Abstract: Leakage is detected between a process fluid and a temper fluid, or from a process fluid to a temperature-conditioning fluid, wherein one but not both of said A and said B fluids is an industrial process fluid and wherein at least one of said A and said B fluids is a gaseous stream, in an industrial process. The industrial process includes an A and a B fluid, and one of the A and B fluids receives heat from or transfer heat to the other of the A and the B fluids by an indirect contact method, and one but not both of the A and the B fluids is an industrial process fluid. In particular, the A fluid is a temperature-conditioning fluid that receives heat from a process fluid, for instance wherein the A fluid is the water of a waste-heat boiler and the B fluid is a gaseous process stream.

Abstract: A method for in situ characterization of a medium of a dispersed phase in a continuous phase, including the steps of adding a fluorescent dye to one phase capable of producing fluorescence therein when the fluorescent dye is optically excited, optically exciting the fluorescent dye at a wavelength to produce fluorescence in the one phase, and monitoring the fluorescence to distinguish the continuous phase from the dispersed phase.

Abstract: The distribution of fluid flowing through a packed bed reactor is determined by placing a plurality of fiber optic sensors at desired locations within the packed bed reactor. A light analyzable tracer component is injected into the fluid flowing through the reactor. Light is supplied to each of the sensors causing any tracer component in the vicinity of the sensor to emit electromagnetic radiation. The emitted electromagnetic radiation is detected at each fiber optic sensor, thereby permitting the amount of tracer in the vicinity of each sensor to be determined, and consequently providing a measure of the distribution of fluid flowing through the reactor.

Abstract: A method of identifying different plastics, wherein each plastic is provided with a plurality of fluorescent dyes which differ in terms of their emission frequencies and/or in terms of the duration of their fluorescence, so that a fluorescence pattern, which is distinguished by the duration of the fluorescence and/or by the frequencies occurring, can unambiguously be assigned to each plastic.

Abstract: For the identification of macro-organisms, especially fish, visible implant tags having identification codes of fluorescent colorants are implanted into at least partially transparent tissue of the macro-organisms such that the visible implant tags are visible. The encoded information is obtained from the tags by measuring the spectrum of light emitted by the fluorescent colorants. The tagged fish need not be captured to read the tags. The information may be obtained through a significant depth of medium and also independently of the size of the tag or its orientation. Florescent dyes or, more preferably, fluorescent pigments may be used for the identification codes.

Abstract: A method for determining at least one dynamic flow characteristic of a multiphase flow circulating in a pipe, said flow being composed of an aqueous phase and a hydrocarbon (oil) phase. Oxygen atoms in the aqueous phase are activated by irradiation with neutrons at a chosen first location in the pipe. The concentration of activated oxygen at a chosen second location in the pipe is measured with a detector as a function of time t, so as to obtain at least one signal S(t). Then a relationship is fitted to the signal S(t) so as to derive the values of the velocity U of the aqueous phase. The slip velocity v.sub.s of a dispersed phase relative to the velocity of a continuous phase is also advantageously determined. From the values of velocities U and v.sub.s and from the volume fraction y.sub.1 of the continuous phase in the pipe (obtained by an ancillary measurement), the volumetric flow rates of the phases are determined.

Abstract: Leakage is detected between a process fluid and a temperature-conditioning fluid, or from a process fluid to a temperature-conditioning fluid, in an industrial process. The industrial process includes an A and a B fluid, and one of the A and B fluids receives heat from or transfer heat to the other of the A and the B fluids by an indirect contact method, and one but not both of the A and the B fluids is an industrial process fluid. At least one specie of tracer chemical is maintained in the A fluid, and that specie of tracer chemical is not a normal component of the B fluid. At least one of the A and the B fluids is subjected to at least one analysis at least one site. Such analysis at least detects the presence of the specie of tracer chemical when the fluid subjected to the analysis is the B fluid, and such analysis at least determines the concentration of the specie of tracer chemical when the fluid subjected to the analysis is the A fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of improving cleaning operations for metals. A fluorescent dye is introduced into metal treatment solution and the surface of a metal product is treated with the treatment solution. The metal product with the treatment solution on its surface is worked to deform the metal product. The treatment solution is removed from the surface of the metal product to clean the metal product. The cleaned metal product is illuminated with excitation energy capable of stimulating fluorescence in the fluorescent dye. Fluorescence of the fluorescent dye is optically monitored to determine effectiveness of the removing step.

Abstract: A method and apparatus particularly for monitoring leakage of a fluid contained within a double-walled tank into its interstitial space is disclosed. The sensor includes an element which is subject to physical change upon exposure to the material contained in the tank. The condition of the element is remotely monitored to determine leakage. In the case of an underground tank or oceangoing vessel, a second similar sensor sensitive to water may be employed to differentiate leakage into the interstitial space of the material in the tank from ground or sea water.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting leakage of a particular fluid into an area to be monitored, such as an interstitial space of a double-walled tank or pipeline, comprises first and second fiber optics. A first end of the first fiber optic is disposed to a source of light and a first end of the second fiber optic is disposed to a detector of light. The second ends of the fiber optics are axially aligned with one another. Under normal circumstances light is transmitted from the source to the first fiber optic across the gap into the second fiber optic, and is detected by the detector. The fiber optics are arranged such that when the sensor is exposed to a material to be monitored, effective light-transmission between the second ends of the fiber optics is prevented, preventing light from being transmitted from the source to the detector. This provides a simple and fool-proof method of detecting leakage of the fluid to be monitored into the area to be monitored.

Abstract: A system for providing controlled release of an active agent in an eye includes a device with a shape thereof for enabling placement of the device under a conjunctiva of an eye and additionally preventing migration of the device in the eye after placement of the device under the conjunctiva. The device may be formed of a material permeable to the passage of an agent disposed in said device. In addition, a tracer may be incorporated in the device to enable visual indication of the amount of active agent in said device when said device is disposed under the conjunctiva. To selectively treat specific areas of the eye, an impermeable layer may be provided for preventing diffusion of the active agent from a selected area of the device.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed to optically determine which of four fluorophores is attached to a band of DNA molecules on an electrophoresis gel. The apparatus includes four separate band pass interference filters and four wedge prisms to create four discrete areas of light on a detector. Digital comparison of the relative intensity of light sensed in the four discrete areas determines the identity of the excited fluorophore.

Abstract: The invention provides an ultraviolet remote visual inspection system which enables the operator to detect minute cracks and hairline flaws in normally inaccessible places of manufactured parts. The system includes a fiberscope in combination with a source of white light and ultraviolet light and a plurality of cannisters for holding dye penetrant and other materials which can be used to facilitate the inspection. The fiberscope includes an articulated probe having a working channel, an ultraviolet light guide and an objective lens. The plurality of cannisters are connected to the working channel through a manifold. Dye penetrant, cleaning solution, drying air and developer can be individually delivered to the remote surface to be tested through the working channel from the cannisters. The fiberscope is provided with an adjuster for bending the articulated probe in different directions to facilitate application of the aforesaid materials and the subsequent visual inspection.

Abstract: A method for determining at least one dynamic flow characteristic of a multiphase flow circulating in a pipe, the flow being composed of a lighter dispersed-phase and a heavier continuous-phase. A tracer is discharged (or activated) into the flow at a chosen first location in the pipe by mixing (or activating) a portion of the tracer with the continuous-phase therein. The tracer concentration at a chosen second location in the pipe is measured with a detector as a function of time t, so as to obtain a signal S(t). Then a relationship is fitted to the signal S(t) so as to derive the values of the velocity U of the continuous phase and/or of a dispersion coefficient k. The slip velocity v.sub.s of the dispersed phase relative to the velocity of the continuous phase is also advantageously determined. From the values of velocities U and v.sub.s and from the volume fraction y.sub.

Abstract: An article such as a drawn optical fiber (21) or an array of optical fibers is provided with a curable coating material. The array of optical fibers may be held together with a curable matrix material (45). Included in the coating material or the matrix material is a fluorescent constituent the fluorescence emission of which changes as a function of the degree of cure of the coating or matrix material. After the in-line curing of the coating material or of the matrix material, the fluorescence emission of the fluorescent constituent is monitored to determine the degree of cure of the curable material.

Abstract: A detection system is disclosed for detecting the presence of a marking material placed on a textile substrate prior to a series of dyeing and finishing steps. Following such steps, the substrate carrying the marking material is illuminated by light having a preferred wavelength of about 900 nanometers. The light is preferably absorbed by the marking material, thereby reducing the amount of light reflected from the substrate carrying the marking material and triggering an alarm. In a preferred embodiment, the marking material contains carbon particles.

Abstract: A fluorescent penetrant inspection sensor using a laser light source for locating and mapping minute surface flaws. The sensor focuses laser radiation to a point on a surface to be inspected and systematically scans the surface for reflections within a predetermined frequency range. A plurality of lenses on the sensor collect light from fluorescing penetrant. The sensed fluorescence triggers a detector which provides a flaw detection signal and coordinates the signal with the present location of the scanning radiation. Flaws are digitized and mapped for analysis. The sensor includes unique scanning and focusing apparatus with optical systems responsive only to radiation frequencies common to the fluorescent penetrant.

Abstract: Empty component locations are detected on an assembled circuit board where the component locations are marked with spots of a fluorescent substance before assembly. The circuit board is exposed to stimulating radiation by a radiation source causing luminescence from the spots of fluorescent substance on which the stimulating radiation is impinged. The circuit board is then examined for the luminescence to determine whether the components are between the spots and the radiation source.

Abstract: A method detects incomplete coverage of hermetic coatings applied to opti fibers during in-line optical fiber fabrication procedures as well as off-line applications. A fluorescent material surrounds the core region of the optical fiber prior to the formation of the hermetic coating on the optical fiber and energy is radiated in the optical fiber to propagate in the cladding mode. This causes an excitation of the fluorescent material to fluoresce in response to the propagated energy. An appropriately disposed detector detects levels of emitted fluorescence along the length of the optical fiber to indicate where the hermetic coating is incomplete or where pinholes in the hermetic coating are located. Optionally, the fluorescent material is located outside of the cladding layer, inside of the cladding layer near its outer surface or throughout the cladding region to fluoresce when excited by the propagated energy.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for detecting whether contaminants are on or have migrated into the body of a plastic reusable food or beverage container. The invention uses a sensor attached to the inside of the container which changes optical density when it is exposed to certain contaminants. The change in optical density is detected by illuminating the sensor with ultraviolet light and then measuring the effect that the sensor has on the ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A system for detecting a splice in a single facial tissue in a stack of facial tissues wherein a detector agent is applied at the location of the splice, the facial tissue is folded so that the detector agent is located at least one side edge thereof, and detecting the existence of the detector agent at the side edge to actuate a reject mechanism.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for quickly and accurately detecting the presence of rare earth minerals which can be performed in the field. An ore sample to be tested for the presence of rare earth minerals is contacted with both a basic reagent, preferably containing an alkali metal, and with a halide acid such as hydrochloric acid. Once the treated ore sample is dry, it is examined under a shortwave ultraviolet light for fluorescence of a red-orange color. If rare earth minerals are present, fluorescence of a red-orange color will occur. If no rare earth minerals are present, no red-orange fluorescence is observed. The sensitivity of the disclosed methods to rare earth minerals may be varied by altering the basic reagent to permit the user to "zero in" on the most concentrated source of rare earth minerals.

Abstract: Infrared sensitive indicator-dilution tracer concentration, specifically, 1,2 propanediol, can be optically measured in blood drawn from the systemic arterial system to indicate lung vascular function and transcapillary transport, i.e. pulmonary blood flow, extravascular lung water, transcapillary permeability-surface area, fluid filtration coefficients, etc. that may be helpful in diagnosing lung diseases, particularly Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved autoradiography enhancer composition and method of use. The enhancer composition uses an acid anhydride as a dehydration agent.

Abstract: A counterfeit detecting method and apparatus are provided for detecting the authenticity of an article having a label containing an isotope of a chemical element. The apparatus comprises a housing, a source of gamma radiation positioned in the housing, and a gamma radiation detector positioned in the housing for detecting the radiation from the source. The gamma radiation source is selected to emit radiation which can stimulate a selected nuclear transition in the label material. A calculating device, such as a microprocessor is coupled to a detector for calculating the ratio of the number of gamma rays counted by the detector during a predetermined period of time when the article is not in position near the receiving member (N.sub.O) to the number of the gamma rays counted by the detector during a period of time equal to the predetermined period when the article is positioned near the receiving means (N.sub.

Abstract: A partitioning radioactive tracer material is prepared by reacting an alkali-metal salt of radioactive iodine with chloroethanol in the presence of activated carbon.

Abstract: An optical waveguide with one or more coatings of reactants specific to species to be analyzed in a liquid analyte immersed therein. A light signal carried by the waveguide undergoes interaction either with the bulk analyte whereby a first signal in connection with the bulk analyte is obtained and, simultaneously, with a layer of complex resulting from the reaction of one of said specific reactant with one of said species or with two or more complex layers corresponding to two or more of said species, this generating a second (or more) signal to provide the required analytical information on said species.

Abstract: A method of imaging for enhancing detection of cracks or flaws in an object using penetrating radiation is disclosed wherein a contrast medium is applied to an object before illumination and scatter radiation is detected from the object. This is achieved by employing a flying spot scanner and a backscatter imaging technique allowing imaging of objects which are not completely accessible, e.g. imaging the object where only one side accessible.

Abstract: A crayon-like marker is described which is capable of making marks detectable by X-ray on various substrates, e.g., textile products. The marker is comprised of a waxy medium in which is dispersed a radio-opaque substance. Additional coloring agents may be added if desired.

Abstract: It comprises a monochromatic radiation source; an optical fibre connected by one end to the radiation source and by the other end to an observation probe for transmitting the monochromatic radiation from the source to the observation probe and the photoluminescent radiation from the probe to signal processing means; an observation probe able to move in the cavity and having a mirror inclined with respect to the surface to be observed for directing the radiation transmitted by the optical fibre towards said wall and for reflecting a return radiation to a return optical fibre conducting it to processing means; and a rotary optical connection placed on the optical fibre for permitting the continuity of the optical line and the advance of the probe without any corkscrewing of said optical fibre.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fluorescence polarization method for monitoring fetal lung maturity, to various components needed for preparing and carrying out such monitoring, and to methods of making these components.

Abstract: The unit consists of a cuvette and light guiding means comporting more than one waveguide element in contact with the solution to be analyzed. During operation, signals issuing from said waveguide elements provide data on two or more parameters in the solution substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: A substantially flat paper article or product is marked by applying thereto a luminophore. In order for the thus produced markings to remain discernible even if the paper article constitutes a component or part in a collation or composite of such paper articles, the markings are applied to at least one location of a marginal region including the contiguous edge of the paper article. This marking method can be used to monitor the completeness of an end product manufactured by collating a plurality of different paper articles.

Abstract: A counterfeit detecting method and apparatus are provided for detecting the authenticity of an article having a label containing an isotope of a chemical element enriched to a predetermined amount. The apparatus comprises a housing, a source of gamma radiation positioned in the housing, and a gamma radiation detector positioned in the housing for detecting the radiation from the source. The gamma radiation source is selected to emit radiation which can stimulate a selected nuclear transition in the label material. A calculating device, such as a microprocessor, is coupled to a detector for calculating the ratio of the number of gamma rays counted by the detector during a predetermined period of time when the article is not in position near the receiving member (N.sub.O) to the number of the gamma rays counted by the detector during a period of time equal to the predetermined period when the article is positioned near the receiving member (N.sub.

Abstract: An assay method and apparatus employing total internal reflection of excitation radiation at an activated region on the surface of an optically conductive rod or fiber surrounded by a liquid phase of lower index of refraction, so as to excite into fluorescence fluorophores in the liquid present in a thin layer around the rod surface. The induced fluorescence is then gathered and measured. Excitation occurs while flowing a sample of the liquid phase through an enclosure of fixed dimensions bounded in part by the activated region.

Abstract: Water soluble fluors useful in enhancing images obtained in autoradiography have the general formula:[F].sub.x [B].sub.y [S].sub.zF is a moiety which acts as a fluor, e.g., a dehydro derivative of a compound which is a fluor; preferred examples include 4-(2,5-diphenyloxazolyl), 1-napththylmethyl, 2-napththyl, and 4-[5-(2-phenyloxazolyl)]phenyl. S is a surfactant moiety which makes the molecule hydrophilic, e.g., dehydro derivatives of surfactants; preferred examples include polyethylene glycol derivatives, sulfonic acids or salts thereof, aryl sulfonates amines and quaternary ammonium compounds. B is a binding moiety which chemically binds the fluor moiety F with the surfactant S, and may be a chemical bond, or a disubstituted moiety such as an alkylene, e.g., methylene group. The variables x, y and z are integers which can generally vary from 1 to 10.

Abstract: In a process for the non-destructive inspection of surface defects, initially a solution with one or more dyes substantially having no emission under UV-light are applied and excess solution is removed after the dye has penetrated the surface defects, the surface is then covered with a developer leaving behind an absorbent coating with a high-contrast in daylight and which exclusively has one or more optical brighteners in a proportion between 0.02 and 2.0% by weight. The coating absorbs the dye from the surface defects, which appear as black traces on the coating under UV-light.

Abstract: A method for detecting surface defects in parts by entrapped fluorescent dye penetrant uses a novel applicator which conveys liquid fluorescent dye penetrant by capillary action from a reservoir within the applicator to the surface of the object being tested. The liquid fluorescent dye penetrant has low viscosity and high penetrating power which make the method and applicator effective in detecting minute surface flaws.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fluorescent immunoassay utilizes total internal reflection at the interface between a solid phase and a liquid phase of lower index of refraction to produce an evanescent wave in the liquid phase. The solid phase is arranged and illuminated so as to provide multiple total internal reflections at the interface. In a preferred embodiment, the solid phase is in the form of an optical fiber to which is immobilized a component of the complex formed in the immunochemical reaction. A fluorophore is attached to another component of the complex. The fluorescent labelled component may be either the complement to or an analog of the immobilized component, depending on whether competitive or sandwich assays are to be performed. In the case of competitive assays, the labelled component is preferably pre-loaded to the immobilized component in a controlled concentration. The fiber (and the attached constituent of the assay) is immersed in the liquid phase sample.

Abstract: An X-ray fluorescence method and apparatus of detecting subsurface impact caused delaminations and cracks in cloth and epoxy-catalyst laminates which method and apparatus permit nondestructive testing and evaluation of the existance, location, parameters and depth of the subsurface damage.

Abstract: A device automatically reads indications of flaws in a piece using the swing method. An ultraviolet beam illuminates the piece to be checked after successive reflections on a separating mirror and on two oscillating mirrors for sweeping. The beam reemitted parallel to the incident beam traverses the separating mirror and is received by a detector, the output information of which is transmitted to a data processing unit which also receives information on the position of the oscillating mirror over a different path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing and evaluating the thickness and distribution of conditioning material applied to the surface of a bowling lane, wherein the conditioning material is treated with an additive prior to its application to said surface and then the treated conditioning material is transferred from a transverse section of the bowling lane surface onto an elongated strip. The method includes the steps of (1) analyzing the additive transferred onto the elongated strip for providing readings which are proportional to the quantity of lane conditioning material applied to portions of the transverse section of a bowling lane surface, and (2) correlating the readings provided by the analysis with the thickness and distribution of conditioning material applied to the bowling lane surface.

Abstract: A method and composition for the detection of microdefects in the surface layer of a substrate is disclosed. The composition utilizes dimethylsulfoxide as a primary solvent and a fluorescent organic compound which fluoresces principally in solution. The visibility of microdefects is enhanced by etching the substrate underlying them to form channels for the fluorescent compound.

Abstract: An automated system for examining a workpiece 6 treated so that flaws are revealed by concentrations of indicator on its surface scans the workpiece surface to provide an output signal representative of the luminance of surface regions. These are stored in a memory 12 and first and second signals representative of the average luminance of a number of regions A, B, C, and E, F, G on opposite sides of a central region D are formed. The first and second average signals are compared to determine which one represents the greatest concentration of indicator and the selected signal is used to derive a threshold value which is compared with the output signal representative of the luminance of the central region D. A flaw is indicated when the central region luminance signal is greater than the threshold value.

Abstract: A method of detecting flaws in a printed circuit board laminate having drilled holes wherein a penetrating solution containing a UV fluorescing dye is applied to the laminate to fill the drilled holes and flaws. Excess penetrating solution is removed from the drilled holes and the surface of the laminate. The penetrating solution remaining in the flaws is cured into an insoluble solid and then the laminate is cross-sectioned to provide at least one sample carrying the cured solution. The sample is encapsulated in a clear epoxy and the encapsulated sample is ground and polished to provide a surface which is examined under UV light.

Abstract: At least two types of reflective or emissive materials are applied in alternating manner to a pile or other object to be moved. Ultraviolet energy is emitted toward the materials and reflections or emissions therefrom are received by appropriate detector elements which convert the different respective reflected or emitted energy spectra into corresponding electrical signals for use by a processor device to determine the distance and rate which the pile or object is being moved. The calculated information is channeled to a suitable display and a permanent recording device.

Abstract: A liquid dye penetrant composition for use in non-destructive testing of objects to locate cracks and other defects or flaws therein, said composition comprising (1) a nonionic surfactant, such as an oxyalkylated aliphatic alcohol, (2) a small amount of a dye soluble in the surfactant and (3) a substantial and preferably a major proportion, of an N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone, preferably N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, as extender. Such composition is applied to the surface of an object containing cracks and other defects, water is applied to the surface of the object to remove excess liquid dye penetrant composition from the surface without removing such penetrant from such cracks and other defects, and with or without a developer, the surface of the object is viewed under suitable lighting conditions, e.g.

Abstract: A detection/identification method for determining the presence of a Mossbauer isotope-containing taggant in a carrier material, e.g., explosives, weapons, currency, tax stamps, or identification documents. The detector includes a Mossbauer isotope-containing detecting substance that is identical to the taggant, and a sensing element responsive to the presence of the tagging substance in the carrier material, provided that the Mossbauer isotope of the tagging substance is in a state of resonance excitation and causes excitation of the Mossbauer isotope of the detecting substance. The sensing element is operatively associated with an indicator for indicating whether or not the sensing element has been actuated. The method is initiated by irradiating the carrier material while in detecting proximity to the detector, with radiation from a radioactive source comprising a Mossbauer isotope-containing substance which corresponds exactly to the taggant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for visually analyzing gaseous flow fields. A vaporous substance that fluoresces when irradiated by a particular laser beam is injected into a structure containing a flowing gas in a manner such that a uniform dispersion of the vaporous substance throughout the gas flow is achieved. The beam from a pump laser in optical communication with the gas flow pumps the ground state of the vaporous substance to an excited state and causes the vaporous substance to fluoresce in the area illuminated by the beam, thus providing a visual indication of the pattern of gas flow in the structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method ofbioassay based on the detection of changes in the membrane potential of individual cells. A cell suspension is incubated with a solution of a substance capable of affecting the physiology of at least a subpopulation of cells in the suspension. During or after the incubation, a measurement representative of the membrane potential of individual cells is made. Comparison of these measurements with reference measurements provides information concerning: (1) the viability of the cells or a subgroup thereof after exposure to toxic substances; (2) the presence and concentration of factors or ligands in the solution which bind specifically to cell membrane receptors; (3) the presence of cells in the suspension sensitive to factors known to be present in the solution; (4) the cumulative effect of plural factors in the solution on the cells or a subpopulation thereof; and (5) comparisons among the effects on the cells of plural, chemically distinct factors.