Abstract: An ice prevention network comprising a plurality of non-overlapping heater elements arranged in a grid along an airfoil is provided, powered by a multiphase power source, each phase powering selected heater elements that can selectively be powered on and powered off. The grid has a number of zones extending along the airfoil perpendicular to the airflow over the airfoil and a number of sections extending along the surface of the airfoil parallel to the airflow over the airfoil. Each of the heater elements is assigned to a single power phase and arranged such that an arbitrary section may be deactivated without causing a phase imbalance of more than one heating unit and such that a single zone may be activated without causing a phase imbalance of more than one heating unit.

Abstract: An automatic activation device for a parachute. The device comprises pressure input means for inputting a pressure value. The device is provided for operating in selectable working configurations according to which a reference pressure is determined either on the basis of the input pressure value or on the basis of a QNH value. Preferably the device can also operate in another selectable working configuration, where a preset time and a reference fall down speed are use.

Abstract: The invention is a process for returning the first stage booster of a launch vehicle having at least one upper stage, the first stage booster having a rocket engine system and aerodynamic flight control system, to the launch site, the process comprising the steps of: 1) launching the vehicle from the launch site using the first stage booster rocket engine system; 2) separating the at least one upper stage from the first stage booster; 3) terminating operation of the first booster stage rocket engine system; 4) turning the first stage booster back toward the launch site using the aerodynamic flight control system; 5) operating the first stage booster rocket engine system to boost the first stage booster to an altitude sufficient to allow non-powered flight back to the launch side; and 6) landing the first stage booster at the launch site.

Abstract: A truss structure for supporting a membrane that is to be deployed in space, where the truss structure maintains the membrane sufficiently flat with uniform tension. The truss structure includes a circular perimeter truss and a transitional truss. The transitional truss includes a series of ties that are coupled to the perimeter truss and the membrane. When the truss structure is deployed, telescopic parts of the perimeter truss that are stowed in expansion cause the transitional truss to expand and pull the membrane into the flat configuration.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for mounting a cable management arm to a rack includes a securing piece formed on one side of the cable management arm, and a supporting piece formed on the rack corresponding to the securing piece. The securing piece defines a receiving space therein. A locking tab is arranged on one of the securing piece and the supporting piece. A locking hole is defined in the other of the securing piece and the supporting piece. The supporting piece is received in the receiving space in such a manner that the supporting piece moves in the receiving space from a first position, in which the supporting piece resists against the securing piece to bend the securing piece, to a second position, in which the securing piece rebounds to have the locking tab inserted into the locking hole.

Abstract: An electrical wire bracket including a body having an open loop and at least one mounting foot coupled to the body. The bracket also includes at least one hole through the at least one mounting foot for securing the bracket to a mounting surface. A user can pull electrical wire through the open loop of the body and then allow the body to support the electrical wire.

Abstract: A twist clip for attaching a heat-radiating fin to a conduit of a hydronic heating system includes an upper gripping member, a lower gripping member connected to the upper member by an upright support member, and a handle portion looping downwardly from the lower gripping member to enable a user to hold the clip and to manually twist the clip to cause the upper and lower gripping members to rotate relative to the fin and conduit such that the fin and conduit are clipped together. This twist clip enables quick and easy attachment of fins to conduits, which greatly reduces the time and effort required to install a hydronic heating system.

Abstract: A clamp stand for supporting a clamp in an elevated position above a fixture base comprises an extruded support column having upper and lower ends and an interior that is at least in substantial part open. The clamp stand includes longitudinally extending fastener attachment openings, which are attachable by threaded fasteners to a base at the lower end and to a clamp base an upper end. Flat and angled adapter plates are used to attach clamps having bases with different hole patterns. The support column can be mounted to a fixture base by a base bracket. Clamps can be mounted for vertical movement in key slots in the sides of the support column.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved tripod (1) having three legs (2) substantially at 120° each other, said legs being coupled above by a connection element (3) for fixing a camera or television camera, each leg being provided with three stages (2?, 2?, 2??), movable telescopically each other, respectively a first stage (2?) or upper stage, a second stage (2?) or central stage and a third stage (2??) or lower stage, said first stage (2?) being fixed above to said connection element (3) for fixing camera or television camera, being it possible positioning said legs (2) grouped centrally or spread out, said two positions being obtainable both with stages of the legs (2) collected and totally or partially extended, said tripod (1) being characterised in that a blocking/release lever (4) is provided on each leg (2), said lever (4) being provided in correspondence of the upper portion of the second stage (2?), said lever (4) being operable according to a substantially vertical direction and acting on bloc

Abstract: A suction cup holding device that effectively conforms to soft surfaces and complex curves which may be present in the target surfaces such as a dash board of a modern automobile. The suction cup device includes a housing having a recess therein with an opening formed in a first surface, wherein a first portion of the housing adjacent to the first surface is substantially flexible and a second substantially inflexible portion thereof is structured for mounting thereto; a low durometer suction cup having a resiliently deformable central portion that is structured to be drawn into the recess of the housing; and means for drawing the central portion of the suction cup into the recess.

Abstract: A positionable platform for use with a beverage holder, the positionable platform including a monolithic body sized similarly to a standard twelve (12) ounce beverage container, the body having an upper platform portion positioned adjacent to a first end of a wall portion thereof, with a plurality of slotted retention apertures distributed about the body and substantially aligned therewith. A resiliently pliable member resides in each of the slotted retention apertures, each of the resiliently pliable members being having a fin portion positioned partially within a slot portion and extended from the outer surface of the wall portion outwardly of the body and extending along the wall portion between the first and second ends thereof, and a spine portion positioned substantially within a recessed keyhole portion. A mounting platform is positioned adjacent to one of the first and second ends of the body.

Abstract: A height-adjustable carrying device with a parallelogram cranking mechanism has a self-locking pneumatic spring (6), with a valve for abolishing the blocking function. A release element (22), with which the valve (24) is actuated, is arranged according to the present invention at a handle (20) for swiveling the carrying device in one assembly unit.

Abstract: A column mounted shoring bracket has a support sub-assembly attached to a column or other supporting surface, a jack sub-assembly attached to the support and a head sub-assembly attached to a part of the jack that varies in height relative to the support. The head has a head base that supports one or more rollers for moving a form. The head also has a supporting plate for supporting the form. The supporting plate is connected to the head base so that it may be slid upwards and fixed in a position where the top of the supporting plate is above the top of the rollers, for example to carry the weight of a slab being built, or slid downwards so that the top of the supporting plate is below the top of the rollers which do not have to carry the weight of the slab being built. The angular position of the rollers may be aligned with an external reference such as the side of a column, a wall, or a jig.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for a garment hook including a base plate adapted to receive a fastener to secure the base plate to a wall. A top hook can be formed by a first loop of a wire and secured to the base plate, the top hook optionally extending upwardly at a first angle with respect to the base plate. The top hook can be adapted to receive a hat or garment. A bottom hook can be formed by a second loop of a wire and secured to the base plate, the bottom hook optionally extending horizontally from the base plate and then forming an upwardly and outwardly extending curved portion, extending outwardly at a second angle relative to the base plate, the curved portion optionally having a width dimension at least twice a width dimension of the top hook.

Abstract: A carrying device for medical devices provides simple adjustment operation. The carrying device has a height-adjustable bracket (1) designed in the form of a parallelogram cranking mechanism with a self-locking pneumatic spring (13). A supply unit (21) for medical devices is arranged at one end of the bracket (1). A handle (22) with an electric release element (23) is arranged at the supply unit (21). A valve, which releases the blocking function, is opened within the pneumatic spring (13) during the actuation of the release element (23).

Abstract: A padding protective arrangement for furniture includes an elastic connective member and a plurality of cushioning pads. The elastic connective member has first and second end connecting portions, and a connector provided on the first end connecting portions. Each of the cushioning pads has a thickness larger than that of the elastic connective member, and a through mounting slot formed on the cushioning pad, wherein the elastic connective member is arranged to penetrate the cushioning pads at the respective mounting slot in such a manner that the first and the second end connecting portions are detachably connecting with each other by the connector to define a cushioning loop within the elastic connective member and the cushioning pads, wherein the cushioning loop is arranged to fittedly encircle a rim portion of the furniture for providing a cushion effect to absorb shock when a user accidentally hits the rim of the furniture.

Abstract: A device for holding an LCD monitor and user input devices in an inverted position for operation while an operator thereof is in a supine position is provided which comprises at least an attachment for a reclinable display system, an attachment for one or more wireless user input devices, power connectors, a stand for bearing the panel above a surface suitable for a supine operator.

Abstract: Device and related method for supporting a writing surface adapted to receive written information, the device comprising a base portion comprising a substantially planar surface which includes a writing surface and a clip portion attached to the base portion for securing the device onto a substrate, wherein the base and clip portions are angled relative to one another in a range of from about 0° to about 180°.

Abstract: A sunshade base includes a base, a swivel seat to which a support tube of a sunshade is mounted, a retaining member fixed to the swivel seat, and a braking device. The swivel seat includes a flange rotatably received in a recessed portion of a top face of the base. The braking device is mounted in the base and includes a rod movable in the base and a braking arm having a first end fixed to the rod and a second end releasably engaged with the retaining member. The second end of the braking arm is biased to engage with the retaining member to thereby lock the swivel seat. The rod is operable to disengage the second end of the braking arm from the retaining member to thereby allow free rotational movement of the swivel seat relative to the base.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention relates to a rigid computer mouse pad having a flocked “mousing” surface and a non-slip underside. The non-slip underside can be a second flocked surface.

Abstract: A rear impact shock absorbing structure for a fuel cell vehicle. The shock absorbing structure appropriately absorbs shocks in the event of a rear impact, thus preventing hydrogen storage tanks from colliding with a chassis cross member arranged between the hydrogen storage tanks, therefore preventing the hydrogen storage tanks from being broken or damaged. The shock absorbing structure includes a front tank support for supporting a hydrogen storage tank provided in front of a chassis cross member. A rear tank support supports a hydrogen storage tank provided in back of the chassis cross member. Further, a shock absorbing member connects the front and rear tank supports to each other, and is deformed when shocks are applied to the front and rear tank supports.

Abstract: The current invention discloses moisture resistant foundation pier block forms constructed from corrugated plastic. Means for holding sections of reinforcing bar can be included and at least one preferred embodiment of the invention includes means for securing the form in its desired location at a construction site. The forms of the current invention are light weight and can be easily assembled at a construction site or at a remote location. Sections of reinforcing bar can be inserted in at least one preferred embodiment of the invention during assembly and the forms can then be folded into a flat configuration for storage until needed. The forms disclosed in the current invention can be reused, but they do not attract insects and therefore do not have to be removed from the pier blocks after the concrete has dried.

Abstract: A mould 10, 30, 40 particularly for use in food preparation comprising a base 11, and a collar 12 having a continuous wall 14 that upstands from the base with a lower edge 16 of the collar abutting the base 11. The mould may be for single use with the base and the collar being formed from fibreboard and in a particular form the collar wall incorporates a releasable connection to enable opening of the collar. In one form, the collar includes tabs 25 that extend from the lower edge 16 and retaining means (18, 19, 31) which are operative to retain the tabs in relation to the base so as to retain the lower edge 16 of the collar in proximity with the base. The mould further includes in one form an insert 19 which is locatable within the mould cavity 17 and in another form a support arrangement (29, 42, 43) is provided to support the collar wall.

Abstract: An airtight mechanism of a mold-holding unit for forming a vacuum environment around a held mold, including: a base section; an elongated support section, one end of the support section being vertically fixedly connected with the base section; a top section bridged between the other end of the support section above the base section and in alignment therewith, a mold-holding space being defined between the top section and the base section, in which the mold is held; an airtight tubular chamber reciprocally linearly movable along an axes of the support section between an airtight position and an open position, whereby when positioned in the airtight position, the airtight tubular chamber is positioned in the mold-holding space around the held mold; a first closed end piece disposed on the base section and having a first closed connecting loop, whereby one end of the airtight tubular chamber in the airtight position coaxially airtight abuts against the first closed connecting loop; and a second closed end piece

Abstract: A moldboard positioning assembly is adapted for positioning at least two spaced-apart moldboards each having at least one through hole. The moldboard positioning assembly includes a spacer block and two threaded connecting poles. The spacer block is adapted for passing through the through hole of one of the moldboards and is adapted to be disposed between and to abut against the moldboards. The threaded connecting poles respectively project from two opposite ends of the spacer block, and each of the threaded connecting poles is adapted to penetrate through the through hole of a corresponding one of the moldboards. The spacer block has a cross section larger than that of the threaded connecting poles.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting radiation includes an entry window configured to receive radiation from a target, the entry window having an outer surface and an inner surface, such that the outer surface is not parallel to the inner surface. The apparatus further includes a radiation transmission assembly configured to receive at least a portion of the radiation received by the entry window. The apparatus further includes a radiation sensor configured to receive at least a portion of the radiation from the radiation transmission assembly.

Abstract: A system, method and medium tracks a motion of a subject using a laser by synchronizing an incident axis of the input image with an exit axis of the laser in order to radiate the laser based on an input image. The system includes a half mirror to reflect a predetermined amount of incident light and to transmit a remaining amount of the incident light, an image input unit to input an image reflected from the half mirror, a position identifying unit to identify a position of a first subject included in the input image, and a target tracking unit to track the first subject with reference to the identified position by radiating a laser transmitted through the half mirror onto the first subject along an axis from the half mirror and onto the first subject.

Abstract: A light source control apparatus includes a light quantity detection unit that respectively detects light quantities of three color light emitted from a light source part, a light quantity ratio calculation unit that calculates light quantity ratios of reflection light detected by the light quantity detection unit, a determination unit that, when the light quantity detection unit detects light quantities of respective reference of the lights emitted from the light source part, determines whether or not the light quantity ratios calculated by the light quantity ratio calculation unit are within a predetermined range, and a light quantity ratio adjustment unit that respectively adjusts the light quantity ratios of the lights emitted from the light source part on the basis of the light quantity of the reference light corresponding to green emitted from the light source part, in correspondence with the result of determination by the determination unit.

Abstract: A method is provided for growing a back surface contact on an imaging detector used in conjunction with back illumination. In operation, an imaging detector is provided. Additionally, a back surface contact (e.g. a delta-doped layer, etc.) is grown on the imaging detector utilizing a process that is performed at a temperature less than 450 degrees Celsius.

Abstract: A complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor includes a photodiode, a switch and a comparator. The switch transfers a sensing signal to a sensing node from the photodiode. The comparator, which is directly connected to the sensing node, compares the sensing signal of the sensing node with a reference signal. The comparator outputs a signal corresponding to a voltage difference between the sensing signal and the reference signal.

Abstract: An integrated optical imaging system includes a first substrate having first and second opposing surfaces, a second substrate having third and fourth opposing surfaces, a spacer between a substantially planar portion of the third surface of the second substrate and a substantially planar portion of the second surface of the first substrate, at least two of the spacer, the first substrate and the second substrate sealing an interior space between the third surface of the second substrate and the second surface of the first substrate, and an optical imaging system having n surfaces, where n is greater than or equal to two, at least two of the n surfaces of the optical imaging system are on respective ones of the first, second, third and fourth surfaces.

Abstract: A digital double sampling method, a related complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, and a digital camera comprising the CMOS image sensor are disclosed. The method includes generating first digital data corresponding to an initial voltage level apparent in a pixel in response to a reset signal, inverting the first digital data, outputting a detection voltage corresponding to image data received from outside of the CMOS image sensor, and counting in synchronization with a clock signal, starting from an initial value equal to the inverted first digital data, and for an amount of time responsive to a voltage level of the detection voltage.

Abstract: A mobile storage system includes a number of storage units supported by a supporting surface, including first and second storage units that are movable toward and away from each other to create an aisle. A sensing system detects the presence of persons or objects in the aisle and the direction of movement of persons or objects into or out of the aisle. The sensing system includes exit zone sensors located adjacent an end area of the storage units that defines the end area of the aisle, and inner sensors located along an inner area of the storage units inwardly of the end area. The exit zone and inner sensors are located at generally the same elevation above the supporting surface. Each of the storage units includes a carriage that is movable relative to the supporting surface, and the sensors are mounted to the carriage via a sensor housing interconnected with the carriage.

Abstract: An optical encoder. The encoder includes a coding element, an emitter, and a detector. The coding element has a track with a track pattern. The track pattern includes a plurality of optically distinguishable sections, which include a plurality of position sections and an index section. The emitter generates a light signal incident on the track of the coding element. The detector includes a combined position and index photodetector array. The combined position and index photodetector array includes a plurality of position photodetectors and an index photodetector. Embodiments of this type of optical encoder implement position and index sections in a single track on the coding element.

Abstract: An optical encoder. The optical encoder includes a coding element, an emitter, and a detector. The coding element has a track with a track pattern. The track pattern includes a plurality of optically distinguishable sections. The plurality of optically distinguishable sections includes a limit switch section. The emitter generates a light signal incident on the track of the coding element. The detector includes a limit switch photodetector positioned to detect the light signal from the emitter. The detector generates a limit switch output signal in response to the detected light signal above a limit switch threshold at the limit switch photodetector. Embodiments of this type of optical encoder implement limit switches into a single track on the coding element.

Abstract: An optical encoder (100) is provided with: a light-emitting element (30) including a main-signal light-emitting element (31) having a red LED (31A) that emits red light and an origin light-emitting element (32) having an infrared LED (32A) that emits infrared light; and a receiver unit (40) including a main-signal photo detector (41) that receives the red light to generate a predetermined signal and an origin photo detector (42) that receives the infrared light to generate a predetermined signal. Accordingly, even when the infrared light enters the main-signal photo detector (41) or the red light enters the origin photo detector (42), no signal is generated by the light, thereby effectively preventing crosstalk. Thus, the measurement accuracy of the optical encoder (100) can be improved.

Abstract: A method for determining a property of earth formations surrounding a borehole, including the following steps: isolating a region of the borehole, and obtaining a sample of borehole fluid from the isolated region; and implementing measurements, dowhole, of the Raman scattering of electromagnetic energy directed at the fluid sample; the property of the earth formations being determinable from the measurements. In a disclosed embodiment, the steps of isolating a region of the borehole and obtaining a sample of borehole fluid from the isolated region include: providing a logging device in the borehole in sealing engagement with the isolated region, causing formation fluid from the isolated region to flow in a flow line of the logging device, and providing a measurement cell in the logging device which receives the sample of formation fluid via the flow line.

Abstract: A nuclear density gauge includes a base and at least one gamma radiation detector mounted at a predetermined location relative to an axis extending longitudinally of the base. The gauge further includes a gamma radiation source and a source mount that mounts the gamma radiation source for movement along a path between an active first position located at a first longitudinal distance from the detector and an active second position located at a second longitudinal distance from the detector. In this way, gamma radiation is detected emanating from the source and backscattered from the underlying material sample through a first path of travel when the source mount is at the first active position and through a second path of travel when the source mount is at the second active position. The source mount may also move the source from the active first and second positions to an inactive third position shielded by gamma radiation shielding material.

Abstract: New and improved mass spectrometry methods of determining the pharmacokinetic fate of a compound of interest are described. The methods involve PEGylating the compound, administering to a biological system, withdrawing an analyte from said system, and subjecting said analyte to in-source ionization and fragmentation into PEG ions that are then measured as a surrogate marker or markers for the presence and/or amount of said compound in said analyte.

Abstract: Octapole Ion Trap Mass Spectrometers and Related Methods. A mass spectrometer according to one embodiment can include first and second endcap electrodes, first and second outer ring electrodes, and a central ring electrode. The first outer ring electrode can be positioned downstream of the first endcap electrode. The central ring electrode can be positioned downstream of the first outer ring electrode. The second outer ring electrode can be positioned downstream of the central ring electrode. The second endcap electrode can be positioned downstream of the second outer ring electrode. The mass spectrometer can also include a radio frequency (RF) signal supply operable to apply an RF signal to the first and second outer ring electrodes to thereby generate a substantially octapolar field for trapping charged particles.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for data-dependent neutral loss analysis of biomolecules and other materials in a hybrid mass spectrometer. Candidate product ions are selected by identifying peaks in a MS/MS spectrum acquired in a first mass analyzer that exhibit a specified nominal neutral loss value, which may be representative of the mass of a peptide modification, such as phosphate. High mass accuracy MS and MS/MS spectra acquired at a second mass analyzer, such as an FTICR or Orbitrap, are processed to determine if the mass difference between a candidate product ion and its corresponding precursor matches an accurate neutral loss value. In one embodiment, MS3 analysis is performed only on the candidate product ions that satisfy the accurate mass neutral loss value test.

Abstract: Methods that include using a noble gas ion beam to determine dopant information for a sample are disclosed, the dopant information including dopant concentration in the sample, dopant location in the sample, or both.

Abstract: This invention relates to tandem mass spectrometry and, in particular, to tandem mass spectrometry using a linear ion trap and a time of flight detector to collect mass spectra to form a MS/MS experiment. The accepted standard is to store and mass analyze precursor ions in the ion trap before ejecting the ions axially to a collision cell for fragmentation before mass analysis of the fragments in the time of flight detector. This invention makes use of orthogonal ejection of ions with a narrow range of m/z values to produce a ribbon beam of ions that are injected into the collision cell. The shape of this beam and the high energy of the ions are accommodated by using a planar design of collision cell. Ions are retained in the ion trap during ejection so that successive narrow ranges may be stepped through consecutively to cover all precursor ions of interest.

Abstract: A mass filter is disclosed comprising an orthogonal acceleration electrode 9. Ions entering the mass filter are orthogonally accelerated by the orthogonal acceleration electrode 9 in a primary acceleration region 2 and enter a flight region 3. The ions 6,7,8 are then reflected by a reflectron 4 and are directed towards an exit region of the mass filter. Ions having a desired mass to charge ratio are arranged to arrive in the primary acceleration region 2 at a time when a voltage pulse applied to the orthogonal acceleration electrode 9 falls from a maximum to zero. Ions having a desired mass to charge ratio are orthogonally decelerated such that they have a zero component of velocity in the orthogonal direction. Accordingly, ions having a desired mass to charge ratio exit the mass filter in an axial direction.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for performing sample analysis using both the WDS and an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). The analysis starts with irradiating the sample with an electron beam. Characteristic X-rays emanating from the sample are spectrally dispersed and detected by the WDS. The intensities of the characteristic X-rays at positions where the characteristic X-ray peaks are detected are measured. At this time, the background intensities of the characteristic X-rays at the positions where the characteristic X-ray peaks are detected are found based on a mean atomic number calculated using values which are derived by quantitative analysis based on the characteristic X-ray intensities measured by the EDS at the corresponding analysis positions on the sample. The background intensities are subtracted from the peak intensities at the positions where the characteristic X-ray peaks are detected by the WDS. Thus, the net characteristic X-ray intensities are found.

Abstract: A dynamic radiation monitor having a detector coupled to a computer to determine at any given location, the amount of time a person has before a pre-selected maximum permissible radiation exposure is received. The device dynamically calculates and outputs the user's permissible stay time for a given area based on a personalized maximum permissible dose, and adjusts in real time the output based on elapsed time and changing exposure rate. The device also provides the user audio and visual feedback such as varying background colors for different stay time ranges.

Abstract: A system for visual inspection of coated substrates is disclosed. Painted substrates can be inspected for environmental and physical damage such as corrosion and cracks without removing the paint through the use of infrared imaging. The present invention provides the ability to view abnormalities or defects in the substrate at an increased depth of field. This is accomplished by taking multiple images of the substrate at different focal planes then using computer software to merge the images. The merged image is in focus across the different focal planes and may also be viewed in three-dimensions.

Abstract: A sensor that is photosensitive vis-à-vis at least part of the radiation in the visible range and/or in the near infrared range installed on a vehicle, the sensor being associated with an objective having a first zone that is focused to infinity and a second zone focused in near field.

Abstract: Provided is an optical imaging pen configured to detect information encoded on a page with ink which is substantially invisible to the human eye. The pen includes a housing and an ink pen cartridge and a stylus mounted side by side within the housing, the ink cartridge and stylus configured to be brought forward through an open end of the housing by rotation of a pen top rotatably mounted on an end of the housing. The pen includes an electronics chassis mounted inside the housing, said chassis supporting an infrared LED for providing infrared radiation for projection onto the page, an image sensor for receiving reflected radiation from the surface, a radio frequency circuit having a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and receiver, and a controller circuit for controlling operation of the LED, sensor and radio frequency circuit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a compact cavity ring down spectrometer for detection and measurement of trace species in a sample gas using a tunable solid-state continuous-wave mid-infrared PPLN OPO laser or a tunable low-power solid-state continuous wave near-infrared diode laser with an algorithm for reducing the periodic noise in the voltage decay signal which subjects the data to cluster analysis or by averaging of the interquartile range of the data.