Abstract: A system and method for measuring the size, shape and distribution of particles wherein a digital image analysis based optical system characterizes the particle size distribution of granular and cohesion-less materials. The size and shape information is obtained in real time. Such an automated analysis system comprises the following four major components: 1) particle sizing hardware and software, 2) progressive scan CCD camera and stepper motor driven optical zoom system with large magnification ratio, 3) horizontal vibrating feeder, and 4) appropriate lighting system. In operation, the vibratory feeder allows the tested material free fall in front of the CCD camera. The backlight provided by a DC lighting system projects the free falling particles onto the camera's image plane. Pictures from free falling material are captured and transferred into the computer through a video frame grabber.

Abstract: An system and method for monitoring and evaluating solid and semi-solid materials. In an embodiment adapted for pharmaceutical manufacturing, a rotating platter is provided which contains a plurality of chutes. Manufactured items from an earlier section of the manufacturing process are deposited upon the rotating platter, and are separated for analysis by the plurality of chutes. Mounted near the edge radius of the platter is a Raman probe, which focuses photons from a laser onto each of the manufactured items. The manufactured items radiate photons according to Raman scattering principles, which are collected by the Raman probe and analyzed by a computer against a template file. The computer operates upon the chutes to sort and release the manufactured items according to a criteria. Thus, an in-process monitoring and evaluation system may be utilized to inspect and sort manufactured items in real time.

Abstract: A device for measuring the three-dimensional position of a single particle (208) in a solution comprises a pulsed laser (201); a microscope system for irradiating a single particle with a laser beam (203) emitted from a pulsed laser (201); a photodetector (209) for detecting light dispersed by the single particle; a computer (211) for recording the signal detected by the photodetector (209) as displacement data and processing it; and a high-speed A/D board (210) for introducing the signal detected by photodetector (209) into the computer (211). Timing is set for data input so that the signal detected by the photodetector (209) may be input to the computer (211) at the moment of laser irradiation. It is possible to measure the position of a particle of nanometer size in real time with accuracy of nanometer order.

Abstract: An imaging system, methodology, and various applications are provided to facilitate optical imaging performance. The system contains a sensor having one or more receptors and an image transfer medium to scale the sensor and receptors in accordance with resolvable characteristics of the medium, and as defined with certain ratios. A computer, memory, and/or display associated with the sensor provides storage and/or display of information relating to output from the receptors to produce and/or process an image, wherein a plurality of illumination sources can also be utilized in conjunction with the image transfer medium. The image transfer medium can be configured as a k-space filter that correlates receptor size to a diffraction-limited spot associated with the image transfer medium, wherein the receptor size can be unit-mapped within a certain ratio to the size of the diffraction-limited spot.

Abstract: A condensation nucleus counter has a series of flow passageways forming a flow path, including a first passageway for carrying the gas stream having the particles to be detected which is preferably preheated A saturator is positioned to receive the flow of the gas stream and is made of a porous material of a controlled pore size having a portion immersed in a liquid working fluid. The liquid working fluid moves by capillary action along the length of the saturator. Vapor from the working liquid will be transferred to the gas stream as it moves through the saturator. The gas stream then passes to a condenser that reduces the temperature of the gas stream and causes the working fluid vapor to condense on the particles in the gas stream to form droplets that can be detected and counted.

Abstract: A method for creating large numbers of high-quality optical traps in arbitrary three-dimensional configurations and dynamically reconfiguring the traps under computer control. The method uses computer-generated diffractive optical elements to convert one or more optical tweezers into one or more optical vortices. The method involves combining the optical vortex technique with the holographic optical tweezer technique to create multiple optical vortices in arbitrary configurations.

Abstract: The present invention provides for measuring a particle size distribution of a population of particles using a light scattering particle sizing instrument having a plurality of selectable imaginary component values of the refractive index. The particles each having a particle size and the process includes the steps of: (i) providing a population of the particles, wherein the particles have a refractive index; (ii) determining a real component of the refractive index of the particles using the Becke Line Method; (iii) determining an imaginary component of the refractive index of the particles; and (iv) determining the particle size distribution of the particles by the light scattering particle sizing instrument wherein the particle size distribution is determined using the real component of the refractive index measured in step (ii) and the imaginary component of the refractive index determined in step (iii).

Abstract: At an optoelectronic dust sensor, opening(s) is/are formed at front panel(s) of main body housing(s), and passage hole(s) is/are formed at back panel(s) of main body housing(s). Provided between such back panel passage hole(s) and front panel opening(s) is/are dust passage route(s) permitting passage of dust and/or smoke. Passage hole(s) is/are for introducing dust and/or smoke to dust passage route(s). Opening(s), being for discharging dust and/or smoke from dust passage route(s), is/are sufficiently larger than passage hole(s).

Abstract: A single-particle optical sensor, which has high sensitivity and responds to relatively concentrated suspensions, uses a relatively narrow light beam to illuminate an optical sensing zone nonuniformly. The zone is smaller than the flow channel so that the sensor responds to only a fraction of the total number of particles flowing through the channel, detecting a statistically significant number of particles of any relevant diameter. Because different particle trajectories flow through different parts of the zone illuminated at different intensities, it is necessary to deconvolute the result. Two methods of deconvolution are used: modified matrix inversion or successive subtraction. Both methods use a few basis vectors measured empirically or computed from a theoretical model, and the remaining basis vectors are derived from these few. The sensor is compensated for turbidity. Several embodiments are disclosed employing light-extinction or light-scattering detection, or both.

Abstract: A particle detector comprising an optical cavity constructed of a solid-state laser which is optically pumped by pumping light generated from a pumping light source and a reflecting mirror, the optical cavity generating laser light, a flow path defined by sample fluid, and a particle detecting region where the laser light La is radiated upon the flow path, wherein particles passing through the particle detecting region are detected by receiving light scattered from the laser light due to the particles passing through the particle detecting region, and wherein the laser light generated within the optical cavity has a multi transverse mode, the cross sectional shape of which has a different length in the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction.

Abstract: A detection apparatus includes a light emitter for emitting a detection light, a receiver for receiving the detection light, and a moving device for moving a discharge head in a direction to intersect the optical path of the detection light. When D is the diameter of a beam of the detection light, d is the diameter of the droplets, L is the distance between the discharge nozzles in the direction of movement of the discharge head, and H is the relative distance that the discharge head moves from when a discharge nozzle discharges one droplet to when the discharge nozzle discharges the next droplet, settings are adjusted so as to satisfy the conditions: D/2+d/2≦L, and H≦D.

Abstract: A method for creating large numbers of high-quality optical traps in arbitrary three-dimensional configurations and dynamically reconfiguring the traps under computer control. The method uses computer-generated diffractive optical elements to convert one or more optical tweezers into one or more optical vortices. The method involves combining the optical vortex technique with the holographic optical tweezer technique to create multiple optical vortices in arbitrary configurations.

Abstract: A device for measuring the three-dimensional position of a single particle (208) in a solution comprises a pulsed laser (201); a microscope system for irradiating a single particle with a laser beam (203) emitted from a pulsed laser (201); a photodetector (209) for detecting light dispersed by the single particle; a computer (211) for recording the signal detected by the photodetector (209) as displacement data and processing it; and a high-speed A/D board (210) for introducing the signal detected by photodetector (209) into the computer (211). Timing is set for data input so that the signal detected by the photodetector (209) may be input to the computer (211) at the moment of laser irradiation. It is possible to measure the position of a particle of nanometer size in real time with accuracy of nanometer order.

Abstract: A monitoring system for adjusting a light source for a counting cell signal in a counting and dispensing system, which light deteriorates over time as a result of dust accumulation from the handling of pills, capsules, and tablets. The monitoring system uses electronics to adjust the light relative to the dust accumulation, thus maintaining an accurate counting cell signal, so that the system can continue to function. In this respect, the monitoring system provides for longer intervals between required maintenance operations, and therefore reduces the cost of operation.

Abstract: This specification discloses a method and apparatus for the mobile and remote detection of a gas, such as methane, in the atmosphere. The apparatus includes a TDL based Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) driven at carrier frequency lying within the absorption line of the gas. The apparatus also drives the TDL with a modulation frequency to generate upper and lower sidebands in the output of the TDL and with a low ramp frequency to sweep the output of the TDL across twice the width of the pressure-broadened absorption line of the gas, preferably the first overtone absorption line in the case of methane detection. The apparatus include reference and calibration cells or chambers, and includes a light collector and detectors to detect the quantity and modulation of the light that passes the reference or calibration cells and that is received by the apparatus after reflection back toward the apparatus from an uncooperative target.

Abstract: A blockage monitor for detecting a blockage in flow of particles includes a sensor body for mounting on a wall of the seed duct and defining a front face flush with the duct surface carrying both an LED light source for projecting light into the interior of the duct and a phototransistor arranged to produce an output signal proportional to the intensity of reflected light received which increases as a seed passes. A separate blockage module counts the output and uses an algorithm for comparing the count with a calibration count to determine whether there is a blockage of the duct. A power voltage is supplied to each sensor using two wires. A test of the sensor includes a pulse in the power voltage so as to generate a corresponding but delayed pulse in the light from the light source.

Abstract: The present invention provides an object-sensing device capable of estimating the presence of an object attached on a sensing surface, the kind of the object and the state of the object. An image is formed by a lens with light via the sensing surface, and the light is received by a light-receiving element portion in which a plurality of micro-light-receiving elements are arranged. In the object detection mode, totally reflected light from the sensing surface is received by the light-receiving element portion. The components are arranged at an angle that allows total reflection when there is no object, and does not allow the total reflection condition to be satisfied when there is an object. In the light scattering object detection mode, scattered light from the sensing surface is received by the light-receiving element portion. A signal pattern is obtained by joining detection signal levels of the micro-light-receiving elements in accordance with the arrangement of the micro-light-receiving elements.

Abstract: A method for determining the particle concentration of a continuous medium in a receptacle, in which, a light beam from a light source is first directed through a particle-loaded, continuous medium, to the light-sensitive surface of a position-sensitive sensor, the light beam being so directed at the light-sensitive surface that the light scattered by the particles assuming, on the average, a different position than the unscattered light. The deviation of the midpoint of the scattered light on the light-sensitive surface from the midpoint of the unscattered light is subsequently determined, and this deviation is correlated to a specific particle concentration.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the velocity of a droplet of a liquid includes a laser to generating a beam of light and projecting the beam along a first path. A lens is along the first path for forming the beam into the shape of a thin sheet. A beam divider is along the first path for dividing the beam into two separate beams which extend along second and third paths. The second and third paths lie in a common plane. Along the second and third paths is means for projecting a droplet of liquid across the second and third paths so that the droplet passes through both of the divided beams. AT least one photodetector is along the second and third paths to receive the divided beams and provide an electrical signal corresponding to the beams.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a dustproof mechanism for a detecting means comprising comprises a detecting position, through which substances to be detected are passed at a prescribed position of a detecting optical path, which is formed on one side of the detecting position. The dustproof mechanism provides at least two air chambers between the detecting portion and the detecting position in a manner that these air chambers are perforated through the optical path to make open holes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems of methods of detecting and measuring inclusions in liquid metals. More particularly, non-metallic inclusions having a conductivity level different from the liquid metal melt are forced to migrate and are collected on a measurement surface using electromagnetic Lorentz forces. The inclusions and their concentrations are detected at the measurement surface using either an electrostatic detection system or an optical detection system.

Abstract: A protective device working in a contact free manner for the securing of a danger zone of a machine or the like comprises an optical evaluation field and a control and evaluation device which allows, in addition to a securing operation, in which a warning or machine stop signal is generated as a result of a respective intrusion into the evaluation field, a cyclical operation in which a release signal is generated as a result of at least one respective intrusion into the evaluation field in order to release a respective machine cycle, with one and the same evaluation field being provided for securing operation and for cyclical operation and with the control and evaluation device being designed such that only a part of the evaluation field is monitored accordingly both for securing operation and cyclical operation.

Abstract: A photoelectric smoke detecting apparatus capable of generating analog data accurately indicating a smoke density regardless of a presence or absence of contamination. A control unit for outputting the analog data corresponding to the smoke density based on a detection value derived from the output of a smoke sensor includes a smoke density arithmetic module having a characteristic function for converting the detection value to a smoke density value, a zero-density detection value storage device for storing a detection value at a time point when the smoke density is zero as a zero-density detection value, a change ratio arithmetic module designed for arithmetically determining a ratio of change representing a change of the zero-density detection value, and a compensation arithmetic module designed for compensating conversion characteristic for converting the detection value to the smoke density value based on the ratio of change.

Abstract: A novel simple low cost paintball velocimeter is described. It is small, utilizing a light source and photodetection methods that can serve as a stand-alone velocimeter or integrated into the firing mechanism for greater control and accuracy. Additional features include an ability to collect, store and process data for graphical display and analysis.

Abstract: A spectroscopy instrument that uses spectra produced from random binary sequence modulated data. Statistical estimation techniques are used to achieve resolution enhancement, while properly accounting for the Poisson noise distribution and other artifacts introduced by a modulator or “chopper” or other system components. Indeed, a resolution similar to that of modem spectrometers can be achieved with a dramatic performance advantage over conventional, serial detection analyzers. Both static and dynamic behaviors are theoretically or measured experimentally accounted for in the model as determined. In one embodiment, the finite penetration of the field beyond the plane of the chopper leads to non-ideal chopper response, which is characterized in terms of an “energy corruption” effect and a lead or lag in the time at which the beam responds to the chopper potential.

Abstract: A cloud condensation nucleus spectrometer having a streamwise segmented condensation nucleus growth column. The condensation nucleus growth column includes alternating hot and cold temperature-maintaining segments arranged next to one another. The temperature difference between adjacent hot and cold temperature-maintaining segments increases from the input opening to an output opening of the condensation nucleus growth column to produce a supersaturation distribution that increases from the input opening to the output opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for strip insertion detection in an analytical meter system. The invention allows for individual meter calibration, adaptive thresholding and ambient light correction. Increased performance is economically realized, while providing enhanced meter accuracy in varying light conditions.

Abstract: An abrasive particle detention system includes a fluid circulation system, a probe assembly, a monitoring circuit, and an operator indicator. The probe assembly includes an orifice from which a stream of fluid emerges, and a probe having a face upon which the stream at least partially impinges. The probe face includes an insulative substrate and a conductive film formed on the substrate. Abrasive particles in the fluid stream abrade the conductive film, changing its electrical resistance. A monitoring circuit is utilized to observe these changes, and when they correspondence to a concentration above a pre-selected level, an operation indicator is triggered. The system may include an electronic controller coupled to the monitoring circuit, which can account for variables such as temperature, viscosity, and/or pressure in the fluid circulation system.

Abstract: A method for determining a drying cycle includes the steps of measuring absolute humidity within a drying apparatus before the drying apparatus starts a drying cycle and determining a baseline absolute humidity from the measured absolute humidity. Drift is compensated for using the baseline absolute humidity and the absolute humidity is measured within the drying apparatus after the drying apparatus starts the drying cycle. The end of the drying cycle is determined using the measured absolute humidity.

Abstract: This specification discloses a method and apparatus for the mobile and remote detection of a gas, such as methane, in the atmosphere. The apparatus includes a TDL based Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) driven at carrier frequency lying within the absorption line of the gas. The apparatus also drives the TDL with a modulation frequency to generate upper and lower sidebands in the output of the TDL and with a low ramp frequency to sweep the output of the TDL across twice the width of the pressure-broadened absorption line of the gas, preferably the first overtone absorption line in the case of methane detection. Suitable power for remote detection through use of the TDL is provided by a master oscillator/fiber amplifier transmitter has no moving or adjustable parts at all. An all-solid-state monolithic and integrated amplifier is achieved, which leads to a compact and virtually maintenance-free LIDAR system.

Abstract: The invention concerns an optical sensor for measuring the property of a gaseous or liquid medium, particularly the opaqueness of a washing or rinsing liquid in a washing or rinsing machine, with at least one radiation source, a radiation receiver and a light-transmitting sensor body, with an optical boundary surface, which, depending on the nature of the medium present outside the boundary surface of the sensor body, to a greater or lesser degree transmits to the radiation receiver and/or reflects the radiation directed on to it, resulting at the radiation receiver in different measurement signals which characterise the reflectivity and the refractive index conditions at the boundary surface. Unambiguous measurement signals for process control of a washing or rinsing machine are obtained through separate sensing of the transparency and reflection of the medium.

Abstract: A photoelectric sensor array apparatus and method, relates to at least two photoelectric rail elements each having alternating light emitting diode transmitters and photo detecting receivers. The array produces a plurality of light devices with corresponding sensors, whereby the light beams are blocked in the region where an opaque object is located. Each rail contains both transmitters and receivers so that control circuits for the transmitters and receivers are substantially identical and mounted on opposite sides of the array apparatus, to provide a more compact unit of higher resolution and to reduce the design and manufacturing costs. Such construction and method enable the sensing array apparatus to function in direct sunlight or other such photoelectric saturation conditions, which would otherwise blind conventional light sensitive sensor arrays.

Abstract: A transuranic transmuter includes a sealable steel housing having a window to allow a beam of protons to enter the housing and strike a spallation target, thereby generating fast neutrons. Conductive tubes holding minor actinides are positioned within the housing and at a distance from the spallation target. A graphite block is positioned within the housing to interpose the minor actinides between the graphite block and the spallation target. Plutonium and toxic fission products are positioned in recesses formed within the graphite block. Upon exposure to fast neutrons from the spallation target, the minor actinides transmute by either fission or neutron capture reactions into one or more stable, less radiotoxic isotopes. Some neutrons from the target pass through the moderator and subsequently transmute the plutonium and the toxic fission products into one or more stable, less radiotoxic isotopes.

Abstract: A photomultiplier tube includes dynodes electrically joined to corresponding leads. The tube, containing a loose debris particle, may be reprocessed by positioning the particle at an accessible site inside the tube. A power laser is aimed at the particle through a transparent wall of the tube and fired to reduce the size of the particle.

Abstract: In elemental analysers with a valve control system of inert gas and oxygen supply, which opens the oxygen supply at preset moments, with regard to the introduction of the sample into the combustion reactor, the oxygen supply is controlled by the detection, over time, of at least one of the parameters, whose variation is determined by flash combustion in the combustion reactor, closing the oxygen supply depending on said state over time. The parameters are brightness, temperature and pressure in the combustion chamber and/or pressure upstream the combustion chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for inspecting cigarette heads (25, 41, 61), where light radiates in at least two strip-like portions (26-31), which are incident from different directions, onto the end area (39, 42) of a cigarette head (25, 41, 61) and light (33) reflected from the end area (39, 42) is received by a detector (32) and evaluated. Known methods of this type have the disadvantage that they are inaccurate and do not allow exact statements to be made about the state of cigarettes. Therefore, the invention is based on the problem of improving the inspection of cigarettes. This problem is solved by virtue of the fact that, in the course of evaluation, a distance (B, C) between two lines (54, 55, 68, 69) which are produced from a signal generated by the detector (32) and correspond to the strip-shaped portions (26-31) is determined in order to establish the position of that region of the cigarette head (25, 41, 61) which is irradiated by the portions (26-31).

Abstract: A method of identifying non-conforming groups of items within a package, the package containing a plurality of groups of items, comprises obtaining a reference signal corresponding to a package containing conforming groups of items, obtaining a signal corresponding to each of the plurality of groups of items in the package, comparing the signal corresponding to each of the plurality of groups of items with the reference signal, determining whether any of the plurality of groups of items is nonconforming, and segregating the package based on whether the package contains a nonconforming group of items.

Abstract: A reticle (R) is irradiated with an ArF excimer laser beam to transfer a pattern on the reticle (R) onto a wafer (W) through a projection optical system (PL). Each of a plurality of illuminating lens units (2) arranged in the illuminating optical passage has a barrel containing a plurality of lenses, and caps are so provided as to be spaced from the lenses at both ends. Lens chambers among the lenses are filled with an inert gas, and the spaces between the caps and the lenses are also filled with an inert gas. When the illuminating lens unit (2) are housed in and illuminating optical path housing, the caps are removed while purging the spaces. Therefore, the lenses at both ends are prevented from being contaminated and the transmittance of the optical lens device for exposure with light having a wavelength of shorter than 300 nm is prevented from lowering.

Abstract: A gas sensor (10) exposed by diffusion to a gas flow and operable to measure the presence of a particular gas component of the gas flow. The sensor (10) comprises a base (20), a diffuser (34), a radiant energy source (36), a radiant energy detector (38), and a detection chamber (40). The base (20) is a printed circuit board (PCB) to which the source (36), detector (38), and other electronics are mounted. The diffuser (34) is interposed between the gas flow and the detection chamber (40). Thus, rather than directly exposing the source (36), detector (38), and other electronics to the full force of the gas flow, the gas is passed to and from the detection chamber (40) by diffusion. The diffuser (34) comprises a filter (35), an air gap (44), and plurality of diffusion holes (46). The filter (35) is further operable to remove harmful materials, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), from the gas prior to measurement. The source (36) and detector (38) are located within the detection chamber (40).

Abstract: A preferred OPTICAL BLACK™ ionic anodize process of the present invention applies a porous anodic oxide coating to a component part in a standard sulfuric acid anodizing bath (with or without organic additives). A modified alternating electric current is then applied to the porous oxide coating to remove excess anodizing electrolyte and to allow the coloring solution access to the pores. The oxide coating is electrolytically colored in a low pH acid bath containing a tin salt, sulfuric acid, and organic additives. Alternating current carries additional tin salt to the base of the pores where the tin salt is reduced to metallic tin or tin oxide. Others metals or metallic salts could be employed. Component parts treated by the OPTICAL BLACK™ ionic anodize process can be advantageously employed in optical systems, such as particle detectors, to reduce or eliminate stray light.

Abstract: A method and device for storage and retrieval of digitized information. The digitized information storage device consists of a storage medium, a particle ray source, and control and detection electronics. The particle ray source may consist of an electron, ion, or positron beam, a combination of these sources, or an array of one or more of those. The storage medium may consist of a single layer, possibly a compound material, which is susceptible to a structural phase transition, such as a change in morphology, topography, composition, defect concentration or adsorbing bonding characteristics under the influence of the scanning particle ray at recording parameters. The storage medium may also be comprised of two or more different layers, which are chosen from materials which are not intermixing or alloying and which have distinctly different electron or ion adsorption parameters, secondary electron emission characteristics, as well as thermal and structural properties.

Abstract: Substrate beads for combinatorial synthesis are selected individually from a mixture by suspending the mixture in an electrically conductive liquid, in a bead selection vessel, causing the liquid to flow at a controlled rate through an aperture in the side wall of a pipette extending through the vessel, and detecting the passage of a bead through the aperture by monitoring an electrical resistance across the aperture. In an alternative embodiment, beads are passed through a tube into a collection passage in which a continuous laminar flow takes place. Detection takes place at the tip of the tube, and, in response to the detection of a bead, the flow through the collection passage is diverted to cause the bead to be deposited. In both cases, the selected bead is deposited into a well of a plate having rows and columns of wells in a rectangular array, while a vacuum is drawn through a filter in the bottom of the well.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas sensor (A) which is adapted for evaluating the contents of a gas sample enclosed in a cavity (2) or a gas cell (1). The gas sensor has the form of a block in which the wall or wall-parts of a gas cell or cavity have highly light-reflective properties, designated mirror surfaces (11A, 12A). The cavity (2) has an opening (2a) for incoming light rays which are reflected in the cavity a predetermined number of times such as to create an optical analysis path before being caused to pass through an opening (6) for outgoing light rays, such reflections being achieved with the aid of three opposing, concave light-reflecting wall-parts (11, 12, 13). A first of the light-reflecting wall-parts (11) has the shape of part of an ellipsoid. A second (12) and a third (13) of the light-reflecting wall-parts have a common shape conforming to part of an ellipsoid.

Abstract: A particle analyzer system that reduces size and cost, wherein particles are introduced into a cell, then the particles are irradiate in the cell with a laser beam, then atomic emission of the particles generated by the irradiation of the laser beam is transmitted, then a spectrum is obtained of the photo emission so transmitted, and the spectrum of the photo emission is detected and the wavelength of the laser beam is, other than the wavelength of the emission of the particles, is used to provide a filter to block the intrusion of the wavelength of the laser beam in a stage proceeding the photo emission.