Abstract: A food processing device or food storage device (70), having: a chamber (72) for housing a foodstuff (42) to be processed or stored; and a nutrition/ingredient analysis system (30), having: an electromagnetic radiation source (32); a radiation guide (34) for guiding the electromagnetic radiation based on total internal reflection (attenuated total reflection, ATR), wherein the radiation guide comprises an input (36) coupled to the electromagnetic radiation source (32), an output (38), and a sensing surface (40) between the input and output for placing against a foodstuff to be analyzed, wherein the sensing surface (40) is for contact with the foodstuff (42); a detector (44) for detecting guided electromagnetic radiation at the output of the radiation guide; and a filter arrangement (46) for wavelength filtering the guided electromagnetic radiation reaching the detector, wherein the filter arrangement includes a plurality of optical bandpass filters (46a, 46b), and the plurality of filters are selectively mova

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting surface characteristics on food objects conveyed by a conveyor has a first imaging device for capturing two-dimensional image data (2D) and a second imaging device for capturing three-dimensional image data (3D) of a food object. A image processing unit is configured to utilize either the 2D or 3D image data in determining whether a potential defect is present on the surface of the food object. The image processing unit determines a surface position of a potential defect, and utilizes the 2D or 3D image data in determining whether an actual defect is present on the surface of the food object at the indicated surface position. The apparatus has an output unit for outputting defect related data in case both of the 2D and the 3D image data indicate that an actual defect is present on the surface of the food object at the indicated surface position.

Abstract: Method and system for optically assessing properties of a body on at least one sectional surface of at least one cut introduced in the body in question. The sectional surface is thereby optically recorded directly during the cutting operation by an image acquisition unit, namely, by means of optical sensors of a blade of a cutting tool that is designed for this purpose. The data resulting from a digitization of the sensor signals that have been converted into electrical signals are then processed in an image processing device to visualize the at least one sectional surface on at least one display or/and to create reports in regard to the characteristics of the body or/and in order to classify the body in accordance with a classification system, or/and to derive control signals for a subsequent further processing of the body or of parts produced by the execution of the at least one cut.

Abstract: The present embodiment provides a food inspection assisting system, a food inspection assisting apparatus and a computer program for accurately and rapidly inspecting food. According to one embodiment, a food inspection assisting system includes a carrying apparatus, a sensing apparatus, an assisting information generator, an information output apparatus and a controller. The carrying apparatus carries a food item. The sensing apparatus senses the food item carried. The assisting information generator generates inspection assisting information for the food item based on output information of the sensing apparatus. The information output apparatus that displays the inspection assisting information. The controller controls timing to display the inspection assisting information based on time required to carry the food item to an inspection area in which the carried food item is inspected.

Abstract: A method for determining origins of food products, and more specifically for determining geographic and/or biological origin of food products containing alcohols or sugars includes preparing an alcohol sample from a product in question, removing exchangeable hydrogen/deuterium atoms from alcohol molecules of the sample, determining the isotopic composition of non-exchangeable hydrogen/deuterium atoms from sample alcohol, and analyzing results for adulteration or determination of product origin. In addition, alcohol ?13C and ?18O isotopic values, along with ?18O isotopic value of the product water are used for the analysis. Products containing sugar are also subjected to tightly controlled fermentation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the fragmentation of large molecules, especially biopolymers. The invention consists in reacting analyte ions with excited or radical neutral particles, whereby, at least in the case of bombardment of analyte ions with helium atoms from an FAB generator, a new type of fragmentation occurs which strongly resembles fragmentation by electron capture (ECD). The reactions may be performed in magnetic ion traps (ion cyclotron resonance cells, ICR), in RF ion traps according to Wolfgang Paul, in RF ion guides, or in free beams of analyte ions or neutral particles.

Abstract: A method for classifying beverages of natural origin, such as wine or coffee. Classification is carried out by means of NIR spectroscopy and corresponding numerical-mathematical conditioning of the spectral data of the individual beverage samples, wherein respective obtained spectra are then correlated with a predetermined beverage, class. By means of the method of the invention it is possible to classify wines by sort of wine, growing regions, grape, vine, vintage, kind of material or wood of the wine cask used, and varying degree of maturity of the wine, and by other chemical parameters. Coffee, for example, may be classified by coffee sort, country of origin, coffee growing region, roasting method and defined chemical parameters, e.g., caffeine content, or chlorogenic acid content.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of sorting plant products based on damage to the plant products is disclosed. A beam emitter emits an illumination light toward the outer surface of a plant product. A beam detector detects substantially a single wavelength of a reflected light produced by the plant product responsive to the illumination light. A control unit determines at least one of a presence, an amount, and a severity of damage responsive to the reflected light. The control unit assigns a damage category to the plant product responsive to the determination of damage.

Abstract: An internal qualities inspection system having a receiving tray for placing an inspecting object thereon with a receiving seat and a transmission light passage formed in the receiving tray is arranged to detect light transmitted through the object from below the receiving tray. The inspection system is capable of efficiently detecting the transmission light from inside of each of inspecting objects of varied shapes and varied kinds by adjusting the quantity of light projected on the object according to its size and kind. The system includes in combination a light receiving part and a calibration arrangement which are not affected by any disturbance light to ensure a highly reliable measuring accuracy.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring fruit properties, in order to classify fruit according to internal qualities, measures the sweetness of a fruit sample using near-infrared spectroscopy. The apparatus includes a pair of waveguides (12), a pair of optic emitter/sensor assemblies (14), a light-interrupting unit (20), and a light detector (40). The light detector calculates the intensity of light, transmitted from a light source and received by the optical emitter/sensor assemblies, thus allowing spectral analysis and interpretation for the determination of sweetness and acidity of a variety of fruits. The light detector controls the light-interrupting unit to interrupt the optical path when the light intensity is reduced. The apparatus is suitable for use in an automated line, for effective and reliable measurement of internal fruit properties, to improve operational efficiency and precision in fruit selection.

Abstract: This disclosure is of 1) the utilization of the spectrum from 250 nm to 1150 nm for measurement of prediction of one or more parameters, e.g., brix, firmness, acidity, density, pH, color and external and internal defects and disorders including, for example, surface and subsurface braises, scarring, sun scald, punctures, in N—H, C—H and O—H samples including fruit; 2) an apparatus and method of detecting emitted light from samples exposed to the above spectrum in at least one spectrum range and, in the preferred embodiment, in at least two spectrum ranges of 250 to 499 nm and 500 nm; 3) the use of the chlorophyl band, peaking at 690 nm, in combination with the spectrum from 700 nm and above to predict one or more of the above parameters; 4) the use of the visible pigment region, including xanthophyll, from approximately 250 nm to 499 nm and anthocyanin from approximately 500 to 550 nm, in combination with the chlorophyl band and the spectrum from 700 nm and above to predict the all of the above parameters.

Abstract: An object of inside-quality inspection being conveyed on a conveyer is irradiated sideways with beams of light from projection lamps concentratedly. A photodetecting device detects light transmitted through the object irrespective of the size and thickness of the skin of the object without being influenced by extraneous light. A white-level calibrating device is provided to the photodetecting means. The projection lamps project and concentrate their beams of light onto one side of the object in an inspection position at different angles from different positions diagonally distributed from the oblique front to the oblique back. Fractions of light transmitted through the object and emerging from the other side of the object are condensed by a condenser lens A shutter for opening/closing the optical path is provided between a light receiving window of the condenser lens and a light-inputting face of an optical fiber for directing light to a spectrometer.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for determining the quality of meat, in particular beef, on the transformation site, comprising the following steps: a) collecting, on the transformation site, data on parameters pertaining to the group consisting of the animal's race, age, and category, and biological and/or physico-chemical parameters of the animal's carcass pertaining to the group consisting of weight, conformation, fleshing, the carcass pH and color, and the thickness of the hide; b) obtaining at least an optical spectrum of the meat at wavelengths pertaining to a spectral range from the visible to near-infrared; c) combining data obtained from steps a) and b), to determine the meat tenderness according to a predetermined law established with respect to a predetermined tenderness reference scale.

Abstract: This disclosure is of 1) the utilization of the spectrum from 250 nm to 1150 nm for measurement or prediction of one or more parameters, e.g.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided which incorporates two separate imaging devices, one near-infrared and one mid-infrared imaging device which simultaneously capture images of the passing objects. The background information is removed and images of the objects remain. A spherical optical transform and a defect preservation transform preserve any defect levels on objects and compensate for the non-lambertian gradient reflectance on spherical objects at their curvatures and dimensions. The processed images provided by the mid-infrared camera are subtracted from the images provided by the near-infrared camera to produce an image of just defects which are analyzed to produce the separation or sorting control signals based on defect rejection decisions and user parameters to signal appropriate mechanical actions (driver commands) to separate objects with defects from those that do not contain defects, or to sort or categorize objects based on the amount, type, size, or character of the defects.

Abstract: A system and method of operation performing automated optical inspection to remove peel-bearing defective potato pieces from a random mixture of peel-bearing defective and acceptable potato pieces use near infrared light as a source of illumination. The system implements a method of illuminating the mixture with near infrared light, detecting light reflected by the potato pieces under inspection, identifying defective potato piece surface regions based on the detected reflections, and removing the defective items from the mixture. The system and method the system implements permit the inspection of peel-bearing potato pieces for the presence of peel covered and exposed defects.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for assessing meat quality, comprises: a hand-held instrument comprising a main body having at one end a hollow meat probe for penetrating meat, an optic fibre extending through the main body and terminating at a window at the distal end of the probe. The main body has a probe position sensing device for sensing position as the probe enters and exits the meat. A carrier pack is adapted for mounting on an operator. The pack comprises a fluorimetry unit having a source of ultraviolet radiation, a power source and a microcontroller/processing unit. A user interactive communications device is on the main body and a cable interconnects the main body and the carrier pack. The cable transmits electronic data between the interactive communication device and the microcontroller/processor unit and ultraviolet radiation output and fluorescent light input between the probe window and the fluorimetry unit.

Abstract: A reflection measuring device for determining quality properties of items comprises a measuring head with a housing which is optically open in one side. The housing is designed to be placed on the item requiring measurement of the reflection factor, with the open side turned towards the surface of the item. The device has one or more light emitters arranged to illuminate the surface of the item adjacent to the open side of the housing, and a plurality of optical fibres, one end of which leads to the interior of the housing to receive light reflected from the surface of the item and to conduct it to a detection system. The system comprises filter elements each positioned adjacent to the other end of one or more of the optical fibres, each permitting passage of near infrared light in a predetermined wavelength range. Photodetectors each positioned by a filter element are arranged so as to measure the strength of the light passing through the filter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for material analysis are disclosed in which an organic sample (e.g., a foodstuff, tissue sample or petroleum product) is illuminated at a plurality of discrete wavelengths which are absorbed by fatty acid and fatty acid oxidation products in the sample. Measurements of the intensity of reflected or absorbed light at such wavelengths are taken, and a analysis of absorbance ratios for various wavelengths is performed. Changes in the reflection ratios are correlated with the oxidative state of fatty acids present in the material.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for detecting the presence of fecal or ingesta matter contaminants on a poultry or meat item. The poultry or meat is conveyed in front of a UV light transmitter/receiver where UV light is directed onto the poultry or meat item and subsequently light is gathered from the poultry or meat. The gathered light is then compared to a threshold, above which indicates contaminants. If contaminants are present, the controller can generate a signal and/or send the contaminated items to a wash station.

Abstract: A system and method of operation performing automated optical inspection to remove peel-bearing defective potato pieces from a random mixture of peel-bearing defective and acceptable potato pieces use near infrared light as a source of illumination. The system implements a method of illuminating the mixture with near infrared light, detecting light reflected by the potato pieces under inspection, identifying defective potato piece surface regions based on the detected reflections, and removing the defective items from the mixture. The system and method the system implements permit the inspection of peel bearing potato pieces for the presence of peel covered defects.

Abstract: Fecal and/or urinary contamination in meat and poultry can be detected by internalizing into a suitable livestock system a material containing a marker substance, and detecting for the presence or absence of the marker substance on meat values. Typically, the detection is carried out upon slaughter of the livestock and preparation of its meat values for consumption. As an illustration, a flour substance may be included in livestock feed, and, in turn, its presence or absence detected on the meat values under appropriate light conditions as an indicator of fecal contamination. For example, the flour substance may be flourescein, the presence or absence of which may be detected on the processed meat or poultry by ultraviolet light. A detection kiosk may be employed to assist in the detection.

Abstract: A spectroscopic system for measuring content of a constituent in a sample of a natural product is provided. The spectroscopic system includes a source for electromagnetic (EM) radiation and an absorbance filter for filtering EM radiation received from the source, where the absorbance filter transmits EM radiation of predetermined wavelengths solely by the absorbance characteristics of the filter material.

Abstract: A method of determining one or both of the colour and bitterness of beer by illuminating the beer with light of a pre-determined wavelength, typically 400.+-.30 nm, to cause iso-.alpha.-acids in the beer to fluoresce. The fluorescence is detected over a range of wavelengths, typically 420 to 673 nm, using a fluorescence spectrophotometer. One or both of the colour and bitterness of the beer is determined by comparing an output signal from the fluorescence spectrophotometer to output signals stored for beers of known colour and bitterness.

Abstract: Systems and methods for material analysis are disclosed in which an organic sample (e.g., a foodstuff, tissue sample or petroleum product) is illuminated at a plurality of discrete wavelengths which are absorbed by fatty acid and fatty acid oxidation products in the sample. Measurements of the intensity of reflected or absorbed light at such wavelengths are taken, and a analysis of absorbance ratios for various wavelengths is performed. Changes in the reflection ratios are correlated with the oxidative state of fatty acids present in the material.

Abstract: A non-destructive sugar content measuring apparatus for determining the sugar content of a vegetable or fruit by measuring absorption of light in sugar when near infrared light is made incident on the vegetable or fruit; comprising at least one light source that emits light rays having three kinds of wavelengths within a wavelength range of from 860 nm to 960 nm, and a detector that detects the absorption of light.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for detecting the presence of fecal or ingesta matter contaminants on a poultry or meat item. The poultry or meat is conveyed in front of a UV light transmitter/receiver where UV light is directed onto the poultry or meat item and subsequently light is gathered from the poultry or meat. The gathered light is then compared to a threshold, above which indicates contaminants. If contaminants are present, the controller can generate a signal and/or send the contaminated items to a wash station.

Abstract: A system for on line analysis of material samples in accordance with the invention includes a grinding mill for comminuting sample material to output comminuted sample material; an analyzer unit for performing the on line analysis of the outputted comminuted sample material and having a housing holding an optical system having a front glass with the optical system performing the on line analysis of the outputted comminuted sample material, and a receiving chamber for receiving the outputted comminuted sample material from the grinding mill; and a mechanism for moving the housing relative to the receiving chamber between a first position at which the front glass closes a wall opening into the receiving chamber and a second position at which the front glass is cleaned by a cleaning mechanism.

Abstract: A flow cell for use in optical measuring systems particularly suited for use with liquid food products is provided. The flow cell is manufactured from a single unitary piece of synthetic resin which is transparent to light in the near infrared range. Because the flow cell is constructed from a single piece, the interior surface is continuous and the presence of undesirable cracks or crevices is avoided.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the spectrophotometric assay of aqueous liquids are provided with a pump for aspirating liquids, a filter with two outlets for filling a cell in which the interferometric measurements are made at a temperature between 35 and 50.degree. C. at a maximum fluctuation of 0.2.degree. C., and with a maximum relative humidity of 0.2%. Absorption curves A(f) are determined with respect to a matrix and the concentrations of components to be assayed are calculated by the use of standard equations.

Abstract: A particulate foodstuff in a production line is compacted and caused to travel past a measuring device in a continuous stream. As the stream moves by the measuring device, the latter exposes successive portions of the stream to near infrared light having a spectrum of wavelengths. Each portion is exposed for less than 100 milliseconds. The stream reflects light and at least part of the reflected light is detected by sensors which generate signals. The signals are statistically averaged to yield, in conjunction with calibration values, average concentrations for the constituents of the foodstuff.

Abstract: An illumination system (12) for an optical inspection and sorting apparatus (10) includes a rare gas discharge lamp (36) for emitting select wavelengths of radiation. Rare gas discharge lamp (36) includes a light transmissive outer envelope (58) and contains one or more rare gases, and in particular neon, argon, or xenon. A hemi-elliptical reflector (48) having reflecting surface (38) directs the select wavelengths of radiation toward target specimens (16) in optical scanning area (24) in illumination area (20).

Abstract: A new NIR measuring process and apparatus which can measure both floury commodities and whole kernels, and other constituents of pourable foodstuff products in-line. A large number of individual measurements are made with a measuring time per individual measurement of less than 100, preferably 50, milliseconds and these are statistically averaged by a computer. A rotating filter principle as well as the diode array principle can be used. For grain products, the protein, water and ash content can be determined with a high degree of accuracy. The measured values are directly usable, for the control and regulation of corresponding foodstuff parameters.