Abstract: An improved microchip spectrophotometer device (101) having a wavelength-sensitive light detector sensor (155) located on a microchip (241) that detects returning broadband light (128) that is narrow-spectrum wavelength filtered by gratings or filtered, such as through an optical collection window (141) on the sensor (155). Optionally, at least a portion of the returning broadband light was produced by one or more solid-state light sources (103, 103A, 103B) incorporated into the microchip device. Multispectral spectroscopic data from the detector is optionally transmitted such as by wire (161), then analyzed by a processor such as a difference unit (167), located on the same microchip or on a processing microchip. Systems incorporating the improved microchip spectrometer, and methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques for respiratory and metabolic monitoring in mobile devices, wearable computing, security, illumination, photography, and other applications may use a phosphor-coated broadband white LED to produce broadband light, which may be transmitted along with ambient light to a target (e.g., ear, face, wrist, or the like). Some scattered light returning from a target may be passed through a spectral filter to produce multiple detector regions sensitive to a different waveband and/or wavelength range, and the detected light may be analyzed to determine a measure of a respiratory rate or effort. In the absence of LED light, ambient light may be sufficient illumination for analysis. The disclosed techniques may provide identifying features of type or status of a tissue target (e.g., respiratory rate, heart rate, heart rate variability, heart function, lung function, fat content, hydration status, confirmation of living tissue, and the like).

Abstract: Techniques for respiratory and metabolic monitoring in mobile devices, wearable computing, security, illumination, photography, and other applications may use a phosphor-coated broadband white LED to produce broadband light, which may be transmitted along with ambient light to a target (e.g., ear, face, wrist, or the like). Some scattered light returning from a target may be passed through a spectral filter to produce multiple detector regions sensitive to a different waveband and/or wavelength range, and the detected light may be analyzed to determine a measure of a respiratory rate or effort. In the absence of LED light, ambient light may be sufficient illumination for analysis. The disclosed techniques may provide identifying features of type or status of a tissue target (e.g., respiratory rate, heart rate, heart rate variability, heart function, lung function, fat content, hydration status, confirmation of living tissue, and the like).

Abstract: A device (101) for determining the presence, absence, concentration, or count of rare cell or cell-like objects in a turbid fluid consisting of a light source (103) for illuminating a chamber (123) containing a solution including complexes of suspended cells or cell-like moieties (261) and an optically-active agent, and further including an imaging detector (145) and an output (147) for providing a determined or displayed result. Methods of enumeration are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting and localizing light originating from a mammal are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for targeting light emission to selected regions, as well as for tracking entities within the mammal. In addition, animal models for disease states are disclosed, as are methods for localizing and tracking the progression of disease or a pathogen within the animal, and for screening putative therapeutic compounds effective to inhibit the disease or pathogen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodetectors for detecting and quantifying molecules in liquid, gas, or matrices. More specifically, the present invention relates to biodetectors comprising a molecular switching mechanism to express a reporter gene upon interaction with target substances. The invention further relates to methods using such biodetectors for detecting and quantifying selected substances with high specificity and high sensitivity.

Abstract: A medical monitoring system in which information related to ischemia or an oxygenation to be determined is transmitted by a sending unit (167) using radiofrequency signals to a receiver (183), and the results are displayed on an external and remote monitor (313). The entire device may be encapsulated by a biocompatible shell (102) to permit implantation.

Abstract: A device (101) for determining the presence, absence, concentration, or count of rare cell or cell-like objects in a turbid fluid consisting of a light source (103) for illuminating a chamber (123) containing a solution including complexes of suspended cells or cell-like moieties (261) and an optically-active agent, and further including an imaging detector (145) and an output (147) for providing a determined or displayed result. Methods of enumeration are also disclosed.

Abstract: A business method for providing an emissions trading approach value to products and services that provide active cooling of the Earth that provides a sustainable means for global cooling strategies to achieve commercial value, in order to drive development and real-world application of these approaches, comprising the steps of manufacturing a light-scattering nanoparticle (527), deploying the stratospheric nanoparticles for reducing solar radiation incident on the Earth (537), receiving Carbon Counterbalance Credits in exchange for the local, national, regional, or international benefits derived from said deployment (547), and derives income from selling said credits in order to create a sustainable and viable business (557). Systems, devices, and agents for deployment in accordance with the business method are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved solid-state light source (103) for producing illuminating light (114) generated by interaction of light from an LED source (105) with a quantum dot, in one embodiment located in a well (117). A solid-state illuminator with integrated quantum dots advantageously allows for an efficient broadband or narrow band LED to be produced in a variety of specified colors and color temperatures, and allows for a more compact, less heat producing, and more energy efficient manufacturable illumination device, and further facilitates integration of the illuminator and detector into medical, industrial, and laboratory illuminators, microchips, or lab-on-chip devices or systems. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved solid-state light source (103) for producing illuminating light (114) generated by interaction of light from an LED source (105) with a quantum dot, in one embodiment located in a well (117). A solid-state illuminator with integrated quantum dots advantageously allows for an efficient broadband or narrow band LED to be produced in a variety of specified colors and color temperatures, and allows for a more compact, less heat producing, and more energy efficient manufacturable illumination device, and further facilitates integration of the illuminator and detector into medical, industrial, and laboratory illuminators, microchips, or lab-on-chip devices or systems. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved combination light source (103) comprises a combination of a solid-state white LED source (105) to illuminate a target with continuous, broadband illuminating light (114), and a second, additional light source, as an integrated system. While the white LED provides illumination, the second light source provides for medical, industrial, or laboratory analysis. A combination solid-state and second illuminator integrated with one or more detectors advantageously allows for a more compact, less heat producing, and more energy efficient manufacturable device, and further facilitates integration of the illuminator and detector into a device or system. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable ischemia detection system in which a white LED (105) produces a continuous, visible, broadband light illuminating a target site (125). Light backscattered by the target is collected by a sensor (155), allowing for an index of ischemia to be determined, and subsequently transmitted by a sending unit (167). Power is provided by an internal power source (179). The entire implantable device is encapsulated by a biocompatible shell (102) to add long-term safety with regard to implantation.

Abstract: An implantable ischemia detection system in which a white LED (105) produces a continuous, visible, broadband light illuminating a target site (125). Light backscattered by the target is collected by a sensor (155), allowing for an index of ischemia to be determined, and subsequently transmitted by a sending unit (167). Power is provided by an internal power source (179). The entire implantable device is encapsulated by a biocompatible shell (102) to add long-term safety with regard to implantation.

Abstract: A solid-state illuminator (103) for improved light delivery efficiency in general illumination in which a solid-state, broadband white LED light source (105) is coupled directly and advantageously to an integrated heat-sink or cooler (347) for thermal management. The integrated heat sink or cooler (347) is in thermal contact with the LED light source wires, bulb or lens, and may be placed prior to the light source end cap. The thermal management advantageously allows for more efficient and lower operating temperature at the LED light source, reducing the amount of power needed to produce a given amount of usable light, allowing delivered light intensity and/or light power density, and further facilitating integration of the illuminator and heat-sink or cooler (347) into a general illumination device or system. Methods of manufacturing are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for detecting and localizing a target tissue within the body in the presence of ambient light in which an optical contrast agent is administered and allowed to become functionally localized within a contrast-labeled target tissue to be diagnosed. A light source is optically coupled to a tissue region potentially containing the contrast-labeled target tissue. A gated light detector is optically coupled to the tissue region and arranged to detect light substantially enriched in target signal as compared to ambient light, where the target signal is light that has passed into the contrast-labeled tissue region and been modified by the contrast agent. A computer receives signals form the detector, and passes these signals to memory for accumulation and storage, and then to image processing engine for determination of the localization and distribution of the contrast agent.

Abstract: A method for detecting and localizing a target tissue within the body in the presence of ambient light in which an optical contrast agent is administered and allowed to become functionally localized within a contrast-labeled target tissue to be diagnosed. A light source is optically coupled to a tissue region potentially containing the contrast-labeled target tissue. A gated light detector is optically coupled to the tissue region and arranged to detect light substantially enriched in target signal as compared to ambient light, where the target signal is light that has passed into the contrast-labeled tissue region and been modified by the contrast agent. A computer receives signals from the detector, and passes these signals to memory for accumulation and storage, and to then to image processing engine for determination of the localization and distribution of the contrast agent.

Abstract: An improved illuminator (103) for producing broadband light and delivering said light to a target (125) for measuring the color of the target which incorporates an integrated system comprising a solid-state white LED source (105) to illuminate the target with continuous, broadband illuminating light (114). After interaction with the sample, returning light (107) is either collected by a detector or a light collector such as fiber (141), or processed and analyzed by an analysis system such as color monitor (267), or both, creating a real-time integrated color sensor device or system that enables color detection, monitoring, identification, or analysis. A solid-state illuminator integrated with a color detector advantageously allows for a more compact, reduced heat producing, and more energy efficient manufacturable device, and further facilitates integration of the illuminator and detector into a microchip or lab-on-chip device or system. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ischemia detection system in two or more somatic measures, collected simultaneously or near-simultaneously, are provided for direct or computational comparison, in which light from light source A (103A) and source B (103B) is detected by a sensor (155), and a difference-weighted value is determined (167), thereby enhancing the value of the spectroscopic measurements over values taken individually and singly.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting and localizing light originating from a mammal are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for targeting light emission to selected regions, as well as for tracking entities within the mammal. In addition, animal models for disease states are disclosed, as are methods for localizing and tracking the progression of disease or a pathogen within the animal, and for screening putative therapeutic compounds effective to inhibit the disease or pathogen.