Abstract: Systems and methods for determining olefin concentrations in olefin-containing fuels (e.g., gasoline) are described. Generally, a Raman spectrum from a linear-calibration reference sample (e.g., a pure hydrocarbon, such as toluene) and Raman spectra from multiple simulated fuel samples having known olefin concentrations are obtained. An area ratio for each simulated fuel sample is created by dividing the area in the olefin region of each fuel sample by the area in the chemical spectral region of the linear-calibration reference sample. The area ratio and the known olefin concentration for each simulated sample are used to create a linear olefin calibration. The olefin concentration of a fuel sample with an unknown olefin concentration is calculated by determining the area ratio between the olefin spectral region in the unknown sample and the chemical spectral region in a concentration-calculation reference sample (e.g., toluene) and placing the new area ratio into the linear olefin calibration.

Abstract: A printer cartridge for electrographic printing (dry or liquid) is provided with two chambers connected by a developer transportation system that traverses a development zone in a first direction. As the toner (developer) from a first of the two compartments is fed through the development zone, excess or unused toner is transported by the developer transportation system into a second of the two compartments. When the first compartment has exhausted its supply of toner, there will be sufficient toner captured in the second compartment to allow for printing capability to be maintained in the system, without any replenishment. The direction of flow of developer during printing is reversed from the second compartment to the first compartment, passing through the development zone.

Abstract: An optical fiber multiplexer having a fixed plate and a rotating plate. A plurality of fiber-optic channels are coupled to the fixed plate in a circumferential arrangement. One fiber-optic channel is coupled to the rotating plate. Each fiber-optic channel may include one or more separate optical fibers. A servo motor rotates the rotating plate. Switching between channels occurs by rotating the rotating plate and aligning the optical fibers on the fixed plate and the rotating plate. Lens-to-lens coupling is used to transmit optical signals between the rotating and fixed plates. An adjustment device, such as a gimbal mount, may be used to adjust the horizontal and vertical axial alignment of the optical fibers coupled to the fixed plate so that optimum light signal transmission can occur. A control unit controls the operation of the servo motor.

Abstract: Raman spectrometer for analyzing the chemical composition of sample streams using an external cavity laser light source is disclosed. The laser provides an effective light source useful in continuously analyzing a sample stream containing petroleum products, aqueous or biological fluids, or solid slurries. The light is introduced into a bundle of optical fibers connected to a Raman sample cell. The Raman sample cell is configured to allow continuous sample flow therethrough. Scattered light from the sample cell preferably exits the optical fibers as a linear optical signal. A Raman spectrometer passes the optical signal through an excitation wavelength filter, an optical slit, and a volume holographic transmission grating with an aberration correction device before transmitting the optical signal to a charge coupled device array which converts the optical signal into a electronic signal.

Abstract: A spectrograph for analyzing the chemical composition of a sample is disclosed. Scattered light from a sample cell is collected by one or more optical fibers and is introduced into a collimating lens as a linear optical signal. The collimating lens directs the optical signal to a reflective diffraction grating which reflects the signal into a focusing lens. The focusing lens focuses the optical signal onto a charge coupled device array which converts the optical signal into a electronic signal. Aberration correction is provided by the collimating and focussing lenses. The electronic signal is analyzed and converted by computer into a representation of the chemical analysis of the sample stream.

Abstract: A parallel computing system and method having improved performance where a program is concurrently run on a plurality of nodes for reducing total processing time, each node having a processor, a memory, and a predetermined number of communication channels connected to the node and independently connected directly to other nodes. The present invention improves performance of performance of the parallel computing system by providing a system which can provide efficient communication between the processors and between the system and input and output devices. A method is also disclosed which can locate defective nodes with the computing system.

Abstract: A shape meter for measuring the deviation from flatness of a moving rolled steel plate is disclosed. The shape meter includes a laser source for generating an illuminated spot on the steel plate. The laser spot must be separable or distinguishable from background radiation emitted by the steel plate. For instance, if the steel plate is hot and the laser source is an argon laser generating blue green light, the optical filter must pass the blue green light and filter the red thermal emissions. The laser light is directed onto the moving steel plate, and a detector measures the light scattered from the steel plate. The detector includes an optical filter, an optical lens, and a lateral effect diode sensor. A computer then calculates and reports the deviation from flatness of the moving rolled steel plate based on the scattered light measured with the lateral effect diode sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for analyzing the chemical composition of fluid streams using Raman spectroscopy are disclosed. The invention is particularly useful in continuously analyzing a fluid stream containing petroleum products, aqueous or biological fluids. The apparatus includes a laser source for producing light having an excitation wavelength. The light is introduced into a bundle of optical fibers connected to a tubular Raman enhancement cell. A transparent optical element (lens and/or window) acts as a barrier element to isolate the flowing sample stream from the optical components. The Raman enhancement cell is configured to allow continuous sample fluid flow therethrough, and it is preferably lined with a material having an index of refraction less than the index of refraction of the fluid stream. Scattered light from the enhancement cell preferably exits the optical fibers as a linear optical signal.

Abstract: A parallel computing system and method having improved performance where a program is concurrently run on a plurality of nodes for reducing total processing time, each node having a processor, a memory, and a predetermined number of communication channels connected to the node and independently connected directly to other nodes. The present invention improves performance of performance of the parallel computing system by providing a system which can provide efficient communication between the processors and between the system and input and output devices. A method is also disclosed which can locate defective nodes with the computing system.

Abstract: The concentration of multiple polyatomic gases are determined almost simultaneously by Raman scattering. The gas sample is placed in a sampling cell located in the resonance cavity of a laser and a polarized laser beam having sufficient intensity to produce detectable signals of Raman scattered light is passed through the cell. The scattered light is captured and redirected by means of a reflection mirror located parallel to the axis of the laser beam adjacent to and outside of the cell. Signals of both inelastic Raman scattered light and elastic laser scattered light are collected by a collection lens means opposite the reflection mirror and outside the gas cell. The collection lens is also parallel to the axis of the laser beam.

Abstract: The concentration of multiple polyatomic gases are determined almost simultaneously by Raman scattering. The gas sample is placed in a sampling cell located in the resonance cavity of a laser and a polarized laser beam having sufficient intensity to produce detectable signals of Raman scattered light is passed through the cell. The scattered light is captured and redirected by means of a reflection mirror located parallel to the axis of the laser beam adjacent to and outside of the cell. Signals of both inelastic Raman scattered light and elastic laser scattered light are collected by a collection lens means opposite the reflection mirror and outside the gas cell. The collection lens is also parallel to the axis of the laser beam.