Abstract: An image-based method and corresponding apparatus for measuring, in scientifically basic terms, the complete fiber length distribution from a tapered beard. The method may be referred to as length by image analysis (Li). A calibration method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An image-based method and corresponding apparatus for measuring, in scientifically basic terms, the complete fiber length distribution from a tapered beard. The method may be referred to as length by image analysis (Li).

Abstract: An image-based method and corresponding apparatus for measuring, in scientifically basic terms, the complete fiber length distribution from a tapered beard. The method may be referred to as length by image analysis (Li).

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods for building a database of bales of cotton available for sale, and for electronic commerce of bales of cotton. A fiber quality measurement instrument located in a cotton gin provides fiber quality data substantially concurrently with the making up of cotton into individual bales. The fiber quality measurement instrument is connected through a communications network, such as the internet, for uploading fiber quality data to a database storage device. For electronic commerce, a search engine is connected via the communications network to interrogate the database to select bales having fiber qualities within specified ranges for a candidate buyer.

Abstract: Method of grading a sample. An input color image of the sample, such as a sample of raw cotton, is obtained by a scanning technique. This image is first analyzed by an image segmentation module and a binary image where pixels of a first characteristic are marked as 0 (e.g. cotton lint) and non-lint pixels are marked as 1. In a following particle recognition module, the adjacent non-lint pixels are grouped together as particles, and the color, size, shape and edge strength for each particle are computed. The particle descriptions are analyzed and each particle is assigned a trash type, i.e. leaf, bark, grass, pepper trash or shadow. The data of leaf and pepper trash are analyzed by a leaf grading module and leaf grade is reported. The data of bark/grass are analyzed by a bark/grass grading module and the bark/grass grade is reported.

Abstract: A system (1) for the precisely and accurately controlled delivery and collection of aerosolized masses. The system (1) includes an aerosol generator (100), an upstream electro-optional aerosol mass concentration sensor (200) past which aerosols are transported at a known upstream volumetric flow rate, a deposition zone (300) within which aerosols are collected on or within a media, and a downstream electro-optical aerosol mass concentration sensor (201) past which aerosols uncollected in the deposition zone (300) are transported at a known downstream volumetric flow rate. The net mass of aerosols collected in the deposition zone (300) is determined by integrating over time the product of mass concentration measured by the upstream electro-optical sensor (200) and the upstream volumetric flow rate minus the product of mass concentration measured by the downstream electro-optical sensor (201) and the downstream volumetric flow rate.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is provided which aid in the diagnosis of patient conditions by providing access from the ultrasound system to a library of reference ultrasonic images. The image library is cataloged in accordance with an image characteristic such as the type of examination, the part of the body or the type of pathology shown in the image, and the images of the library are accessed in accordance with these characteristics. The image library may he remotely located and accessible by a number of ultrasound systems over a network, or it may be located on the ultrasound system itself such as on a system disk drive. In a preferred embodiment reference images are concurrently displayed with patient images to aid in discerning the patient's condition.

Abstract: Instruments for measuring the gas flow permeability of a fiber sample, particularly a cotton fiber sample; and apparatus and methods employing multiple volumetric compressions to acquire data products for determining “micronaire,” “maturity” and “fineness” of the fiber sample. A gas flow permeability testing instrument includes sensors in a gas flow stream enabling the determination of fiber mass delivered to a testing chamber, and a computer outputting a control signal to terminate delivery of fibers to the testing chamber when a predetermined mass set point is reached. A multiple compression fiber gas flow permeability testing device includes a testing chamber into which a fiber sample of known mass is delivered. A movable chamber wall is driven in a substantially continuous manner so as to compress the fiber sample, while a gas flow system determines permeability.

Abstract: Machine for ultra-rapidly condition cotton fiber. In a processing embodiment for conditioning fiber being pneumatically transported by a gas flow, fibers are collected to form a thin mat. Aerosolized liquid is delivered to the thin mat, and then conditioned fiber form the thin mat is re-delivered into the gas flow.

Abstract: Instruments for measuring the gas flow permeability of a fiber sample, particularly a cotton fiber sample; and apparatus and methods employing multiple volumetric compressions to acquire data products for determining “micronaire,” “maturity” and “fineness” of the fiber sample. A gas flow permeability testing instrument includes sensors in a gas flow stream enabling the determination of fiber mass delivered to a testing chamber, and a computer outputting a control signal to terminate delivery of fibers to the testing chamber when a predetermined mass set point is reached. A multiple compression fiber gas flow permeability testing device includes a testing chamber into which a fiber sample of known mass is delivered. A movable chamber wall is driven in a substantially continuous manner so as to compress the fiber sample, while a gas flow system determines permeability.

Abstract: Instruments for measuring the gas flow permeability of a fiber sample, particularly a cotton fiber sample; and apparatus and methods employing multiple volumetric compressions to acquire data products for determining “micronaire,” “maturity” and “fineness” of the fiber sample. A gas flow permeability testing instrument includes sensors in a gas flow stream enabling the determination of fiber mass delivered to a testing chamber, and a computer outputting a control signal to terminate delivery of fibers to the testing chamber when a predetermined mass set point is reached. A multiple-compression fiber gas flow permeability testing device includes a testing chamber into which a fiber sample of known mass is delivered. A movable chamber wall is driven in a substantially continuous manner so as to compress the fiber sample, while a gas flow system determines permeability.

Abstract: Machines for ultra-rapidly conditioning cotton fiber. In one embodiment, a machine includes a conditioning chamber for receiving cotton fiber formed into a sheet-like body. The conditioning chamber is defined on one side by an impervious plate and on an opposite side by a perforated plate. The sheet-like body of cotton fiber is pressed between the impervious and perforated plates. An air conditioner is connected for driving a conditioned gas flow through the perforations and then laterally through the sheet-like body of cotton fiber. In another embodiment, a conditioning chamber is defined on one side by an impervious plate and on an opposite side by a distribution plate having a series of alternating passages connected for respectively delivering gas flow to the cotton and for allowing gas flow to exit from the cotton. As a result, relatively short path lengths are achieved. An air conditioner is connected for driving a conditioned gas flow through the passages for delivering gas flow.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the collection of samples of staple fibers from a quantity (batch) of such fibers without material consideration of the “condition” of the fibers within the batch, (e.g., the relative humidity and/or temperature of the environment immediate the batch of fibers), and thereafter physically converting each sample of fibers to a tapered beard geometry, employing a rotary carrier. Each beard is grasped at one end thereof with the fibers thereof extending unsupported therefrom. The beard is conveyed to a location proximate the entrance to an air flow channel whereupon conditioned air flowing into the flow channel moves along, over and past the beard, causing the free ends of the fibers to enter the flow channel and become aligned generally along the length of the flow channel.

Abstract: Machines for ultra-rapidly conditioning cotton fiber. In one embodiment, a machine includes a conditioning chamber for receiving cotton fiber formed into a sheet-like body. The conditioning chamber is defined on one side by an impervious plate and on an opposite side by a perforated plate. The sheet-like body of cotton fiber is pressed between the impervious and perforated plates. An air conditioner is connected for driving a conditioned gas flow through the perforations and then laterally through the sheet-like body of cotton fiber. In another embodiment, a conditioning chamber is defined on one side by an impervious plate and on an opposite side by a distribution plate having a series of alternating passages connected for respectively delivering gas flow to the cotton and for allowing gas flow to exit from the cotton. As a result, relatively short path lengths are achieved. An air conditioner is connected for driving a conditioned gas flow through the passages for delivering gas flow.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods for building a database of bales of cotton available for sale, and for electronic commerce of bales of cotton. A fiber quality measurement instrument located in a cotton gin provides fiber quality data substantially concurrently with the making up of cotton into individual bales. The fiber quality measurement instrument is connected through a communications network, such as the internet, for uploading fiber quality data to a database storage device. For electronic commerce, a search engine is connected via the communications network to interrogate the database to select bales having fiber qualities within specified ranges for a candidate buyer.

Abstract: Gas flows, whose plurality of conditions are controlled by modular environmental control apparatus, are sourced to or captured from various critical zones in materials processing machines, or in related personnel zones. A plurality of processing performance parameters, part of which may respond differently to environmental conditions in one or more process zones, and thus may be in conflict with each other, are jointly optimized to yield maximum gross profit, to produce highest quality, to operate at highest throughput, etc, (but not necessarily simultaneously). The principal embodiments herein disclosed are directed toward modular process zone and personnel zone environmental control in textile processing machines, in fiber, yarn or fabric manufacturing processes, but the method is very basic and powerful, and those skilled in the art will recognize the applicability to materials processing in general.

Abstract: Methods for optimally processing materials in a machine, such as a weaving machine, employing modular environmental control apparatus to control the conditions of gas flows sourced to or captured from various critical zones in materials processing machines. A plurality of processing performance parameters, part of which may respond differently to environmental conditions in one or more process zones, and thus may be in conflict with each other, are jointly controlled to yield maximum gross profit, to produce highest quality, to operate at highest throughput, etc., (but not necessarily simultaneously). One method includes the step of measuring at least one processing performance parameter, and at least partially controlling the processing performance parameter in accordance with a predetermined optimal control strategy by deliberately applying a gas flow conditioned by at least one controlling parameter, the gas flow being applied by a modular control unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting particles in a clean environment provides for forming a beam of electromagnetic radiation into an instantaneous scattering volume and scanning the scattering volume in space defined by a flow cell. Particles are transported by fluid means into the space occupied by the scattering volume and individual particles are multiply scanned while passing through the scanning scattering volume. A fluid conduit is provided to transport the fluid and the particles and windows are provided to transmit the radiation beam into the space defined by the flow cell and to transmit scattered radiation from the particles out of the space. The radiation from the particles is collected and detected to provide an output signal. In the preferred embodiment, the output signal is analyzed to determine the concentration of the particles in the fluid and to determine the size and velocity of each individual particle.