Abstract: A method for performing spectral analysis in a pharmaceutical dissolution process. The method comprises inserting a fiber optic probe of a spectral analyzer into a dissolution vessel. The dissolution vessel contains a dissolution medium. The probe has a launch cable, a return cable, a launch lens portion, a return lens portion and a reflector. The reflector is spaced from both the lens portions. The cables, lens portions and reflector are arranged and adapted to form a light pathway whereby light transmitted through the launch cable passes through the launch lens portion, through a volume of the dissolution medium in the spacing between the launch lens portions and the reflector, and then through the return cable. The spacing between the reflector and the lens portions comprise a sample region. The fiber optic probe is sized and adapted to prevent bubbles in the dissolution medium from being trapped in the sample region.

Abstract: A computer controlled subjective refractor includes a microcomputer based remote hand control connected to an enclosure which houses the optical elements of the refractor and which controls their operation for the examination of a patient. The enclosure has a beam splitter extending at its bottom and a forehead rest extending near its bottom such that a patient's eyes are positioned near the bottom of the enclosure to view into the beam splitter and thereby materially reduce accommodation which would otherwise interfere with the accurate refracting of the patient's eyes. Movement and position location of the optical elements are achieved through a microcomputer based electronic controller which is in communication with the microcomputer remote hand control. Additionally, a microcomputer based target projector assembly may be used to selectively project any of a wide number of images comprised of eye charts and the like for testing the patient's vision.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automated perimetry. A patient interface is adjustable with respect to a previously positioned patient rather than requiring the patient to position him or herself with regard to the perimeter. Fine adjustment of the patient interface with respect to the patient is possible while a perimeter dome is moved away from the patient and patient interface. Once positioned, the perimeter dome is moveable to a position adjacent the patient. A visual stimulus generating and directing device is preferably contained in a first module attachable to the dome. The visual stimuli are directed to various locations in the dome. An optional feature includes an eye sensing device which continuously monitors the size and position of a patient's pupil and correlates this information to the projected stimuli to verify the patient's fixation during testing. The eye sensor is preferably contained within a second module attachable to the dome.

Abstract: A small volume long path absorption cell of the White-type may be used with condensable samples. The absorption cell is temperature controlled and may be operated over a temperature range of -10 degrees C. to 80 degrees C. To prevent condensation of the sample on the mirror surfaces the mirrors are individually temperature controlled and maintained a few degrees above the ambient temperature of the absorption cell. The mirrors are mounted on an Invar framework which is cantilevered from one end of the cell so that variation of the path length due to thermal expansion is minimized. The cell temperature is controlled by a jacket having a heating or cooling fluid. The controls of the mirrors for the cell are adjustable from the exterior of the cell and the entrance paths for the mechanism are sealed so that the cell can be operated at both above and below atmospheric pressure.