Abstract: A device 10 for aligning a patient for delivering a plurality of radiation beams comprising a patient support surface 12, a coarse alignment subsystem 14 connected to the patient support surface, and a fine alignment subsystem connected to the patient support surface 16. A method of aligning a patient for delivering a plurality of radiation beams from a plurality of device positions comprising compensating for flexion of a radiation beam delivery device within a gantry during movement of the radiation beam delivery device from a first device position to a second device position by using a set of predetermined data describing the flexion behavior of the radiation beam delivery device so that the target tissue within the patient is placed at the beamline center for the radiation beam delivery device at the second device position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for testing an integrated circuit. The device comprises a plate for receiving and subjecting the integrated circuit to a test. The plate comprises a component for powering and operating the integrated circuit and another component for measuring the operation of the integrated circuit during the test. The device also comprises an irradiation device for subjecting the circuit to a proton bombardment and a mask with a variable thickness provided between a bombardment access region on the integrated circuit and an established zone of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods of beam pen lithography using a tip array having a plurality of transparent, elastomeric, reversibly-deformable tips coated with a blocking layer and apertures defined in the blocking layer to expose tip ends of the tips in the array. The tip array can be used to perform a photolithography process in which the tips are illuminated with a radiation that is channeled through the tips and out the apertures to expose a photosensitive substrate. Also disclosed are tip arrays formed of polymers and gels, apparatus including the tip arrays and radiation sources, and related apparatus for selectively masking tips in the tip array from radiation emitted from the radiation source.

Abstract: A method for warming a rotational interface in an ion implantation environment provides a scan arm configured to rotate about a first axis and an end effector coupled to the scan arm via a motor to selectively secure a workpiece. The end effector is configured to rotate about a second axis having a bearing and a seal associated with the second axis and motor. The motor is activated, and the rotation of motor is reversed after a predetermined time or when the motor faults due to a rotation the end effector about the second axis. A determination is made as to whether the rotation of the end effector about the second axis is acceptable, and the scan arm is reciprocated about the first axis when the rotation of the end effector is unacceptable, wherein inertia of the end effector causes a rotation of the end effector about the second axis.

Abstract: An ion implantation system, method, and apparatus for abating condensation in a cold ion implant is provided. An ion implantation apparatus is configured to provide ions to a workpiece positioned in a process chamber. A sub-ambient temperature chuck supports the workpiece during an exposure of the workpiece to the plurality of ions. The sub-ambient temperature chuck is further configured to cool the workpiece to a processing temperature, wherein the process temperature is below a dew point of an external environment. A load lock chamber isolates a process environment of the process chamber from the external environment. A light source provides a predetermined wavelength of electromagnetic radiation to the workpiece concurrent with the workpiece residing within the load lock chamber, wherein the predetermined wavelength or range of wavelengths is associated with a maximum radiant energy absorption range of the workpiece, wherein the light source is configured to selectively heat the workpiece.

Abstract: A workpiece scanning system is provided having a scan arm that rotates about a first axis and a chilled end effector rotatably coupled to the scan arm about a second axis for selectively securing a workpiece. The chilled end effector has a clamping plate and one or more cooling mechanisms for cooling the clamping plate. A bearing is positioned along the second axis and rotatably couples the end effector to the scan arm, and a seal is positioned along the second axis to provide a pressure barrier between an external environment and an internal environment. One or more of the bearing and seal can have a ferrofluid associated therewith. A heater assembly is positioned proximate to the bearing and seal, wherein the heater assembly selectively provides a predetermined amount of heat to the bearing and seal, therein increasing a propensity of the end effector to rotate about the second axis.

Abstract: An ultraviolet area sterilizer or disinfector is incorporated into a building structure where concern exists regarding the presence of pathogenic bacteria on environmental surfaces. Ultraviolet C (UV-C) generators generate UV-C that is directed to architectural partitions of an enclosed area. The architectural partitions reflect UV-C to kill pathogens in the enclosed area. The device transmits a calculated dose of UV-C from a fixture mounted to an architectural partition in the enclosed area. Once an effective cumulative dose of UV-C has been reflected to radiation sensors, as measured by the sensors, the device shuts down.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reduced temperature radiation sterilization of stents are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for exposing a surface of a target in a system comprising a set of sensors (30) for measuring distance to the target. The method comprises clamping the target to a moveable table (134), moving the target to a plurality of positions in which one or more of the sensors are positioned above the target, receiving signals from one or more of the sensors positioned above the target, calculating one or more tilt correction values (Rx, Ry) based on the signals received from the sensors, adjusting the tilt of the table based on the one or more tilt correction values, and exposing the target.

Abstract: An optical reader system and method for label-independent detection having enhanced two-dimensional spatial resolution of the reader, as defined herein. The system includes a translatable slit-mask and microplate combination for selectively irradiating a biosensor on a microplate, as defined further herein.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for sterilizing packaging material for use in packaging for protein containing products, such as food products or medical drugs. The packaging material is sterilized by irradiating it using a beam of ionizing radiation, such as an electron beam or a beam of gamma rays. Afterwards, the packaging material is processed in such a manner that protein reactive substances or compounds formed in the packaging material during the irradiation step are at least partly removed or rendered inreactive with respect to proteins. The processing step may advantageously be performed by heating the packaging material. Preferably, the processing step involves accelerating diffusion from the packaging material of protein reactive substances or compounds. Since the protein reactive substances or compounds are removed or rendered inreactive with respect to proteins, degradation of the product which is later stored in the packaging material is considerably reduced.

Abstract: A reflector for an ultraviolet lamp can be used in a substrate processing apparatus. The reflector comprises a centrally positioned longitudinal strip and first and second side reflectors to form a parabolic-type surface. The longitudinal strip and first and second side reflectors have curved reflective surfaces with dichroic coatings and the longitudinal strip comprises a plurality of through holes to direct a coolant gas toward the ultraviolet lamp. A chamber that uses an ultraviolet lamp module with the reflector, and a method of ultraviolet treatment are also described.

Abstract: An ion implanting apparatus is provided, which can accurately measure a quantity of atoms that are implanted. The ion implanting apparatus according to the present invention has an object to be measured, and the object to be measured is arranged in an irradiating range in which ions are irradiated. When atoms are implanted into an object to be processed by irradiating ions of a processing gas and neutralized particles thereof, the object to be measured is heated through the irradiation with the processing gas ions and the neutralized particles. A control unit determines a quantity of the atoms that are implanted into the object to be processed from the temperature of the object to be measured.

Abstract: A system and method for sterilization of medical devices includes methods for reducing the variance in dose levels over the medical device by either varying the dose levels for each pass before a radiation source, such as an electron beam, or by increasing the number of passes before a radiation source.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: forming a first conductive film on a substrate; forming an insulating film to cover the conductive film; etching the insulating film to form an opening portion to expose at least a portion of the first conductive film in the insulating film; irradiating the opening portion with ultraviolet rays in a reduction gas atmosphere; forming a barrier metal film in the opening portion; and forming a second conductive film on the barrier metal film.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for activating an oxygen scavenging composition that includes a plurality of UV lamps arranged in a bank and disposed in a UV chamber; the UV lamps include first and second sides through which UV light is transmittable. A series of guide rolls disposed in the UV chamber define a film pathway for directing a film in close proximity with the first and second sides of the UV lamps. The UV shade is arranged to wrap about the first and second sides of the UV lamps, and may be configured to move between an open, partially open, and closed position so that the dosage of UV light to which the film is exposed may be controlled by adjusting the degree to which the shade is open. As a result, the UV shade may limit UV exposure without having to turn off the UV lamps.

Abstract: A crystallization method is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a substrate having an amorphous silicon layer, wherein the substate has first and second sides opposing each other and irradiating a laser beam onto the substrate so as to have an inclined angle with respect to the first and second sides of the substrate. The method further includes relatively moving one of the laser beam and the substate with respect to the other i) in a first direction from the first side to the second side of the substate and ii) in a second direction which crosses the first direction.

Abstract: A mask for sequential lateral solidification (SLS) which is capable of preventing an overlapping region and a diagonal stain based on a crystallization pattern of an active layer. The mask for SLS, which moves in a first direction and selectively transmits a laser beam emitted by a laser emitting device, includes slits which are formed such that the width of a slit in the first direction is smaller than the width of the slit in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction. Each of the slits is tilted by a predetermined angle with respect to the first direction.

Abstract: The invention comprises a patient positioning and/or repositioning system, such as a laying, semi-vertical, or seated patient positioning, alignment, and/or control method and apparatus used in conjunction with multi-axis charged particle radiation therapy. Patient positioning constraints optionally include one or more of: a seat support, a back support, a head support, an arm support, a knee support, and a foot support. One or more of the positioning constraints are preferably movable and/or under computer control for rapid positioning, repositioning, and/or immobilization of the patient. The system optionally uses an X-ray beam that lies in substantially the same path as a proton beam path of a particle beam cancer therapy system. The generated image is usable for: fine tuning body alignment relative to the proton beam path, to control the charged particle beam path to accurately and precisely target the tumor, and/or in system verification and validation.

Abstract: A stage device to be used in a vacuum includes: a gas supply unit for generating a gas; a base member having four of upper, lower, right, and left surfaces; a slider formed in a frame shape surrounding the base member and having surfaces facing the respective surfaces of the base member, and disposed to be movable; and an air bearing configured to float the slider by supplying the gas to a space between the base member and the slider. The slider includes: an air chamber provided on the surface facing the base member for accumulating air, and the base member includes thereinside a slider-moving air flow passage configured to supply the gas from an inlet port for letting in the gas generated by the gas supply unit to an outlet port for supplying the gas to the air chamber of the slider.

Abstract: A technique for low-temperature ion implantation is disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized as an apparatus for low-temperature ion implantation. The apparatus may comprise a pre-chill station located in proximity to an end station in an ion implanter; a cooling mechanism within the pre-chill station configured to cool a wafer from ambient temperature to a predetermined range less than ambient temperature; a loading assembly coupled to the pre-chill station and the end station; and a controller in communication with the loading assembly and the cooling mechanism to coordinate loading a wafer into the pre-chill station, cooling the wafer down to the predetermined temperature range before any ion implantation into the wafer, and loading the cooled wafer into the end station where the cooled wafer undergoes an ion implantation process.

Abstract: Radiotherapy apparatus comprises a source of radiation mounted on a chassis, the chassis being rotatable about a rotation axis and the source being adapted to emit a beam of radiation along a beam axis that intersects with the rotation axis; a patient support, moveable along a translation axis; a set of magnetic coils located on either side of the beam, for establishing a magnetic field at the point of intersection, spaced from that point along a first direction; the translation axis, the rotation axis, and the first direction being substantially parallel; and further comprising a multi-leaf collimator fixed in its orientation with respect to the source of radiation, the multi-leaf collimator comprising a plurality of elongate leaves disposed with their longitudinal directions substantially aligned with the first direction and movable in that direction between a withdrawn position in which the leaf lies outside the beam, an extended position in which the leaf projects across the beam and a plurality of interm

Abstract: A processing system includes a common base, an object mount configured to hold an object for inspection or processing, and at least one aperture plate provided on the object mount. The aperture plate has at least one aperture The processing system also includes a laser device mounted on the common base and configured to scan a laser beam across a scan region, and a transport device configured to displace the object mount relative to the common base from a first position to a second position. When the object mount is in the first position, the object and the at least one aperture are positioned within the scan region of the laser device. The processing system also includes at least one light guide provided on the object mount. The light guide has an input port provided by the at least one aperture, and an output port.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system for treatment of material by microwave radiation. The system may include a casing, a waveguide connected to the casing to conduct microwave radiation from a radiation source into the casing, an inner container transparent to microwave radiation, the container having an inlet to receive material to be treated and an outlet to discharge treated material and a transport unit to carry the treated material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stage apparatus wherein an object is disposed in an atmosphere with a gas pressure lower than atmospheric pressure, and the object can be driven with high accuracy. The stage apparatus that drives a reticle comprises: a vacuum chamber, which forms a space and has an opening; an integrated coarse and fine motion table, which has an electrostatic chuck that holds the object, that, when driven, moves the electrostatic chuck inside the space; a counter mass, which is disposed so that it covers the opening, that is capable of moving because of the reaction force produced when the integrated coarse and fine motion table is driven; and a vacuum cover, which forms a space that houses the counter mass; wherein the space and the space are set to prescribed gas pressures.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating an image of a specimen with a microscope (e.g., TEM) are disclosed. In one aspect, the microscope may generally include a beam generator, a stage, a detector, and an image generator. A plurality of crystal parameters, which describe a plurality of properties of a crystal sample, are received. In a display associated with the microscope, an interactive control sphere based at least in part on the received crystal parameters and that is rotatable by a user to different sphere orientations is presented. The sphere includes a plurality of stage coordinates that correspond to a plurality of positions of the stage and a plurality of crystallographic pole coordinates that correspond to a plurality of polar orientations of the crystal sample.

Abstract: A system for sterilizing packaged products, for example liquid products, with ultraviolet light. The system includes an apparatus for moving product through a treatment zone for a period of time and in a manner sufficient to sterilize the product.

Abstract: A medical imaging equipment has a conveying device that can be moved at least partially in at least one direction. A position-detecting device has at least one transmitting element which detects a position of the conveying device and emits position-measuring radiation. The position-detecting device has at least one detector element. The position-detecting device has at least one semi-transparent reflector element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a charged particle system provided with a support and positioning structure for supporting and positioning a target on a table, the support and positioning structure comprising a first member and a second member and at least one motor so as to move the first member relative to the second member, wherein a shield is present to shield at least one charged particle beam from electromagnetic fields generated by said at least one motor, the support and positioning structure further comprising a spring mechanically coupling the first member and the second member for at least partially bearing the weight of the first member, table and target.

Abstract: A method for the assessment of a multiphase (aqueous and organic) sample phase, the method comprising adding at least one detection molecule to the multiphase sample; detecting a signal emitted from the detection molecule/multiphase sample mixture, the signal being detectably different when the at least one detection molecule is present in one of either an organic phase, an aqueous phase or an interface between said organic phase and said aqueous phase of the multiphase sample; and analysing the detected signal to assess the properties of a phase or an interface between phases. A system for use in such a method, use of at least one detection molecule for the assessment of a multiphase sample, and a composition for use in the assessment of a multiphase sample are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method for detecting an undesired object or flaw in relation to a background, wherein radiation with a first characteristic is cast by a first radiation source onto and close to the background and the location where the undesired object or flaw is to be expected, wherein radiation generated by the radiation source and reflected, dispersed, diffracted or transmitted by the undesired object is sensed by one or more radiation sensors, and wherein radiation is cast onto the location by a second radiation source with a second characteristic, which is disposed and/or has a second radiation characteristic such that apparent flaws can be removed relatively easily from the image signal sensed by the sensors.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of radiation sterilizing a plurality of medical devices.

Abstract: A method of determining a normalized quantity of an analyte adhering to beads in a detection area of a bead-based assaying system, the method comprising: a) causing a complex of the analyte to fluorescently or chemically emit a first light, or to release a dye; b) measuring an integrated intensity of the first light emitted from the beads in the detection area, or a concentration of the dye released from the beads in the detection area, or both; c) causing light to interact with the beads in the detection area, the interaction not depending on whether or how much analyte is adhering to the beads; d) measuring a second light resulting from the interaction with the beads which does not depend on the analyte; and e) determining the normalized quantity of analyte from the integrated intensity of the first light or concentration of the dye or both, and from the measured second light.

Abstract: Lesion positioner systems and, which perform positioning of a lesion A by moving a top board for allowing a subject to be placed thereon, set an isocenter of a diagnostic 3D imaging unit as a virtual isocenter at the time when a treatment table is in a 3D imaging diagnosis position, and positions the lesion A to the virtual isocenter, based on a three-dimensional diagnostic image in consideration of particle beam therapy. A treatment table moving mechanism moves the treatment table to the treatment position relative to the particle beam therapy system while maintaining states of the top board and the lesion positioner systems and at the time of positioning, thereby positioning the lesion A to the isocenter of the particle beam therapy system.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a sterilized medical device including a non-polymerized blend including a silicone matrix material and a radiation resistant component.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method of treating a medical device. The method includes providing the medical device. The medical device has an opening defined by two contacting surfaces in a polyalkylsiloxane based portion of the medical device. The method further includes irradiating the medical device free of externally applied lubricant to sterilize the medical device.

Abstract: A hygienic razor blade dryer is provided that comprises a housing having an interior, a razor blade holder disposed within the interior that is adapted to receive a razor blade, a dryer for drying a razor blade received in the razor blade holder, and a vacuum for evacuating the air within the interior to prevent moisture buildup in the air and on the razor blade and to inhibit oxidation on the blade surfaces. A sanitizer may also be provided to sanitize the razor blade before, during or after the dryer operation.

Abstract: A book sterilizer is provided, which includes a sterilizing chamber having an upper wall, a lower wall, and an inclined rear wall between the upper and lower walls, and at least one holding member for a book which is provided in the sterilizing chamber and has a free end adjacent to the inclined rear wall, so that a book is easily held by virtue of having been inserted between the inclined rear wall and the holding member with the leaves and book covers separately opened such that they unfold under their own weight and gravity, so that upon spraying air, the book covers and the leaves of the book smoothly unfold and thus sterilizing rays from a sterilization and disinfection lamp are uniformly radiated deep into the book covers and the leaves, thereby providing excellent sterilizing effects at an economical cost.

Abstract: A rotation detector includes a semiconductor chip, a nonmagnetic case body, a biasing permanent magnet and a nonmagnetic cap fixed to the case body, wherein the case body has a joint surface, and the cap has an inside surface in contact with the joint surface. A method of manufacturing the rotation detector includes the following steps: assembling the semiconductor chip, the case body and the biasing permanent magnet into a unit; forming at least one groove adjacent to the joint surface so as to form a space between the joint surface and the inside surface when the cap is fixed to the case body; fixing the cap to the case body so that the inside surface of the cap can be in contact with the joint surface; irradiating a laser beam at portions behind the inside surface of the cap under a prescribed pressure to melt materials of the case body and the cap and to make melted materials flow to the space; and cooling the melted materials to re-crystallize.

Abstract: A patient positioning couch for a combined medical examination device is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, at least one opening is provided in a support plate of the patient positioning couch and the patient positioning couch includes at least one conveyor belt in order to move a patient on the support plate in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for processing a substrate with an ultraviolet curing process. In one aspect, the invention provides a method for processing a substrate including depositing a silicon carbide dielectric layer on a substrate surface and curing the silicon carbide dielectric layer with ultra-violet curing radiation. The silicon carbide dielectric layer may comprise a nitrogen containing silicon carbide layer, an oxygen containing silicon carbide layer, or a phenyl containing silicon carbide layer. The silicon carbide dielectric layer may be used as a barrier layer, an etch stop, or as an anti-reflective coating in a damascene formation technique.

Abstract: A portable, battery-powered UV sanitizer kills germs and bacteria on the mouthpieces of tethered mouthguards of a wide variety of tether sizes and configurations and on the mouthpieces of untethered mouthguards. It doubles as a protective case when not in antimicrobial use. It includes a dishwasher safe detachable tray. It may be used with other dental appliances.

Abstract: Sponge sanitizing enclosure with a front cover, a rear cover, an inner back plate, a base housing, a push plate, a push button, a UV lamp, electronics to support the UV lamp, a battery power supply, a translucent sponge, and a hinge member. The front and rear cover each being dish shaped and forming a hollow housing and being joined at their base by the hinge member. The inner back plate forms a bisection of the front cover and the rear cover. The UV light is located between the rear cover and the inner back plate. The front cover includes a centrally located aperture that accepts the push button which is fixedly attached to the push plate. The space between the push plate and the inner back plate accommodates the translucent sponge. The base housing encloses the electronics and the battery power supply that support the UV lamp.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for treating formed parts with high-energy electron beams. The electron beams are guided by two opposite stationary or displaceable electron discharge windows onto the formed part and bounding a process space for the formed part. A transport device is present for the formed part, by which the formed part can be guided through the process space to the electron discharge windows disposed substantially vertically perpendicular to the transport direction. A channel is disposed in the process space for transporting the formed part and largely shielded against the X-ray radiation.

Abstract: Method for making decontaminated bakery products, including the following, preferably consecutive, steps: (1) preparing a dough by mixing: A. flour; B. water; C. optionally fat(s); D. at least one fermentation agent; E. NaCl; F. optionally sugar(s); G. at least one filler agent; H. at least one bread-making enhancer including an acid and/or acid salt of gluconodelta-lactone (GDL); I. optionally one low sodium content mixture of minerals; J. optionally one or more additives; (2) shaping the dough; (3) fermenting the dough; (4) at least partially baking the dough; (5) optionally cooling the bread; (6) decontaminating the bread by pumped-light processing; (7) optionally slicing the bread; packaging, preferably into bags. Also disclosed is a bakery product free of any additional chemical preservatives of the E200 type or without vaporization of an ethanol-containing liquid, that has an extended shelf-life, and a device for implementing the method.

Abstract: A patient support system includes a patient support having a surface for supporting a patient and a longitudinal axis, and a positioner coupled to the patient support for positioning the patient support, wherein the positioner is configured to move the patient support along a path that has an arc, circular, or zig-zag shape, and wherein the path lies within a plane that forms an angle with the surface of the patient support.

Abstract: A method for correlating optically visible objects with objects detectable through a non-invasive imaging system is described. The method includes conveying an object on a conveyer belt through the non-invasive imaging system. The conveyer belt can include optically visible indicia and machine-detectable indicia. The object and the machine-detectable indicia can be displayed on a display in communication with the non-invasive imaging system. The machine-detectable indicia viewed on the display can be correlated with the optically visible indicia on the conveyer belt after the object has exited the non-invasive imaging system to identify the object.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method of producing molding materials and coatings on substrates by curing radiation-curable materials under an inert gas atmosphere by exposure to high-energy radiation.

Abstract: An ion implanter includes an implantation chamber into which an ion beam is introduced, a holder for holding substrates on two columns of a first column and a second column in an X-direction, and a holder driving unit having a function of setting the holder in a horizontal state and then positioning the holder in a substrate exchange position and a function of setting the holder in a standing state and then driving reciprocally and linearly the holder along the X-direction in an irradiation area of the ion beam. Also, the ion implanter includes two load lock mechanisms, and two substrate carrying units equipped with arms, which carry the substrates between the load lock mechanisms and a substrate exchange position respectively, every two arms.

Abstract: In a vacuum chamber, the edge of each blade group is subjected to an ion beam treatment under predetermined conditions using a plasma ion gun and argon as a medium, and is subjected to a plasma ion implantation of nitrogen plasma under predetermined conditions using a plasma ion implantation gun. As a result, it is possible to provide a blade member having an edge of a cutting quality enhanced by increasing the sharpness, a blade member having an edge of a rigidity enhanced by increasing the hardness, and a working apparatus capable of working those edges efficiently.