Abstract: This invention provides a measuring apparatus that allows measurements of light in various inspections based on different light generating principles to be performed by a single measuring apparatus and thus widens the range of reagents that can be used, increasing the versatility of this single measuring apparatus and significantly enhancing its usefulness for users and reagent manufacturers. The measuring apparatus of this invention comprises: a light receiving unit and/or a light receiving unit holder connected to a light measuring device; a nozzle holder holding a nozzle for injecting reagents including luminescent reagents into a container; and a container containing a specimen and/or a container holder; wherein the container or container holder and the light receiving unit or light receiving unit holder, and/or the nozzle holder are coupled together to form an enclosed space shielded from external light.

Abstract: To determine the total organic carbon content of a flowing liquid in a continuous process, water and oxidizing agents enter lower ports in a multi-stage column and flow upwardly through residence chambers as they are mixed. Spaced apart along the upper path of the liquid, there are helical reaction grooves relatively shallow and containing at least one helical groove to cause rapid motion of the liquid. An ultraviolet lamp extends downwardly through the center of the column so that the outer confining surface of the helical grooves is the outer surface of the ultraviolet lamp, causing the liquid to move rapidly in intimate contact with the ultraviolet lamp to receive intense radiation. The stages are separate and interchangeable so that selected sizes may interconnect. The residence chambers may have different sizes to permit different lengths of residence time and thus permit tailoring of the reaction to the expected organic carbon content and possible side reactions with other impurities in the water.

Abstract: A multiple protocol fluorometer measures photosynthetic parameters of phytoplankton and higher plants using actively stimulated fluorescence protocols. The measured parameters include spectrally-resolved functional and optical absorption cross sections of PSII, extent of energy transfer between reaction centers of PSII, F.sub.0 (minimal), F.sub.m (maximal) and F.sub.v (variable) components of PSII fluorescence, photochemical and non-photochemical quenching, size of the plastoquinone (PQ) pool, and the kinetics of electron transport between Q.sub.a and PQ pool and between PQ pool and PSI. The multiple protocol fluorometer, in one embodiment, is equipped with an excitation source having a controlled spectral output range between 420 nm and 555 nm and capable of generating flashlets having a duration of 0.125-32 .mu.s, an interval between 0.5 .mu.s and 2 seconds, and peak optical power of up to 2 W/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: A method of magnetically-controllable, electroslag melting of titanium and titanium-based alloys is provided that includes the effect of an external radial magnetic field on the metallurgical melt. The field forms at least two adjoining melting layers which are rotated horizontally in opposite directions, and causes intralayer and meridional toroidal rotation of the melt. The uniform hydrodynamic structure of the melt over the total length of the ingot is stabilized by changing the melting voltage. The external radial magnetic field and the use of a fluoride-chloride flux improves the refinement of metal (by reducing harmful inclusions), condenses the metal structure, and provides high chemical and physical homogeneity of the metal ingot.

Abstract: An on-site monitor is disclosed for providing automatic measurements of chemical concentrations in a liquid or gaseous environment. The opto-electronic monitor has an extended probe, which can be inserted into the liquid or to be in contact with the ambiance, comprising a indicator chamber for continuously supplying fresh indicator material, a light source, and a detector. The light source and the detector are either embodied outside of liquid or into the extended plastic probe inside the liquid. A delivery unit, which is activated by a timer, delivers a small amount of indicator material into the liquid or a sampling cavity. The indicator material reacts with the ions in the liquid automatically. The light source has a wavelength which matches with the indicator's absorption wavelength and the detector measures the transmission (or reflection) through the indicator material or solution.

Abstract: A plate-type NO.sub.x gas sensor having a WO.sub.3 sensing film which are capable of preventing temperature variation of a sensing thin film depending on gas flow to decrease heat loss thereof, whereby extending the life span of batteries of a portable gas sensor. The plate-type NO.sub.x gas sensor includes a Pt thin film electrode formed on a front surface of an alumina substrate, a tungsten oxide thin film for sensing NO.sub.x gas deposited on the front surface of the substrate on which the Pt thin film electrode is formed, a heater formed on a back surface of the alumina substrate for holding a portion of the tungsten oxide thin film for sensing NO.sub.x gas within a predetermined temperature range, a conducting wire for connecting between the Pt thin film electrode and the heater and a sheet made of at least one material selected from a group composed of Al.sub.2 O.sub.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring the concentration of decomposable substances, such as urea, are disclosed. The disclosed methods include adding a gaseous buffer, such as CO.sub.2, to the solution containing the decomposable compound, measuring the conductivity of the solution, decomposing the decomposable compound, measuring the conductivity of the thus-decomposed compound solution, and calculating the differential conductivities between the two measured solutions. The apparatus for carrying out these methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved biological aerosol chemiluminescent (CL) detection system having optimal sensitivity and a method for using the same in detecting the presence of biological materials in an aerosol sample. The detection system comprises a cyclone aerosol sampler, a CL reagent injector, and a luminometer, wherein the CL reagent injector is mated with the cyclone aerosol sampler so as to deliver/introduce CL reagent thereto. The inner surface of the cyclone aerosol sampler and the inner surface of the CL reagent injector are fabricated from materials that are free of metals that would initiate a CL-based reaction with a CL reagent to be employed therein so as to provide a CL reagent path free of these metals. The entire CL reagent path in the biological aerosol CL detection apparatus is comprised of these materials. A method for determining the suitability of materials for use throughout the CL reagent path of the biological CL detection system is also taught.

Abstract: In a method of optically determining the total hemoglobin concentration (tHb) in non-hemolyzed whole blood, using at least two wavelengths for measuring, a first wavelength of .lambda.<805 nm and a second wavelength of .lambda.>805 nm is employed, such that the following is valid for the absorption coefficients of the hemoglobin derivatives O.sub.2 Hb and RHb at the two measurement wavelengths .lambda..sub.1 and .lambda..sub.2 : .sigma.O(.lambda..sub.1).about..sigma.R(.lambda..sub.2) and .sigma.R(.lambda..sub.1).about..sigma.O(.lambda..sub.2). The sum of absorption values A.sub.1 and A.sub.2 measured at wavelengths .lambda..sub.1 and .lambda..sub.2 will be a quantity which is proportional to the total hemoglobin concentration tHb and independent of the oxygen saturation O.sub.2sat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for sensing hydrocarbon in the vapor path of fuel dispensers using a fiber-optic sensor. The sensor includes an absorber-expander sensing structure mechanically coupled to the fiber body and responsive to the presence of effluent fuel components for absorbing the hydrocarbon therein and expanding in response thereto. The expansion activity has the effect of generating a microbend deformation in the fiber, producing detectable changes in the optical throughput representing the concentration of hydrocarbon that is sensed by the absorber-expander element. The fiber-optic sensor is particularly useful in a vapor recovery system by providing an optical signal that is representative of the ambient hydrocarbon concentration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the quality of a crop, comprising the determination of at least one characteristic parameter of the photosynthesis process of the crop, which parameter serves as a quality indicator for the crop, wherein the parameter belongs to the photosystem I (PSI), which is known per se, and wherein the determination of the parameter comprises the following steps: (a) bringing at least some of a number of types of molecules which are located on the donor side of PSI into an oxidised state; (b) allowing at least some of the oxidised molecules to be reduced; and (c) determining a relaxation parameter which contains information on the rate of the reduction, wherein step (c) comprises at least the following sub-steps: (1) measurement of absorption of light in a predetermined wavelength region by the oxidised molecules in the crop during the reduction, and (2) calculation of a rate parameter which contains information on the rate of a change in the measured absorption as a fun

Abstract: A computer implemented method for on-line determination of concentrations in an HF alkylation process catalyst stream containing HF acid, ASO, water and optionally an additive which suppresses the vapor pressure of HF acid. The method employs near-infrared spectroscopy coupled with chemometric data analysis. The data analysis uses a partial least squares regression technique which determines unknown concentrations based on spectral calibration data. In use, an absorbance spectrum of material is obtained, e.g., from a slipstream taken from the process alkylation catalyst stream, and the detected spectrum is mathematically analyzed with the aid of the computer to simultaneously predict concentration of HF acid, ASO, water and optionally the additive which suppresses the vapor pressure of HF acid.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions and methods used as in-the-eye and/or out-of-eye inhibitors of proteinaceous deposits on hydrophilic contact lenses. Compositions of the present invention comprise moderately charged polyquaternium polymers that selectively bind to hydrophilic contact lenses to block the binding of proteinaceous materials. Compositions of the present invention may be used in multipurpose cleaning solutions for contact lenses and can eliminate the need for special enzyme cleaners and the like for removing proteinaceous materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to an analysis device with a multi-way valve which is connected, via a pump line, to a bidirectional pump. A storage member for storing a sample fed to it and any auxiliary substances is accommodated in the pump line. The multi-way valve is connected, via two separate discharge lines, to an analysis vessel. The multi-way valve and the pump are controlled, with the aid of a microprocessor, in such a manner that the following steps are carried out:a. connecting a first feed line to the pump line via the multi-way valve, in order to feed sample to the storage member,b. using the pump to suck the sample into the storage member,c. connecting the pump line, via the multi-way valve, to a first discharge line which opens into the analysis vessel,d. feeding some of the sample present in the storage member to the analysis vessel via the pump and via the first discharge line,e. connecting the pump line to the flushing line via the multi-way valve,f.

Abstract: A system for detection of base contamination at low concentrations in air comprises a detector that provides a single reading that is stoichiometrically related to the aggregate proton-bonding characteristic of various base contaminants present in the air. The system can operate as a "total amine detector" for air-borne amines, and in important implementations is employed in semiconductor manufacturing, e.g. in respect of incoming or exhaust air from a cleanroom or in respect of the stepper or coat and develop track of a photolithographic process. The system comprises a converter for converting all amines present in the air to a common detectable compound detected by the detector. In various implementations additional features are shown. The converter is located near a sample region of a process and the detector is remotely located with sample lines extending between converter and detector to conduct a sample flow. Filters provide air free of amine contaminants to various stages of a process.

Abstract: The concentration of a target gas is determined in an optical gas sensor system having an array of optical gas sensors wherein each sensor has a different sensitivity range for a target gas. An active sensor is selected from the array of optical gas sensors by determining which sensor has an optical transmittance value between 0% and 100%. Optical transmittance values of the active sensor are differentiated with respect to time. Concentration of the target gas is calculated as a function of both the rate of change of optical transmittance and the value of the optical transmittance at the beginning of the period over which the transmittance is differentiated. When a hazardous gas such as carbon monoxide is the target gas an alarm can be given when a threshold concentration is exceeded. Preferably, the transmittance values are converted to digital signals and processed in an eight-bit microprocessor to determine target gas concentration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diagnostic assay device comprising a fluorophore element comprising a fluorophore imbedded therein, and a reagent element. The fluorophore element and reagent element have opposed surfaces which are spaced apart throughout a liquid transport zone a distance effective to cause capillary flow of a sample liquid introduced therebetween throughout the liquid transport zone, the opposed surface of the fluorophore element carrying a plurality of projections arranged throughout the surface in the liquid transport zone, each projection being spaced apart from the others in a predetermined pattern and being in contact or virtual contact with the opposed surface of the reagent element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for examining a cell smear for the purpose of detecting the presence of cancerous and precancerous cells located therein. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises illuminating at least a portion of the cell smear with light of a first wavelength, whereby native fluorescence is emitted therefrom. Next, the intensity of native fluorescence emitted from the illuminated area is measured at a second wavelength and at a third wavelength as a function of location within the illuminated area. The first, second and third wavelengths are chosen so that the ratio of fluorescence intensities at the second and third wavelengths is indicative of a carcinomatous condition. Next, the ratio of intensities measured at the second and third wavelengths is determined to obtain a value for each location within the illuminated area. Finally, a map is generated of all the cells present within the illuminated area using the calculated values.

Abstract: An improved test device for the testing of a fluid having a cup and a cover lid, such cover lid having a reagent test strip chamber containing a reagent test strip, a fluid receipt chamber, a fluid channel containing a fluid-passing pad and a fluid contact chamber. An actuation cover with a window defined therein is positioned over the regent test strip chamber, fluid receipt chamber, fluid contact chamber, such window positioned over the color change area of the reagent test strip. The actuation cover forms a fluid-tight seal around a first end of the reagent test strip which protrudes into the fluid contact chamber. After the cup is filled with fluid and the cover lid is positioned thereon, the cup is inverted, causing fluid to flow into the fluid receipt chamber through an aperture in said cover lid.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved method for monitoring the concentration of molecules and chemical treatment agents in ceramic slurries and powders.