An optical coupling apparatus for a dual column charged particle beam tool allowing both optical imaging of an area of an integrated circuit, as well as localized heating of the integrated circuit to form silicide. In one embodiment, optical paths from a whitelight source and a laser source are coupled together by way of first and second beam splitters so that a single optical port of the dual column tool may be utilized for both imaging and heating. In another embodiment, a single laser source ...

An apparatus for use with a water softening system including an outer bucket, an inner container having a first end, and a plug, where the plug is received within the first end of the inner container for supporting the inner container and allowing brine to be retained within the inner container. A plurality of apertures extend around a periphery of the plug for providing access between the inner container and the outer bucket. An agitator is positioned within the plug for agitating water retaine...

A device for processing a signal (i) derived from a particular detector, the device including an integrator for measuring the total charge transported by an input signal (i.sub.2) feeding the integrator for a predetermined time interval. The device further includes a plurality of units for receiving detector signal (i) derived from the particle detector, reducing the background noise present in the detector signal (i), and producing the input signal (i.sub.2). The invention is applicable to vari...

The present invention provides an apparatus, comprising a first mechanical structure having a first rigid surface, an area of the first rigid surface having a nanostructured surface. The apparatus also includes a second mechanical structure having a second rigid surface and opposing the first mechanical structure. The second rigid surface is cooperable with the nanostructured surface such that a microscopic particle is locatable between the nanostructured surface and the second rigid surface.

A radome, and corresponding method of making, comprising an electro-optic transparent substrate, a semiconductor coating on the substrate, and a frequency selective surface embedded in the coating.

The present invention provides a method of reducing the concentration of an iodide compound using an ion exchange resin. The ion exchange resin is a macroporous resin having sulfur functional groups exchanged with silver, a dry weight capacity of at least 5.0 eq/kg, a mean pore diameter (D.sub.50) of about 400-800 .ANG., a pore volume of about 0.4-0.6 ml/g, and a surface area of about 20-40 m.sup.2/g.

A method of collecting data on radioactive material includes: positioning a detector unit at a first position relative to the environment; collecting at least a part of a first set of data from a first position using a detector unit; and collecting at least a part of one or more subsequent sets of data on the environment from one or more subsequent positions using the detector unit; wherein one or more of the subsequent positions is determined, at least in part, by considering at least a part of...

A lighter than air blimp which has either an aerodynamically shaped or a round envelope of flexible sheet material, and a plurality of stabilizing fins mounted in a circumferentially spaced apart arrangement about the tail end portion of the envelope. The tail fins are collapsible, to faciliate storage and transport to the point of use, and to also facilitate the rapid assembly and deployment of the blimp at the point of use, particularly under windy conditions. The tail fins are attached while ...

Methods and apparatus enable measuring flow of a fluid within a conduit. For example, flowmeters may measure the velocity of production fluid flowing through production pipe of an oil/gas well. The flowmeters rely on detection of pressure variations generated as a result of a backward-facing step as a basis for flow measurement calculations. Pressure sensing occurs away from the step in a direction of the flow of the fluid in an enhanced turbulence region of the flowmeter where the inner diamete...

In an adaptor for a flow sensor, a tubular body is adapted to allow respiratory gas to pass through. At least one fluid-resistant member is disposed in the tubular body. At least two pairs of first passages are formed in the fluid-resistant member and adapted to lead out pressures at two positions in the tubular body which are to be detected by the flow sensor.