Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a control unit is provided for controlling a motorized telescope system and displaying video content or media. The video media may include positional data that directs the motorized telescope system to observe a predetermined celestial object or location at a predetermined time during media playback. In this respect, the control unit is especially suitable for providing, for example, guided video tours of the sky, instructional videos supplemented by real world viewing, games, and video calibration instructions for the motorized telescope system.

Abstract: A sighting device may be used to identify and/or locate remote celestial and/or terrestrial objects. The device may include one or more gravity sensors and one or more magnetic sensors that are used to determine the direction in which the device is aimed. Once the aiming direction is determined, a device control system may be used to access an object database and determine a likely candidate object on or near the aiming direction. The device may include capability to output audiovisual information related to the object. The device may be configured to provide audiovisual commands that direct the user to point the device toward a desired or target location, thereby allowing the user to locate objects with unknown positions. The device may be used as a control system for telescopes and other optical devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of an automated telescope system are operable in multiple modes, including alt-az and equatorial modes. The telescope system aligns and orients itself to the celestial coordinate system using, for example, data gained through tracking the drift of a celestial object. In various embodiments, an imager may be used to find and track celestial objects.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for fluorometrically monitoring a Clean-In-Place (“CIP”) system and for fluorometrically monitoring the dosage of chemical added to the CIP system. Monitoring of the said CIP system can be based upon fluormetrically monitoring the fluorescent tracer, chemical or both, which are added to the CIP system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring and controlling the cleaning of membrane separation systems or processes are provided. The present invention uses detectable amounts of one or more inert fluorescent tracers added to a membrane cleaning process stream to evaluate and control the removal of contaminants and impurities during cleaning. The methods and systems of the present invention can be used in a variety of different industrial applications including raw water processing and waste water processing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include self-aligning telescope control systems and self-alignment methods. In an embodiment, a telescope control system orients a telescope with respect to the celestial sphere by pointing the telescope in the direction of an alignment star or alignment area of the sky. The telescope control system images a field of view in the alignment area, and processes the images to determine the celestial coordinates of a center of the filed a field of view the alignment area. The telescope control system then maps the telescope's coordinate system to the celestial coordinate system. Once mapped, the telescope control system can advantageously slew the telescope to any desired celestial object in the viewable sky based on, for example, user selection, system recommendations, combinations of the same, or the like.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include presenting data related to image information captured by a telescope on an electronic display, such as, for example, a high definition display. For example, a telescope control system may advantageously output video or other signals to one or more displays in a multi-media or image presentation. In certain preferred embodiments, such display comprises high definition displays, or the like. For example, such display may comprise entertainment, academic or other presentations.

Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring and/or controlling the cleaning of membrane separation systems or processes are provided. The present invention utilizes measurable amounts of inert fluorescent tracer(s) added to a membrane cleaning process stream to evaluate and/or control the removal of contaminants and/or impurities during cleaning. The methods and systems of the present invention can be utilized in a variety of different industrial applications including raw water processing and waste water processing.

Abstract: A method of tracing process printing fluids is described and claimed. The process printing fluids are selected from the group consisting of One-Component Fountain Solutions, Two-Component Fountain Solutions and Web Release Agents. The tracer used is capable of being detected fluorometrically in each process printing fluid of interest.

Abstract: Embodiments of a telescope system include methods for alignment with a spherical coordinate system. For example, embodiments may include determining data for date, time, location, level and North (true or magnetic). Upon acquisition of this data, the telescope system can determine and first alignment. To the extent needed or desired, further alignment methods can improve the accuracy of the first alignment; however, in many cases, the first alignment is sufficient to align a field of view of the telescope with a selected and/or desired astronomical object.

Abstract: Embodiments of an automated telescope system are operable in multiple modes, including alt-az and equatorial modes. The telescope system aligns and orients itself to the celestial coordinate system using, for example, data gained through tracking the drift of a celestial object. In various embodiments, an imager may be used to find and track celestial objects.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method are provided for composing an image at a selectable wavelength, wavelengths or bandwidth. Light passing through an entrance slit is dispersed into a spectrum and recorded. In an embodiment, spectral images corresponding to respective portions of an object are generated. Image data corresponding to a selected wavelength, wavelengths or bandwidth is extracted from the spectral images and compiled into an image of the object. In an embodiment, user optics are provided which allow a user to align the object with the entrance slit or to focus the light from the object onto the entrance slit.

Abstract: A method of tracing process printing fluids is described and claimed. The process printing fluids are selected from the group consisting of One-Component Fountain Solutions, Two-Component Fountain Solutions and Web Release Agents. The tracer used is capable of being detected fluorometrically in each process printing fluid of interest.

Abstract: A method of detecting and compensating for leakage of hydraulic fluids in a production plant, is described and claimed. The method requires two tracer materials, each with its own separate and uniquely detectable fluorescent signal. One of the tracer materials is used for rapid detection of leakage of hydraulic fluid into the cooling water and the other tracer material is used to determine the buildup of hydraulic fluid within the cooling water system.

Abstract: In various embodiments of the invention, optical imaging systems such as telescopes and binoculars utilize a method of image processing comprising receiving a set of images and evaluating the quality of the images by performing a quantitative evaluation of at least a portion of the image. A subset of said images are selected based on the quality of the images and the subset of images are combined into a composite image. These optical imaging systems preferably comprise imaging optics, an optical detector array, and a processor for processing the images.

Abstract: The use of an isomer of anthracene disulfonic acid as an inert fluorescent tracer is described and claimed. The utility of this type of inert fluorescent tracer in boiler systems to trace unwanted carryover of boiler water into a steam line is also described and claimed.

Abstract: A method of using an inert fluorescent tracer in an industrial water system wherein the water of said industrial water system contains a certain amount of a corrosive material, is described and claimed, as is a method of using an inert fluorescent tracer to trace the corrosive material itself. Combinations of inert fluorescent tracers in corrosive materials are also described and claimed.

Abstract: An treatment bath for use in the manufacture of copper plated or metallized semiconductor devices and a method of inhibiting corrosion of copper plated or metallized surfaces and circuitry in the semiconductor devices immersed in an aqueous fluid in a treatment bath comprising adding to the aqueous fluid an effective corrosion inhibiting amount of one or more aromatic triazole corrosion inhibitors; fluorometrically monitoring the concentration of aromatic triazole corrosion inhibitors in the aqueous fluid; and adding additional aromatic triazole corrosion inhibitor to the aqueous fluid to maintain an effective corrosion inhibiting concentration of the aromatic triazole corrosion inhibitor in the aqueous fluid.