Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for analysing the amount of free gas within a pharmaceutical sample. According to the invention the method comprises the following steps: providing a sample before an irradiating source; irradiating the sample with at least one beam of electromagnetic radiation; detecting radiation emitted through the sample and generating signals corresponding to the amount of free gas in the sample, and correlating the generated signals to at least one solid state parameter of the sample.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optically interrogating a particle comprising obtaining a plurality of optical interrogations from a plurality of orientations relative the particle. In one aspect, the particle is tumbled relative to optical interrogation direction and reflected or transmitted energy is collected and weight of one or several seeds is derived.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optically interrogating a particle comprising obtaining a plurality of optical interrogations from a plurality of orientations relative the particle. In one aspect, the particle is tumbled relative to optical interrogation direction and reflected or transmitted energy is collected and added into a single spectrum that represents a complete spectral composition of the sample.

Abstract: A chemical imaging system is provided which uses a near infrared radiation microscope. The system includes an illumination source which illuminates an area of a sample using light in the near infrared radiation wavelength and light in the visible wavelength. A multitude of spatially resolved spectra of transmitted, reflected, emitted or scattered near infrared wavelength radiation light from the illuminated area of the sample is collected and a collimated beam is produced therefrom. A near infrared imaging spectrometer is provided for selecting a near infrared radiation image of the collimated beam. The filtered images are collected by a detector for further processing. The visible wavelength light from the illuminated area of the sample is simultaneously detected providing for the simultaneous visible and near infrared chemical imaging analysis of the sample. Two efficient means for performing three dimensional near infrared chemical imaging microscopy are provided.

Abstract: Various computer-implemented methods and systems are provided. One computer-implemented method includes determining a ratio between output signals generated by detecting spectra for a single event in two or more detection windows. The spectra are characteristic of different materials. At least a portion of the spectra overlap in at least one of the two or more detection windows. The method also includes determining which of the different materials are associated with the ratio. One embodiment of a system includes one or more detectors configured to detect spectra for a single event in two or more detection windows. The spectra may include spectra as described above. The one or more detectors are also configured to generate output signals in response to the detected spectra. The system also includes a processor configured to determine a ratio between the output signals and to determine which of the different materials are associated with the ratio.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for acquiring an infrared spectrum of a sample having or suspected to have an amide I band, an amide II band, an amide III band, an amide A band, an OH stretching region or a combination thereof. A representative method includes providing a sample; providing an internal reflecting element (IRE) with a functionalized tip; contacting the sample with the IRE to form a sample-IRE interface; directing a beam of infrared (IR) radiation through the IRE under conditions such that the IR radiation interacts with the sample-IRE interface once; recording a reflectance profile over a range of preselected frequencies, whereby an infrared spectrum of the of a sample having or suspected of having an amide I band, an amide II band, an amide III band, an amide A band, an OH stretching region or a combination thereof, disposed in an aqueous solution is acquired.

Abstract: A method for the detection and identification of pathogenic microorganisms using Raman scattered light and transmitted light in the near infrared spectral region. The method may include passing the Raman scattered light and transmitted light through a FAST fiber array spectral translator.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for determining fuel quality. A mobile fuel analysis apparatus comprising a vehicle is provided. A database comprises near-infrared spectra of standard fuel from a plurality of suppliers to establish correlation between quality parameter and the spectra of the oils. A near-infrared spectrometer is equipped on the vehicle and transported to a fuel distribution point. A near-infrared spectrum of a fuel sample is collected from the fuel distribution point. The collected spectrum is compared to the near-infrared spectra in the database, and converted into corresponding quality parameters.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring a phase fraction of a flow stream are disclosed. An infrared phase fraction meter includes a light source for emitting into a flow stream infrared radiation that includes first and second wavelength bands. The first wavelength band substantially transmits through first and second phases of the flow stream and is substantially absorbed by a third phase. In contrast, the second wavelength band is substantially absorbed by the second phase relative to the first and third phases. One or more detectors simultaneously detect attenuation of the first and second wavelength bands upon the infrared radiation passing through at least a portion of the flow stream, and a phase fraction of the second phase is determined based on the attenuation. As an example, the first, second and third phases are gas, water and oil, respectively, produced from a well.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for the detection of terahertz radiation. In one embodiment, frequency modulated spectroscopy is performed on a swept source of coherent far infrared electromagnetic radiation that is focused on a target. A beam of radiation passes through a cell in which the target is housed, losing energy as certain frequencies are absorbed by contaminants in the target. A detector is positioned to determine how much energy is lost by the radiation (e.g., which frequencies fail to transmit through the cell), thereby indicating the presence of contaminants in the target.

Abstract: A process for monitoring and/or controlling a nitrating process, having the following steps: measuring inline infrared spectra of nitric acid content in a reaction mixture stream downstream of the nitration reaction, preferably near-infrared spectra, evaluating the measured spectra by means of a computer-assisted, matrix-specific calibration model for the purpose of determining the content of nitric acid, transmitting the results of spectrometric examination to a process control system, inputting the results of spectrometric examination for the purpose of specifying the content of nitric acid in the acid phase into a regulator (224) for control of the metering (207,217) of nitric acid into a nitrating reactor.

Abstract: A fire detector and method for generating an alarm signal in response to a fire uses an NDIR CO2 sensor to generate a detector signal based upon a 15? absorption band of CO2 and generates an alarm signal when a signal processor receives the detector signal and a preselected criterion is met that is indicative of the onset of a fire based upon an analysis of the detector signal using a detection algorithm that relies upon a trending pattern of the detector signal such as recognizing a substantial drop in the detector signal strength. The NDIR CO2 sensor can also generate a reference detector signal based upon a 9.0? neutral band with a FWHM=0.5? while the signal processor utilizes a detection algorithm that is based upon a synchronized output signal representative of CO2 concentration to generate an alarm signal when a preselected criterion indicative of the onset of a fire is met.

Abstract: A computer facilitated, interactive method of requesting an spectrographic analysis of a sample having an unknown concentration or purity, performing an energy absorbance analysis of the sample to obtain spectrographic data regarding the analysis and comparing the spectrographic data to a stored spectrographic data regarding the analyses of the samples having a predetermined concentration and purity to determine the concentration or purity of the sample having an unknown concentration or purity. The requester can electronically request the analysis and monitor the progress of the analysis. The results of the analysis are electronically transmitted to the requester in real time.

Abstract: The removal of intra-cell moisture can be performed within a short period of time by the use of pressure cell. In particular, a method of measuring the concentration of silanol groups characterized in that in the measurement of the concentration of silanol groups in a silicon compound according to infrared absorption spectroscopy, a step of maintaining an intra-cell pressure at 20 Pa or below and a step of maintaining the same at 0.2 to 1 MPa are repeated at least twice before charging the cell with a silicon compound, thereafter a silicon compound is introduced in the cell and cell for measurement thereof is carried out to thereby identify the concentration of silanol groups in the silicon compound. For this method, there is provided a cell for infrared absorption spectroscopy measurement thereof is carried out to thereby identify the concentration of silanol groups in the silicon compound.

Abstract: A fire detector with a passive CO2 sensor generates a detector signal based upon a 15? absorption band of CO2 and a signal processor generates an alarm signal when a preselected criterion is met. The passive CO2 sensor has a passive infrared source with a source temperature, a waveguide sample chamber with a gas medium temperature (which is less than the source temperature), a heat exchanger (that reduces the temperature of CO2 gas as it passes into the waveguide sample chamber and may be thermally coupled to the sample chamber) and an infrared detector assembly with a detector temperature (which is less than the source temperature). An exterior surface of the passive infrared source has a high emissivity while the detector assembly and the sample chamber (which can be thermally coupled to each other but not the passive infrared source) have a low emissivity.

Abstract: A fire detector and method for detecting fires uses a passive NDIR sensor that generates a detector signal based upon either a 15? absorption band of CO2 or a 6.27? absorption band of H2O and a signal processor which receives the detector signal and generates an alarm signal when a preselected criterion is met. The NDIR sensor relies upon a passive infrared source (such as a very thin film of black plastic material) with a high emissivity (e.g., approximately 1.0), a sample chamber with a low emissivity (e.g., approximately 0.03) thermally decoupled from the passive infrared source and an infrared detector located in a detector assembly thermally coupled to the sample chamber while a heat exchanger is thermally coupled to the sample chamber.

Abstract: A spectrometer for infrared reflectance measurements of samples for identification of the sample materials is built into a steering wheel assembly. The spectrometer includes a window and optics on a bench adjacent the window, so that the optics will be aligned with the sample when the device is placed in optical alignment with or directly against the sample. The optics include a broad-band IR light source (ordinary lamp) shining onto an acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF), which passes narrow-band IR light with a swept frequency; a lens focusing the IR through the window onto the sample; and a reflectance detector aligned with the window of the spectrometer to pick up reflected light. A computer, which may be mounted in the spectrometer, compares the detected reflectance spectrum with stored sample data spectra, and identifies the material or the components of the material and their proportions. When a control substance is detected an alarm signal is produced.

Abstract: A plastic identifying method of the present invention is provided with a step (i) of obtaining a first infrared absorption spectrum by irradiating infrared light of a predetermined wave number onto an item to be identified that contains plastic and measuring the intensity of the infrared light that is totally reflected by this item, and a step (ii) of identifying the plastic contained in the item to be identified by matching the first infrared absorption spectrum with a group of infrared absorption spectra that have been measured for predetermined materials, wherein the predetermined materials are a group of materials containing plastics, and each infrared absorption spectrum in this group of infrared absorption spectra is obtained by irradiating infrared light of a predetermined wave number onto a predetermined material, and measuring the intensity of the infrared light that is totally reflected by that material, and matching is carried out by comparing peaks in the first infrared absorption spectrum with pe

Abstract: A plastic identifying apparatus of the present invention is provided with a sampling unit (2) that samples a test piece (1) from an item to be identified that contains plastic; an identifying unit (3) provided with a detection unit (4) that identifies a type of plastic contained in the test piece (1); and a supply unit (5) that supplies the test piece (1) from the sampling unit (2) to the detection unit (4). With this plastic identifying apparatus, it is possible to realize a plastic identifying method of the present invention, and to identify the types of plastics contained in items to be identified with good accuracy, and continuously, regardless of the size of the items.

Abstract: Method for predicting properties of a product of cellulose-fibre-based pulp, paper or paperboard, wherein a suspension of cellulose fibre is subjected to analysis, during manufacture of the product, by spectroscopic measurements of a sample quantity of the suspension, in a spectrum in the wavelength range 200–2500 nm. The method comprises diluting each sample quantity prior to analysis, dewatering and drying one partial flow and subjecting that partial flow to spectroscopic measurements, and analyzing a second partial flow of the diluted sample quantity for physical fiber data, by means of image analysis. Each sample quantity analyzed generates at least 100 data points from the spectroscopic measurement distributed in the selected spectrum, and at least 50 data points with regard to the physical fibre data, in the form of one or more physical fibre property distributions with regard to at least one physical property selected from fibre length, fibre width and fibre shape.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of determining the chemical properties of a composite material using infrared spectroscopy are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for determining the chemical properties of a composite material includes an infrared source configured to project infrared energy towards an optical interface positioned on a surface of the composite material. An infrared detector then receives infrared energy gathered by the optical interface. One or more optical filters operable to transmit a respective range of wavelengths are positioned in the reflected beam.

Abstract: A system for conducting a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay upon a collection of samples is disclosed. The PCR assay is performed by absorption detection. The system includes a multi-well plate which is adapted to retain a collection of sample wells. This system includes a thermal cycler for the multi-well plate. The system additionally includes a collection of photodetectors, and a corresponding number of light sources. The light sources are positioned such that light emitted from each of the respective light sources passes through a corresponding well retained in the multi-well plate and to a corresponding photodetector. The system also includes a processor or other means for analyzing the output signals from the photodetectors. In certain versions of the system, ultra-violet light is used.

Abstract: A device for photometric measurement of several samples (12) that are exposed to radiation from a light source (14) associated therewith. The light modified by the samples (12) is intercepted by an optical device (19) and is guided as a sum of all the light radiated from all samples (12) to at least one sensor (27) for measuring the intensity and evaluation thereof in an evaluation device (32) arranged downstream. The light sources (14) are controlled individually by a control device (31) and the evaluation device (32) and the control device (31) are controlled such that the evaluation device (32) separates the light from each sample (12) from the light of the other samples. The control device (31) modulates the light source (14) with various signals, which are pre-assigned to the evaluation device (32) and used to determine the light signals of the individual samples (12) from the sum signal received by the sensor (27).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the safety of a gas mixture containing flammable components such as methane together with ethane or other hydrocarbon, together with a diluent gas. The method includes the filtered infrared spectroscopy of the gas mixture in a gas cell using a filter. The peak transmission wavelength and bandwidth of the filter are so chosen to provide an output, when an infrared light source having a flat wavelength distribution is used, indicative of the % LEL of the gas mixture, within a predetermined tolerance. The filter may be a gas correlation filter containing a mixture of methane and ethane, together with a diluent gas.

Abstract: A method is described for providing rapid on-line analyses of chemical compositions such as chemical process streams, utilizing near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy in combination with chemometrics. In the method, for each type of analysis to be conducted, a database is provided by analyzing a series of samples using standard laboratory analytical procedures, utilizing the results as reference values to establish quantitative calibration models from NIR spectroscopy using chemometric techniques and storing this information in a computer database. An NIR spectroscopic system is also provided comprising a transflectance or a transmittance probe coupled via fiber-optic cables to a stable white light source and a spectrograph. The probe is inserted into a test sample or chemical process stream to be analyzed, a stable white light of selected wavelength range is beamed to the probe and the spectra obtained on the spectrograph are recorded.

Abstract: A multispectral selective reflection Lidar system generates alternating pulses of at least two wavelengths and senses returns for determining the presence of a predetermined material absorbing and reradiating one wavelength as selective reflections, but not the other. A detector can readily determine the presence or absence or an absorbing and reradiating return. The system is for preferred use as an orbiter sensor about a planetary body, such as a Jupiter moon, for determining the presence of organic material and for the relay of information back to earth.

Abstract: A chemical imaging system is provided which uses a near infrared radiation microscope. The system includes an illumination source which illuminates an area of a sample using light in the near infrared radiation wavelength and light in the visible wavelength. A multitude of spatially resolved spectra of transmitted, reflected, emitted or scattered near infrared wavelength radiation light from the illuminated area of the sample is collected and a collimated beam is produced therefrom. A near infrared imaging spectrometer is provided for selecting a near infrared radiation image of the collimated beam. The filtered images are collected by a detector for further processing. The visible wavelength light from the illuminated area of the sample is simultaneously detected providing for the simultaneous visible and near infrared chemical imaging analysis of the sample. Two efficient means for performing three dimensional near infrared chemical imaging microscopy are provided.

Abstract: An amplifier-enhanced optical analysis system and method to optically analyze a molecular component of a gas, liquid, or solid. The amplifier-enhanced optical system comprises a laser, a light amplifier, and an optical analysis means, all optically coupled so that light at a predetermined wavelength in the near-infrared spectrum is transported from the laser, through the light amplifier, and to the optical analysis means, wherein the predetermined wavelength corresponds to an absorption feature of the molecular component. Optical analysis means preferably comprises photoacoustic analysis equipment.

Abstract: A method for separating different emission wavelengths in a scanning microscope includes scanning a specimen with an illuminating light beam by passing the illuminating light beam over the specimen using a beam deflector, and selectively applying each of a plurality of excitation wavelengths to the illuminating light beam during the scanning according to a predefinable illumination scheme. Emission light coming from the specimen is detected using a detector, the emission light including emission wavelengths corresponding to the excitation wavelengths. The detector is read out when an excitation wavelength is applied so as to provide detected signals. The detected signals are associated with the respective excitation wavelengths using the illumination scheme.

Abstract: An apparatus for on-line optical monitoring of the quality and/or chemical condition of a fluid; in particular, a hydrocarbon-based fluid used in transportation and industrial applications. The apparatus includes an IR-transparent internal-reflectance-element (IRE) that has at least one essentially flat surface and at least one convex surface, and at least two IR light paths of uniquely determined central-frequency and bandwidth with light from a source entering a flat surface of the IRE, internally reflecting at least once from at least one convex surface of the IRE that can contact a fluid, exiting a flat surface of the IRE, and being received at a detector. The apparatus also includes electronics to power the source and receive output from the detector of each light path. The apparatus can be controlled to independently monitor the IR light reflected within the IRE at the uniquely determined frequency of each path, and to communicate information relevant to the IR light detected.

Abstract: The invention relates to refractometry and attenuated reflectance spectrometry in a wellbore environment. Specifically, it pertains to a robust apparatus and method for measuring refractive index of fluids along a continuum (rather than in steps), and for measuring attenuated reflectance spectra, and for interpreting the measurements made with this apparatus to determine a variety of formation fluid parameters. The present invention provides a method and apparatus to distinguish between gas and liquid based on the much lower index of refraction of gas. It can also be used to monitor fluid sample clean up over time. The refractive index of a wellbore fluid is determined from the fraction, R, of light reflected off the interface between a transparent window that has a known refractive index and this fluid. Preferably, the refractive index is measured at some wavelength of light for which the fluid is not highly attenuating but is optimally attenuating.

Abstract: A method for measuring a concentration of a hydroperoxide of an alkylaromatic hydrocarbon in a process stream comprises immersing a probe into the process stream; wherein the probe is coupled to a spectrometer; collecting absorption data with the spectrometer at a wavelength of 13,000 cm?1 to 4,000 cm?1; and calculating a concentration of the hydroperoxide of the alkylaromatic hydrocarbon in the process stream. In another embodiment, samples are withdrawn from the process stream and analyzed spectrometrically to determine the concentration of the hydroperoxide of the alkylaromatic hydrocarbon in the sample.

Abstract: A method uses spectroscopy to determine an analyte concentration in a sample. The method includes producing an absorbance spectrum of the sample. The method further includes shifting the absorbance spectrum to zero in a wavelength region. The method further includes subtracting a water or other substance contribution from the absorbance spectrum.

Abstract: A measuring method of determining component concentration in a solution by calculating component concentrations in the solution at various temperatures in a small number of steps. The component concentration is measured at an arbitrary temperature T by using a solution absorbance spectrum and solvent absorbance spectrum at a plurality of wavelength(s)r, and preliminarily determining a calibration coefficient Mij (TO). Concentration of Ci of component i in solution at reference temperature TO, is obtained at differential spectrum of solution spectrum S (?j, T) at temperature T in j-th wavelength ?j and solvent spectrum B (?j, T) at temperature T in j-th wavelength ?j, calculating calibration coefficient Mij (TO) the specific component concentrations.

Abstract: This invention relates to a real-time infrared chemical imaging spectroscopic apparatus, including a light source for generating infrared radiation. A test sample absorbs a narrow-bandwidth infrared radiation as a result of a monochromator dispersing the infrared radiation and emits thermal radiation. IR camera collects the thermal radiation to form an image. As such, the present invention inspects the test sample in real time without a huge amount of complicated computation. Thus, the efficiency of inspection is increased and the optical design of the apparatus is more compact.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for immunoassays based on infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy that utilizes proteins such as antigen and antibody that have specific absorptions in infrared absorption spectrum under 1550 cm?1. A chip is made from infrared reflective substrates such as a gold or silver plate, whereon the antibodies or antigens are immobilized by the specific bonding action between metal surfaces of the chip and proteins, and the protein signals are then detected by infrared reflection-absorption and infrared microscopy. Since infrared radiation is capable of interacting with any organic molecules, there is no need to label the samples with fluorescent reagents or nucleic irradiation reagent. This invention thus provides a label-free process that can avoid the inconvenience of labeling common biochemical material for detection in the prior art, thus achieving the purpose of higher speed of detection.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for measurement of Raman scattered radiation comprising. The apparatus comprises at least one source of electromagnetic radiation for producing an electromagnetic radiation beam characterized by a narrow spectral width, an integrating cavity having an interior and an exterior, wherein a sample is placed in said interior. The integrating cavity further having at least one port for insertion of the sample in the interior and for transmission of the electromagnetic radiation into and out from the interior, the at least one port extending from the exterior to said interior of said integrating cavity. The integrating cavity also comprises a first optical element for transmitting the electromagnetic radiation into the interior of the integrating cavity through the at least one port, and a second optical element for collecting Raman scattered electromagnetic radiation from the sample through the at least one port.

Abstract: A single vane shutter flag is asynchronously controlled so that a measuring system light source is interrupted for a minimum necessary amount of time for standardization/calibration and normalization of InGaAs system detectors. Source/detector hemispheres or serially connected randomly oriented fiber bundles homogenize light passing to the detectors. Light source testing is performed by measuring spectral power distributions at a plurality of light source power levels and comparing the measurements to baseline characteristics established for the light source. Calibration sample life is extended indefinitely by controlling the shutter flag to block source light except for short calibration time periods during which standard light levels are provided.

Abstract: A method of processing data from at least one spectrophotometer characterized by the steps of transferring the data from the spectrophotometer to a control processing unit, processing the data at the central processing unit, and transferring the processed data to the output device.

Abstract: A method of identifying and unknown compound comprises: (a) obtaining an absorption spectrum of the compound; (b) obtaining an absorbance value An(?n) wherein An is the absorption value at a wavenumber ?n; (c) generating an array of values A?n(??n) wherein A?n(??n)=A?n(??n)?A? where A? is an absorbance value which is modified from the measured absorbance, such as Aavg where Aavg is the average of An(?n); (d) generating an array of values In(?n) by integrating A?n(??n) over a region of the spectrum; (e) normalizing the array of values In(?n) with values I?n(??n) obtained for a known compound. The system of this invention employs the above-described method in cooperation with a computer capable of receiving the absorption spectrum data and calculating values from the data using algorithms provided to the computer. The method and system of this invention may be used to identify unknown compounds for quality control, process control and other purposes.

Abstract: A method is described that includes measuring, at each of a set of W wavelength bins, a spectral response of at least one region of a sample stained with multiple stains, and determining the concentration of at least one of the stains in the region of the sample based in part on the spectral responses, the wavelength bins being chosen so that a matrix of elements that represent the responses of the stains at the wavelength bin has an inverse for which a mathematical stability is maximum relative to the inverses of other matrices of elements that represent the responses of the stains for other possible sets of wavelength bins.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for in situ monitoring and analyzing of process parameters for semiconductor fabrication processes including cleaning semiconductor wafers utilizing a supercritical fluid or a high pressure liquid such as CO2. The method and apparatus utilize a spectrometer having a reflective mirror proximate the vessel holding the high pressure fluid. NIR radiation transmitted into the vessel through a window and out of the vessel through an opposed window is reflected and detected and measured and the composition of the fluid in the pressure vessel is determined allowing the user to control process parameters based on the measured composition.

Abstract: A new type of mounting mechanism for a light detector that cools the mounting for a light detector such that the maximum efficiency of the light detector's internal cooler can be achieved despite an elevated enclosure temperature, leading to more stable measurements of light from the detector. This same mounting provides thermal isolation from a baseplate, to which other optical path components are attached.

Abstract: A liquid can be marked for identification purposes with at least first and second miscible markers. The markers are mixed in the liquid so that the ratio of the concentration of the first marker to the concentration of the second marker is substantially equal to a predetermined value. Thus, by comparing the ratio of the measured concentration of the first marker to the measured concentration of the second marker with predetermined values the liquid can be uniquely identified. The detectors can be connected to a processor and control unit (22) for initiation of testing, for processing of detection signal from the detectors, and for display of readout information. Processor and control unit (22) can include a look up table (23) for storing information about marking patterns, a comparison element (35) for comparing measured values with values supplied by look up table (23), and a display (30).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining and/or monitoring the density and/or the level (L) of a filling material in a container. A transmitting unit which emits radioactive radiation and a receiving unit which is arranged in such a way that it receives the radioactive radiation or the secondary radiation that is produced by the interaction of the radioactive radiation with the filling material are provided. A regulating/evaluating unit which determines the density and/or the level of the filling material in the container using the measuring data that is supplied by the receiving unit is also provided. The aim of the invention is to provide a device which enables the level or the density of a filling material in a container to be measured reliably. To this end, the receiving unit consists of individual detector units.

Abstract: Provided is a method for operating a preparation delivery device wherein the device comprises a) a container for the preparation having, or being prepared for the arrangement of, an opening, b) a mechanism operable to deliver at least part of the preparation in the container through the opening, c) attachment means for connection of the container to the mechanism and d) a sensor system arranged to detect at least one predetermined property of the container or its content. The method comprises transmitting radiation towards the container position or a part thereof to allow the radiation to be affected by the container position, receiving at least a part of the affected radiation from at least an area part of the container position in a non-imaging way and comparing the characteristics of the received radiation with a predetermined characteristic representative for the predetermined property to establish whether or not the predetermined property of the container is present.

Abstract: An apparatus and process that makes use of spectral information in the mid-infrared range (400 to 4500 cm?1) to identify recyclable materials containing barrier polymers from recyclable materials not containing barrier polymers, which includes projecting light containing the mid-infrared (MIR) range onto materials to be analyzed, dispersing the MIR light that has reflected from or passed through the materials or both into various wavelengths, measuring the intensity of the MIR light at least one wavelength responsive to differences between the materials, measuring the intensity of the MIR light at least one wavelength not responsive to differences between the materials in order to provide a reference, and comparing the measurements in order to identify barrier materials from non-barrier materials.

Abstract: A method for distinguishing a kind of plastic materials, by preparing a test piece of a plastic material; measuring an infrared spectrum of the test piece by attenuated total reflection spectroscopy; and comparing the obtained infrared spectrum with an infrared spectrum of a known plastic. The test piece has a section. The infrared spectrum of the test piece is measured by bringing the crystal for attenuated total reflection spectroscopy into contact with the section of the test piece.

Abstract: An optical sensor for use in measuring constituents of an agricultural product. An optical sensing window passes a stream of the agricultural product, and a radiation source irradiates the stream as it passes through the optical sensing window. A receiver receives radiation transmitted through the stream and converts it into a corresponding electrical signal using a spectrometer. The electrical signal is digitized to produce a series of data points corresponding to particular wavelengths. A processor normalizes the data points using a reference value in order to generate processed data points that can be used to predict a constituent content of the agricultural product.

Abstract: A method of the present invention includes exposing a structure to first electromagnetic radiation including at least one wavelength absorbed by a predetermined substance that is to be detected. Such substance can be water, a water-soluble substance, or fungi, the presence of which can be a significant problem in a structure such as a house or building. The method includes sensing second electromagnetic radiation from the structure, the second radiation based on the first radiation. The method also includes determining whether the substance is present in the structure, based on the sensed second radiation. If the substance to be detected is water and the determining step reveals a water-suspect area in the structure, the method can include testing the water-suspect area of the structure to determine whether water is present therein. If water is confirmed by the determination to be present in the structure, the method can include a step of determining the source of the water.