Abstract: Methods for marking a liquid and methods and systems for identifying marked liquids. A liquid can be marked for identification purposes with at least a first marker and a second marker. Each of the markers is miscible with the liquid. The markers are mixed in the liquid so that the ratio of the concentration of the first marker to the concentration of the second marker is substantially equal to a predetermined value. Thus, when a system according to the invention measures the concentrations of the first and second markers, the system can compare the ratio of the measured concentration of the first marker to the measured concentration of the second marker with a look up table of the predetermined values to provide information concerning the identity of the liquid. In a preferred embodiment, the concentration of the markers is measured using an absorption spectrometer.

Abstract: Method and devices for fuel characterization and optimization on-site at a fuel delivery dispenser are disclosed. Fuel properties associated with a fuel sample of a fuel can be measured by mid-infrared analysis and displayed. Pre-determined preferred values for the fuel properties for the particular vehicle can be determined by inputting the model and type of vehicle into a processing means and correlating the vehicle information with the preferred values. The preferred and measured values can be compared and the comparison displayed. A fuel sample rating for the vehicle can be performed based this comparison and displayed. An optimal dispenser fuel for the vehicle can be identified based on a comparison between the preferred values and the values for the fuel properties for each of the dispenser fuels. In one embodiment, driveability index can be the fuel property determined in situ and in real time. In other embodiments, octane number, and Reid vapor pressure can be similarly determined.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for diagnosing fuel-related problems at the site of vehicle servicing and matching fuels to new engine designs. Fuel properties associated with a fuel sample can be measured with mid-infrared analysis. The measured fuel property values can be compared with pre-determined preferred values for the fuel properties for the particular type of vehicle. Fuel-related problems can then be identified and diagnosed based upon this comparison, and the diagnosis can be immediately displayed for the operator. In one embodiment, driveability index can be determined in situ and in real time. In other embodiments, octane number, and Reid vapor pressure can be similarly determined.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for sensing the presence of fluids, such as hydrocarbon-based liquids and/or water, in an ambient environment based upon their light refractive properties. An optical waveguide is deployed in the environment (or a sample chamber disposed within the environment), such that the transmittance of light through the waveguide is attenuated in the presence of the fluid analyte. In one preferred embodiment, the light source is aligned with the waveguide, such that the light entering the waveguide enters one end at an angle relative to the central axis of the waveguide and propagates by internal reflection within the waveguide. Optimal propagation occurs in the absence of the fluid while the presence to the fluid in contact with the waveguide walls causes detectable losses in light propagation due to degradation of the internal reflectance.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for controlling dispensation of hydrocarbon fuels from storage tanks and the like, by employing a sensor in an environment proximal to the dispenser. The sensor preferably includes an optical waveguide having a central axis along which light can transmitted, and the waveguide is disposed in the environment, such that fuel present in the environment contacts at least a portion of the waveguide. The sensor further includes a light source for projecting light into a first end of the waveguide, and a detector for detecting the amount of light propagated through the waveguide. The sensor is electrically connected to a controller which terminates the dispensation of fuel in the event that a leak is detected by the sensor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting and/or monitoring the presence of hydrocarbons in a fluid medium at a remote location, by sensing the presence of hydrocarbon-based fluid in the fluid medium in the remote location, generating a signal indicative of the sensed fluid, and transmitting the signal to monitoring means for indication of hydrocarbon contamination. The apparatus has multiple sensors at different vertical levels for sensing the fluid medium at a plurality of levels within the fluid.

Abstract: A mass sensoring system for monitoring the amount of fluid in a storage tank with an accuracy high enough to determine both the quantity present and the potential loss of fluid at a loss rate of 0.05 gal/hr or at least 0.1 gal/hr. The system utilizes a pressure sensor positioned at the bottom of the tank and in contact with the fluid. This device includes a bellows unit whose displacement is correlated to changes in the mass of fluid in which it is immersed, and a transducer for monitoring the position of the bellows, wherein the interior of the bellows unit is in the same atmosphere as the sensor, and the sensor is in communication with the vapor pressure immediately above the fluid in the tank. The outside of the bellows is subjected to the stored fluid. A multiple-capsule bellows assembly is coupled to an LDVT transducer in a thermal-expansion-cancelling configuration of the invention.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for monitoring hydrocarbon-based fuel properties by measuring the presence and amount of fuel component molecules in the fuel solution. Detection is made of absorption related to signature vibrational modes associated with the fuel component molecules when excited in the mid-IR. In one embodiment, a mid-IR light source illuminates the fuel in-situ and a narrow bandwidth detector associated with a vibrational mode signature detects absorbance as an indication of the presence and quantity of the fuel component in solution. From the determined fuel component quantity and known characteristics, the fuel solution properties are predicted. In one embodiment, octane rating and vapor pressure for a fuel solution is determined in-situ and in real time.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for measuring properties of samples associated with the distribution of hydrocarbons in the sample. The system includes a low resolution laser Raman spectrometer coupled to photodetectors that integrate the intensity of the scattered Raman radiation. The system further includes microprocessor means that separate the Raman spectrum into two spectral ranges, calculates a ratio of the integrated intensities corresponding to these ranges and interpolates that ratio with a correlating function to obtain the measurement of the property of interest.

Abstract: Systems and methods for non-invasive material analysis are disclosed in which a material (e.g., a liquid such as blood) is illuminated at a plurality of discrete wavelengths. Measurements of the intensity of reflected light at such wavelengths are taken, and an analysis of reflection ratios for various wavelengths is performed. Changes in the reflection ratios can be correlated with specific material properties such as the concentration of analytes (e.g., oxygen content, glucose levels, cholesterol or drugs in a subject's circulatory system).

Abstract: Restenosis following angioplasty can be inhibited by reducing the proliferation of smooth muscle cells in the blood vessel walls at an angioplasty site, and such reduction in cell proliferation can be accomplished by irradiating the angioplasty site with radiation in the ultraviolet (UV) wavelength range. The ultraviolet radiation is preferably delivered via an optical fiber or other waveguide incorporated, for example, into a percutaneous catheter. In operation, the ultraviolet radiation kills smooth muscle cells at the site, thereby reducing the risk of restenosis, while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.