Abstract: A chemical imaging and process monitoring device which utilizes a computer controlled tunable laser to provide light at discrete wavelengths in the near infrared band and a focal plane array to image or a single-point photo detector to detect the intensity of light reflected from a sample illuminated at various wavelengths of light. The device also provides light intensity reference detectors at the source and terminus of the light delivery pathway for normalizing the collected data and for detecting defects in the light delivery pathway.

Abstract: A chemical imaging device which utilizes a computer controlled tunable laser to provide light of wavelengths in the near infrared band and a focal plane array to image a sample illuminated at various wavelengths of light. The device also provides light intensity reference detectors at the source and terminus of the light delivery pathway for normalizing the collected images and for detecting defects in the light delivery pathway.

Abstract: Apparatus and an associated method are provided for nondestructively inspecting a coated article which may be a coated drug unit to determine the extent of coating on the exterior thereof. A probe may be received within a housing wherein the article is coated and transported as in a fluidized bed. A probe which has a recess for receiving coated article and a communicating fiberoptic receiving passageway. The recess receives a single coated article or plurality of coated articles on which light, which is preferably near-infrared light, is caused to impinge by a first group of fiberoptic fibers with the reflected light being delivered from the coated article to a spectrometer which analyzes the coating information. A microprocessor may be employed to control the inspection process, as well as the coating system. The probe may be rotatably mounted within the housing to facilitate removal of the coated article after inspection under the influence of gravity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell or holder or reflector for NIRS samples, such as capsules, tablets, or liquids. The cell comprises a main body with a top surface defining a recess. The recess is generally axially symmetrical and diverges generally upwardly from the bottom to the top of the recess. A central 90.degree. conical projection is located at the bottom of the recess and forms an annular groove with the sidewall of the recess. The sidewall of the recess has an annular notch for receiving and supporting a support window. This sidewall of the recess is parabolically shaped from the bottom to the top of the recess. The support window has intersecting grooves in its top surface over which the sample rests, or in which the sample is supported.