Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for analyzing sample inclusions. As one example, a correction factor may be generated based on inclusion properties of a first sample determined using both an optical emission spectrometry (OES) system and a charged-particle microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (CPM/EDX) system. The OES system may be calibrated with the correction factor. The inclusion properties of a second, different, sample may be determined using the calibrated OES system.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for picking up off a surface objects which are on the surface with a spread remaining equal, wherein of the objects a position on the surface is established, and wherein on the basis of the established position a plurality of pickers are centrally controlled to pick up free objects off the surface and to leave objects with mutual overlap lying on the surface.

Abstract: A process for the evaporation of a waste water stream having a mixture of inorganic and organic materials is provided. The process includes passing a waste water stream together with cleaning particles through a shell and tube heat exchanger of a forced circulation evaporator to mitigate scaling on the internal surface of the heat exchanger through which the stream of waste water flows. In another aspect, the invention concerns a forced circulation evaporator having a fluidized bed heat exchanger suitable for carrying out the method. The evaporator is located after a chemical process plant that produces a waste water containing a mixture of inorganic and organic materials, preferably after a dyestuff manufacturing plant.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for analyzing sample inclusions. As one example, a correction factor may be generated based on inclusion properties of a first sample determined using both an optical emission spectrometry (OES) system and a charged-particle microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (CPM/EDX) system. The OES system may be calibrated with the correction factor. The inclusion properties of a second, different, sample may be determined using the calibrated OES system.

Abstract: A separation apparatus is disclosed, comprising: a layerizer arranged to bring a group of particles in a layer on a transport surface with a constant spatial relation of the particles relative to each other in the layer; an identifier arranged to identify particles in the group of particles that have a specific property; a separator arranged to separate the particles in the group based on a difference in affinity between the particles and the separator; an affinity modifier arranged to modify said affinity for identified particles relative to non-identified particles in the group. The layerizer comprises a recirculating transport surface on which the particles of the layer are carried. The transport surface is arranged to move along a transport trajectory as a rigid plane. Further, a method for separation of particles from a group of particles is disclosed.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for analyzing sample inclusions. As one example, a correction factor may be generated based on inclusion properties of a first sample determined using both an optical emission spectrometry (OES) system and a charged-particle microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (CPM/EDX) system. The OES system may be calibrated with the correction factor. The inclusion properties of a second, different, sample may be determined using the calibrated OES system.

Abstract: An optical detection method is provided, wherein a body part (5) comprising at least one joint is irradiated with light. Local attenuation of the light by the body part (5) is detected as attenuation measurements (2) at the position of the at least one joint and at the position of at least one other portion of the body part (5); and wherein blood flow to and/or from the body part (5) is temporarily at least partially blocked and thereafter enabled again (3). Distinct local attenuation measurements for the at least one joint and for at least one other portion of the body part (5) are performed for at least two of the times before (I), during (II), and after (III) the blocking of blood flow.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for analyzing sample inclusions. As one example, a correction factor may be generated based on inclusion properties of a first sample determined using both an optical emission spectrometry (OES) system and a charged-particle microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (CPM/EDX) system. The OES system may be calibrated with the correction factor. The inclusion properties of a second, different, sample may be determined using the calibrated OES system.

Abstract: An optical detection method and device are provided, wherein a body part comprising at least one joint is irradiated with light. Local attenuation of the light by the body part is detected as attenuation measurements at the position of the at least one joint and at the position of at least one other portion of the body part; and wherein blood flow to and/or from the body part is temporarily at least partially blocked and thereafter enabled again. Distinct local attenuation measurements for the at least one joint and for at least one other portion of the body part are performed for at least two of the times before (I), during (II), and after (III) the blocking of blood flow.

Abstract: An electron microscope including a vacuum chamber for containing a specimen to be analyzed, an optics column, including an electron source and a final probe forming lens, for focusing electrons emitted from the electron source, a specimen stage positioned in the vacuum chamber under the probe forming lens for holding the specimen, and multiple x-ray detectors positioned within the vacuum chamber, at different takeoff angles with respect to the sample's x-ray emission position in the chamber. Takeoff angles are provided to improve the counting efficiency of the various sensors. Multiple detectors of different types may be supported within the vacuum chamber on a mechanical support system, which may be adjustable. A method includes operating the sensors to optimize the time required for accurate x-ray counting by gathering data at the multiple takeoff angles.

Abstract: A system for accurately detecting a patient's movement during imaging procedures includes a camera for providing a stream of camera images of a part of a patient's exterior and a fiducial element mountable on part of the patient's exterior. The fiducial element is detectable in the stream of images. An image processor is configured to detect a displacement of the fiducial element based on consecutive images including in at least the stream of images and to generate an output signal indicative of the displacement. The fiducial element has an in-plane stiffness which is substantially larger than an in-plane stiffness of the part of the patient's exterior. In addition, the fiducial element and the part of the patient's exterior are provided with substantially equal outer in-plane dimensions.

Abstract: An electron microscope including a vacuum chamber for containing a specimen to be analyzed, an optics column, including an electron source and a final probe forming lens, for focusing electrons emitted from the electron source, a specimen stage positioned in the vacuum chamber under the probe forming lens for holding the specimen, and multiple x-ray detectors positioned within the vacuum chamber, at different takeoff angles with respect to the sample's x-ray emission position in the chamber. Takeoff angles are provided to improve the counting efficiency of the various sensors. Multiple detectors of different types may be supported within the vacuum chamber on a mechanical support system, which may be adjustable. A method includes operating the sensors to optimize the time required for accurate x-ray counting by gathering data at the multiple takeoff angles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a device for optical imaging of a turbid medium. This method comprises a reference measurement of reference intensities of light emanating from the turbid medium at a reference blood oxygen saturation (SaO2) in the turbid medium and a reference imaging step for reconstructing a reference image of the turbid medium from the measured reference intensities. Furthermore the method comprises a contrast measurement of the contrast intensity of the light emanating from the turbid medium at a contrast blood oxygen saturation (SaO2) level in the turbid medium and a contrast imaging step for reconstructing a contrast image of the turbid medium from the measured contrast intensities. A comparison is made between the contrast image to the reference image of the turbid medium.

Abstract: A spectroscopic system for determining a property of a fluid flowing through a volume of interest underneath the surface of the skin of a patient is described. The spectroscopic system comprises: a probe head having an objective for directing an excitation beam into the volume of interest and for collecting return radiation from the volume of interest; a base station having a spectroscopic analysis unit and a power supply; and a cable connecting the probe head and the base station for transmission of the return radiation from the probe head to the base station and for providing the probe head with power from the power supply of the base station.

Abstract: The invention provides a system (102) for accurately detecting a patient's (114) movement during imaging procedures. The system comprises a camera (126) for providing a stream of camera images of a part of a patient's exterior (206). The system (102) furthermore comprises a fiducial element (116), which fiducial element (116) is mountable on said part of the patient's exterior (206), and which fiducial element (116) is detectable in the stream of camera images, and an image processor (128) for detecting a displacement of the fiducial element based on consecutive camera images comprised in at least the stream of camera images and for generating an output signal (129) indicative for said displacement. Herein, the fiducial element (116) has an in-plane stiffness which is substantially larger than an in-plane stiffness of said part of the patient's exterior. In addition, the fiducial element (116) and said part of the patient's exterior are provided with substantially equal outer in-plane dimensions.

Abstract: A system (120) and/or corresponding method introduces a minor change to a given set of parameters (110) that affect an ambiance (130) associated with an environment, and collects the user's response to the change. Based on the user's response, the system learns which changes to which parameters lead to an improved effect. By repeating the change-feedback sessions, the system approaches an optimal setting for achieving the desired ambiance in the given environment. Preferably, the change-feedback session is non-obtrusive, and occurs, for example, each time a light is turned on, and the feedback is collected when the light is turned off, using a multiple switch arrangement. If the light is turned off using one switch, the feedback is positive; if the light is turned off using an alternative switch, the feedback is negative. Alternatively, the system can be placed in a rapid-learning mode, wherein the change-feedback cycles occur more frequently.

Abstract: An optical detection method is provided, wherein a body part (5) comprising at least one joint is irradiated with light. Local attenuation of the light by the body part (5) is detected as attenuation measurements (2) at the position of the at least one joint and at the position of at least one other portion of the body part (5); and wherein blood flow to and/or from the body part (5) is temporarily at least partially blocked and thereafter enabled again (3). Distinct local attenuation measurements for the at least one joint and for at least one other portion of the body part (5) are performed for at least two of the times before (I), during (II), and after (III) the blocking of blood flow.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spectroscopic system as well as a method of autonomous tuning of a spectroscopic system and a corresponding computer program product. By detecting the position of return radiation in a transverse plane of an aperture of a spectroscopic analysis unit, a control signal can be generated that allows to drive servo driven translation or tilting stages of optical components. In this way a transverse misalignment of a spectroscopic system can be effectively detected. Generally, a plurality of different detection schemes are realizable allowing for an autonomous tuning of the spectroscopic system and for autonomous elimination of misalignment of a spectroscopic system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device (30, 125) for imaging an interior of an optically turbid medium (40). Light from a light source (35) is coupled into the turbid medium (40). Detection light emanating from the turbid medium (40) as a result of coupling (5) light from the light source (35) into the turbid medium (40) is collected. A first characteristic and a second characteristic of collected detection light are measured simultaneously. Next, the ratio of a first linear combination of the measured characteristics and a second linear combination of the measured characteristics is taken based on the recognition that the noise in both linear combinations is correlated.

Abstract: A measurement head has an objective for imaging of a target area such as including a capillary vessel in the skin. The measurement head does not require a lateral shifting of the optical axis of the objective. Transverse relative movements between the objective and a capillary vessel in the skin are performed by mechanically shifting the skin with respect to the objective of the measurement head. Moreover, the measurement head is adapted to host one or more pressure sensors for measuring the contact pressure between the measurement head and the skin. Pressure information may be exploited in order to calibrate a spectroscopic analyzer, and/or to regulate the contact pressure within predefined margins specifying an optimum range of contact pressure for spectroscopic examination of capillary vessels.