Abstract: A flow cell device including a spherical optical element is disclosed. The spherical lens can be sealed to the body of the flow cell device in a manner that provides external optical access to a fluid in an analysis region of a flow path through the flow cell device. The seal can be provided by an elastomer, a polymer, or a deformable metal. The disposition of the spherical lens to the flow path enables in situ optical analysis of the fluid. An optical analysis device can be removably connected to the flow cell device to provide the optical analysis. In some embodiments the optical analysis device is a portable Raman spectrometer. The flow cell device can provide a supplementary interrogation interface, and/or an on board sensor device(s) to enable multivariate analysis and/or advanced triggering.

Abstract: A flow cell device including a spherical optical element is disclosed. The spherical lens can be sealed to the body of the flow cell device in a manner that provides external optical access to a fluid in an analysis region of a flow path through the flow cell device. The seal can be provided by an elastomer, a polymer, or a deformable metal. The disposition of the spherical lens to the flow path enables in situ optical analysis of the fluid. An optical analysis device can be removably connected to the flow cell device to provide the optical analysis. In some embodiments the optical analysis device is a portable Raman spectrometer. The flow cell device can provide a supplementary interrogation interface, and/or an on board sensor device(s) to enable multivariate analysis and/or advanced triggering.

Abstract: An enclosed benchtop analytical device, as well as systems, processes, and techniques related thereto are disclosed. A benchtop analytical device can include an enclosure enclosing a probe and a sample. A compliance component can determine satisfaction of one or more compliance rules, such as a compliance rule relating to an enclosure being in an operable configuration based on a lid of the enclosure being closed. If the compliance rule(s) is determined to be satisfied, the compliance component may enable the release of optical energy for interrogation of the sample via the probe. In some embodiments, the enclosure can enclose a sample plate that can be used to conveniently and accurately retain a sample in a suitable position within the enclosure.

Abstract: An optical immersion probe assembly with an alignment mechanism is described. The alignment mechanism ensures that proper alignment is achieved between an optical fiber head and an optical immersion probe whenever the optical immersion probe is coupled to the optical fiber head. The alignment mechanism may include a notch defined in a portion of a first annular end surface of the optical fiber head, and a projection on a periphery of the optical immersion probe. The projection on the probe may be positioned a distance from a second annular end surface of the optical immersion probe, and sized to be received within the notch of the optical fiber head. Also described herein are techniques and processes for manufacturing the components of an optical immersion probe assembly, and for assembling the optical immersion probe assembly.

Abstract: An enclosed benchtop analytical device, as well as systems, processes, and techniques related thereto are disclosed. A benchtop analytical device can include an enclosure enclosing a probe and a sample. A compliance component can determine satisfaction of one or more compliance rules, such as a compliance rule relating to an enclosure being in an operable configuration based on a lid of the enclosure being closed. If the compliance rule(s) is determined to be satisfied, the compliance component may enable the release of optical energy for interrogation of the sample via the probe. In some embodiments, the enclosure can enclose a sample plate that can be used to conveniently and accurately retain a sample in a suitable position within the enclosure.

Abstract: Portable analytical equipment, systems, methods, and techniques related thereto is disclosed. Portable analytical equipment can comprise a controller and a probe. The probe can interrogate a sample and receive a response to the interrogation. The controller can select and/or initiate an analysis related to interrogating the sample via the probe. The analysis can be selected from a portfolio of analyses stored on the controller. The controller can analyze the response to the interrogation based on reference data stored on the controller. The controller can determine an indication based on the analyzing the response for presentation via a low-power interface, which can comprise an LED or electrophoretic element. The controller can further be connected to an external device, e.g., a smartphone or remote PC, to present collected data and the analyzing of the response to the interrogation. The disclosed subject matter can be employed in hand-held analytical equipment, e.g., a hand-held Raman spectrometer.

Abstract: A flow cell device including a spherical optical element is disclosed. The spherical lens can be sealed to the body of the flow cell device in a manner that provides external optical access to a fluid in an analysis region of a flow path through the flow cell device. The seal can be provided by an elastomer, a polymer, or a deformable metal. The disposition of the spherical lens to the flow path enables in situ optical analysis of the fluid. An optical analysis device can be removably connected to the flow cell device to provide the optical analysis. In some embodiments the optical analysis device is a portable Raman spectrometer. The flow cell device can provide a supplementary interrogation interface, and/or an on board sensor device(s) to enable multivariate analysis and/or advanced triggering.

Abstract: An enclosed benchtop Raman spectrometry device, systems, methods, and techniques related thereto are disclosed. A benchtop Raman spectrometer can comprise an enclosure enclosing a probe and sample. In an embodiment, a compliance component can determine concurrent satisfaction of a group of compliance rules. The compliance rules can relate to contact between the probe and sample, environmental conditions within the enclosure, illumination conditions within the enclosure, an operation state of a viewport allowing direct viewing of a sample-probe interface, etc. While concurrent satisfaction is determined, the release of optical energy for interrogation of the sample via the probe can be enabled. In an embodiment, the probe can comprise a spherical optical element, e.g., a BallProbe®, which can be brought into contact with the sample to perform Raman spectroscopy.

Abstract: Portable analytical equipment, systems, methods, and techniques related thereto is disclosed. Portable analytical equipment can comprise a controller and a probe. The probe can interrogate a sample and receive a response to the interrogation. The controller can select and/or initiate an analysis related to interrogating the sample via the probe. The analysis can be selected from a portfolio of analyses stored on the controller. The controller can analyze the response to the interrogation based on reference data stored on the controller. The controller can determine an indication based on the analyzing the response for presentation via a low-power interface, which can comprise an LED or electrophoretic element. The controller can further be connected to an external device, e.g., a smartphone or remote PC, to present collected data and the analyzing of the response to the interrogation. The disclosed subject matter can be employed in hand-held analytical equipment, e.g., a hand-held Raman spectrometer.

Abstract: A flexible array of sensor pairs are used to monitor lubricant condition in an oiler carrying lubricant. The array of sensor pairs are placed adjacent a reservoir and detect the fluid level in the reservoir. The sensor pairs are coupled a chassis and transmit data through communications components which transmit the data to an accessible site for aggregation, monitoring, and alarm features. A recharging system for providing power to the sensors by harvesting light, thermal, or kinetic energy produced by the oiler.

Abstract: A flexible array of sensor pairs are used to monitor lubricant condition in an oiler carrying lubricant. The array of sensor pairs are placed adjacent a reservoir and detect the fluid level in the reservoir. The sensor pairs are coupled a chassis and transmit data through communications components which transmit the data to an accessible site for aggregation, monitoring and alarm features.