Abstract: An optical identification system includes a light source with a broad wavelength spectrum that is directed on an object to be identified. Suitable optical components, such as, one or more collimating lenses gather light that is reflected from the object and direct this light into a spectrometer. The spectrometer disperses the collimated light using a dispersing element, such as one or more gratings, prisms or a combinations of both, onto an array of detectors. The array of detectors may be comprised of a linear diode array or a charge-coupled device (CCD) array which indicates the amount of light at each of a finely-spaced set of wavelengths covering a wide spectral range. The detectors are sensitive over a wavelength region, for example, in the case of silicon detectors from near-infrared plus the visible region, e.g., from 250 nm to 1100 nm. The set of signals from the detectors is read with an analog to digital converter, and transferred to a computer in the form of a spectrum.

Abstract: A probe for a surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectrometer includes a member of optically transmissive material for receiving the excitation radiation from a laser and for carrying the radiation emitted from a specimen to a detector. An end of the member for placing against the specimen has a coating that produces surface enhancement of the specimen during Raman scattering spectroscopic analysis. Specifically the coating is formed by a first layer of microparticles on the member and a metal layer over the first layer. The first layer may form a microstructure surface over which a metal layer is applied. Alternatively the coating may be a material containing microparticles of a metal. An optional layer of a material may be applied to the metal layer to concentrate onto the probe compounds of analytical interest onto the probe.

Abstract: Turning on a hollow cathode lamp of an objective element, the intensity of the light is measured while scanning the wavelength within a predetermined range centering around the resonance line of the objective element by rotating a diffraction grating by a pulse motor. Then a spectrum is constructed on the screen of a display unit within the above range, and the user operates an operation unit to point out the peak of the resonance line in the spectrum. The number of the driving pulses sent to the pulse motor when the pointed peak is detected is saved in an EEPROM so that the number corresponds to the wavelength of the resonance line. After that, when the objective element in a sample is measured, the above number is read out from the EEPROM and the pulse signals are sent to the pulse motor by the number, whereby the diffraction grating is set at an angular position corresponding to the resonance line of the element correctly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a precision alignment of parallel fixed and movable platens of a machine, including a laser emitter for transmitting a narrow collimated laser beam having a control surface which is orthogonal to an axis of the laser emitter; a target for receiving the laser beam and producing an output voltage which is proportional to the displacement of the laser beam from the center of the target, and a pair of adapters for rotatably mounting the laser emitter on a fixed platen and the target on a movable platen of a machine. The adapters have control surfaces which are precisely orthogonal to axes of rotation of the emitter and target and a stud for tightly pulling together the orthogonal control surfaces of the emitter and target against the control surfaces of the adapters. Voltages from the target are processed in an electronic console and displayed on a display unit in alphanumeric form.

Abstract: An automatic angle compensator comprising a liquid sealing container 4 having transparent liquid to form a free liquid surface 1 sealed therein, light projecting systems 21 and 22 for projecting light at a given angle to the free liquid surface, and an optical system for guiding the light beam, which is reflected by the free liquid surface and irradiated from the liquid sealing container, whereby optical axis of the light beam reflected by the free liquid surface is aligned with optical axis of the optical system regardless of whether the free liquid surface is turned by 0.degree. or 90.degree., and automatic compensation can be achieved regardless of whether the system is positioned in horizontal or vertical directions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multielement atomic absorption spectrometer for simultaneously performing measurements for determining both one element and a plurality of elements under optimum conditions. The atomic absorption spectrometer comprises at least two lamps respectively emitting lines of at least one analyte element, a furnace heating the analyte sample into its atomized state, at least one optical dispersion element having an entrance slit arranged upstream thereof, detector elements, as well as means for passing radiation emanating from the lamps through the furnace, through the entrance slit and the dispersion element to the detector elements, and measuring means.

Abstract: A method for correcting an instrumental error due to wavelength error of a spectroscope of an optical analyzer for measuring an optical density reflected from or transmitted through a dry analysis element. One standard color plate having a standard optical density OD.sub.ST is measured by an optical analyzer to be corrected to obtain an measured value OD.sub.M. A measured optical density OD.sub.S of the element applied with a sample through the optical analyzer to be corrected is corrected by using a ratio of OD.sub.M /OD.sub.ST to obtain a corrected measured value OD.sub.C of the sample. The standard color plate to be used contains an indicator dye contained in the non-reacted dry analysis element or a dye having an absorption spectrum same as or similar to that of the indicator dye in the measurement wavelength range. Another correction method in consideration of a layer coefficient of a dry analysis element is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing an astigmatically-reduced image with a spectroscopic instrument is disclosed which comprises a collimator which collimates electromagnetic radiation; a cylindrical mirror which receives and reflects the collimated electromagnetic radiation; a diffractor having a surface with a plurality of diffraction rulings inscribed thereon for diffracting electromagnetic radiation directed from the collimator; and a focuser which collects, focuses and directs diffracted electromagnetic radiation and directs it towards an exit aperture. In the preferred embodiment, the cylindrical mirror comprises a concave cylindrical mirror positioned such that the cylindrical axis is substantially normal to rulings on the diffractor. In another preferred embodiment, the cylindrical mirror is convex and is positioned such that the cylindrical axis is substantially parallel to rulings on the diffractor.

Abstract: A particle analyzer comprising a one-dimensional image sensor for producing imaging signals by scanning a particle in a flow of specimen containing particle components such as blood and urine in a flat sheath flow thin in thickness in the light emitting direction and broad in the direction orthogonal to the light emitting direction, and a signal processing device for processing the signals and operating on the basis of the imaging signals from the one-dimensional image sensor. A particle analyzer excellent in analyzing capability for obtaining morphological information of particles in the liquid specimen flowing in a flow cell in real time is presented. Besides, by emitting light to a flowing particle, the transmitted light image is focused on the one-dimensional image sensor (line sensor), and the detected image signal from the line sensor is further processed in detail in the signal processing device.

Abstract: A monocle can be provided with a light filter that transmits light wavelengths related to an animal's optical capabilities. The light filter will transmit light in the wavelengths and spectral sensitivity of the animal's retina rod photoreceptors, and in the wavelengths and spectral sensitivity of the animals retina cone photoreceptors during a specified light condition. The light filter selectively blocks certain wavelength ranges, such that the person using the monocle can effectively view objects in the same way as the animal does. The invention can be used to select clothing colors and patterns for camouflage purposes, select colored objects to be used in animal training, etc. A camera equipped with the desired light filter can also be used to aid in the selection process.

Abstract: A self-leveling plumb, level and pointing tool uses a visible laser diode to project light beams in two modes through two windows. Accurate, low cost structures for generating level and plumb beams and planes of light are disclosed. In principal embodiments, all leveling is accomplished using a very flexible coil spring as a pendulum element, a chain link connection in combination with such a spring, or a point contact suspension. Several accessories are disclosed for use with the laser tool. One accessory is a beam deviation accessory which can be used with the self-leveling laser tool to project a beam of known inclination. The accessory uses a pair of lenses whose relative positions are shifted to generate the desired angle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring characteristics of entities in a sample of textile material, including trash, provides a sample of textile material to a processor where entities are individualized and thereafter transported to a sensor system. Characteristic signals are generated by the sensor signal corresponding to sensed characteristics of the entities, including trash, and a computer analyzes the characteristic signals to identify signals corresponding to trash and to classify the trash signals as corresponding to one of several types of trash. Based on the characteristic signals, the computer determines an entity length, diameter and speed and also determines a peak value of a characteristic signal corresponding to an entity. Based on these measurements, trash is characterized as to one of several types of trash.

Abstract: A light guide receives light reflected from an object, such as a moving ball in a game, and directs the light to a charge coupled device. Light sensitive pixels of the charge coupled device detect the intensities of red, green, and blue wavelengths and provides intensity levels to an averager which averages the intensities. Ratios between the red, green, and blue digital signal intensities are compared to determine the predominant color in the guided light and hence the predominant color of the object. Multiple light guides can be used to sense the color of objects, where each light guide can direct light to a different subset of pixels on the charge coupled device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting wearables, such as cosmetics and clothing accessories, which match an object of interest, includes control logic for selecting an appropriate wearable based on a metric determined by light reflected from the object. Light is transmitted by an input device which also detects the reflected light. The input device is connected to the control logic which determines a metric and compares the metric to predetermined data corresponding to each of the available wearables. The selected wearable is indicated to a customer by an output device also connected to the control logic. The output device may include a light corresponding to each available wearable, or a mechanical machine which provides the selected wearable or a sample of the selected wearable to the customer. In one embodiment the apparatus is utilized to match the color of a cosmetic foundation make-up to the color of the customer's skin.

Abstract: In a semiconductor device fabrication process, a so-called alignment mark or position-alignment mark, a laser trimmer are used. The position-alignment mark makes a considerable difference in amount between a vertically reflected laser beam light from the position-alignment mark and that from the background thereof to strengthen a contrast between the position-alignment mark and the background surrounding the mark, so that a signal-to-noise ratio (SN ratio) is considerably improved to enable a precise position alignment to be performed in the semiconductor device fabrication process. The position-alignment mark comprises: a position-detecting target having high reflectance; and a pair of low-reflectance regions which sandwich the position-detecting target therebetween.

Abstract: A variable filter spectrophotometer, for use with sample and reference; has a main member, a filter unit, a drive, a detector, a light distribution system, and a clamping circuit. The main member defines first and second beam paths, which are intersected by the filter unit. The filter unit has filtering and opaque portions. The filter unit is continuously movable relative to the beam paths in a repeating cycle from a first filtering relation in which the filtering portion is interposed in the first beam path and the opaque portion completely blocks the second beam path, to a first dark relation in which both beam paths are blocked, to a second filtering relation in which the filtering portion is interposed in the second beam path and the first beam path is completely blocked, and to a second dark relation in which both beam paths are completely blocked. The filtering portion is variably transmissive along a direction of movement of the filter unit.

Abstract: A method for the formation of a biocompatible film composed of a self-assembled bilayer membrane deposited on a planar surface. This bilayer membrane is capable of immobilizing materials to be analyzed in an environment very similar to their native state. Materials so immobilized may be subject to any of a number of analytical techniques.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the composition and concentration of gases present in a gas sample by measurement of the spectrum of Raman scattered light from these gases. A diode laser illuminates the unknown gas which is contained inside a long hollow tube having a highly reflective interior wall. A laser line pass filter at an entrance aperture of the hollow tube prevents all wavelengths except specific wavelengths characteristic of the laser from entering the long hollow tube. The laser beam and Raman scattered light from the gas sample reflect inside the hollow tube from the highly reflective interior wall. A laser line rejection filter at an exit aperture of the hollow tube prevents the laser beam from exiting the hollow tube but transmits the Raman scattered light from the gas sample. A spectrograph detector or array of discrete filters and detectors detects the Raman scattered light.

Abstract: A correlated color temperature measuring device for measuring the color temperature of light includes a sensor which individually senses plural light components of light incident thereon and for providing plural corresponding digital color component signals representative thereof, a memory which stores correction data for correcting the plural digital color temperature component signals, and a processor which receives the plural digital color component signals from the sensor. The processor accesses the correction data in the memory, corrects the plural color component signals from the sensor based on the correction data and derives a digital signal representative of the color temperature of the incident light. The derived digital signal may be displayed on a digital display or may be outputted on a digital I/O interface in response to a request for digital color temperature information.

Abstract: An analytical system for analyzing a liquid sample that includes structure defining an analysis region with an inlet and an outlet, a spectrometer system disposed in sensing relation to the analysis region, structure defining a sample inlet port, and structure connecting the sample inlet port to the inlet of the analysis region. The analysis region includes sample excitation apparatus with a pair of spaced metal electrodes, one of the electrodes having an upper surface in spaced juxtaposition to the other electrode and passage structure connected to the inlet of the analysis region, and the other electrode having a lower surface of annular configuration in spaced juxtaposition to the upper surface of the one electrode.