Abstract: A spectroscopy system separates the diffuse reflectance component of a reflectance spectrum from the specular reflectance component using a remote field stop filter. The surface of the sample is placed at a focal plane of an optical system. The optical system forms an image on the surface of the sample that includes an image of the remote field stop filter. The optical system images the surface of the sample onto either the same or another remote field stop. Energy reflected from the surface of the sample which is in focus at the remote field stop retains the image information about the image of the filter, whereas energy reflected from below the surface of the sample does not necessarily retain image information about the image of the filter.

Abstract: A grazing angle microscope includes a highly convex central spherical mirror segment and a highly concave annular spherical mirror segment. A beam of incident radiant energy is sequentially directed against a part of the first convex mirror and a first part of the concave mirror onto a surface area at grazing angles so as to form a focused image on the surface area. A second part of the concave mirror collects radiant energy reflected from the surface at grazing angles and directs it to a second part of the convex mirror for reflection to a detector. Masking means are located at a focus that is remote from the surface area to determine the geometric shape of the image of the remote focus to target the surface area to be sampled by radiant energy. The masking means is adjusted during viewing in a visible light mode, with the visible light having a common optical path and common focal points with the radiant energy.

Abstract: Diffuse reflectance spectra may be obtained that are free from the distortions caused by specular reflections by using an apparatus and method for physically blocking out specularly reflected energy. The apparatus consists of a blocker that is positioned substantially in contact with the surface of the sample at the region wherein an input beam of energy is focused on the sample. Specularly reflected energy that would otherwise be reflected to a detector is physically blocked by the blocker. That part of the input energy beam that penetrates into the sample is diffusely reflected. Part of the diffusely reflected energy passes under the blocker where it is collected and focused on the detector. The blocker is found to have particular application in the field of infrared spectroscopy of inorganic compounds, particularly compounds having a powdered structure.

Abstract: A reflecting beam splitting objective employing only three mirrors obtains a high reflective efficiency. In one embodiment, the objective contains a small intercepting mirror between primary and secondary mirrors of a Cassegrain mirror arrangement. The position of the intercepting mirror is determined so that the mirror receives an input beam and directs that beam onto a first portion of the secondary mirror without vignetting the beam when it is reflected from the secondary mirror to a first portion of the primary mirror or by cutting off part of the image transmitted from the second portion of the secondary mirror to a focus behind the primary mirror. The objective may use all energy that is input into the objective to image a sample. The objective has demonstrated particular utility in the field of infrared spectroscopy of small samples.

Abstract: The present invention provides reflaxicon optics for directing infrared radiation from a source into the cone-shaped entry end of a cylindrically shaped internal reflection element, as well as for directing radiation from the cone-shaped exit end of the element towards a detector. Preferably, the contours of the surfaces for the secondary and primary mirrors included in the reflaxicon optics are segments of revolution where the segments are defined as off-axis ellipsoids, in the case where the source infrared radiation is converging, and as cones and off-axis paraboloids, respectively, in the case where the source radiation is collimated. The cylindrically shaped internal reflection element is sealed into a tubular member in order to provide a sample chamber. Liquids and fluidized samples preferably can be passed through the chamber for nondestructive IR analysis.

Abstract: The conduit includes a top wall (A) and a base (B). The top wall A has an apex area (10) which is connected with a first corrugated side wall (12) and a second corrugated side wall (32). The side walls having alternating peaks (22, 42) and valleys (24, 44). The peaks have apex ends (26, 46) which are disposed closely adjacent each other at the apex area to define a hinge region therebetween. Disposed along the apex area and on the side wall peaks are a plurality of outward projecting dimples (70, 72, 74) which are severable by a tangentially disposed knife blade to form a plurality of apertures (50, 52, 54). The base B is a flexible sheet of plastic mesh material.

Abstract: A foldable conduit has a generally parabolic arched portion and a flat base. The arched portion comprises a pair of corrugated side walls which are connected with a hinge. The corrugations comprise alternating peak portions and valley portions. Each peak portion comprises a pair of generally vertical corrugation walls and a top wall connected with the corrugation walls. The top wall has a pair of ribs, each adjacent one of the pair of corrugation walls. Between the ribs is a recessed area. The ribs and recessed area are arcuate and generally undulating in cross section. The valley portion comprises an arcuate valley wall connected with the corrugation walls of adjacent peak portions. The flat base is a flexible sheet which may be perforated to permit fluid ingress and egress. The hinge and flexible base allow the side walls to be folded together with the base folded in between for more compact shipment.

Abstract: This application discloses the method and apparatus for manufacturing plastic tubing which comprises a rigid semiround, triangular, or the like top section and a flat base of flexible sheet-like material. The manufacturing comprises the steps of or apparatus for (a) extruding a sleeve of thermoplastic material, (b) blow molding a corrugated generally tubular structure, (c) cooling the generally tubular structure, (d) splitting the generally tubular structure into a pair of semiround corrugated tubing structures, (e) bonding a strip of sheet-like material across the open base of the semiround tubing, (f) folding the semiround tubing longitudinally to a flattened configuration, and (g) coiling the tubing in its flattened configuration.

Abstract: A coupler structure which facilitates the internal joining of a first length of hollow plastic pipe having internal corrugations defined by a plurality of alternating peaks and valleys to a second length of similar pipe or to some other structure. The coupler is molded from plastic to have at least one cylindrical end portion dimensioned for longitudinal receipt in the second length of tubing or other structure which is to be coupled to the first length. This one end portion includes a plurality of integrally molded cleats extending generally radially outward thereof. The cleats are selectively movable between first locking positions for lockingly engaging the second tubing length valleys and second non-locking positions which permits forced insertion of the coupler one end portion into the second tubing length. The cleats are hinged to the one end portion generally laterally thereof and are continuously urged toward the first position by the resilient nature of the plastic construction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a foldable arched conduit suitable for use as drain tubing, culverts and the like. The conduit has the cross section of a parabolic arch with a flat base. The arched portion of the conduit comprises a pair of rigid corrugated plastic walls jointed at the apex area by a hinge. The base is constructed from a flexible sheet material which may contain apertures for liquid ingress and egress. For shipment, the rigid walls are folded inward about the hinge with the flexible sheet being folded between the rigid walls in order to present a generally flat configuration. After folding, the conduit may be conveniently rolled or length placed in parallel stacks for reducing the storage and/or shipping space required. At installation, the conduit may be unrolled along the installation site and then caused to expand into its unfolded shape.

Abstract: A connecting joint construction particularly suited for use on large diameter corrugated plastic pipe or tubing. The joint is comprised of a first main length of corrugated, generally cylindrical plastic pipe having one end portion provided with corrugations which, considered from the interior of the pipe, are somewhat smaller in height than the corrugations of the main body portion of the pipe. One of the smaller corrugations has at least one locking area therein defined between a stop member and a locking member and the smaller corrugations further include a plurality of sets of axially aligned grooves formed therein. A second main length of pipe is provided with a smooth walled end portion of a diameter less than the minimum internal diameter of the one end portion of the first pipe.