Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for improved process control in combustion applications, and particularly those relating to the steelmaking industry. An apparatus is provided for process control in a combustion application comprising a laser to transmit a near-infrared laser beam through off-gas produced by the combustion application, a detector to detect the transmitted laser beam and convert the detected laser beam to an electrical signal, and a control system for providing adjustment of select inputs to the combustion application in response to the electrical signal from the detector. The method of this invention comprises transmitting a near-infrared laser beam through off-gas produced by the combustion application, detecting the transmitted laser beam, and adjusting select inputs of the combustion application in response to the detected transmitted laser beam.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for non-contact thermal measurement which are capable of providing sub micron surface thermal characterization of samples, such as active semiconductor devices. The method obtains thermal image information by reflecting a light from a surface of a device in synchronous with the modulation of the thermal excitation and then acquiring and processing an AC-coupled thermoreflective image. The method may be utilized for making measurements using different positioning techniques, such as point measurements, surface scanning, two-dimensional imaging, and combinations thereof. A superresolution method is also described for increasing the resultant image resolution, based on multiple images with fractional pixel offsets, without the need to increase the resolution of the image detectors being utilized.

Abstract: A multi-spectral super-pixel photodetector for detecting four or more different bands of infrared radiation is described. The super-pixel photodetector includes two or more sub-pixel photodetectors, each of which includes a diffractive resonant optical cavity that resonates at two or more infrared radiation bands of interest. By detecting infrared radiation at two or more different applied biases and by generating a spectral response curve for each of the sub-pixel photodetectors at each of these biases, the response to each of the individual bands of infrared radiation can be calculated. The response to each band of infrared radiation can be found by deconvolving the response at each bias. The super-pixel photodetector finds use in military and medical imaging applications and can cover a broad portion of the infrared spectrum.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for optically detecting whether a substance is present at an inspection site on a base material based on light reflected from the inspection site. A light module generates light of a first wavelength and light of a second wavelength. A first optical transmission medium directs the light of the first wavelength and the light of the second wavelength to the inspection site. A photodetector receives light reflected from the inspection site and generates a reflection signal corresponding to the reflected light. A second optical transmission medium directs the reflected light from the inspection site to the photodetector. A control module has an input for receiving the reflection signal.

Abstract: An optical measurement system is presented that offers precision on-line monitoring of the quality of steam. Multiple wavelengths of radiant energy are passed through the steam from an emitter to a detector. By comparing the amount of radiant energy absorbed by the flow of steam for each wavelength, a highly accurate measurement of the steam quality can be determined on a continuous basis in real-time. In an embodiment of the present invention, the emitter, comprises three separate radiant energy sources for transmitting specific wavelengths of radiant energy through the steam. In a further embodiment, the wavelengths of radiant energy are combined into a single beam of radiant energy for transmission through the steam using time or wavelength division multiplexing. In yet a further embodiment, the single beam of radiant energy is transmitted using specialized optical elements.

Abstract: A single vane shutter flag is asynchronously controlled so that a measuring system light source is interrupted for a minimum necessary amount of time for standardization/calibration and normalization of InGaAs system detectors. Source/detector hemispheres or serially connected randomly oriented fiber bundles homogenize light passing to the detectors. Light source testing is performed by measuring spectral power distributions at a plurality of light source power levels and comparing the measurements to baseline characteristics established for the light source. Calibration sample life is extended indefinitely by controlling the shutter flag to block source light except for short calibration time periods during which standard light levels are provided.

Abstract: A method of the present invention includes exposing a structure to first electromagnetic radiation including at least one wavelength absorbed by a predetermined substance that is to be detected. Such substance can be water, a water-soluble substance, or fungi, the presence of which can be a significant problem in a structure such as a house or building. The method includes sensing second electromagnetic radiation from the structure, the second radiation based on the first radiation. The method also includes determining whether the substance is present in the structure, based on the sensed second radiation. If the substance to be detected is water and the determining step reveals a water-suspect area in the structure, the method can include testing the water-suspect area of the structure to determine whether water is present therein. If water is confirmed by the determination to be present in the structure, the method can include a step of determining the source of the water.

Abstract: An extremely convenient apparatus for evaluating the inner quality of vegetables and fruits which is small and inexpensive, can be introduced easily even by small-scaled enterprisers, in which an installation place can be changed easily, and safety and promptness of the replacing work of light sources are fully taking into consideration is provided.

Abstract: A bill discriminating method of discriminating a paper material independent of a light/dense pattern caused by a difference of manufacturing steps and discriminating a paper material of paper without being influenced by humidity or deterioration of the paper material is provided, Two kinds of infrared rays of different kinds of wavelengths are irradiated onto the paper, thereby discriminating the paper material of the paper by using an absorbance difference between photometric values.

Abstract: An improved photoacoustic vessel and method of photoacoustic analysis. The photoacoustic sample vessel comprises an acoustic detector, an acoustic couplant, and an acoustic coupler having a chamber for holding the acoustic couplant and a sample. The acoustic couplant is selected from the group consisting of liquid, solid, and combinations thereof. Passing electromagnetic energy through the sample generates an acoustic signal within the sample, whereby the acoustic signal propagates through the sample to and through the acoustic couplant to the acoustic detector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for measuring a coating from paper or board. The measurement is carried out by one detector at different times or by two detectors simultaneously. IR radiation directed at the coating and radiation emerging from the coating are chopped synchronously in blocks. A wavelength band sensitive and insensitive to the absorption are bandpass filtered and measured in both the MIR and NIR region. The absorption strength is measured in a digital signal processing block by comparing the radiation sensitive to absorption to the radiation insensitive to absorption, and the amount of each coating component is determined in the digital signal processing block on the basis of the absorption strength.

Abstract: An optical measurement system is presented that offers precision on-line monitoring of the quality of steam. Multiple wavelengths of radiant energy are passed through the steam from an emitter to a detector. By comparing the amount of radiant energy absorbed by the flow of steam for each wavelength, a highly accurate measurement of the steam quality can be determined on a continuous basis in real-time. In an embodiment of the present invention, the emitter, comprises three separate radiant energy sources for transmitting specific wavelengths of radiant energy through the steam. In a further embodiment, the wavelengths of radiant energy are combined into a single beam of radiant energy for transmission through the steam using time or wavelength division multiplexing. In yet a further embodiment, the single beam of radiant energy is transmitted using specialized optical elements.

Abstract: A process is provided for detecting the position of a paper web, especially in wet offset printing, wherein a strip free from ink or moistening agent is detected. A device is provided for detecting the position of a cut web, especially in wet offset printing. The device has a sensor for detecting the water content in the paper web.

Abstract: A continuous flow moisture analyzer (20) determines moisture content in a liquid sample material (46). The moisture analyzer (20) includes an injection system (44) for delivering the liquid sample material (46) at a controlled rate. The injection system includes an injector tube (48). An evaporator (52) has a first end (50) for receiving the injector tube (48) and a second end (56). The injector tube (148) provides the liquid sample material (46) to the evaporator (52) at the first end (50). A carrier gas inlet (54) is in fluid communication with the second end (56) of the evaporator (52) for providing a carrier gas (58) to the evaporator (52) at the second end (56). The carrier gas (58) absorbs moisture from the liquid sample material (46) in the evaporator (52). A relative humidity sensor (78) in fluid communication with the evaporator (52) detects the moisture in the carrier gas (58).

Abstract: A water detecting apparatus includes a source of infra-red radiation which is reflected off an inner surface of a pipe wall onto a mirror directing the infra-red signal along a path to an infra-red detector connected by an electrical signal path to an electronic control. The path is interrupted by a rotating chopper having windows occupied by two optical filters. The first optical filter only passes an infra-red signal of wavelength 1900 nm which is absorbed by water, while the second optical filter only passes an infra-red signal of wavelength 2200 nm, another wavelength absorbed by water, but not to the same extent as the 1900 nm wavelength. The 2200 nm wavelength serves as a reference signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for non-destructively estimating a tissue property, such as hydration, of a living subject utilizes in vivo spectral measurements made by irradiating skin tissue with near infrared (NIR) light. The apparatus includes a spectroscopic instrument in conjunction with a subject interface. The resulting spectra are passed to an analyzer for further processing, which includes detecting and eliminating invalid spectral measurements, and preprocessing to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. Finally, an estimation model developed from an exemplary set of measurements is applied to predict the tissue hydration for the sample. The method of tissue hydration measurement provides additional information about primary sources of systematic tissue variability, namely, the water content of the epidermal layer of skin and the penetration depth of the incident light.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for non-invasively quantifying the hydration of the stratum corneum of a living subject utilizes in vivo spectral measurements made by irradiating skin tissue with near infrared (NIR) light. The apparatus includes a spectroscopic instrument in conjunction with a subject interface. The resulting NIR absorption spectra are passed to an analyzer for further processing, which includes detecting and eliminating invalid spectral measurements, and preprocessing to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. Finally, a calibration model developed from an exemplary set of measurements is applied to predict the SC hydration for the sample. The method of SC hydration measurement provides additional information about primary sources of systematic tissue variability, namely, the water content of the epidermal layer of skin and the penetration depth of the incident light.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling a moisture profile of a paper web, in which the moisture profile of the paper web prior to drying is measured. The measurement is carried out with a measuring device, which measures a cross-direction profile of the web substantially simultaneously. On the basis of the measurement, the moisture profile of the paper web is controlled prior to drying the paper web.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for the detection of water vapor in a natural gas background. The system includes a light source operating in the 1.877-1.901 &mgr;m wavelength range passes through the natural gas to be detected by a detector. In one embodiment, the light source is a tunable diode laser and the moisture level is determined by harmonic spectroscopy.

Abstract: A measurement method and apparatus, which are capable of simply measuring the water content of an object with a high degree of accuracy, is characterized by irradiating the surface of the object with at least two monochromatic light beams having different wave length values, one of the wave length values being less than 1350 nm; measuring the intensity of light for each of the light beams reflected from the surface of the object using a light intensity-measurement unit; obtaining the reflective absorbance (A&lgr;) of each light beam; calculating a reflective-absorbance differences (&Dgr;A&lgr;) between, or a reflective-absorbance ratio (A&lgr;′) of, the respective light beams, respectively; and estimating the water content of the measured object by using the relationship between water content and the reflective-absorbance differences or reflective-absorbance ratio, which relationship stored in a memory device in advance.

Abstract: A method of the present invention includes exposing a structure to first electromagnetic radiation including at least one wavelength absorbed by a predetermined substance that is to be detected. Such substance can be water, a water-soluble substance, or fungi, the presence of which can be a significant problem in a structure such as a house or building. The method includes sensing second electromagnetic radiation from the structure, the second radiation based on the first radiation. The method also includes determining whether the substance is present in the structure, based on the sensed second radiation. If the substance to be detected is water and the determining step reveals a water-suspect area in the structure, the method can include testing the water-suspect area of the structure to determine whether water is present therein. If water is confirmed by the determination to be present in the structure, the method can include a step of determining the source of the water.

Abstract: A method for determining the dry mechanical strength for a green wood comprising: illuminating a surface of the wood to be determined with light between 350-2,500 nm, the wood having a green moisture content; analyzing the surface using a spectrometric method, the method generating a first spectral data, and using a multivariate analysis to predict the dry mechanical strength of green wood when dry by comparing the first spectral data with a calibration model, the calibration model comprising a second spectrometric method of spectral data obtained from a reference wood having a green moisture content, the second spectral data correlated with a known mechanical strength analytical result obtained from a reference wood when dried and having a dry moisture content.

Abstract: Dermal hydration is determined in a target region of a human subject by determining a relationship between first and second measurements. The first measurement is a measurement of a first type of electromagnetic radiation that has been reflected from the target region, the second measurement is a measurement of a second type of electromagnetic radiation that has been reflected from the target region, and the second type of electromagnetic radiation is absorbed by liquid, namely water or perspiration, to a greater degree than the first type of electromagnetic radiation is absorbed by the liquid. The electromagnetic radiation that is reflected from the region and measured is initially transmitted to the region from a remote location, and the transmitted electromagnetic radiation is not visible to a naked human eye. An examination being carried out in accordance with the present invention can be carried out while the region is moving, by tracking the region.

Abstract: A scanner for moving sheet materials such as a paper making machine provides the gauging heads which measure parameters such as basis weight and moisture entirely inside an enclosed tubular beam. Each gauging head is driven in a cross direction perpendicular to the moving sheet direction and includes a seal belt for dust and dirt protection by covering a slot in the beam, except where the gauging is located.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and removing water from a surface of a moving metal sheet in continuous treatment line to prevent the formation of water stains thereon. A selected surface area of the moving metal sheet is illuminated with infrared radiation having a wavelength substantially absorbed by water, and an optical sensor system is employed to view images reflected off the selected surface area. An optical bandpass filter limits transmission of infrared light to within a specific range of wavelengths known to be strongly absorbed by water. The sensor assembly produces a signal representative of the intensity of the reflected light. If the intensity signal is lower than a predetermined level, water is detected and the signal may be used to trigger a control device that sounds alarms, records the event, or otherwise controls the environment of the object so that detected water may be removed to prevent the formation of water stains.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for measuring the properties of paper from a moving paper web in a paper machine. An infrared beam is directed to the paper web. The infrared beam, passed through or reflected from the paper web, is split into wavelength components with a spectrograph, and signals of the different wavelength components are measured, and the properties of paper are determined on the basis of the signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of water on a surface of an object using infrared radiation. A surface area to be detected is illuminated with infrared radiation having a wavelength substantially absorbed by water. An optical system is employed to view images reflected from the surface area. An optical bandpass filter is disposed between the surface area and the sensor to limit transmission of infrared light to within a specific range of wavelengths known to be strongly absorbed by water. The sensor assembly produces a signal representative of the intensity of the reflected light. If the intensity signal is lower than a predetermined level water is detected and the signal may be used to trigger alarms, record the event or otherwise control the environment of the object. The present invention is particularly suited for detecting the presence of water on a moving sheet of metal during a manufacturing process.

Abstract: An apparatus for recognizing road conditions, for use especially in a motor vehicle, includes an infrared transmitter-receiver system. Devices are provided which make it possible to separate signal fractions into different infrared wavelength ranges. This allows for the reliable evaluation of the conditions of the road section being monitored, using a simple and economical device. The infrared devices may be combined with a microwave device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for non-invasively quantifying the hydration of the stratum corneum of a living subject utilizes in vivo spectral measurements made by irradiating skin tissue with near infrared (NIR) light. The apparatus includes a spectroscopic instrument in conjunction with a subject interface. The resulting NIR absorption spectra are passed to an analyzer for further processing, which includes detecting and eliminating invalid spectral measurements, and preprocessing to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. Finally, a calibration model developed from an exemplary set of measurements is applied to predict the SC hydration for the sample. The method of SC hydration measurement provides additional information about primary sources of systematic tissue variability, namely, the water content of the epidermal layer of skin and the penetration depth of the incident light.

Abstract: Described are a process and an apparatus for the remote measurement of uranium or plutonium in radioactive materials. in which the sample of the material to be analyzed is to be handled as little as possible. To attain that object it is proposed that the laser beam of a laser is focussed by means of a focussing unit onto the sample to be analyzed, so that a light-emitting plasma is generated, an image of the emission spectrum of the plasma is formed in a spectrograph by means of an imaging unit, and finally it is analyzed by means of an analyzing unit.

Abstract: A system for characterizing a set of properties for a moving substance are disclosed. The system includes: a first near-infrared linear array; a second near-infrared linear array; a first filter transparent to a first absorption wavelength emitted by the moving substance and juxtaposed between the substance and the first array; a second filter blocking the first absorption wavelength emitted by the moving substance and juxtaposed between the substance and the second array; and a computational device for characterizing data from the arrays into information on a property of the substance. The method includes the steps of: filtering out a first absorption wavelength emitted by a substance; monitoring the first absorption wavelength with a first near-infrared linear array; blocking the first wavelength from reaching a second near-infrared linear array; and characterizing data from the arrays into information on a property of the substance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for on line detection and measurement of cold emulsion adhesives, including a sensor of a presence of an adhesive on a substrate, the sensor being arranged to sense an amount of absorption of two specific wavelengths of near infrared energy by the adhesive, the two specific wavelengths including a first wavelength within an absorption band for water and a second wavelength outside an absorption band for water. The two sensed amounts are converted into two signals, a difference between the signals being indicative of the moisture content of the adhesive. If the two signals are the same, then the moisture content approximates zero. Otherwise, the difference is proportional to the moisture content.

Abstract: An infrared gauge for, and a method of, measuring a parameter of a sample, e.g.

Abstract: Described are a process and an apparatus for the remote measurement of uranium or plutonium in radioactive materials, in which the sample of the material to be analyzed is to be handled as little as possible. To attain that object it is proposed that the laser beam of a laser is focussed by means of a focussing unit onto the sample to be analyzed, so that a light-emitting plasma is generated, an image of the emission spectrum of the plasma is formed in a spectrograph by means of an imaging unit, and finally it is analyzed by means of an analyzing unit.

Abstract: A method whereby the average paper fiber area density (weight per unit area) can be directly calculated from the intensity of transmitted, scattered light at two different wavelengths, one being a non-absorpted wavelength. Also, the method makes it possible to derive the water percentage per fiber area density from a two-wavelength measurement. In the optical measuring technique optical transmitted intensity, for example, at 2.1 microns cellulose absorption line is measured and compared with another scattered, optical transmitted intensity reference in the nearby spectrum region, such as 1.68 microns, where there is no absorption. From the ratio of these two intensities, one can calculate the scattering absorption coefficient at 2.1 microns. This absorption coefficient at this wavelength is, then, experimentally correlated to the paper fiber area density. The water percentage per fiber area density can be derived from this two-wavelength measurement approach.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for classifying batches of wood chips or the like according to light reflection characteristics; provide optimal use of darker wood chips in pulp and paper processes. According to a preferred embodiment, light produced by a set of illumination sources is evenly directed onto superficial wood chips of an inspected batch portion transported on a conveyor while being inspected by a camera disposed over the conveyor. The superficial wood chips presenting light reflection characteristics being substantially representative of the wood chips of the inspected batch, reflected light is sensed by the camera to produce electrical signals representing rejection intensity values for the wood chips of the batch portion.