Abstract: A system includes a sensor housing and a sensor processor external to the sensor housing. The sensor housing includes an infrared detection module and a thermoelectric module proximate to the infrared detection module. The infrared detection module is configured to detect infrared radiation of a scene and generate a measurement associated with the infrared radiation. The thermoelectric module is configured to provide thermal control to the infrared detection module based on a modulated power signal. An accuracy of the measurement is based on the thermal control provided to the infrared detection module. The sensor processor is configured to transmit a power signal to the infrared detection module and transmit a direct current power signal to the thermoelectric module. The direct current power signal is based on the modulated power signal.

Abstract: A system for performing grazing angle measurements is disclosed herein. The system includes a laser configured to emit a beam of light and a series of reflective elements configured to direct the beam of light and a hollow sphere is rotatable about a sphere axis with the sphere axis extending through a central region of the hollow sphere. The hollow sphere defines an elongated slot for accepting the beam of light when the hollow sphere is in one of a plurality of predetermined rotational positions about the sphere axis. A mounting arm extends into a central region of the hollow sphere and includes a sample mount configured to receive a sample. The system further includes a spectral hemispherical reflectance detector having a field of view extending into the hollow sphere and a baffle horizontally interposed relative to the sphere axis between the spectral hemispherical reflectance detector and the elongated slot.

Abstract: A system includes a sensor housing and a sensor processor external to the sensor housing. The sensor housing includes an infrared detection module and a thermoelectric module proximate to the infrared detection module. The infrared detection module is configured to detect infrared radiation of a scene and generate a measurement associated with the infrared radiation. The thermoelectric module is configured to provide thermal control to the infrared detection module based on a modulated power signal. An accuracy of the measurement is based on the thermal control provided to the infrared detection module. The sensor processor is configured to transmit a power signal to the infrared detection module and transmit a direct current power signal to the thermoelectric module. The direct current power signal is based on the modulated power signal.

Abstract: A system for performing grazing angle measurements is disclosed herein. The system includes a laser configured to emit a beam of light and a series of reflective elements configured to direct the beam of light and a hollow sphere is rotatable about a sphere axis with the sphere axis extending through a central region of the hollow sphere. The hollow sphere defines an elongated slot for accepting the beam of light when the hollow sphere is in one of a plurality of predetermined rotational positions about the sphere axis. A mounting arm extends into a central region of the hollow sphere and includes a sample mount configured to receive a sample. The system further includes a spectral hemispherical reflectance detector having a field of view extending into the hollow sphere and a baffle horizontally interposed relative to the sphere axis between the spectral hemispherical reflectance detector and the elongated slot.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates methods and systems of conducting wagers, such as pari-mutuel wagers. In one exemplary embodiment an event, such as a horse race, dog race, a combination of races, etc., is identified for which a plurality of bettors may each place at least one wager. Each bettor of the plurality is enabled to provide input regarding at least one portion of their respective at least one wager prior to the event. At least one other portion of each bettor's at least one wager is randomized prior to the event. The wager then comprises the combination of the bettor selected portion and randomized portion. In one exemplary embodiment, the player selected portion may include selecting bettor-preferred participants of the event while the randomly selected portion may include the randomly assigning a finishing order to the player selected participants.