception induction coils due to the transmitted probe signals.

Abstract: A device. The device includes a substrate a substrate, a first optical waveguide disposed on the substrate and a second optical waveguide disposed on the substrate. The device further includes a coupling element disposed on the substrate, the coupling element configured to couple an optical signal in the first optical waveguide to the second optical waveguide, and couple an optical signal in the second optical waveguide to the first optical waveguide. A first reflective element is disposed at an end of the first optical waveguide configured to reflect optical signals in the first optical waveguide. A second reflective element disposed at an end of the second optical waveguide configured to reflect signals in the second optical waveguide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for calibrating a projection device, in particular a hand-held projection device, in a navigational environment for medical purposes, comprising the steps of: providing a detection device (1) configured to detect light emitted by the projection device (2); determining the spatial position of the detection device (1); projecting a known projection (3), comprising an area (4) configured to stimulate the detection device (1), towards the detection device (1) by means of the projection device (2); determining the position of the projection device (2), particularly in relation to the detection device (1) when the area (4) stimulates the detection device (1).

Abstract: An online thickness detection platform having a first laser sensor and a second laser sensor that detect a thickness of a product passing between the first arm and the second arm of a C-type frame on which the first laser sensor and a second laser sensor, respectively are adjustably mounted. The first laser sensor and the second laser sensor do not contact the product during detecting the thickness of the product. Because the thickness of the product is detected online, the thickness of the product is monitored in real-time. When the thickness of the product exceeds or falls below an allowed value range, production of the product is stopped, thereby avoiding producing a large number of unqualified products with a thickness out of the allowed value range and waste is prevented.

Abstract: A device for measuring the tread depth of a tire includes measuring modules situated transversely with respect to the running direction of the tire and connected to a shared evaluation device. Each measuring module includes (i) an illumination device which is configured and situated in such a way that during operation it projects at least one light line onto the tread to be measured, and (ii) at least one image recording device recording at least one image of at least one area of the tread to be measured. The at least one illumination device and the at least one image recording device are configured and situated in such a way that the illumination direction of the illumination device and the image recording direction of the image recording device are oriented neither in parallel to one another nor orthogonally with respect to the tread.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for high-precision locationing with depth values. One embodiment takes the form of a method that includes: receiving multiple depth values that correspond respectively to depth readings from multiple depth sensors positioned on a freight-moving vehicle and oriented towards an overhead surface, wherein different portions of the overhead surface are positioned at different heights above a floor surface, determining a position and orientation of the freight-moving vehicle at least in part by querying a lookup table using the received multiple depth values, wherein the lookup table maps respective heights of the respective different portions of the overhead surface to known positions of the different portions of the overhead surface; and outputting the determined position and orientation of the freight-moving vehicle.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for measuring surface topography of the slides to be measured of a guide rail is provided. The measuring apparatus includes a plurality of detecting probe and at least one moving device. The detecting probes are mounted on a probe support according to the surface topography of the slides to be measured. The moving device shifts the probe support or the slides to be measured on the cross section of the guide rail so that the detecting probe has a displacement relative to the slides to be measured. Each of the detecting probes has a corresponding coordinate system, and the corresponding coordinate system is different from each other. A standard part is utilized to correct deviations among the corresponding coordinate systems to the same coordinate system, and then the same coordinate system as a benchmark to measure the surface topography of the slides to be measured.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing phase maps acquired using interferometer wafer geometry tools are disclosed. More specifically, instead of performing phase unwrapping first and then analyze the unwrapped data in a height domain, systems and methods in accordance with the present disclosure operate in a curvature domain without having to perform any phase unwrapping.

Abstract: Object: An object is to quantify the roughness of a test surface by scattering and diffraction of illumination light and to evaluate the matching degree of surface roughness separately from color based on a difference in roughness. Solution to Problem A surface roughness determination apparatus 1 using a white light source includes an arithmetic processing unit 3 configured to convert 3-band visual sensitivity images S1i, S2i and S3i, which respectively have three spectral sensitivities (S1(?), S2(?) and S3(?)) subjected to linear transformation so as to be equivalent to a CIE XYZ color matching function and are obtained from a surface 5 by a two-dimensional colorimeter 2 using the three spectral sensitivities (S1(?), S2(?) and S3(?)), into tristimulus values X, Y and Z in a CIE XYZ color system and perform arithmetic operations.

Abstract: A method and system determining texture data at least by performing fiducial point registration with a triggerable texture source and generating virtual objects and texture data based at least in part upon a fiducial point. Fiducial point registration textures a desired point with one or more projectors in response to the identification of a desired point in space, generates data with one or more projected patterns, determines a final location or depth of a point using the generated data, and registers the point as a fiducial point by groom a data structure based on a registration requirement pertaining to a distribution of fiduciary points and a requirement pertaining to machine recognition of physical objects. Virtual objects are generated relative to a real-world scene and the generated texture data-based at least in part upon the final location or depth of a fiducial point.

Abstract: A contactless dual-plane positioning method is disclosed. In this method, an X ray is provided. The X ray passes through a first test piece along a light incident axis. A scattering pattern generated by the X ray passing through the first test piece, and a scatting light intensity corresponding to the scattering pattern are obtained. According to the scattering light intensity, the first test piece is pivoted along a first axis or a second axis until the scattering intensity is greater than or equal to a predetermined intensity. At least three measurement distances between a second test piece and the first test piece are then obtained. According to the measurement distances, an included angle between the second test piece and the light incident axis is adjusted by pivoting the second test piece along a third axis or a fourth axis until the differences between any two measurement distances are less than a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: Methods and systems for characterizing dimensions and material properties of high aspect ratio, vertically manufactured devices using transmission, small-angle x-ray scattering (T-SAXS) techniques are described herein. Exemplary structures include spin transfer torque random access memory (STT-RAM), vertical NAND memory (V-NAND), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), three dimensional FLASH memory (3D-FLASH), resistive random access memory (Re-RAM), and PC-RAM. In one aspect, T-SAXS measurements are performed at a number of different orientations that are more densely concentrated near the normal incidence angle and less densely concentrated at orientations that are further from the normal incidence angle. In a further aspect, T-SAXS measurement data is used to generate an image of a measured structure based on the measured intensities of the detected diffraction orders. In another further aspect, a metrology system is configured to generate models for combined x-ray and optical measurement analysis.

Abstract: Ultrasonic transducers are imbedded into sacrificial metal coupons which are located in the vicinity of underground or aboveground structures, such as a pipe or tank, which allow for the measurement of the effectiveness of impressed current cathodic protection systems and can be used to determine the corrosion rate of the structure that is being protected. When excited by a pulser-receiver excitation pulse, the ultrasonic transducers can be used to determine the thickness of the coupon and its rate of change over time. The sacrificial metal coupon ultrasonic transducer assembly can be located in the vicinity of underground piping, under or inside of a tank, underground or underwater, or inserted into structures where absolute material loss values or material loss rate of change is being monitored.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to tools that are lightweight, high quality, durable, rigid and strong. For example, various tools used to level items and/or as a straight edge for aligning or drawing lines on items may be designed in an improved or augmented beam style so that they are lightweight, strong, durable and rigid so as to hold their shape under stress or return to their original shape after being stressed. In various exemplary embodiments, the beam style level and/or straight edge may have a first main elongated side to which two elongated perpendicular sides are connected or coupled. At least one or more higher strength elongated sides, for example a second elongate side, may be comprised of a closed or generally rectangular shaped. For example, the second elongated side may be, for example, a generally rectangular shaped construction with at least one curved side.