Abstract: Apparatus for detecting powder flow along a powder flow path includes a light source and a light detector for detecting light from the light source directed across the powder flow path as powder flows through said powder flow path. A circuit receives the output from the light detector and determines an average or RMS of the signal received by the light detector. The circuit may determine whether there is flow or no flow of powder or whether there is a change in flow rate of powder. Preferably, the apparatus is used in combination with a dense phase powder pump, which causes the powder to flow in pulses from the pump outlet into the powder flow path. More preferably, the light source and detector are enclosed in a housing that is connected between the pump outlet and a powder feed hose which supplies powder to a spray gun or hopper.

Abstract: A system for measuring crop weight in a harvester elevator includes a receiver and processing node and one or more weight sensing instruments coupled to one or more paddles of the harvested elevator, respectively. The weight sensing instruments each include a weight sensor and a transmitter in communication with a receiver and processing node. The weight sensor is configured to dynamically measure the weight of a static harvested crop, relative to the sensor and corresponding paddle, as it ascends in the harvester elevator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor package (6) with long design for a WIM (Weigh in Motion) sensor (1), comprising a first receiving plate (7), a plurality of measuring elements (10), which are arranged equally spaced in a row (15) on the upper side (9) of the first receiving plate (7), an electrode (11) covering all the measuring elements (10), insulation (12) completely covering the electrode (11), and a second receiving plate (8), which covers the insulation (12). In particular, each receiving plate (7, 8) consists of a plurality of receiving elements (13) the end faces (14) of which are juxtaposed in a row (15). According to the invention, the inner end faces (14) of the receiving elements (13) of at least one row (15) have profiles (16) which engage in a form fit manner with the profiles (16) of the adjacent end faces (14) of neighboring receiving elements (13).

Abstract: A method of designing and manufacturing an acoustic sensor having a high degree of directivity is disclosed. The sensor includes a rotatable plate that is attached to a substrate with mounts. In one aspect the mounts are freely rotatable and the torque on the plate is measured using detectors disposed on springs that provide a resistance to rotation of the plate. In another aspect the plate is mounted to the substrate with mounts that torsionally deform during rotation of the plate. These detectors measure the torque on the plate according to the torsional deformation of the mounts. Methods of improving the signal to noise ratio of acoustic sensors having multiple detectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A driving environment detection device acquires a captured image of the direction the host vehicle is travelling in, and from the captured image, extracts parameters relating to brightness of a road surface for a road driven by the host vehicle. Then, on the basis of the parameters, the driving environment of the vehicle is estimated. By way of such a light control system, it is possible to more accurately detect ambient brightness by estimating the driving environment in accordance with the parameters related to the brightness of the road surface. Therefore, it is possible to accurately detect the driving environment.

Abstract: Active components in an optical spectroscopy based sensor are moved to a remote site and the light is guided between the remote site and the sensing site through optical fibers.

Abstract: An “integrated” Fabry-Perot interferometer, such as for use in a spectrophotometer, is fabricated by attaching two micro-machined semiconductor-on-insulator wafers to one another. One mirror is formed on each micro-machined wafer. One mirror is supported by a thermally insulated, suspended micro-platform. In some embodiments, interferometer cavity length is adjustable. Detectors are disposed at least partially within the micro-platform. In some embodiments, the interferometer, a light source, and other circuitry and components, such as wireless communications components, are contained in a sealed package that includes a sampling region, thereby providing an integrated spectrophotometer. The integrated spectrophotometer can be implanted, for example, in animal tissue environments, such as for analyzing various compounds in the blood.

Abstract: An airborne hyperspectral scanning system with a reflective telecentric relay including a system housing fore-optics, mounted in the housing, an imaging spectrometer mounted in the housing, the imaging spectrometer comprising a spectrometer slit, the spectrometer slit having an exit side and an entrance side, a focal plane array, a fold mirror, and at least three spectrometer mirrors, ordered sequentially, and in optical alignment with each other, and a reflective telecentric relay, mounted in the housing between the fore-optics and the imaging spectrometer, the reflective telecentric relay comprising a collimator module, a scanning mirror module, and an objective module, the objective module being situated to receive intermediate image from the fore-optics and reflect a collimated beam to the scanning mirror image between the collimator module and the objective module, wherein the objective module is situated to form a telecentric image at the entrance of the spectrometer slit.

Abstract: A method of generating reference spectra includes polishing a first substrate in a polishing apparatus, measuring a sequence of spectra from the first substrate during polishing with an in-situ optical monitoring system, for each spectrum in the sequence of spectra, determining a best matching reference spectrum from a first plurality of first reference spectra to generate a sequence of reference spectra, calculating a value of a metric of fit of the sequence of spectra to the sequence of reference spectra, comparing the value of the metric of fit to a threshold value and determining whether to generate a second library based on the comparison, and if the second library is determined to be generated, storing the sequence of spectra as a second plurality of reference spectra.

Abstract: Optical ground tracking apparatus for use with buried object locators or other instruments or devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for tracking movement of a buried utility locator over a surface includes generating an output light, providing the output light to the surface, receiving a portion of the output light that is reflected from the surface, and generating information associated with a user-applied movement of the locator over the surface based at least in part on the received reflected portion of the output light.

Abstract: An apparatus for spatially characterizing an illumination source of interest in a scene comprised of at least one optical element configured to form an image on a focal plane; a single plane sensing array comprising at least two types of pixels having different spectral sensitivity bands, the pixels located at spatially non-overlapping regions of the sensing array; a multi-bandpass filter spectrally narrowing light received from the scene within at least two of the different spectral sensitivity bands corresponding to features that distinguish the illumination source of interest from other sources in the scene; and a processor in signal communication with the sensing array and containing an algorithm to interpolate at least two levels of signals received from at least one spatial location on the sensing array and to determine the presence of the specific illumination source of interest from the relative intensities of the two levels.

Abstract: Described are methods and systems for vicarious polarimetric calibration and performance validation of a remote sensor. The system includes a plurality of reflective mirrors configured and arranged to reflect radiation from a source of radiation onto the remote sensor with accurately known polarimetric properties. Each of the reflective mirrors are located so that the target images do not overlap. The remote sensor is configured to receive the radiation reflected from the plurality of reflective mirrors and store the received radiation as image data (e.g., the image of each mirror appears as a point target). The system includes a processor configured to process the received data to provide direct calibration and performance validation for each polarimetric or spectral channel of the remote sensor. In addition, the calibration method removes all atmospheric effects except for transmittance and provides reference targets that have high polarimetric contrast, full spectrum performance and easy to deploy.

Abstract: A camera, computer program, and method for determining and displaying temperature rates of change for regions within the camera's field of view. More specifically, the embodiments provide for the continuous, real-time temperature measurement and display of a region within the camera's field of view, and further for the real-time processing and display of the temperature rates of change for the region.

Abstract: A sensing device with a glare shield has an infrared sensor and a glare shield. The infrared sensor has a body and a lens hood. The lens hood is mounted around an outer periphery of the body. The glare shield is conical, is detachably mounted around the lens hood of the infrared sensor, and extends in a direction away from the body of the infrared sensor. The glare shield prevents the infrared sensor from being affected by glare emitted from adjacent lighting devices. Accordingly, the sensing device avoids incorrect judgment of environmental luminance caused by lighting devices nearby and therefore generates less misoperation, so that the goal of being more power-saving can be achieved.

Abstract: An electronic circuit (10) to monitor a temperature of a light emitting diode (1) comprises a current generating circuit (110) to generate a current flow of at least a first and second current (IC1, IC2) through the light emitting diode (1) and a voltage monitoring circuit (120) to monitor a voltage of the light emitting diode (1). The voltage monitoring circuit (120) is further arranged to determine a difference of a respective value of a first and second voltage (Vf1, Vf2) of the light emitting diode (1) to monitor the temperature of the light emitting diode (1), wherein the first voltage (Vf1) and second voltage (Vf2) of the light emitting diode (1) is determined while driving the first and second current (IC2) through the light emitting diode (1).

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus and devices are described for monitoring a property of an object or an individual, using a conformal sensor device that substantially conforms to contours of a portion of a surface of the object or the individual. The measurement includes data indicative of a property of a temperature of the portion of the surface and the degree of the conformal contact. An analysis engine is used to analyze the data and to generate at least one parameter indicative of the property of the temperature. Based on a comparison of the at least one parameter to a preset threshold, at least one alert can be issued and/or a command can be transmitted to regulate an environmental condition. The at least one alert can be indicative of a potential risk of harm to the object or individual.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring strain on a downhole carrier includes a strain sensitive chassis configured to be fixedly mounted on a surface of the carrier. The chassis configured to be subject to a strain corresponding to a strain on the carrier; and at least one strain gauge including at least one thin film conductor deposited on a surface of the chassis. Also included is a method of manufacturing a sensor for measuring strain on a downhole carrier.

Abstract: A load detecting device for attachment to a structure under load comprises a carrier unit and a plurality of strain gages. The carrier unit comprises a first and a second mounting section arranged along a longitudinal axis and connected by a sensing section, wherein the plurality of strain gages are arranged at the sensing section of the carrier unit. The sensing section includes two connecting elements extending along the longitudinal axis between the first mounting section and the second mounting section, each of the connecting elements being curved and having a convex side, the convex sides of the two connecting elements facing each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting deformation of an elongate body may comprise a light source configured to sequentially provide light of multiple frequencies, an optical receiver configured to receive light from the light source, and a filter disposed between the light source and the optical detector. The filter may comprise multiple segments, each of the segments configured to filter light at one of the frequencies so as to alter the amount of light incident on said optical receiver. A total amount of light detected by the optical receiver may change during the sequence so as to be indicative of deformation of the elongate body.

Abstract: A printing system is used printing an image on a web of media that is photoelastic and at least partially transparent. A web advance system advances the web of media supplied from an input roll in an in-track direction along a web transport path. At least one printing station is disposed along the web transport path for printing on the web of media. One or more photoelastic measurement devices disposed along the web transport path for characterizing stress in the web of media, and a controller that controls at least one aspect of the printing system responsive to signals received from the one or more photoelastic measurement devices.

Abstract: A method for controlling a printing system adapted to print images on a web of media that is photoelastic and at least partially transparent. One or more printing stations are used deposit a pattern of printing material on a web of media travelling along a web transport path, thereby producing a printed image. A pattern of stress in the web of media is measured using one or more photoelastic measurement devices disposed along the web transport path, wherein the pattern of stress is at least partially induced by the deposited printing material. The measured pattern of stress is analyzed to detect the presence of one or more print defects, and a at least one aspect of the printing system is controlled responsive to detecting a print defect.

Abstract: A sensor using a carbon-based element for measuring a flow or a pressure in an environment includes: a substrate; a carbon-based element; and one or more electrodes electrically communicating with the carbon based element, wherein the electrodes are located between the substrate and the carbon-based element so that the electrodes are not exposed to the environment.

Abstract: To facilitate text-to-speech conversion of a username, a first or last name of a user associated with the username may be retrieved, and a pronunciation of the username may be determined based at least in part on whether the name forms at least part of the username. To facilitate text-to-speech conversion of a domain name having a top level domain and at least one other level domain, a pronunciation for the top level domain may be determined based at least in part upon whether the top level domain is one of a predetermined set of top level domains. Each other level domain may be searched for one or more recognized words therewithin, and a pronunciation of the other level domain may be determined based at least in part on an outcome of the search. The username and domain name may form part of a network address such as an email address, URL or URI.

Abstract: A pressure scanner assembly having at least one replaceable sensor plate, wherein each of the replaceable sensor plates has at least one pressure sensor adapted to transmit a signal substantially indicative of a sensed pressure condition. A memory chip, which stores correction coefficients for each of the pressure sensor to compensate for thermal errors, may be installed on each of the replaceable sensor plates. The signals from the pressure sensors are multiplexed and may be outputted in analog or digital form. The pressure scanner assemblies described herein have sensor plates that can be interchanged with other sensor plates of the same or different pressure range without disrupting the electronic configuration of the pressure scanner assembly or having to recalibrate and/or update the memory chip installed thereon.

Abstract: A blood component sampling system and method are disclosed. The system is pre-connected and includes a collected blood component container and a reservoir having substantially fixed volume and at least one volumetric indicator indicating a selected volume and a sample container docking station configured to cooperate with a sample collection container. The system and method provide ease of sampling with reduced risk of contamination.

Abstract: According to the microchemical chip of the present invention, the sample introducing port 11 is formed as a hole penetrating a face and a back of the first substrate 10, the sample flow path 21 is formed as a slit penetrating a face and a back of the second substrate 20, the sample discharging port 31 is formed as a hole penetrating a face and a back of the third substrate 30, the second substrate 20 is disposed between the first substrate 10 and the third substrate 30, the sample introducing port 11 and the sample discharging port 31 are in communication with each other through the sample flow path 21, and one of ends of the sample flow path 21 is an opening port, and thus, a square hollow groove including an angle having one piece of about 100 microns can be produced as the sample flow path 21.

Abstract: A micro-fluidic device includes a filter case, a first capture array and a second capture array. The filter case includes an inlet for introducing a sample containing different kinds of targets, an outlet for discharging the sample and a channel extending between the inlet and the outlet. The first capture array is arranged in an upstream portion of the channel, the first capture array including a plurality of first forward funnels arranged along a direction orthogonal to a flow direction of the sample so as to capture the different kinds of targets. The second capture array is arranged in a downstream portion of the channel, the second capture array including a plurality of second forward funnels arranged along the direction orthogonal to the flow direction of the sample so as to capture the different kinds of targets.

Abstract: Provided herein are fluidics platforms and related methods for performing integrated sample collection and solid-phase extraction of a target component of the sample all in one tube. The fluidics platform comprises a pump, particles for solid-phase extraction and a particle-holding means. The method comprises contacting the sample with one or more reagents in a pump, coupling a particle-holding means to the pump and expelling the waste out of the pump while the particle-holding means retains the particles inside the pump. The fluidics platform and methods herein described allow solid-phase extraction without pipetting and centrifugation.

Abstract: A polymer comprising a constitutional unit represented by the following formula (1) is useful because when the polymer is applied to a surface of a cancer cell enrichment filter, adhesiveness of cancer cells to the filter surface can be improved so that an enrichment ratio of the cancer cells can be improved. In the formula (1), R1 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R2 is a methyl group or an ethyl group and m is 1 to 3.

Abstract: A system includes: a tension member having a first end and a second end, where the first end of the tension member is connected to a first loading member and the second end of the tension member is connected to a second loading member; a first actuator configured to translate the first loading member, such that a tensile load is applied to the tension member along a first direction; a second actuator configured to translate the second loading member in two or more second directions that are substantially transverse to the first direction; and a control system that is configured to control the second actuator, such that the second loading member oscillates between the two or more second directions, where the oscillation of the second loading member causes the tension member to vibrate at a frequency.

Abstract: Described are various exemplary embodiments of a cable track monitoring system and method. In one embodiment, a monitoring system for a cable track is operatively mounted between an anchoring unit and a mobile unit in designating a deployable cabling path therebetween as the mobile unit travels relative to the anchoring unit. The system comprises a monitoring cable to be run within the cable track along the cabling path; and a sensor fixedly mountable relative to one of the anchoring unit and the mobile unit and operatively coupleable to the monitoring cable in sensing a tension variation therein as the mobile unit travels relative to the anchoring unit. The sensor is operable to monitor the tension variation during operation of the cable track.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that includes a frame, an impact delivery unit for delivering an impact force and at least one head form. The head form is adapted to be mounted to the frame such that the impact delivery unit can deliver an impact force to a designated location on the head form. The head form is configured to have a helmet installed thereon. The head form is selectively rotatable about each of a plurality of different axes of rotation, wherein movement of the head form is constrained to be able to move only in rotation and in rotation about only one axis of rotation of the plurality of axes at any time. A measuring system provides an indicator of the rotational acceleration of the head form when rotated about each of the plurality of axes. Also disclosed are methods for comparing the degree of protection afforded by first and second helmets.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a device for measuring at least one property of a substance or medium such as the viscosity, the shearing stress, the specific weight and whether the substance or the medium shows Newtonian behavior. The device comprises a carrier arranged at least at one attachment point, a pivot arm connected pivotally or rotatably to the carrier at a rotation point located at a distance from the attachment point, a drive acting selectively on the pivot arm for driving the pivot arm in an oscillating movement, and a measurement setup for measuring the oscillation of the pivot arm to be caused with a drive, characterized in that a center of inertia lies substantially at the attachment point.

Abstract: A conductive rotator is immersed in a sample liquid in a sample container. A magnet is arranged at a specific distance from the rotation plane of the rotator in a direction of a rotating axis of the rotator so as to face the sample container. The magnet applies a magnetic field to the rotator from the outside of the sample container. A fluctuating magnetic field drive unit drives the magnet to apply the magnetic field that fluctuates in term of time to the rotator. Induced current is excited in the rotator by the fluctuating magnetic field. A rotating torque is provided to the rotator by the Lorenz interaction between the induced current and the fluctuating magnetic field, and as a result, the rotator rotates in the rotation plane. A viscosity detecting unit obtains the viscosity of the sample liquid based on a rotating state of the rotator and a time-fluctuating state of the fluctuating magnetic field.

Abstract: Methods and devices for assaying the effectiveness of a cleaning composition in removing a protein or a biofilm from a surface are disclosed. Such methods include the steps of providing one or more proteins at an interface between an aqueous phase and a liquid crystal phase or at the surface of a liquid crystal, contacting the interface or liquid crystal surface with a cleaning composition, and observing the orientational ordering of the liquid crystal at the interface or liquid crystal surface. A continuous change in the orientational ordering of the liquid crystal at the interface or liquid crystal surface indicates that the proteins are being removed from the interface, and the rate of change in orientational ordering, the extent of the change in orientational ordering, or both, are correlated with the effectiveness of the cleaning composition.

Abstract: An image flow cytometer has a flow chamber with a flow channel formed therein to permit a microparticulate sample to flow through the flow channel. An irradiation optical system irradiates the sample in the channel with incident light in an irradiation spot smaller than a selected representative size, e.g., smaller than the sample. The system scans an irradiation position perpendicular to the flow direction of the sample. A detection optical system is opposed to the irradiation optical system through the flow chamber, or is off the optical axis of the incident light. The detection system detects a light intensity of resultant light from the flow chamber. A control unit detects the microparticulate sample according to a change of the light intensity of the resultant light detected by the detection optical system.

Abstract: A particle manipulation system uses a MEMS-based, microfabricated particle manipulation device which has an inlet channel, output channels, and a movable member formed on a substrate. The movable member moves parallel to the fabrication plane, as does fluid flowing in the inlet channel. The movable member separates a target particle from the rest of the particles, diverting it into an output channel. However, at least one output channel is not parallel to the fabrication plane. The device may be used to separate a target particle from non-target material in a sample stream. The target particle may be, for example, a stem cell, zygote, a cancer cell, a T-cell, a component of blood, bacteria or DNA sample, for example. The particle manipulation system may also include a microfluidic structure which focuses the target particles in a particular portion of the inlet channel.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for quantification of photoprotective performance of packaging concepts in an accelerated timeframe. In certain embodiments, the apparatus comprises a light source which provides a light beam that impinges upon a photoprotective material before being transmitted to a sample cell comprising a photosensitive entity, such as a photosensitive nutrient. In certain embodiments, the apparatus and methods can be used to generate models for the prediction of photoprotective performance values of untested materials based upon some other known qualitative or quantitative property.

Abstract: A thread gauge, which allows to reliably know the time for replacement by visual checking and improves the predetermined dimensional accuracy of a thread product has a go-side thread measuring portion extending from one side of a shank portion coaxially with the shank portion or a not-go-side thread measuring portion extending from an other side of the shank portion coaxially with the shank portion, a wear checking gauge line having a predetermined length and a predetermined depth formed on male thread portions and female thread portions formed on the go-side thread measuring portion or the not-go-side thread measuring portion.

Abstract: A device for testing adhesive tape including a sample holder located in a first plane and a movable platen having a major surface located in a plane perpendicular to the plane in which the sample holder is located. The platen and the sample holder each have an edge adjacent to the edge of the other, where the platen and the sample holder are moveable with respect to each other such that the movement of the platen with respect to the sample holder separates the adjacent edges and thereby applies a load to a length of tape that is secured to the surface of a sample in the holder and secured to the surface of the platen during testing.

Abstract: A bond surface testing apparatus and method are presented. The bond surface testing apparatus comprises a solution chamber; a plurality of solution containers located in the solution chamber; a plurality of microfluidic pipettes; and an information capture module. Each solution container in the plurality of solution containers includes a microfluidic pipette in the plurality of microfluidic pipettes. A number of the plurality of microfluidic pipettes has a non-circular cross-section. The information capture module is physically associated with the solution chamber and is configured to capture information relating to bonding surface properties of the bonding surface.

Abstract: An optofluidic platform is constructed to comprise a vertical integration of optical and fluidic layers. The optical layer enables interaction of light with a fluid for a variety of purposes, including particle detection, manipulation, and analysis. The vertical integration allows layers to be permanently or temporarily attached to each other. Temporary attachments provide the advantage of reusing the same optical layer with different fluidic layers. Most preferably, the optical layer comprises antiresonant reflecting optical waveguide. Further, a fluidic layer can be configured to act as an interface between the optical layer and other fluidic layers attached thereon. Moreover, the fluidic layers can be configured to perform fluidic functions. The optofluidic platform can also comprise a protective layer.

Abstract: An optical system for sensing an environmental parameter, comprising: an optical pulse generator for generating an excitation pulse; a pulse splitter for splitting the excitation pulse into a sensing pulse and a reference pulse; a sensing arm for receiving the sensing pulse, the sensing arm comprising an emission sensor for sensing the environmental parameter, the optical emission sensor generating a first measurement pulse having a measurement wavelength; a reference arm for receiving the reference pulse, the reference arm comprising an emission artifact adapted to convert the reference pulse into a second measurement pulse having the measurement wavelength; a time delay line for delaying a relative propagation of the measurement pulses; a light detector for measuring an optical energy of the first and second measurement pulses; and an optical link for optically connecting the pulse generator to the pulse splitter, and the sensing and reference arms to the light detector.

Abstract: A device for Surface Enhanced Infrared Absorption (SEIRA) that includes at least one pair of metallic antennas deposited on a substrate, wherein the pair of metallic antennas are collinear. The length, width, and height of the metallic antenna determines an infrared absorption of the pair of metallic antennas. The device also includes a gap located between the pair of metallic antennas. A chemical moiety is disposed on at least a portion of the metallic antennas such that the infrared absorption of the chemical moiety is enhanced by the at least one pair of metallic antennas.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring one or more silicon-containing compounds present in a biogas. The method includes generating a first absorption spectrum based on a ratio of a first spectral measurement and a second spectral measurement. The first spectral measurement is from a non-absorptive gas having substantially no infrared absorptions in a specified wavelength range of interest and the second spectral measurement is from a sample gas comprising the biogas. The method includes generating at least one surrogate absorption spectrum based on, at least, individual absorption spectrum for each of a subset of one or more silicon-containing compounds selected from a larger set of known silicon-containing compounds with known concentrations. A total concentration of the one or more silicon-containing compounds in the biogas can be calculated based on the first absorption spectrum and the at least one surrogate absorption spectrum.

Abstract: A dryness fraction distribution measuring device, includes: a light-emitting body that illuminates a gas/liquid two-phase flow with light; an environment sensor that measures at least one of temperature or pressure in a gas/liquid two-phase flow; a plurality of photodetecting elements that receive respective lights that have traversed moist steam; a relationship storing portion that stores, for each temperature or pressure, a relationship between an intensity of light that has traversed the gas/liquid two-phase flow and a dryness fraction of the gas/liquid two-phase flow; and a dryness fraction identifying portion that identifies a dryness fraction of the gas/liquid two-phase flow for each position corresponding to the plurality of photodetecting elements, based on the relationships between the measured values for the detected light intensities of the lights detected by the respective photodetecting elements and the values for the temperatures and pressures measured by the environment sensor.

Abstract: This invention involves measurement of optical properties of materials with sub-micron spatial resolution through infrared scattering scanning near field optical microscopy (s-SNOM). Specifically, the current invention provides substantial improvements over the prior art by achieving high signal to noise, high measurement speed and high accuracy of optical amplitude and phase. Additionally, it some embodiments, it eliminates the need for an in situ reference to calculate wavelength dependent spectra of optical phase, or absorption spectra. These goals are achieved via improved asymmetric interferometry where the near-field scattered light is interfered with a reference beam in an interferometer. The invention achieves dramatic improvements in background rejection by arranging a reference beam that is much more intense than the background scattered radiation.

Abstract: Roe W is loaded on a loading tray 6, the roe W is irradiated with light from light irradiation means 11, and an image of at least a part of the roe W irradiated with light from the light irradiation means 11 is taken by image pickup means 12. Image processing of the image Pa taken by the image pickup means 12 is performed to measure a light transmissive value of the light passing through the roe W; and maturity of the roe W is determined based on the measured light transmissive value. This enables a roe maturity determination device and a roe maturity determination method capable of determining precisely roe maturity.

Abstract: A system is configured to process the contents of one or more receptacles to detect an optical signal emitted by the contents of each receptacle. Each receptacle is held within a receptacle station of a movable receptacle carrier disposed within a temperature-controlled chamber of an incubator. At least one signal detector is configured to detect an optical signal emitted by the contents of a receptacle as the receptacle carrier moves each receptacle into an operative position with respect to the signal detector. A magnet holder is attached to the receptacle carrier and holds one or more magnets adjacent to an associated receptacle station so as to expose the contents of each receptacle carried in the receptacle station to a magnetic field when the receptacle is in the operative position with respect to the signal detector.

Abstract: A method for non-invasively determining a chemical property of an aqueous solution is provided. The method provides the steps of providing a colored solute having a light absorbance spectrum and transmitting light through the colored solute at two different wavelengths. The method further provides the steps of measuring light absorbance of the colored solute at the two different transmitted light wavelengths, and comparing the light absorbance of the colored solute at the two different wavelengths to determine a chemical property of an aqueous solution.