Abstract: A method for using a single-pixel camera to reconstruct images of objects obscured by fog or other dynamic scattering media. A pseudo-random phase or intensity pattern is imposed on illumination beams directed at a target. The beam with the imposed pattern forms a pseudo random pattern on the target. Information regarding the pattern imposed on each pulse is entered into a data processor/controller. The illumination beams with the pseudo random patterns are reflected off the target, collected by receiving optics and a bucket detector and converted into electronic signals fed into the data processor/controller. The data processor/controller applies a high-pass filter to remove slower signal variations produced by dynamic changes in the scattering medium over time. The filtered bucket values are then used together with their corresponding speckle patterns to generate the images using any appropriate reconstruction algorithm such as CGI or CSI.

Abstract: A method and system for separating multicomponent fluids into components having different buoyancies. A flow shaping member has a helical channel that imparts a helical motion to the fluid, and a separation chamber for separating the moving fluid into a helically moving heavier flow portion and a more buoyant portion along the central axis. A flow receiving member has a first collection horn with a mouth arranged to collect the higher buoyancy fluid and direct the fluid to an outlet. At least one other fluid passageway for carrying lower buoyancy fluid has an inlet surrounding of the collection horn, and directs the fluid to a separate outlet at an end of the separator. Additional collection horns can be arranged concentrically around the first collection horn to collect intermediate buoyancy flows. Cascaded fluid separators can concentrate the higher buoyancy fluid or the denser fluid.

Abstract: A method and system for separating multicomponent fluids into components having different buoyancies. A flow shaping member has a helical channel that imparts a helical motion to the fluid, and a separation chamber for separating the moving fluid into a helically moving heavier flow portion and a more buoyant portion along the central axis. A flow receiving member has a first collection horn with a mouth arranged to collect the higher buoyancy fluid and direct the fluid to an outlet. At least one other fluid passageway for carrying lower buoyancy fluid has an inlet surrounding of the collection horn, and directs the fluid to a separate outlet at an end of the separator. Additional collection horns can be arranged concentrically around the first collection horn to collect intermediate buoyancy flows. Cascaded fluid separators can concentrate the higher buoyancy fluid or the denser fluid.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining the face of an optical window at a desired axial position with respect to the face of a high pressure housing, suitable for use in a high pressure optical flow cell for a real time optical particle monitoring system. The window fits within a mounting hole that extends through the pressure housing. The window has a smaller-diameter cylindrical end portion extending to the high pressure side and an opposite larger-diameter cylindrical end portion, with a shoulder between the cylindrical end portions. A threaded retaining member axially compresses a gasket, o-ring, or other compliant sealing member between the shoulder of the optical window and a corresponding shoulder in the mounting hole, creating a static seal and maintaining the high pressure face of the optical window at a desired position over a wide range of temperatures and pressures.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining the face of an optical window at a desired axial position with respect to the face of a high pressure housing, suitable for use in a high pressure optical flow cell for a real time optical particle monitoring system. The window fits within a mounting hole that extends through the pressure housing. The window has a smaller-diameter cylindrical end portion extending to the high pressure side and an opposite larger-diameter cylindrical end portion, with a shoulder between the cylindrical end portions. A threaded retaining member axially compresses a gasket, o-ring, or other compliant sealing member between the shoulder of the optical window and a corresponding shoulder in the mounting hole, creating a static seal and maintaining the high pressure face of the optical window at a desired position over a wide range of temperatures and pressures.

Abstract: A high pressure optical flow cell system suitable for use in a real time optical particle monitoring system. The system is modular, with at least two housings joined together with removable mechanical attachment devices. Inlet and outlet passageways introduce and remove high pressure fluid into a flow cavity located between adjacent housing faces. An o-ring or other compliant member seal is provided between the faces to prevent leaks of the high pressure fluid. At least one optical window is provided with a substantially planar face flush with the flow cavity surface. An optical assembly maintains the face of the optical window flush with the flow cavity surface over a wide range of temperatures and pressures. A system and method for maintaining the face of the optical window flush with the flow cavity surface over a wide range of temperatures and pressures.

Abstract: A method and system for separating multicomponent fluids into components having different buoyancies. A flow shaping member has a helical channel that imparts a helical motion to the fluid, and a separation chamber for separating the moving fluid into a helically moving heavier flow portion and a more buoyant portion along the central axis. A flow receiving member has a first collection horn with a mouth arranged to collect the higher buoyancy fluid and direct the fluid to an outlet. At least one other fluid passageway for carrying lower buoyancy fluid has an inlet surrounding of the collection horn, and directs the fluid to a separate outlet at an end of the separator. Additional collection horns can be arranged concentrically around the first collection horn to collect intermediate buoyancy flows. Cascaded fluid separators can concentrate the higher buoyancy fluid or the denser fluid.

Abstract: A flow separation system for separating multicomponent fluids into components having different buoyancies. The system can deaerate fluids, and segregate solid particles into a channel for removal or real time particle analysis. The system can have, positioned axially within a housing, a cup shaped first member having an axial passageway and a concave inner surface, a second member with a surface that forms a gap with the first member, the gap directing the flow into at least one helical channel. The flow exits the helical channel into a separation chamber positioned between the second member and a third member and separates into spinning heavier flow portion and a more buoyant portion that is driven toward the central axis. The third member has central fluid passageway that collects the higher buoyancy fluid and least one other fluid passageway for carrying lower buoyancy fluid, with an inlet positioned radially outward of the central fluid passageway.

Abstract: A high pressure optical flow cell system suitable for use in a real time optical particle monitoring system. The system is modular, with at least two housings joined together with removable mechanical attachment devices. Inlet and outlet passageways introduce and remove high pressure fluid into a flow cavity located between adjacent housing faces. An o-ring or other compliant member seal is provided between the faces to prevent leaks of the high pressure fluid. At least one optical window is provided with a substantially planar face flush with the flow cavity surface. An optical assembly maintains the face of the optical window flush with the flow cavity surface over a wide range of temperatures and pressures. A system and method for maintaining the face of the optical window flush with the flow cavity surface over a wide range of temperatures and pressures.

Abstract: An optical fluid monitoring system for imaging debris and other particles in a flowing fluid. The system can have multiple sensors (camera and viewing port) connected to a single, remotely located, laser and computer. The system can also include multiple lasers, viewing ports and cameras to be located at different locations in a flow, with each sensor being configured to image a different particle size range. The system can simultaneously image fluid flows on different pieces of equipment. Optical sensors can be arranged on parallel flow conduits, with each sensor configured to image a different particle size range.

Abstract: An optical fluid monitoring system for imaging debris and other particles in a flowing fluid. The system can have multiple sensors (camera and viewing port) connected to a single, remotely located, laser and computer. The system can also include multiple lasers, viewing ports and cameras to be located at different locations in a flow, with each sensor being configured to image a different particle size range. The system can simultaneously image fluid flows on different pieces of equipment. Optical sensors can be arranged on parallel flow conduits, with each sensor configured to image a different particle size range.

Abstract: An optical fluid monitoring system for imaging debris and other particles in a flowing fluid. The system can have multiple sensors (camera and viewing port) connected to a single, remotely located, laser and computer. The system can also include multiple lasers, viewing ports and cameras to be located at different locations in a flow, with each sensor being configured to image a different particle size range. The system can simultaneously image fluid flows on different pieces of equipment.

Abstract: A method and system for particle entrained fluid sampling, capable of sampling a high pressure and/or high flow rate fluid flow system using a pressure intensifier for applying pressure or suction to the fluid sample in the fluid sampling system operatively connected to a sample extractor and a sample analysis device. The pressure intensifier for applying pressure or suction is adjustable to provide control over the sample flow in the fluid sampling system. The fluid sampling system of the present invention may be particularly applicable to monitoring the condition of hydraulic and lubrication systems.

Abstract: A method for in situ sampling and monitoring of a fluid flowing in a flow path, whereby the fluid is to be directed to a chamber a first valve may provide a connection between an inlet to the chamber and the flow path and a second valve may provide a connection between an outlet from the chamber and the flow path, comprising the following steps: a) opening the first valve and the second valve to let the incoming fluid flow through the inlet to the chamber and from the chamber through the outlet into the continuation of the fluid path, thereby allowing fluid to circulate through the chamber for a certain time, b) trapping the fluid in the chamber by closing the second valve and thereafter closing the first valve, c) opening a valve 9 for reducing pressure, to obtain a pressure in the chamber suitable for monitoring the fluid, d) opening an access valve 11 and leading the fluid trapped in the chamber into a monitor system wherein the fluid is analyzed, and thereby providing the data representing the fluid chara

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method and system for particle entrained fluid sampling. The invention is specifically directed to a system capable of sampling a high pressure and/or high flow rate fluid flow system using a means for applying pressure or suction to the fluid sample in the fluid sampling system operatively connected to a sample extractor and a sample analysis device. The means for applying pressure or suction is adjustable to provide control over the sample flow in the fluid sampling system. The fluid sampling system of the present invention may be particularly applicable to monitoring the condition of hydraulic and lubrication systems.

Abstract: A method for in situ sampling and monitoring of a fluid flowing in a flow path, whereby the fluid is to be directed to a chamber a first valve may provide a connection the flow path and a second valve may provide a connection between an outlet from the chamber and the flow path, comprising the following steps: a) opening the first valve and the second valve to let the incoming fluid flow through the inlet to the chamber and from the chamber through the outlet into the continuation of the fluid path, thereby allowing fluid to circulate through the chamber for a certain time, b) trapping the fluid in the chamber by closing the second valve and thereafter closing the first valve, c) opening a valve 9 for reducing pressure, to obtain a pressure in the chamber suitable for monitoring the fluid, d) opening an access valve 11 and leading the fluid trapped in the chamber into a monitor system wherein the fluid is analyzed, and thereby providing the data representing the fluid characteristics, e) providing exit for th

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing speckle due to MSL, without any loss of resolution, by averaging over different angles of the incident light at low input resolution, while collecting the backscattered light at a full resolution of a lens is described. The present invention allows discrimination against the speckle due to coherent MSL.

Abstract: A fluid analysis system and method for in situ optically imaging a fluid, such as lubricating oil, sampled from a flow path. The system has a chamber with an inlet in fluid communication with fluid flowing under pressure in the flow path. The pressure of the received fluid in the chamber is reduced, the reduced pressure fluid is directed from the the chamber into the fluid analysis system, and the fluid analysis system optically images the fluid. The fluid analysis system can produce data representative of particle size, particle shape, or number of particles. In one embodiment, a valve for directing fluid to the chamber and a valve for returning fluid from the chamber to the flow path under pressure allow the fluid to flow through the chamber for a period before shutting the valves, reducing the pressure of the fluid, and optically imaging the fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing speckle due to MSL, without any loss of resolution, by averaging over different angles of the incident light at low input resolution, while collecting the backscattered light at a full resolution of a lens is described. The present invention allows discrimination against the speckle due to coherent MSL.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for real-time monitoring of particulates in a fluid. The fluid is illuminated, and an image formed of the interior of the fluid. The image is then detected, and processed to determine the size, shape, etc. of particulates within the fluid.