Abstract: A Raman spectroscopy sensor integrated with an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) includes a UGV having a robot arm and a camera mounted on the robot arm. A laser and telescope associated with a Raman sensor are mounted on the robot arm in such a way as to point in substantially the same direction in which the camera is pointed. A Raman spectral data acquisition and control module is mounted on the UGV and is configured to receive Raman spectral data from the telescope. A remote base station having a display and a data processing and analysis module is configured to receive data from the data acquisition and control module and to display for an operator images from the camera and information related to the Raman sensor. An autofocus system is preferably employed to automatically control telescope focus and thereby enable the Raman sensor to operate over a wide range, e.g., 0.5 m to 10 m.

Abstract: A Raman spectroscopy sensor integrated with an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) includes a UGV having a robot arm and a camera mounted on the robot arm. A laser and telescope associated with a Raman sensor are mounted on the robot arm in such a way as to point in substantially the same direction in which the camera is pointed. A Raman spectral data acquisition and control module is mounted on the UGV and is configured to receive Raman spectral data from the telescope. A remote base station having a display and a data processing and analysis module is configured to receive data from the data acquisition and control module and to display for an operator images from the camera and information related to the Raman sensor. An autofocus system is preferably employed to automatically control telescope focus and thereby enable the Raman sensor to operate over a wide range, e.g., 0.5 m to 10 m.

Abstract: An apparatus for laser interrogation of surface agents moving relative to the apparatus. A receiver telescope includes a secondary reflector that may compensate for variations in distance from a target to the laser. The secondary reflector relies on a distance to target signal that may be collected at a point substantially away from the target, in the direction of relative motion, to allow a focusing mechanism time to react.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing flood back in refrigeration systems which include a compressor, expansion valve and evaporator coil, by sensing the temperature differential across the evaporator coil and deactivating the compressor when the differential exceeds in the negative direction a predetermined amount of superheat. A second embodiment uses the sensing to operate flooded systems at peak efficiency at or near 0 superheat. A third embodiment uses all electronic circuitry to operate the system.