Abstract: The present invention provides a method of quickly identifying bioaerosols by class, even if the subject bioaerosol has not been previously encountered. The method begins by collecting laser ablation mass spectra from known particles. The spectra are correlated with the known particles, including the species of particle and the classification (e.g., bacteria). The spectra can then be used to train a neural network, for example using genetic algorithm-based training, to recognize each spectra and to recognize characteristics of the classifications. The spectra can also be used in a multivariate patch algorithm. Laser ablation mass specta from unknown particles can be presented as inputs to the trained neural net for identification as to classification. The description below first describes suitable intelligent algorithms and multivariate patch algorithms, then presents an example of the present invention including results.

Abstract: One or both of two methods and systems are used to determine concentration of a known material in an unknown mixture on the basis of the measured interaction of electromagnetic waves upon the mixture. One technique is to utilize a multivariate analysis patch technique to develop a library of optimized patches of spectral signatures of known materials containing only those pixels most descriptive of the known materials by an evolutionary algorithm. Identity and concentration of the known materials within the unknown mixture is then determined by minimizing the residuals between the measurements from the library of optimized patches and the measurements from the same pixels from the unknown mixture. Another technique is to train a neural network by the genetic algorithm to determine the identity and concentration of known materials in the unknown mixture. The two techniques may be combined into an expert system providing cross checks for accuracy.

Abstract: One or both of two methods and systems are used to determine concentration of a known material in an unknown mixture on the basis of the measured interaction of electromagnetic waves upon the mixture. One technique is to utilize a multivariate analysis patch technique to develop a library of optimized patches of spectral signatures of known materials containing only those pixels most descriptive of the known materials by an evolutionary algorithm. Identity and concentration of the known materials within the unknown mixture is then determined by minimizing the residuals between the measurements from the library of optimized patches and the measurements from the same pixels from the unknown mixture. Another technique is to train a neural network by the genetic algorithm to determine the identity and concentration of known materials in the unknown mixture. The two techniques may be combined into an expert system providing cross checks for accuracy.

Abstract: A valance for concealing window blind headers or drapery fixtures. The valance includes a front panel and end panels, and each of the panels have an upper rail adjacent the upper edge defining a downwardly projecting lip, a lower rail adjacent the lower edge defining an upwardly projecting lower lip, and an intermediate rail defining an upwardly projecting intermediate lip and a downwardly projecting intermediate lip. Upper and lower valance face members are provided for each panel and each face member has a front wall, a reentrant channel extending lengthwise along one rear edge and an internal hook portion spaced inwardly from a second rear edge. The reentrant channels on the upper and lower valance face members are arranged to receive the respective upper and lower intermediate lips and the internal hook portions on the upper and lower face members are respectively arranged to receive the upper and lower lips on the associated panel.

Abstract: A curtain rod of the type having a wide flat front wall and upper and lower U-shaped flanges extending lengthwise along the rear side of the front wall. The rod is supported at its end by L-shaped corner brackets having an upright rod support panel and a mounting panel that extends rearwardly from the rod support panel and integral therewith. The rod support panel is constructed and arranged to extend into the upper flange on the rod member and support the rod member for limited pivotal movement about the upper edge of the support panel, and a latch is provided on the rod support panel at a location to engage the rod member and releasably retain the rod alongside the rod support panel.

Abstract: An adjustable shade including first and second parallel headrails and an intermediate rail between the headrails with a foldable shade member attached to the intermediate rail and to one of the headrails. The shade member has rows of aligned openings therethrough and the headrails and intermediate rail have openings aligned with the rows of openings in the shade member. Tension cords extend through the rows of openings in the shade member and through the openings in the headrails and intermediate rail to guide the intermediate rail and shade member during movement between open and closed positions. The draw cords are attached to the intermediate rail and extend through the rows of openings in the shade member and through the headrails, and the draw cords have an operating portion that extends between the headrails and which can be grasped to move the intermediate rail in both directions relative to the headrails.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for tracking the position of surfaces during certain processing such as optical projection printing. Light from a line or point source is made incident on the surface at a small angle to produce interference fringes between the reflected light and a reference beam. Any movement of the surface causes a shifting of the fringe pattern which can be detected by appropriate means such as a slit or grating and photodiode combination.