Abstract: A method and system for spectroscopically determining surface and product characteristics is employed for rapid detection of product characteristics and/or the presence or absence of suspected analytes, and the concentration of the analyte. The method and system uses a signal wide band detector that does not require focusing optics in many environments. It can be used for cleaning validation of pharmaceutical products and process equipment.

Abstract: A pill dispenser (10) and a related method of pill dispensing including a container (12) having a holder (14), a gate (16), a controller (18) a sensor (20) and a neutralizing device (22). The dispenser (10) releases pills at a prescribed release rate. The sensor (20) detects tampering with the container (12). Upon detection of tampering, the neutralizing device (22) renders the contents of the pill dispenser (10) impotent.

Abstract: A medical interventional optical monitoring system for determining the geometry and composition of a lumen is provided. An absorption spectrum is obtained through the use of molecular filters and a switching assembly. In particular, an absorption spectrum can be obtained by reflecting a light beam from a catheter against a lumen wall or material, and the resulting spectrum is passed through one or more filters having a specified absorption spectrum defined by a single atom or compound. If the reflected sample spectrum contains the wavelengths of the absorption spectrum of the filter, the sample did not absorb the wavelengths and does not contain the substance. Alternatively, the light can be filtered prior to entry of the light into the catheter. The apparatus includes a switching assembly that sequentially places one or more filters into the light path to determine if the subject atom or compound is contained in the lumen.

Abstract: An optical monitoring system for determining the constituents of a sample or specimen. An absorption spectrum is obtained from a sample and is passed through one or more filters having a specified absorption spectrum defined by a single atom or a compound. If the filter's absorption spectrum is included in the sample's absorption spectrum, then the sample contains that atom or compound. The apparatus includes a switching assembly that sequentially places one or more filters into the light path to determine if the subject atom or compound is contained in the sample.