Abstract: A system and methods for optically detecting a target gas are disclosed and described. An imaging system can include a narrow-band optical interference filter with a center wavelength that corresponds to a feature in an absorption spectrum of a target gas at a normal angle of incidence. An optical component can receive incoming light from the target gas that has passed through the narrow-band optical interference filter, where the narrow-band optical interference filter is tilted relative to the optical component, which tilt shifts the wavelength of light from each target point that is able to pass through the narrow-band optical interference filter. A camera can receive the incoming light that has been focused by the optical component. Multiple image frames are collected for different orientations of the system with respect to the target and analyzed to perform hyperspectral charactetization of target gas absorption.

Abstract: A system and methods for optically detecting a target atmospheric gas are disclosed and described. An imaging system can include a narrow-band optical interference filter with a center wavelength that corresponds to a feature in an absorption spectrum of a target gas at a normal angle of incidence. An optical component can receive incoming light from the target gas that has passed through the narrow-band optical interference filter, wherein the narrow-band optical interference filter is tilted relative to the optical component, which tilt shifts the wavelength of light from each target point that is able to pass through the narrow-band optical interference filter. A camera can receive the incoming light that has been focused by the optical component. Multiple image frames are collected for different orientations of the system with respect to the target and analyzed to perform hyperspectral characterization of target gas absorption.

Abstract: A system and methods for optically detecting a target atmospheric gas are disclosed and described. An imaging system can include a narrow-band optical interference filter with a center wavelength that corresponds to a feature in an absorption spectrum of a target gas at a normal angle of incidence. An optical component can receive incoming light from the target gas that has passed through the narrow-band optical interference filter, wherein the narrow-band optical interference filter is tilted relative to the optical component, which tilt shifts the wavelength of light from each target point that is able to pass through the narrow-band optical interference filter. A camera can receive the incoming light that has been focused by the optical component. Multiple image frames are collected for different orientations of the system with respect to the target and analyzed to perform hyperspectral characterization of target gas absorption.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus and method confocally image comparatively small features such as particles or bubbles in a relatively large volume. The main components of the apparatus include an illumination source and focusing optics, whose light is scattered to an optical sensor, typically an imager such as a camera, focal plane array, or the like. The illumination beam is focused such that its height is much less than its width, thus creating an almost planar or rectangular parallelepiped illuminated object space. The optical imager is positioned with its object-space focal plane parallel to the illumination beam such that the illumination beam passes through the in-focus object space of the imager. Images are collected while a fluid stream containing features of interest passes through imaging volume defined by the intersection of the in-focus object space and the illuminated object space.

Abstract: A method for archival digital data storage includes processing a digital data file to generate one or more images that summarize the information content of the data file, recording the data file in a digital format on a data band of a digital recording medium, and recording the summary image(s) as human-readable indicia on a data band, such human-readable indicia being adjacent to or embedded within the digitally formatted data file.

Abstract: A prosthetic patellar component includes a base and a bearing element that includes first and second femoral engaging surfaces disposed between first and second (superior/inferior) edge surfaces. The edge surfaces are curved to provide a gradual transition from a posterior facing portion to a nearly vertical superior or inferior facing portion. Moreover, the inferior-superior dimension of the component is at least approximately 90% of the medial-lateral dimension. The relative height and gradually transitioning edges significantly reduce the likelihood of sudden posterior rotation during deep flexion movement. The edge surfaces extend from a substantially posterior facing portion proximate to the first and second femoral engaging surfaces and a substantially vertical facing portion proximate the base.

Abstract: A steering system (11) reduces the steering radius and minimizes tire scuffing is used with vehicles which include a front steering assembly having first and second wheels (20a, 20b) and a tag axle steering assembly having third and fourth wheels (21a, 21b). The steering system comprises a front steering ram assembly (26) fluidly coupled to a tag axle ram assembly (30) through a conduit system (102), which has no flow control valves, in a master-slave configuration such that a hydraulic fluid moves between the steering axle assembly and the tag axle ram assembly in response to a turning of the first and second wheels to cause the third and fourth wheels to turn in an opposite direction. The front steering ram assembly comprises first and second ram (42, 44). The first and second ram cylinders (46, 52) are normally affixed to either the frame (40) or the first tie rod (36), while the first and second ram shafts (50, 56) are affixed to the other of the frame and the first tie rod.