Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for generating a comparison signal representing the deviation between two analog video signals representing light received from particular inspection points on an object being inspected. The comparison signal is generated with a magnitude representing the ratio between the values of the two video signals. The ratio is calculated with the one of the two video signals having the larger magnitude as the denominator. In order to calculate the ratio, the present invention first converts the two analog video signals to digital form and then determines the log of each of digitized video signal. Next, the negative difference between the two log signals is determined. The negative difference is then exponentiated to determine the ratio.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for adjusting a polarizing or interference type video microscope system so as to achieve significant improvement in resolution, contrast, speed of recording, image fidelity and visibility of fine detail, the video microscope system including (1) a polarizing or interference type microscope having an iris diaphragm and a compensator and (2) a video camera having an adjustable gain control circuit and an adjustable DC restoration circuit. The method involves lowering the gain and the clamp level of the DC restoration circuit in the video camera to a minimum, then adjusting the microscope for optimum optical imaging conditions, these conditions including partly closing the iris diaphragm and setting the compensator for .+-. approximately the same bias retardation as the specimin (i.e. .lambda./100-.lambda./50), then opening the diaphragm to the maximal working aperture of the microscope objective and setting the compensator at a bias retardation of around .lambda./9 to .lambda.

Abstract: A method of determining splice loss 10 log (1-P.sub.R /P.sub.O) that is practiced at the location of a splice between one ends of input and output fibers. A reference level P.sub.O of light that is transmitted out of the one end of the input fiber is obtained by inserting it into an integrating cylinder of split block construction, prior to making the splice, and coupling diffuse light in the cylinder to a radiometer. After the ends of the fibers are spliced together, the splice and a significant portion of the adjacent length of output fiber exhibiting substantial leaky mode radiation that is caused by the splice, is located in the cylinder. With light of the reference level in the input fiber being incident on the splice, the radiometer provides an indication P.sub.R of light lost as a result of the splice. The indication P.sub.

Abstract: Documents are fed from an infeed through a stripper one at a time. Documents leaving the stripper are accelerated to provide a suitable gap between documents. A light source and phototransistor are used to count the documents. The phototransistor picks up the light passing through the documents as well as light between documents. Plural counters count in a mutually exclusive fashion, said counts representing document length and gap length between documents to count the documents to distinguish between "normal" gap lengths and perforations, tears and the like within documents, to detect the presence of overlapping or abnormally "long" documents to provide an accurate count and to terminate document feeding. The counters mutually exclusively develop counts during the presence and absence of sheets, respectively.

Abstract: Apparatus for field measurement of the insertion loss of a splice between one ends of first and second optical fibers comprises an integrating sphere that is split along its axis and which has a fiber input port, a pair of spaced-apart padded holes on the axis for receiving associated fibers so as to center the splice inside the sphere, and an output port receiving one end of a fiber bundle which couples diffuse light in the sphere to a radiometer. A baffle plate in the sphere prevents light rays from the splice being incident on the output port. The splice loss is determined by inserting the one end of the first fiber into the input port, with the other end illuminated by light from a source, and reading a reference level of light coupled to the radiometer. The two fibers are then spliced together and the splice located inside the sphere.

Abstract: A photometric system for determining the absorbance ratio, in a sample, of two different wavelength lights. First and second lights, each having a different wavelength, are passed through the sample in alternation with each other. The radiation intensity from each light that has passed through the sample is detected. A comparator, up/down counter and digital to analog converter are coupled so that a scaling factor is derived which, when multiplied with an analog signal proportional to the intensity of the first light after it has passed through the sample, is equal to an analog signal proportional to the intensity of the second light after it has passed through the sample. The output of the counter comprises a digital word corresponding to the ratio of the absorbance ratio of the first light and the second light.

Abstract: A method for the quantification of an antigen, antibody, or antigen-antibody complex in a sample solution involving measuring the results of an immunochemical agglutination reaction or an agglutination inhibition reaction by spectrophotometry, wherein after the initiation of the agglutination between the antigen, antibody, or antigen-antibody complex to be determined and sensitized carrier particles to which a substance specifically bindable to the said antigen, antibody, or antigen-antibody complex is bound, a fixing compound is added to fix aggregates formed by the agglutination. A measuring reagent kit or pack includes all the components for use in carrying out the above method.

Abstract: Spectrum analyzer for the light absorption of a solution comprising a small transparent measuring cell containing the solution; a light source; means for dividing the beam of light of the source into two beams, one being the reference beam and the other the measuring beam transmitted respectively to a reference absorber element and to the measuring cell; means for selecting the measuring wavelength; means for modulating the reference and measuring beams which have respectively traversed the absorber element and the measuring cell; means for detecting the energies of each of the modulating beams after they have traversed the reference absorber element and the sample; the modulation means comprising alternate transparent and bireflecting sectors in front of each of the beams which have passed through the reference absorber and the measuring cell, said sectors being associated with means for selecting the wavelength of the beams in such a way that, as a function of the successive positions of the sectors relativ

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: An automatic analytical apparatus for effecting quantitative analysis of a given substance contained in a sample such as blood, urine or the like and comprising a sample holding and carrying means including a plurality of sample holding positions and operative to carry the sample held by one of the sample holding positions more than one round along a closed loop, a photometric means fitted to a given position of the closed loop and operative to effect at least two photometric operations, a transfer means for transferring one sample to the sample holding position without transferring any other sample to the latter, and a discarding means operative to discard the sample only which has been subjected to the given number of photometric operations.

Abstract: Optical performance characteristics of fiber optical cable components and assemblies are tested for quality in an accurate, consistent, and stable manner by the method and apparatus of this invention. The novel apparatus enables acceptability testing of a supplier's fiber optic component/assembly by comparing its optical transmission level with the level of a similar known acceptance cable or a calibration cable, the latter two cables being incorporated in the invention apparatus. Other optical parameters can be tested by this invention to determine additional line losses, such as insertion losses, optical continuity, signal modulation, etc. Stability in the test method is assured by utilizing a variable, calibrated power source.

Abstract: The characteristics of a sample body fluid are determined in a chemical analyzer by sensing the transmittance of light by the sample fluid and reagents during a reaction period. A beam of light is directed onto a cuvette containing the sample body fluid and reagent. A portion of the light is absorbed by the cuvette, the sample fluid and reagent. The remainder of the light is transmitted to a sensor which provides an analog electrical transmittance signal proportional thereto. The analog signal is logarithmically amplified, and is applied to a peak detector. A structure adjacent the cuvette provides a strobe signal such that the analog signal always has a peak amplitude during the strobe signal. The peak detector senses the peak amplitude of the analog signal during the strobe signal and the peak amplitude is converted to a digital value representing absorbance.

Abstract: An optical loss in a single mode optical device is measured by utilizing multi-mode equipment. The present system comprises of an optical source (1), a sample (30) to be tested, a reference optical attenuator (31) for replacing the optical loss in the sample (30), a first optical switch (40) provided between the optical source (1) and the sample (30) through a single mode optical fiber, a second optical switch (41) provided between the sample (30) and the light receiver (2) through the multi-mode optical fiber, said reference optical attenuator (31) being provided between the first optical switch (40) and the second optical switch (41) so that the optical path is switched either to the sample (30) or to the reference attenuator (31), the optical fiber between the sample (30) and the second optical switch (41) and the optical fiber connected to the input and the output of the reference attenuator (31) being a multi-mode optical fiber.

Abstract: In a bi-frequency infrared spectrometer having a filter wheel rotating in the path of rays, which filter wheel carries two semicircular filters transparent in different spectral ranges, the influence of the radiation from the filters themselves is eliminated in that the filter wheel has an opaque backplate on the side facing the light source, said backplate having one aperture in the area of each filter, which aperture passes through the path of rays. In this way the detector "sees", at first, only the filter with the radiation emanating from the filter itself, and is subsequently exposed to the measuring beam emanating from the light source and passing through the sample cell, when the aperture is being moved through the path of rays. A clamp circuit keeps the output signal zero until shortly before the aperture passes through the measuring beam. The detector signal is integrated by an integrator during a measuring time interval and a reference time interval.

Abstract: Precise quantification of turbidity is obtainable through multiple determinations of the light attenuation coefficient of the particulate-bearing medium at a plurality of path lengths in the attenuating medium, and through multiple determinations of the scattering coefficient of the particulate-bearing medium at a selected angle of incidence and at a plurality of path lengths in the attenuating medium. In the preferred apparatus, these determinations employ a common light source and a common detector. In the present system, there are eliminated such adverse factors as light-source instability, detector instability, variations in particulate deposits on windows, and other problems, through the use of the ratio of the intensity measurements at different locations in the medium.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring light transmission through a continuous sheet having an aperture pattern thereon. A light source is positioned on one side of the sheet and a light sensor is positioned on the opposite side of the sheet. The improvement comprises bypassing a portion of the light from the light source around the sheet to the sensor. The bypassed light is used to update the calibration of the measurements.

Abstract: A two beam alternating light colorimeter is disclosed wherein a light beam passing through a lens system having a shutter is periodically deflected by a pivoting mirror. In a first non-deflecting position of the pivotable mirror a first measuring beam is created which passes through a first measuring cell and is guided to a common photo cell. In a second deflecting position of the mirror a second measuring beam is created which is guided through a second measuring cell to the same photo cell. Signals from the photo cell are connected through a controlled switching element to an analog memory. A computing circuit is provided which connects to an output of the analog memory and also to the photo cell. The switching element connects the first measuring signal to the analog memory when the mirror is in a non-deflecting position and opens when the mirror is in a deflecting position. The computing circuit compares the signals corresponding to the first and second measuring beams.

Abstract: A photometric system is provided for use as a spectrophotometer system; or for use as a calibration system for accurately calibrating optical attenuators, such as neutral glass filters, interference-type filters, comb filters, screen filters, and the like. The photometric system of the invention includes a time-division optical attenuator which causes the precise fraction of a light beam to be passed through the system. The time-division optical attenuator is adjustable, so that when an optical attenuator to be calibrated, or a sample to be tested, is introduced into the optical path of the system, the light incident thereon can be changed precisely by any ratio of integers which returns the light output of the system to nearly its original reference level.

Abstract: Subtle streaklike defects are detected in running webs and sheets by transversely scanning distinct lateral sections of the webs or sheets by means of lines of radiant energy extending parallel with the direction of movement of the webs or sheets. Transmitted or reflected radiation is received on corresponding photocells that move synchronously with the lines of radiant energy. During each scan of each section of the webs or sheets, a large number of comparisons occur between the output signals of each photocell at a given first lateral position and at a second lateral position that is separated from the first one by a distance that is of the order of magnitude of the width and preferably half the width, of a streaklike defect to be identified.

Abstract: The ratio of the intensity of two light beams is determined by an apparatus which includes a chopper wheel for chopping one of the light beams, a photodetector for detecting the intensity of both light beams applied simultaneously thereto, and a logarithmic amplifier for amplifying the current produced by the photodetector. The AC component of the logarithmically amplified current represents the ratio of the intensity of the two light beams.

Abstract: A photometric device comprises a photometric optical system for obtaining light outputs each having a predetermined wavelength by transmitting light from a light source to a sample to be measured through different light paths each having a filter, a detector for converting each light output into an electric signal, a switch for deriving first electric signals for one predetermined wavelength and second electric signals for another predetermined wavelength from the output signals of the detector, and a signal treating circuit for treating the first and the second electric signals to obtain a light absorption amount of the sample.

Abstract: Electronic counting and control means are provided which are sensitive to the transmissivity of light and include feedback means for controlling the brightness of the light source to extend its life. Additionally, integrating means are provided for determining when there is an overlap of documents being handled by the counting means. Further, specific circuit arrangements are provided for insuring that an exact count is obtained even when perforated documents are being counted and there is a gap between successive documents.

Abstract: A device for indicating the fibre length distribution of a fibre sample for use with an apparatus which produces output signals representative of the number of fibres in a cross section of a fibre sample by slit-wise illumination of the sample, has a pulse generator to produce a pulse stream representative of the relative positions of the sample and illuminating beam, comparators to compare signals received by opto-electric converter with reference signals to stop counters driven by the pulse stream when predetermined values of the received signals are reached and an indicator for the contents of the counters. The reference signals are derived from the received light signals at predetermined relative positions of the sample and beams.

Abstract: An optoelectrical filling or weft bobbin feeler on a shuttle weaving machine, provided with a light source and a light sensor located in a casing which comprises at least one wall mounted in parallel relationship to the shuttle race. Light source and light sensor are arranged in the casing such that the optical axes define a plane forming a small acute angle with said one wall of the casing. Such a bobbin feeler functions to stop the loom in the instant when the thread winding on the bobbin runs out.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting an abnormality of cell growth in an organ or tissue of a body and various optical assemblies for accomplishing the same. The present invention has discovered that diagnosis of incipient abnormal tissue growth such as cancer can be accomplished in vivo by exerting a predetermined pressure on the suspected tissue or organ and by subsequently comparing the relative effect on reflection from or light absorption of the tissue or organ. An optical probe can be utilized for scanning the suspected tissue or organ and recording an initial reflecting characteristic. Subsequently the tissue or organ is placed under a predetermined pressure to provide a second reflection characteristic. A comparison of the two signals will permit a diagnosis of the condition of the tissue or organ.

Abstract: For determining the partial pressure and concentration of a measuring gas which is in mixture with at least one additional gas according to an optical absorption technique, in which a beam of light having a predetermined intensity and alternatingly and cyclically having a first spectral distribution in which the light intensity will be reduced by passage through the measuring gas and a second spectral distribution in which the light intensity will not be reduced by passage through the measuring gas, is passed through such a mixture and its radiation intensity after passage through the mixture is measured in a radiation detector having an active element which is heated by the radiation and which produces an output representative of its degree of heating and composed of alternating measuring signal segments, resulting, respectively, from light having the first and the second spectral distribution, and adjacent signals segments are processed in order to compensate for various interference effects, the detector o

Abstract: An optical sensing head is provided for immersion in a solution carrying suspended solids and includes a chamber exposed to the solution and defining asample path which extends through the solution. A spray mechanism is provided which forcefully removes light attenuating deposits which may accumulate on the surfaces of the chamber structure forming the sample path. A light beam is directed along an optical path (which includes as a portion thereof the sample path), and a light sensor is disposed at the other end of the optical path providing a signal indicative of the intensity of the received light. Plumbing is provided through which the exposed chamber may be flooded with clear water to thereby provide a low level suspended solids concentration for use as a reference. A light absorbing member is provided which is selectively positioned across the optical path to provide a high level suspended solids concentration reference when so positioned.

Abstract: The composition of etchant solution withdrawn from an etcher is monitored to diagnose a component deficiency. A light sensor is responsive to the color density of light rays passing through the etchant. A meter relay is responsive to the light sensor and if the color density of the etchant falls outside preset levels a pump is energized causing addition of a constituent component into the etchant. A second light sensor senses the color density of the light rays passing through the etchant after the addition of the constituent component. A second meter relay is responsive to the second light sensor. If no improvement of the etchant color is detected, the second meter relay causes the discontinuance of the constituent component addition and switches to the addition of another constituent component.

Abstract: An automatically-adjusting photometer for measuring the absorbance of a sample in which the amount of light passing through a sample test location is sensed by a photodetector and converted to an electrical output signal. The output signal is amplified and converted to a logarithmic value. Prior to measuring the absorbance of a sample, the photometer is calibrated by a computer. With the sample test location empty, the computer records and places in memory a logarithmic value proportional to the electrical output signal which corresponds to zero absorbance. Next, this value is reduced by a predetermined factor by switching a resistor into the calibration circuitry. The resulting value is also recorded and placed in memory by the computer. When a sample is placed in the test location, the computer records a value proportional to the electrical output signal which corresponds to the absorbance of the sample. Using the three recorded values the computer calculates the correctly-adjusted absorbance of the sample.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-dispersive optical determination of gas and smoke components in a mixture by reflection and detection of radiation, of a different wavelength for each component, through the mixture, wherein the radiation is periodically intercepted before it enters the mixture and reflected direct to the photo-receiver and the measurement signals are divided by the stored direct signals.

Abstract: In a device for measuring the transmitting or absorbing properties of a material at ultra-violet, visible or infra-red frequencies, the light source is operated in a flash mode, a signal is derived related to the light from the source received by a detector after passing through the material, and a biased manual switch is connected so that a display related to the derived signal is provided only while the switch is held closed. When the light source used is an incandescent lamp, a temperature sensor is provided to activate the processing and display circuitry when the filament lamp reaches a predetermined operating temperature.