Abstract: Spectral and hyperspectral imaging systems allow monitoring of pharmaceutical or other industrial blending processes to establish the characteristics of the blend. To illustrate, a batch type blender may be equipped with a computer controlled drive mechanism that is slowed down at a predetermined point during rotation to assess the progress of the blending through an imaging window mounted on the blender. A fast hyperspectral imaging device can be provided directly on the blender to view the blend through the imaging window, or can be placed in a fixed position relative to the rotating blender. The image of the blend is preferably captured line-by-line at a location at or near the bottom of the blender synchronously with the blender's rotation. The spectral information acquired from the blend at each rotation can be used to assess whether the nominal blend composition is achieved, or to reveal uniformity of the blend.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses of determining the pH of a sample. A method can comprise determining an infrared spectrum of the sample, and determining the hemoglobin concentration of the sample. The hemoglobin concentration and the infrared spectrum can then be used to determine the pH of the sample. In some embodiments, the hemoglobin concentration can be used to select an model relating infrared spectra to pH that is applicable at the determined hemoglobin concentration. In other embodiments, a model relating hemoglobin concentration and infrared spectra to pH can be used. An apparatus according to the present invention can comprise an illumination system, adapted to supply radiation to a sample; a collection system, adapted to collect radiation expressed from the sample responsive to the incident radiation; and an analysis system, adapted to relate information about the incident radiation, the expressed radiation, and the hemoglobin concentration of the sample to pH.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses of determining the pH of a sample. A method can comprise determining an infrared spectrum of the sample, and determining the hemoglobin concentration of the sample. The hemoglobin concentration and the infrared spectrum can then be used to determine the pH of the sample. In some embodiments, the hemoglobin concentration can be used to select an model relating infrared spectra to pH that is applicable at the determined hemoglobin concentration. In other embodiments, a model relating hemoglobin concentration and infrared spectra to pH can be used. An apparatus according to the present invention can comprise an illumination system, adapted to supply radiation to a sample; a collection system, adapted to collect radiation expressed from the sample responsive to the incident radiation; and an analysis system, adapted to relate information about the incident radiation, the expressed radiation, and the hemoglobin concentration of the sample to pH.

Abstract: A dual beam acousto-optic tunable spectrometer utilizes an optics system to isolate the two radiation beams tuned by an acousto-optic filter, one of which is used to analyze a sample, the other of which is used as a reference. The tuning of the filter and the analysis of the signals is conducted by a microprocessor, which corrects for the many possible sources of noise. A new fluid sample cell utilizing glass balls to collimate radiation incident on the sample and focus radiation transmitted from the sample, is also disclosed.

Abstract: The optical reflectance or transmittance concentration analyzer includes an acousto-optical tunable filter (AOTF). The AOTF is tuned by a computer controlled digital-to-analog converter through a tunable sweep oscillator. Tuned beams can be selected according to their direction of propagation or according to their polarization behavior. Therefore, if desired, a pair of crossed polarizers can be used to select one of the tuned monochomatic light beams that pass from a light source through the AOTF. To obtain rapid wavelength change along with electronic chopping or wavelength modulation, the digital-to-analog converter output is combined with the output of a high speed signal generator. The modulated light is conducted directly or through a fiber optic cable to the location of the optical measurement and impinges upon the sample where it is reflected or transmitted. The emerging light is collected onto detector(s).