Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymerization inhibitor composition and a method of inhibiting polymerization of distillable monomers in liquid and evaporated/condensed phases with the polymerization inhibitor composition. The polymerization inhibitor composition is useful for inhibiting polymerization of the distillable monomers during manufacture, purification (e.g., distillation), handling, and storage thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymerization inhibitor composition and a method of inhibiting polymerization of distillable monomers in liquid and evaporated/condensed phases with the polymerization inhibitor composition. The polymerization inhibitor composition is useful for inhibiting polymerization of the distillable monomers during manufacture, purification (e.g., distillation), handling, and storage thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a turbidity calibration standard comprising: a number of from 1 to 5 sequentially-interfaced layers, wherein each layer independently comprises a light-permeable polymer or light-permeable interpolymer; a measured light transmission modulating amount of at least one light transmission modulator, which is distributed in any one or more of the layers; and a light-permeable container, which contains the layers and the at least one light transmission modulator. Also, the invention relates to methods of making and using the standard, and kits comprising the standard.

Abstract: A method for monitoring fluid media, such as a dynamic biological system, in a biological reactor containing developing culture fluid media. The method includes the step of directing light into the fluid media by way of one or more optical fibers to produce an illuminated fluid media and then measuring the intensity of light reflected from the illuminated fluid media by way of one or more optical fibers, the optical fibers being partitioned from the fluid media by a transparent window having inner and outer surfaces; the fibers having ends terminating adjacent to and confronting the inner surface of the window and extending in a direction away from the window, the corresponding ends of the fibers being radially and circumferentially spaced from one another, the corresponding ends of the fibers having converging and intersecting longitudinal projections therefrom, the intersecting longitudinal projections from the fibers being entirely within the window. Additionally, a fiber-optic probe is discussed.

Abstract: The invention is an image capturing device comprising a lens to capture the image of the one or more samples which are located in an image capturing chamber, a nest receptacle to hold the one or more samples during imaging, and at least one illuminating source to illuminate the one or more samples. The chamber, lighting and nest receptacle are configured to minimize undesired reflections and improve the image quality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a turbidity calibration standard comprising: a number of from 1 to 5 sequentially-interfaced layers, wherein each layer independently comprises a light-permeable polymer or light-permeable interpolymer; a measured light transmission modulating amount of at least one light transmission modulator, which is distributed in any one or more of the layers; and a light-permeable container, which contains the layers and the at least one light transmission modulator. Also, the invention relates to methods of making and using the standard, and kits comprising the standard.

Abstract: A single fiber optic probe capable of measuring at least two different properties of a medium. More specifically, a single probe having an integral optical element which is capable of directing light to perform at least two distinct spectrometric analyses on a medium. For example, the single probe may be used to monitor a solid phase and dissolved solids in a multiphase medium.

Abstract: An in-line fiber optic probe interface includes a sample cell with a bore therein defining an optical axis. A controller housing is centered by o-ring seals in the bore and a pathlength controller is mounted on the housing. A fiber optic probe is disposed in the housing and controller, sealed thereto by o-ring seals at multiple points to maintain the probe in appropriate alignment on the optical axis.

Abstract: A fiber optic probe adapted to be immersed in a fluid medium has an opening at one end in which is accommodated an optical window through which light may be transmitted from and to the optical fibers. Seals between the optical element and the probe body are provided to prevent the leakage of fluid past the window into the probe body. One or more resilient biasing springs constantly apply a yieldable, compressive force on the seals regardless of thermal expansion and contraction of any part of the probe.

Abstract: A method for determining the onset of nucleation wherein a zone of a translucent fluid in which crystals may be formed is illuminated by a beam of light. When crystallization commences the crystals in the illuminated zone reflect and scatter light. Some of the scattered light is collected and transmitted to a light sensitive detector operable to generate a signal indicative of nucleation. Upon detection of nucleation either manual or automatic procedures may be instituted to modify the crystallization process in an appropriate manner.