Abstract: The current invention relates, inter alia, to charge pulse amplitude and time detecting circuits, offering very low amplitude and temporal noise, and overcoming noise performance limits in charge pulse detection circuits according to prior art. Embodiments of the present invention may include a sensing device delivering charge pulses onto a sense node, an active buffer buffering the voltage on the sense node with a low impedance, a recharge device removing signal charge from the sense node, a noise filter connected to the output of the active buffer transmitting signal voltage pulses while attenuating noise from the recharge device. Additional and alternative embodiments are specified and claimed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring optical forces acting on a trapped particle. In one implementation the apparatus and method are adaptable for use in the optical train of an optical microscope that is configured to trap, with a single light beam, a particle suspended in a suspension medium between an entry cover and an exit cover of a chamber positioned on or within the microscope. The apparatus and method involves the use of a single collection lens system having a numerical aperture designed to be greater than or equal to an index of refraction index of the suspension medium intended to suspend the particle in the chamber which is placeable at or near the exit cover of the chamber of the microscope.

Abstract: A seed sensor system determines the position of the seed relative to the seed tube as the seed passes the sensor. The position of the seed as well as the speed of the planter and the position of the seed tube above the planting furrow are used to calculate trajectory of the seed into the furrow from which the seed spacing is predicated. By sensing the seed in both X and Y directions in the seed tube, the sensor is better able to determine multiple seeds as well providing more precision to the seed population.

Abstract: Methods, storage mediums, and systems for correlating pulses generated from multiple interrogation regions in a flow cytometer to particular particles flowing through the flow cytometer are provided. Embodiments of the methods, storage mediums, and systems include configurations for calibrating a flow cytometer using a calibration particle having a unique signature to determine a time-of-flight for particles flowing through the flow cytometer. Based on the calculated time-of-flight and relative positions of interrogation regions corresponding to collectors of the flow cytometer, the methods, storage mediums, and systems may further include configurations for associating other signal pulses to particles of one or more different particle sets.

Abstract: A particle detection system is provided, including a sensing chamber having an inlet nozzle, an outlet nozzle, and an interrogation zone defined therebetween. Particles in a sampled environmental gas are prevented from escaping the interrogation zone by pressurizing the sensing chamber such that the pressure therein is higher than that in the outlet nozzle. This is accomplished by providing a source of extra gas to the sensing chamber, for example, by diverting gas from an inlet flow path directly to the sensing chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining flow conditions in a measured volume permeated by a fluid spiked with optically detectable particles. A plurality of two-dimensional images of the particle distribution is thereby created at each of a plurality of times, an estimated particle distribution is determined therefrom, and a three-dimensional displacement vector field is calculated. According to the invention, a transfer function for the image detectors used is first determined, by means of which the real distribution is mapped by the image detector. Starting from a roughly estimated initial distribution, and by means of the transfer function, virtual images of the estimated distribution are then calculated and compared to the associated real images. The estimated distribution is modified in an iterative method until sufficient matching of the virtual and real images has been achieved.

Abstract: There is provided a dust detection system for a vacuum cleaner comprising a dust separation chamber (20) of cyclone type and having a separate dustbin (30) for collecting separated dust. The dust separation chamber is adapted to provide a generally cyclonic airflow for separating dust from a dust laden air stream, and is at a bottom (25) of the dust separation chamber connected via an outlet (22) to the dustbin. The dust detection system further comprises an emitter (41) positioned to emit an electromagnetic signal into the dust separation chamber during operation of the vacuum cleaner, and a receiver (42) positioned to receive the electromagnetic signal. The inventive concept is based on an understanding that when the dustbin becomes full, dust accumulates at the bottom of the dust separation chamber, i.e. stays rotating at the bottom, since it cannot enter the dustbin.

Abstract: A measuring station for measuring vehicles has at least one laser source, which emits laser radiation (20) during operation, and a safety system, which includes at least one sensor, which is set up to detect objects. The safety system is configured in such a way that it switches off the laser source when at least one sensor detects an object which approaches a region in which the laser radiation emitted by the laser source has a particularly high intensity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for determining particle transmittance Tx of a filter for use with a particle detection system to provide a filter warning for aspirated particle detection systems by detecting a level of first particles having a size indicative of smoke particles and which pass through the detection system; determining an integrated smoke hours value by integrating the detected level of first particles over time; estimating the smoke particle transmittance Tx of the filter by applying a predetermined weighting operation to the integrated smoke hours value. An empirical measure of a filter's particle transmittance Tx, due to at least first particles having a size indicative of smoke particles may be achieved by way of integrating a level of such first particles passing through a particle detection system over time to determine the proportion of smoke particles arrested by a filter, “integrated smoke hours”.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-speed Quantum Efficiency (QE) measurement device that includes at least one device under test (DUT), at least one conditioned light source with a less than 50 nm bandwidth, where a portion of the conditioned light source is monitored. Delivery optics are provided to direct the conditioned light to the DUT, a controller drives the conditioned light source in a time dependent operation, and at least one reflectance measurement assembly receives a portion of the conditioned light reflected from the DUT. A time-resolved measurement device includes a current measurement device and/or a voltage measurement device disposed to resolve a current and/or voltage generated in the DUT by each conditioned light source, where a sufficiently programmed computer determines and outputs a QE value for each DUT according to an incident intensity of at least one wavelength of from the conditioned light source and the time-resolved measurement.

Abstract: A method for determining quantity and/or a type of dust control agent for controlling dust of a bulk material or flowability thereof comprises dispensing a bulk material into an agitator and agitating the bulk material in the agitator to create airborne dust from the bulk material. A test method for determining a quantity and/or a type of dust control agent effective for reducing a quantity of airborne dust that separates from a bulk material during handling comprises: 1) dispensing a dust-containing bulk material into an agitator; 2) agitating the bulk material in the agitator to a degree sufficient to produce airborne dust from the bulk material; and 3) measuring a quantity of airborne dust produced from the bulk material; repeating steps 1), 2) and 3) after applying a particular dust control agent to said bulk material; and comparing the quantity of airborne dust that separates from the bulk material with and without the dust control agent.

Abstract: This invention provides an area monitoring sensor capable of setting a monitor area without connecting a terminal device for area setting. The area monitoring sensor that emits detection light in different emitting directions and senses an intruder within a monitor area based on reflection of the detection light, the monitor area being previously set as a polygonal shaped area defined by three or more sides, the sensor being provided on a first side out of the sides of the monitor area, and includes a side selecting unit that selects a second side other than the first side out of the three or more sides that define the monitor area based on an operation input; a distance specifying unit that specifies a distance between the area monitoring sensor and the second side that is being selected by the side selecting unit based on an operation input.

Abstract: An automated de-icing system for a low power lighting device having a light emitting face. The system includes one or more detectors for detecting conditions under which ice, frost or snow are likely to occur on the light emitting face. The system further includes a heat transfer system for transferring heat to the light emitting face and a controller for receiving data from the detector(s) and determining a likelihood of ice, frost or snow forming on the light emitting face. The controller engages the heat transfer system if the likelihood of ice, frost or snow forming on the light emitting face exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical module, comprising a semiconductor element having a surface that is sensitive to electromagnetic radiation and an objective for projecting electromagnetic radiation onto the sensitive surface of the semiconductor element (image sensor or camera chip, in particular CCD or CMOS). The objective preferably comprises at least one lens and one lens retainer. In the optical module, an optical element having two sub-areas is arranged either in the space between the objective and the sensitive surface of the semiconductor element or between individual lenses of the objective in the entire cross-section of the beam path. All electromagnetic radiation that reaches the sensitive surface of the semiconductor element passes through the optical element. A first distance range (e.g. near range) is imaged in a first area of the sensitive surface of the semiconductor element in a focused manner by a first sub-area of the optical element, and a second distance range (e.g.

Abstract: An improved device for measuring the count and frequency of seeds in a stream of seeds is described. The device is useful for measuring the frequency and accuracy of seed planting devices. A seed counting system can include an imaging region, an image sensing device, and a lens between the imaging region and the image sensing device. An optical distance extender between the imaging region and the lens, creates an effective optical distance between the imaging region and the lens that is substantially greater than the physical distance between the imaging region and the lens, thereby providing a substantial depth of field.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus for containers, comprising a first illumination device which directs light having first characteristic properties onto the base of the container, a second illumination device which directs light having second characteristic properties, which differ at least partially from the first characteristic properties, onto the base of the container, and at least one image recording device which receives at least a portion of the light directed onto the base of the container and transmitted by the latter. At least the second illumination device illuminates the base of the container in an indirect manner.

Abstract: Holographic optical traps using the forces exerted by computer-generated holograms to trap, move and otherwise transform mesoscopically textured materials. The efficacy of the present invention is based upon the quality and nature of the diffractive optical element used to create the traps and dynamically use them. Further a landscape of potential energy sites can be created and used to manipulate, sort and process objects.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods of monitoring and controlling the processing of blood and blood samples, particularly the separation of blood and blood samples into its components with a two-dimensional optical measurement and control device. The method may comprise the steps of providing a blood processing system comprising a density centrifuge blood processing system and an elutriation blood processing system; filling the elutriation blood processing system with a desired component; measuring a cellular flux of cells entering the elutriation blood processing system with a two-dimensional optical control system; and flushing the elutriation blood processing system.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for an improved sensor for detecting particles in air such as smoke particles from a fire. The detector includes a laser diode that generates a light beam that is spread by a lens to fill a specific area of the interior of a sensing chamber before entering into a light trap for extinction. The detector consequently has a better signal to noise ratio and therefore may be more sensitive than prior art detectors. The detector may also use a shorter wavelength laser to allow the detector to sense smaller particles than prior detectors and consequently provide faster response to flaming fires.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for counting elementary particles emitted by a fluid, the device comprising a line for transferring the fluid and, outside the line, detection means (6a) for detecting the particles that are attenuated by a wall of the line and/or by this fluid. A counting device according to the invention includes at least one counting portion (4a) of oblong cross section which joins together two adjacent portions of the line having a larger flow section and which has an [internal height (h)/internal width (l)] ratio of 20% or less, in which the internal height and the internal width represent the smallest and largest transverse dimensions respectively of the portion, these being measured along two approximately perpendicular directions, said detection means extending transversely to this portion, facing its entire internal width and on either side thereof.

Abstract: An optical tweezers controlling device including a light source, an objective lens and a focus adjusting unit is provided. The focus adjusting unit disposed between the light source and the objective lens includes a mirror set and a zoom lens set. The mirror set has at least a mirror. The mirror is rotatable such that after a light of the light source is projected to the mirror, the reflective direction of the light reflected from the mirror is changeable. The zoom lens set has at least a zoom lens disposed in accordance with the mirror. By rotating the mirror or changing the focal length of the zoom lens, the focusing location of the light changes on the focal plane of the objective lens or in the front or the rear of the focal plane.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for changing optical tweezers are provided. The apparatus includes a diffractive optical element (DOE), a mask unit and an objective lens. The DOE includes a plurality of phase delay patterns. The mask unit includes a plurality of mask patterns that correspond to the phase delay patterns, respectively, wherein at least a portion of the mask patterns are complementary. A laser beam passing through each phase diffractive pattern correspondingly passes through each mask pattern to generate a compound diffractive pattern. The objective lens receives the compound diffractive pattern and focuses it on an examining object to form an optical tweezers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for determining particle transmittance Tx of a filter for use with a particle detection system to provide a filter warning for aspirated particle detection systems by detecting a level of first particles having a size indicative of smoke particles and which pass through the detection system; determining an integrated smoke hours value by integrating the detected level of first particles over time; estimating the smoke particle transmittance Tx of the filter by applying a predetermined weighting operation to the integrated smoke hours value. An empirical measure of a filter's particle transmittance Tx, due to at least first particles having a size indicative of smoke particles may be achieved by way of integrating a level of such first particles passing through a particle detection system over time to determine the proportion of smoke particles arrested by a filter, “integrated smoke hours”.

Abstract: Particle detection systems without knowledge of a location and velocity of a particle passing through a volume of space, are less efficient than if knowledge of the particle location is known. An embodiment of a particle position detection system capable of determining an exact location of a particle in a fluid stream is discussed. The detection system may employ a patterned illuminating beam, such that once a particle passes through the various portions of the patterned illuminating beam, a light scattering is produced. The light scattering defines a temporal profile that contains measurement information indicative of an exact particle location. However, knowledge of the exact particle location has several advantages. These advantages include correction of systematic particle measurement errors due to variability of the particle position within the sample volume, targeting of particles based on position, capture of particles based on position, reduced system energy consumption and reduced system complexity.

Abstract: A projected beam smoke detector includes circuitry and control software to measure a distance a beam travels between the detector's transmitter and receiver. Either a time-based or a phase-based measurement methodology could be used. A sensitivity parameter of the detector could be set in response to the results of the measurement.

Abstract: A device for checking the concentration of clear rinsing agent in a rinsing liquid circulated in the means for retaining water of a household appliance is provided. The device includes a processing unit operatively connectable to a sensor having at least one transmitting element that emits an optical signal and at least one receiving element that receives the optical signal emitted by the transmitting element. The processing unit determines the wetting of the sensor with clear rinsing liquid and renders an estimate of the concentration of clear rinsing agent in the clear rinsing liquid as a function of the wetting of the sensor with clear rinsing liquid based upon the energy level emitted by the transmitting element and received by the receiving element.

Abstract: A seed sensor system determines the position of the seed relative to the seed tube as the seed passes the sensor. The position of the seed as well as the speed of the planter and the position of the seed tube above the planting furrow are used to calculate trajectory of the seed into the furrow from which the seed spacing is predicated. By sensing the seed in both X and Y directions in the seed tube, the sensor is better able to determine multiple seeds as well providing more precision to the seed population.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for growing a composite metal sulphide photcatalyst thin film, wherein photochemical deposition and chemical bath deposition are both performed for growing the composite metal sulphide thin film, such as (AgInS2)x/(ZnS)2(1-x), wherein x is 0-1.

Abstract: A phase contrast quadrature interferometric method and apparatus for determining the presence or absence of a target analyte in a sample. The method includes probing a substrate exposed to the sample with a laser beam. The substrate includes a reflecting surface with a first region having recognition molecules specific to the target analyte and a second region without recognition molecules. The method also includes probing the first and second region, and measuring time dependent intensity on a photodetector at one or both of a pair of quadrature angles of a reflected diffraction signal. The apparatus includes a laser source, a platform for receiving the planar array, an objective lens offset from the platform by approximately a focal length, and a split photodetector means for measuring a first quadrature and a second quadrature in a signal resulting from reflection of the laser beam.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus and method are disclosed wherein first and second light beams, each having different center wavelengths, illuminate an object. A detector and a light receiver optical system are provided that receive back-scattered light from first and second illumination devices. A processor is provided that calculates a value corresponding to the size of particles that back-scatter light of the first and second light beams that are incident onto the object, with the calculated value being independent of the concentration of the particles. The first illumination device and the second illumination device are arranged in a specified manner so that a specified condition is satisfied.

Abstract: An environmental degradation sensor for environmentally sensitive products such as food, pharmaceuticals or cosmetic products provides the degraded state and estimated remaining life of the product. The sensor is made of a polymeric matrix and conductive filler. A control agent, selected to adjust a reaction rate of the sensor to environmental conditions, allows correlation of an electrical property of the sensor to a degraded state of the product. The sensor may be integrated with a passive RFID to provide product identification and degradation status wirelessly via reader. The sensor improves product safety, reduces cost of premature product disposal and, combined with RFIDs, improves the security of products through combined product degradation monitoring and tracking.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical cell for a separation chamber of a density centrifuge blood processing system for separating fluid components comprising an extraction chamber having a first external optical surface for transmitting at least a portion of an incident optical beam; and an extraction port having an axial bore for passing fluid components and a first external optical surface for transmitting at least a portion of the incident optical beam; wherein said first external optical surface of said extraction chamber and said first external optical surface of said extraction port are both positioned within the depth of field of a light collection element.

Abstract: There is provided sorting apparatus wherein a particulate product stream (25) passes a concentrator (26) to feed product onto a conical dispersion plate (27) which delivers the product evenly in an annular mono-layer to a collimator comprising inner (30) and outer (31) product guides to produce, an annular, vertically directed product flow (32). Located within the annulus of the product flow (32) is a detector assembly comprising an upper detector and optics box (33) beneath which is mounted for rotation a beam splitting mirror (34) driven by a motor (35) and scanning product in the annular detection area (36). The product passing through the detection area (36) is bombarded with a source and the reflected or transmitted intensity signal (37) is then measured by a detector in the detector and optics box (33). The classified product is removed from the product stream via a rejector (40) operable in response to control means directed by the detector in the detector and optics box (33).

Abstract: A differential absorption lidar includes: a light signal generation unit for generating first, second CW light signals with first, second wavelengths having different absorption coefficients with respect to a target, a light intensity modulation unit for subjecting the first, second CW light signal to intensity modulation with a first, second CW modulation signal having a first, second frequency in a baseband, a radiation unit for multiplexing the first, second CW light signals with the intensity modulated, forming the multiplexed light signals with two wavelengths in a predetermined beam size, and radiating the light signals, a reception unit for directly detecting scattered light from the target and converting the scattered light into an electrical signal, and a signal processing unit for extracting only the first, second frequency components from the electric signal, and detecting the concentration of the target from a difference in an amplitude of time wavelengths between two signals.

Abstract: An optical system (10) operatively associated with incident light (50) is provided. The incident light is essentially comprised of a first part (52) and a second part (54). The optical system includes: a photo catalytic reactor (30) comprising a photo catalyst (36) operatively associated with the first part of the incident light, an optical device (20) operatively associated with the second part of the incident light, and a beam splitter (40) for separating the incident light into the first part which is directed to the photo catalyst and the second part which is directed to the optical device.

Abstract: A differential absorption lidar includes: a light signal generation unit for generating first, second CW light signals with first, second wavelengths having different absorption coefficients with respect to a target, a light intensity modulation unit for subjecting the first, second CW light signal to intensity modulation with a first, second CW modulation signal having a first, second frequency in a baseband, a radiation unit for multiplexing the first, second CW light signals with the intensity modulated, forming the multiplexed light signals with two wavelengths in a predetermined beam size, and radiating the light signals, a reception unit for directly detecting scattered light from the target and converting the scattered light into an electrical signal, and a signal processing unit for extracting only the first, second frequency components from the electric signal, and detecting the concentration of the target from a difference in an amplitude of time wavelengths between two signals.

Abstract: An optical system design for measuring the velocity of fluids flowing through pipes or other conduits is disclosed. The optical system is comprised of a means for delivering two beams through a window in the wall of the pipe, focused to two points aligned along an axis of the pipe and separated by a known distance, and means for detecting light that is scattered by particles carried in the fluid stream through a second window, that is disposed on the opposite side of the pipe. By measuring the time delay between detected signals, the velocity of the fluid can be determined. The delivered light beams are focused in a shallow cone of light and are blocked by an obstruction disposed behind the second window. The scattered light passes through an aperture behind the second window that surrounds the obscuration, and is focused on to a detector surface.

Abstract: A projector and a dust detection device for an air filter thereof. The projector comprises a lamp, a fan, an filter, and a dust detection device. The lamp comprises a housing with an inlet and an exit. The fan is disposed in front of the inlet of the housing, and generates airflow to dissipate heat produced by the lamp. The air filter is disposed in front of the exit of the housing, and filters the airflow passing around the lamp. The dust detection device is disposed behind the air filter, and detects the state of the filtered airflow.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for moving a particle using a device comprising a substrate (4), a wave guide (2) and a grating (6) formed on the wave guide, in which: light with wavelength ? is injected into the wave guide, the light transmitted through the guide is diffracted to a medium (14) with an index nsup in which the particle is located.

Abstract: A single-particle optical sensor, which has high sensitivity and responds to relatively concentrated suspensions, uses a relatively narrow light beam to illuminate an optical sensing zone nonuniformly. The zone is smaller than the flow channel so that the sensor responds to only a fraction of the total number of particles flowing through the channel, detecting a statistically significant number of particles of any relevant diameter. Because different particle trajectories flow through different parts of the zone illuminated at different intensities, it is necessary to deconvolute the result. Two methods of deconvolution are used: modified matrix inversion or successive subtraction. Both methods use a few basis vectors measured empirically or computed from a theoretical model, and the remaining basis vectors are derived from these few. The sensor is compensated for turbidity. Several embodiments are disclosed employing light-extinction or light-scattering detection, or both.

Abstract: A sensor having an input to an interferometer. The input may receive emissions from a detected fluid. The output of the interferometer may be focused on an array of light detectors. Electrical signals from the detectors may go to a processor. The output of the processor may include a spectrum of the detected fluid. Also, the identity of the fluid may be determined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining at least one energy property of a gaseous mixture which consists in: 1. measuring, on said gaseous mixture, n physical properties ?i at a temperature T and/or one physical property ?i at n different temperatures; 2. determining, from said physical properties, the composition of a gas with n+1 components that is equivalent to said mixture; and 3. deducing the energy properties of said gaseous mixture from said composition of the equivalent gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for measuring particle distribution for determining particle size distribution with higher precision by compensating for a reduction in scattering light due to the color of a sample and due to the particle size characterized by Mie scattering theory, and a method for measuring particle size distribution using such an apparatus. The apparatus for measuring particle distribution irradiates a laser beam to be measured, converts the resulting scattering light into an electrical detection signal, and performs inverse operation processes on the detection signal to calculate the particle size distribution of the sample. The measuring apparatus is provided with a laser light source that variably changes the wavelength of the laser beam depending on samples.

Abstract: A pathogen detector has a sample area for containing environmental air, a light source on one side of the sample area for directing a collimated beam of light through the sample air so that part of the light beam will be scattered by any particles present in the air while the remainder remains unscattered, and a beam blocking device on the opposite side of the sample area for blocking at least the unscattered portion of the beam of light and directing at least part of the scattered light onto a detector. The detector produces output pulses in which each pulse has a height proportional to particle size and a pulse height discriminator obtains the size distribution of airborne particles detected in the air sample at a given time from the detector output. An alarm signal is activated if the number of particles within a predetermined pathogen size range of around 1 to 7 ?m exceeds a predetermined normal level.

Abstract: At an optoelectronic dust sensor, opening(s) is/are formed at front panel(s) of main body housing(s), and passage hole(s) is/are formed at back panel(s) of main body housing(s). Provided between such back panel passage hole(s) and front panel opening(s) is/are dust passage route(s) permitting passage of dust and/or smoke. Passage hole(s) is/are for introducing dust and/or smoke to dust passage route(s). Opening(s), being for discharging dust and/or smoke from dust passage route(s), is/are sufficiently larger than passage hole(s).

Abstract: A device for measuring the concentration of a gas contained in a cavity and for checking the operation of a catalytic element in an exhaust line in an automobile vehicle. A first emitter (E1) composed of an optical pumped micro-cavity and for which the emission spectrum is within the gas absorption band emits a first radiation that passes through the cavity. A second emitter emits a second radiation that passes through the cavity. A receptor measures the optical intensity (I) of the radiation that passed through the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides for measuring a particle size distribution of a population of particles using a light scattering particle sizing instrument having a plurality of selectable imaginary component values of the refractive index. The particles each having a particle size and the process includes the steps of: (i) providing a population of the particles, wherein the particles have a refractive index; (ii) determining a real component of the refractive index of the particles using the Becke Line Method; (iii) determining an imaginary component of the refractive index of the particles; and (iv) determining the particle size distribution of the particles by the light scattering particle sizing instrument wherein the particle size distribution is determined using the real component of the refractive index measured in step (ii) and the imaginary component of the refractive index determined in step (iii).

Abstract: A method for creating large numbers of high-quality optical traps in arbitrary three-dimensional configurations and dynamically reconfiguring the traps under computer control. The method uses computer-generated diffractive optical elements to convert one or more optical tweezers into one or more optical vortices. The method involves combining the optical vortex technique with the holographic optical tweezer technique to create multiple optical vortices in arbitrary configurations. The method also involves employing the rotation induced in trapped particles by optical vortices to assemble clusters of particles into functional micromachines, to drive previously assembled micromachines, to pump fluids through microfluidics channels, to control flows of fluids through microfluidics channels, to mix fluids within microfluidics channels, to transport particles, to sort particles and to perform other related manipulations and transformations on matter over length scales.

Abstract: An improvement is described for use in a system that identifies particles in a fluid such as water by passing the fluid through a passage in a transparent carrier and detecting light from a laser beam that is scattered by particles, followed by comparing the scatter pattern to those of known particles, which increases the rate at which particles are detected. A plurality of transparent carriers with through passages are provided, and a narrow beam is directed through each carrier to scatter light from particles at a detect zone in each carrier passage. In one arrangement (60), the carriers (62, 64, 66) are connected in series, so a limited amount of water passes through detect zones (24A, 24B. 24C) to generate a high rate of particle detection. In another arrangement (130), the carrier passages are connected in parallel, so when a larger sample of water is available different parts of the water sample pass through different carrier passages, to again increase the rate of particle detection.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the size, shape and distribution of particles wherein a digital image analysis based optical system characterizes the particle size distribution of granular and cohesion-less materials. The size and shape information is obtained in real time. Such an automated analysis system comprises the following four major components: 1) particle sizing hardware and software, 2) progressive scan CCD camera and stepper motor driven optical zoom system with large magnification ratio, 3) horizontal vibrating feeder, and 4) appropriate lighting system. In operation, the vibratory feeder allows the tested material free fall in front of the CCD camera. The backlight provided by a DC lighting system projects the free falling particles onto the camera's image plane. Pictures from free falling material are captured and transferred into the computer through a video frame grabber.