Abstract: An electro-optical meter for indicating consistency of a liquid slurry, employs a light source and a detector of backscattered radiation. The light is caused to scan the slurry while holding the light intensity and the peak-to-peak value of the detected signal constant. The distribution of backscattered light is measured and the minimum to maximum intensity of backscattered light is controlled.

Abstract: A partial injection apparatus is adapted to partially inject a required amount of a sample and to control an amount of a diluent to be added therein by partially injecting while detecting concentration of a test fluid which contains the required amount of the sample and the diluent added in the sample so that a desired concentration of the test fluid can be obtained.

Abstract: A photometric analyzer and method are disclosed for analyzing particle containing samples. More particularly, a nephelometric apparatus and method are disclosed for analyzing baceteria samples. In the disclosed embodiment, the bacteria count of a bacteria sample is determined by photometrically comparing the sample to another sample having a known particle or bacteria concentration. Thus, in accordance with the invention, samples having a known bacteria count may be quickly and easily obtained from a "go" "no-go" test. The bacteria samples obtained according to the invention may be used as standardized bacteria concentrations for conducting Kirby-Bauer dilution tests.

Abstract: In a flow metering apparatus, a bubble detector for detecting bubble formation in tubing includes a light source and first and second light detectors. The first light detector is positioned on the opposite side of the tubing from the light source such that the light transmitted through the tubing to the detector is dependent on the focusing effect of fluid in the lumen of the tubing. A control circuit responsive to the output of the detector interrupts operation of the metering apparatus when the light transmitted through the tubing falls below a predetermined minimum level. The second light detector is positioned at an angle to the light path between the light source and the first detector so as to receive increased light from the light source in the absence of the focusing effect of fluid in the tubing.

Abstract: Analysis apparatus with flexible multi-analysis capability, suitable for example for biochemical constituent analysis, has a single channel of reaction vessels arranged to receive reagents from any of a battery of reagent reservoirs and has photometer elements from measuring the reaction in each reaction vessel on a repetitive sequential basis. Control elements select the sample liquid delivered to each reaction vessel, select the reagents added thereto, and select the data processing for the photometer or other measurement information secured for reactants in that reaction vessel. The photometer elements apply and detect optical energy along selected directions to provide any of several photometric measurements, including for example of colorimetry, fluorometry, or nephelometry.

Abstract: A powdered developer (26) comprising carrier and toner particles is caused to flow by gravity downwardly through a passageway (71). A transparent electrode (62) is disposed in the passageway (71). A light source (64) and photosensor (66) are arranged on opposite sides of the electrode (62) for sensing an amount of attracted toner. The electrode (62) is first de-energized and cleaned by aprtially restricting the passageway (71) below the electrode (62) and allowing developer (26) to accumulate in the passageway (71) from the restriction upwardly past the electrode (62) while a restricted amount of developer (26) flows downwardly through the restriction. Then, the restriction is removed and the passageway (71) blocked above the electrode (62), allowing the accumulated developer (26) to flow downwardly past the electrode (62). Then, the passageway (71) is completely unblocked and the electrode (62) energized with an electric potential causing toner to be attracted thereto.

Abstract: An electric signal representative of the rate of insolation is integrated to determine if it is adequate for operation of a solar energy collection system.

Abstract: Apparatus for the detection and analysis of particulate material carried in a fluid stream comprising a sampling device through which the fluid stream may be passed, said sampling device incorporating means for arresting and carrying an accumulation of particles restrained from flow in the fluid stream, means for directing ultra-violet radiation onto the sampling device at a location where the accumulation of particles results, and means whereby optical radiation analysis may be performed of the radiation emitted by the accumulation of particles consequent upon their excitation by the ultra-violet radiation means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring sperm motility are described in which a suspension of the sperm cells is placed in a transparent container, and a predetermined field of the specimen is continuously examined by photoelectric means for detecting variations in optical density caused by the collective wave-like motion of batches of the sperm cells through the examined field. An amplitude-modulated analog electrical signal is generated by the photoelectric means in response to the variations in optical density, and the peaks and valleys of this signal are counted over a predetermined time period to provide an index of sperm motility. This technique may be, and preferably is, performed on undiluted sperm suspensions as taken from the sperm-producing organism. In addition, it may be performed quickly, is non-destructive, and provides an objective index of motility which has been found to closely correlate with actual results.

Abstract: To characterize and differentiate large organic cells rapidly, individual particles are illuminated with monochromatic radiation of a wave length comparable to the size of the cell, producing a differential light scattering pattern about the illuminated cell. The pattern is sensed, preferably in the disclosed apparatus, by an array of detectors, and the sensed pattern employed as an identification and characterization of the cell. The pattern may be analyzed, or selected portions of the pattern employed, to differentiate cells embodying different features. The apparatus and process is especially useful for rapid identification and differentiation of leucocytes and other types of mammalian cells, the radiation for such analyses preferably being infrared radiation. A preferred structure for individually illuminating such cells with radiation and for sensing their differential light scattering pattern is disclosed.

Abstract: A detection signal processing circuit for photoelectric smoke detectors reliably stable with respect to external noise is provided. Light receiving section of the detector for receiving light emitted intermittently from light emitting section and scattered by smoke particles comprises a light receiving element, a condenser charged depending on intermittent scattered light intensity received by the element and of a value over a predetermined level, and an output circuit providing an output to a following operation means only when charge amount of the condenser has reached a predetermined value. Optimumly, the predetermined value of the condenser charge is achieved when at least two or more of the intermittent scattered light are received continuously.

Abstract: The level of a metallic bath, e.g. of an iron melt in an ingot mold, is determined by recurrent electro-optical scanning of the interior of the vessel along a narrow vertical strip zone. The output signals of the scanner are processed in an arithmetic unit which averages successive readings, to compensate for fluctuations, and may also receive a corrective signal in order to offset periodic level changes due to an intentional rocking of the vessel. The arithmetic unit may work into a visual indicator and into a controller adjusting the rate of inflow and/or withdrawal to maintain the bath level substantially constant.

Abstract: A smoke transducer having an integral photo-electric optical system and h isolated circuitry. A calibration wedge is designed to permit field calibration and to structurally interfit within the sampling chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for indicating the concentration of a particular constituent in a fluid including a sensing device for sensing the concentration of a particular constituent in a fluid and for providing a response; and an electronic device including a differentiating circuit for differentiating an electrical input signal which is proportional to the sensing response for providing a substantially constant output signal which is a measure of the sensing response differentiated with respect to time, which output signal is an indication of the concentration of the constituent in the fluid. The sensing device is operated during a sampling period in which the reaction of such constituent to the sensing device is linear.

Abstract: A pulsed or strobed smoke detector operable periodically in a pulsed mode. A strobe generator having minimum power consumption limits the time of power consumption by other elements of the detector to a fraction of continuously operating time. A storage circuit is also included to limit transient or start-up consumption of power.

Abstract: An inspection system for detecting the presence of an aqueous base solution in the bottom of a container including means disposed relative to the container for directing energy including at least energy in the infrared region through the bottom of the container and along the central axis of the container, and means disposed relative to the container for detecting the energy of particular infrared wavelengths passing from the bottom of the container and for producing signals in accordance with such detection and with the presence of an aqueous base solution providing for the absorption of the energy at the particular infrared wavelengths and with the absence of an aqueous base solution allowing for the passage of the energy at the particular infrared wavelengths.

Abstract: The percentage of suspended substances in a flowing medium is indicated by illuminating said medium with light perpendicularly to the direction of flow. The light intensity is held mainly constant at a predetermined value. Detection is made by a first light detector of light radiated from the medium in a predetermined direction and the electrical signal obtained is led to a device squaring the effective value of the portion of said signal lying within a predetermined frequency range. The percentage of the suspended substance is obtained from said square of the effective value.

Abstract: The method consists in generating an electrical signal B which is representative of the time-dependent variations in transparency, in generating a pulse at the initial instant of measurement, in carrying out an initial measurement of the slope of the curve at the beginning of the portion which has a steep slope, in comparing at predetermined instants the measured value of the initial slope with the slope of the curve which is representative of the signal B at these instants, in generating a second pulse when the measured slope becomes significantly different from the initial slope, and in measuring the time interval which elapses between the first and second pulses.

Abstract: The invention concerns a circuit for the determination of the concentration of any component of a liquid containing three different components having different optical properties, for the determination of the concentration sum of all components and of one other component, for the determination of the product and of the quotient which is formed by the third component, and for the calculation of the blood volume per minute of the heart. One or more light sources, a light sensing element, an optical filter and a lens are disposed in the circuit, and also power supply circuits and control circuits. To these are added a signal converting unit or a sensing system operating on three wavelengths other than the isobestic points or on a range containing these points, containing optical measurement channels, and measuring on the transmission or reflection principle.The signals delivered by the three-channel sensor or by the signal converter, as the case may be, are processed by logarithmatic circuits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spectroscopic gas analysis are provided. Two coherent beams of monochromatic radiation are directed through gaseous material. A tuning mechanism adjusts the frequency difference between the radiation beams to equal substantially the rotational frequency of a preselected constituent of the gaseous material. Radiation scattered by the gaseous material is received by a filtering mechanism adapted to transmit selectively an anti-Stokes signal generated coherently during scattering. The signal is received by a detecting mechanism which indicates the intensity thereof.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for the measurement of organic matter in liquid samples. Modulated light is passed through the sample, and the ultraviolet and visible components of the light passing through the sample separated and caused to fall on individual photodetectors. After amplification and demodulation the outputs of the photodetectors are logarithmically amplified and subtracted to obtain the ratio between the two signals.

Abstract: This invention has particular utility in the field of absorption spectrophotometry or colorimetry, and is particularly applicable, when incorporated in such type of equipment, as a sample detector to enable direct readings to be taken in concentration or absorbance of sample fluids or the like.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for real time particulate monitoring in a fluid utilizing a laser directed at the suspended particle-containing fluid, two-dimensional multiple sensor radiation detector means receiving back-scattered radiation from the particles generating electrical pulse signals representative of individual particle size and number, and means determining particle size distribution as a function of signal pulse height.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and a method for determining the concentration of a first reactant in a medium. A disc is saturated with a solution containing the first reactant and immersed into a second reactant fluid. A chemical reaction occurs between the first and second reactants to produce a gas which is trapped by the disc. The disc is buoyed to the surface of the second reactant fluid by the gas produced. The process is electronically timed using photocells to start and stop an electronic clock and a digital display displays the time elapsed in tenths of seconds.

Abstract: A smoke detector of the type utilizing a photo-responsive device to detect light reflected from smoke particles illuminated by a light source and actuate an alarm, in which a second photo-responsive device is utilized to control the intensity of the light source so that it is continuously exposed to a light intensity from the light source such that its thermal co-efficient of resistance is maintained at a value substantially equal to that of the first photo-resistive device when said first photo-resistive device is exposed to the amount of light that causes an alarm. In one embodiment of the invention identical photo-cells are connected into circuitry which includes two level detectors with the same transfer curve and voltage gain, and means causing the two photo-responsive devices to have the desired resistance at the alarm point. Changes in ambient temperature and line voltage are therefore prevented from affecting the alarm point.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved system for regulating the gain of a photomultiplier tube, and was designed for use with the photomultiplier tubes of a GeMSAEC fast analyzers. It has the following advantages over the prior system: noise is virtually eliminated; sample analysis can begin after 3 to 4 revolutions of the rotor; fluorescent and light scattering solutions can be used as a reference; and the reference solution can be in any cuvette on the rotor.

Abstract: A compact fast analyzer of the rotary cuvette type is provided for simultaneously determining concentrations in a multiplicity of discrete samples using either absorbance or fluorescence measurement techniques. A rigid, generally rectangular frame defines optical passageways for the absorbance and fluorescence measurement systems. The frame also serves as a mounting structure for various optical components as well as for the cuvette rotor mount and drive system. A single light source and photodetector are used in making both absorbance and fluorescence measurements. Rotor removal and insertion are facilitated by a swing-out drive motor and rotor mount.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe invention relates generally to concentration measuring instruments and more specifically to a compact fast analyzer of the rotary cuvette type which is suitable for making either absorbance or fluorescence measurements. It was made in the course of, or under, a contract with the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission.

Abstract: A colorimetric analyzer automatically and continuously measures the transmission of light through a sample which has been mixed with reagents. Precise volumes of the sample are repeatedly measured by a siphon tube. Volumes of the reagent are added to the sample at different times in a measuring cycle. The reagent is added at different places in the analyzer so that it is possible for two different time-consuming reactions to proceed simultaneously. The mixed reagent and sample is supplied to a measuring cell which includes a source of light and a photocell. The distance between the source of light and the photocell are adjustable to accommodate analyses of mixtures with widely varying light transmission while providing a full scale output indication. The output of a photocell is applied to a sample and hold circuit during time intervals when the reactions of the reagents with the sample have been completed.

Abstract: A photometric liquid analyzer for use in clinical or chemical laboratory analysis comprises a lower housing containing a photometric unit. A liquid sample to be analyzed is introduced into a container of the photometric unit and light is then passed through the container and sample and the degree of light absorption is measured using a photomultiplier and associated electronic circuitry. An upper housing of the analyzer is inclined forwardly and upwardly with respect to the lower housing and contains a print-out unit for printing out the photometric analysis results.

Abstract: A method and portable apparatus for measuring particulate concentration in the atmosphere utilizing uniform laser pulses to traverse the atmosphere to be measured and a photo-electronic receiver which discriminates against stray light and detects the attenuation of the laser pulses. This attenuation is caused by particulates in the atmosphere which tend to scatter or absorb light. By using monochromatic laser pulses having wavelengths lying in transparent atmospheric windows, error is not introduced by the attenuation of the beam due to gases occurring naturally in the atmosphere including water vapor. Thus concentration of particulates such as smoke, fog, smog, dust and the like are measurable.

Abstract: A smoke detector device for detecting the density of smoke in a smoke passage, comprised of a light source, a photocell, a means for focusing a beam of light emitted from the light source across the smoke passage onto the photocell, and a circuit means coupled to the photocell and arranged to produce a signal when the smoke density in the smoke passage is above a specific smoke density level. The means for focusing the beam of light is comprised of a first lens and a second lens; the first lens is in optical communication with the light emitted from the light source and is constructed and positioned so as to focus the light across the smoke passage onto the second lens; the second lens is constructed and positioned so as to focus the light coming from the first lens onto the photocell. The smoke detector device may further have a first and second lens which are removable and a means for testing the signal.