Abstract: The single-camera angled conveyance inspection method and apparatus includes upwardly and downwardly angled conveyance mechanisms positioned within an instantaneous field of view of a digital line scan camera. As a rotating object is moved over the conveyances by a helical guide, the camera obtains images of the object and communicates the images to a processor. The processor assembles a reflectance and fluorescence image of the object including detected defects and/or contamination on the outer surface of the object.

Abstract: System and method for determining the presence of a contaminant in a sample using Raman spectroscopic data. The sample may be food or feed and the contaminant may be melamine. The sample is illuminated with substantially monochromatic light to produce Raman scattered photons. The Raman scattered photons are collected to generate Raman spectroscopic data. The Raman spectroscopic data may comprise at least one of a Raman spectrum and a spatially accurate wavelength resolved Raman image. The Raman spectroscopic data is analyzed to determine the presence or absence of a contaminant in a sample. The concentration of the contaminant in the sample can also be determined by using a ratio algorithm.

Abstract: The hand-held inspection tool enhances the ability of an on-site inspector to detect and communicate the presence of contamination on an object or in an area. An on-site inspector directs an excitation light in the sensing head of the tool into an area of interest. If the targeted contamination is present, the excitation light causes the contamination to emit fluorescence. The emitted fluorescent light passes through a narrow spectral band-pass video camera filter and is detected by a video camera mounted in the tool sensing head. The video camera transmits the image to a display visible to the on-site inspector. The invention also includes a means of recording, documenting, and wirelessly communicating the inspection process so that remotely located personnel can view the inspection, and respond to the inspection findings in real time.

Abstract: A hyperspectral reflectance and fluorescence line-scan imaging system is used for on-line quality and safety inspection of agricultural commodities. The system simultaneously acquires hyperspectral/multispectral combinations of both fluorescence and reflectance images of the agricultural commodities.

Abstract: The hand-held inspection tool enhances the ability of an on-site inspector to detect and communicate the presence of contamination on an object or in an area. An on-site inspector directs an excitation light in the sensing head of the tool into an area of interest. If the targeted contamination is present, the excitation light causes the contamination to emit fluorescence. The emitted fluorescent light passes through a narrow spectral band-pass video camera filter and is detected by a video camera mounted in the tool sensing head. The video camera transmits the image to a display visible to the on-site inspector. The invention also includes a means of recording, documenting, and wirelessly communicating the inspection process so that remotely located personnel can view the inspection, and respond to the inspection findings in real time.

Abstract: A hyperspectral reflectance and fluorescence line-scan imaging system is used for on-line quality and safety inspection of agricultural commodities. The system simultaneously acquires hyperspectral/multispectral combinations of both fluorescence and reflectance images of the agricultural commodities.

Abstract: Time-dependent differences in fluorescence responses of normal surfaces of the fruit or vegetable as opposed to surfaces which are contaminated with feces, may be used for improved detection of feces-contaminated fruits and vegetables. In this process, the surface of a fruit or vegetable which contains a native chlorophyll is illuminated with a pulse of UV or visible light having a wavelength effective to elicit fluorescence of feces of a plant consuming animal. The intensity of fluorescent light emissions from the surface are measured at one or more wavelengths characteristic of the emission spectra of chlorophyll or its degradation products, at a nanosecond-scale time period or window which is after the peak emission of the native chlorophyll of the fruit or vegetable.

Abstract: Bones, bone fragments, and shell fragments on or near the surface of processed animal flesh may be detected by detecting their fluorescent emissions. The surface of the flesh is illuminated with UV or visible light to elicit fluorescence of animal bones or shells, and the fluorescent light emissions are measured at first and second different wavelengths, which wavelengths are selected to yield a substantial difference between the ratio or subtractive difference for bones or shells and the ratio or subtractive difference for animal flesh. The ratio and/or subtractive difference of the fluorescent light emissions at the first and second wavelengths is calculated, and the presence of bone, bone fragment, or shell fragment is determined therefrom.

Abstract: The invention includes a computer-based diagnostic system to detect and analyze ground reaction forces produced by an animal passing through the diagnostic system, wherein the system is particularly suited for detecting lameness in animals through analysis of the forces generated by the animal as it moves through the apparatus and system of the invention. The invention includes, in one aspect, a first plate and a second plate disposed adjacent the first plate, a first plurality of load cells, and a second plurality of load cells. Each of the first plurality of load cells is configured to detect a force applied to the first plate along at least one axis and output a signal representative of the detected force and each of the second plurality of load cells is configured to detect a force applied to the second plate along at least one axis and output a signal representative of the detected force.

Abstract: A computer-based diagnostic system is provided to detect and analyze ground reaction forces produced by an animal passing through the diagnostic system, and includes, in one aspect, a first plate and a second plate disposed adjacent the first plate, a first plurality of load cells, and a second plurality of load cells. Each of the first and second plurality of load cells are configured to detect, respectively, a force applied to the first plate and the second plate along at least one axis and output signals representative of the detected force. A processor is provided to execute at least one force analysis instruction set, whereby the force analysis instruction set receives the signals output from the first and second plurality of load cells and calculates, a magnitude and location of a force applied to either of the first plate and the second plate.

Abstract: The invention includes a computer-based diagnostic system to detect and analyze ground reaction forces produced by an animal passing through the diagnostic system, wherein the system is particularly suited for detecting lameness in animals through analysis of the forces generated by the animal as it moves through the apparatus and system of the invention. The invention includes, in one aspect, a first plate and a second plate disposed adjacent the first plate, a first plurality of load cells, and a second plurality of load cells. Each of the first plurality of load cells is configured to detect a force applied to the first plate along at least one axis and output a signal representative of the detected force and each of the second plurality of load cells is configured to detect a force applied to the second plate along at least one axis and output a signal representative of the detected force.