Abstract: A spectroscopic method for characterizing a sample including: positioning the sample adjacent to a non-centrosymmetric material; directing at least one temporal pulse of coherent EM radiation into the non-centrosymmetric material to generate a polariton therein and cause EM radiation from the polariton to propagate into the sample, wherein the polariton has a frequency less than or equal to the bandwidth of the pulse; and measuring a response of the sample to the EM radiation from the polariton.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for detecting the presence of an ophthalmic molding consisting of a biocompatible polymeric material, especially an ophthalmic lens, particularly a contact lens, in a package. The invention solves the problem through the use of a spectroscopic process. Packages containing a molding, especially a contact lens, have a characteristic change in their measuring spectrum compared with a package without a contact lens. By evaluating the spectra, it is possible to determine whether or not there is a contact lens in a package. In particular, by using the measuring method according to the invention, one can determine directly after the filling procedure whether there is a contact lens in the package. In addition, the invention is suitable for checking whether contact lenses are contained in the already sealed package. During this procedure, the package remains intact.

Abstract: An object detection system is provided that projects one or more patterns onto a monitored area, captures one or more live images of the monitored area, and detects objects that enter the monitored area by detecting changes in the one or more patterns in the live images. Such an object detection system may be less susceptible to dynamic lighting conditions, and more sensitive to object motion and/or presence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sample presentation apparatus for use in analyzing equipment for pharmaceutical products, for example solid dosage forms such as a tablet, a pellet or a capsule. The invention further relates to a method for presentation of samples to the analyzing equipment.

Abstract: A device for determining the melting point of a sample material utilizing an infrared sensor to measure the temperature of the sample material and photocells to detect changes in transmissivity of the sample material at its melting point.

Abstract: A plastic object having a part whose structure has been modified by irradiation with a laser light having an ultrashort pulse duration of 10−12 second or shorter. The plastic object has a structurally modified part whose structure has been modified by irradiation with a laser light having a pulse duration of 10−12 second or shorter. The laser light having a pulse duration of 10−12 second or shorter may have an irradiation energy of 500 mW or lower. The plastic object may have the structurally modified part in an inner portion thereof. The structurally modified part preferably extends in a direction parallel or perpendicular to the direction of the laser light irradiation.

Abstract: A holding apparatus including a suction nozzle which applies a negative pressure to a back surface of an object and thereby holds the object, a front-surface lighting device which emits a first visible light toward a front surface of the object held by the suction nozzle and thereby lights the front surface, and a back-surface lighting device which lights the back surface of the object held by the suction nozzle and which includes a light emitting plate which is provided around a base portion of the suction nozzle and emits a second light from a light emitting surface thereof facing a side of a free end of the suction nozzle that holds the object; and a dark infrared-ray transmitting filter which is dark, covers the light emitting surface of the light emitting plate, and transmits infrared rays of the second light.

Abstract: ORGANOMETALLIC COORDINATION complexes exhibiting two separate, stable forms are described. Conversion from one form to the other is intramolecular, reversible, light-activated (a molecular switch) and occurs both in the solid and in solution. The two forms differ in photochemical and electrochemical characteristics (different colors and reduction potentials). The complexes can be used in information storage and for light-gathering, light-emitting, sensing and detecting applications.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A system for determining the presence and optionally the position of an ophthalmic product such as a contact lens in a container is provided.

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.

Abstract: A system for determining the presence and optionally the position of an ophthalmic product such as a contact lens in a container is provided.

Abstract: An impurities inspection system is for detecting impurities contained in a colored liquid that may have entered the liquid in a production line for producing colored liquid products such as drinks and liquid agents. This invention is fulfilled by irradiating infrared light no less than the first specified power and no more than the second specified power to the specimen and receiving transmitted light from the specimen by means of a CCD sensor.

Abstract: A single pass scanner having a trilinear array, a source of white light, filters of the three primary colors and a separate source of infrared light is used in various methods of removing medium-based defects from a scanned film image. The method generates an infrared channel in addition to the common visible channels by covering the parallel rows of sensors in the trilinear array respectively with a red, green and blue filter to create the three color channels. Normally, each of the three color filters also passes infrared light, which is removed by filters external to the sensors. In a specific embodiment, interstitial in time between two visible light scans, the sensor is exposed to infrared light for a single scan. As the trilinear array sweeps across an image in time and spatial synchronization with the exposing lights, at least two visible channels and an infrared channel are generated.

Abstract: A coating is detected on a substantially planar object (9), such as a sheet, which is moving in a predetermined direction. The object has a coating (30) on at least a part of its planar surface, which coating is at least partially transparent to visible radiation. An emitter (33) is adapted to emit a beam of substantially non-visible electromagnetic radiation having a predetermined wavelength range towards the object (9). A scanner (36) is adapted to scan the beam of electromagnetic radiation in a direction that has at least a component transverse to the predetermined direction. A sensor (34) detects radiation in the predetermined wavelength range which is reflected in a specular manner by the object (9). The presence and/or absence of a coating (30) on the object is determined on the basis of the magnitude of specularly reflected radiation.

Abstract: A system for characterizing a set of properties for a moving substance are disclosed. The system includes: a first near-infrared linear array; a second near-infrared linear array; a first filter transparent to a first absorption wavelength emitted by the moving substance and juxtaposed between the substance and the first array; a second filter blocking the first absorption wavelength emitted by the moving substance and juxtaposed between the substance and the second array; and a computational device for characterizing data from the arrays into information on a property of the substance. The method includes the steps of: filtering out a first absorption wavelength emitted by a substance; monitoring the first absorption wavelength with a first near-infrared linear array; blocking the first wavelength from reaching a second near-infrared linear array; and characterizing data from the arrays into information on a property of the substance.

Abstract: A rapid diagnosis method for organ specific disease state is based on obtaining an infrared absorbance spectra of a patient's blood at a frequency range from about 400 cm−1 to about 2000 cm−1 and further from about 3000 cm−1 to about 3100 cm−1. Comparing it with the predetermined normal infrared absorbance spectra of known healthy subjects for the presence or absence of predetermined features such as increase or decrease of infrared absorbance, peaks at particular frequencies allows for accurate diagnosis of a disease of an organ, including most major organs such as a heart, lungs, stomach, liver, kidneys, brain, etc.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to optical imaging systems and methods for providing images of two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional distribution of properties of chromophores in various physiological media. More particularly, the present invention relates to optical imaging systems, optical probes thereof, and methods therefor utilizing self-calibration of their output signals. A typical self-calibrating optical imaging system includes at least one wave source, at least one wave detector, a signal analyzer, a signal processor, and an image processor. The signal analyzer receives, from the wave detector, an output signal representative of the distribution of the chromophores or their properties in target areas of the medium. The signal analyzer analyzes amplitudes of the output signal and selects multiple points of the output signal having substantially similar amplitudes.

Abstract: Door control apparatus for vehicles including at least one sensor viewing at least one region in the vicinity of a door, logic circuitry responsive to the sensor for providing at least one region clear output signal and automatic door opening and door closing apparatus responsive at least to the absence of a region clear signal to cause opening of the door and responsive at least to the presence of a region clear output signal to cause closing of the door.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for high resolution breast imaging using collimated non-ionizing radiation in the near ultraviolet, visible, infrared and microwave regions (i.e. “light”) rather than ionizing x-radiation. The incident collimated light is transmitted through and backscattered out of a breast and loses intensity due to the properties of the breast materials in the beam path. Normal and diseased breast materials may exhibit comparatively distinct characteristics when exposed to different wavelengths of light and thereby be differentiated. Collimation can be used to control the level of scattered radiation which reaches the detector. Transmission and/or backscattered measurements can be acquired from a number of perspectives.

Abstract: An optical system for viewing hot objects is disclosed. The system projects electromagnetic radiation to the part surface and detects the reflected portion. Based on wavelength and/or modulation of the applied illumination, the surface characteristics of the part can be observed without interference from self-emitted radiation.

Abstract: A property of a layer of a phosphor screen on a substrate is determined by sending a beam of infrared radiation through the substrate and the layer and measuring, after the passage, the intensity of the beam. The radiation can be measured by a CCD camera.

Abstract: A system for improving the visibility in vehicles, including the following: an illumination optical system (2) for continuous radiation of infrared pulsed light; an associated receiver optical system (3) for receiving reflected components of the radiated light; a display (4) for representing information obtained by the receiver optical system (3), and a device (5, 6) for determining the presence of glare in the receiver optical system (3) from a foreign vehicle illumination optical system and for changing the keying interval or duty cycle of the infrared pulsed light of the illumination optical system (2) driven with fixed keying interval in dependence upon the vehicle direction of travel in such a manner that the glare is eliminated. Therein the illumination optical system is driven is driven with a fixed keying interval depending upon the vehicle direction of travel or, in certain cases, the direction of illumination.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of localizing an object in a turbid medium. After measurement of the intensities for a plurality of light paths between the light sources and the detectors, the measured intensities are normalized. Subsequently, an image of the interior of the turbid medium is reconstructed on the basis of the measured intensities. In order to counteract artefacts in the reconstructed image, the combination includes a weighting factor which reduces the effect exerted on the reconstructed image by the measured intensities with a high noise factor in comparison with the effect exerted thereon by the measured intensities with a low noise factor.

Abstract: A property of a layer of a phosphor screen on a substrate is determined by sending a beam of infrared radiation through the substrate and the layer and measuring, after the passage, the intensity of the beam. The radiation can be measured by a CCD camera.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an infrared optical position detection system, including: an infrared emitter to emit infrared radiation toward an object; a receiver to receive the infrared radiation scattered by the object and to determine position of the object; the receiver including a detector; and the receiver including an optical system having two and no more than two lenses.

Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation emitter which utilizes a precompensator, pulsed light signal, optical fiber cable, and a terahertz radiation generator. The present invention incorporates an optical precompensator to correct for the stretching of an optical signal as it travels through an optical fiber cable. The dispersion characteristics of the precompensator will be equal and opposite to the dispersion characteristics of the optical fiber cable, maintaining the fidelity of optical pulses as they travel through and exit the optical fiber cable striking a device that generates terahertz electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A method for determining crook potential of wood is described. One embodiment comprises nondestructively obtaining lengthwise shrinkage rates (from a third party or by direct measurement) of wood and then determining crook potential of the wood based on the lengthwise shrinkage rates. Where the wood comprises lumber, lengthwise shrinkage rate measurements typically are made on at least one major planar surface of the lumber. The method typically comprises determining lengthwise shrinkage rates two or more measuring points separated by a predetermined distance, such as at substantially one-foot intervals along the lumber. Particular embodiments of the present invention determine lengthwise shrinkage rates using infrared radiation, microwave radiation, electricity, ultrasound energy, and combinations thereof Working embodiments of the method use ultrasound energy to determine lengthwise shrinkage rates.

Abstract: An electronic faucet sensor assembly includes a base having a pair of openings facing in a generally downward direction when the assembly is mounted in an electronically operated faucet. There is an infrared transmitter positioned in one of the openings and an infrared receiver positioned in the other opening. There is a lens mounted to the base and covering the transmitter and a second lens mounted to the base and covering the receiver. Electrical lead wires are attached to the transmitter and to the receiver and the lead wires extend through a channel located in the base. There is a strain relief at one end of the channel and there is a rib to isolate the leads extending between the strain relief and the transmitter and receiver so as to prevent electrical contact therebetween. The channel is filled with a potting compound to provide a watertight environment for the electrical components.

Abstract: A device for and a method of analysing a sample, comprising: a sample positioning unit (1) for positioning a sample (3); a radiation generating unit (16) for providing at least one beam of electromagnetic radiation to each of first and second surfaces of the sample (3); an imaging unit (23) for providing at least one image from radiation transmitted through each of the first and second surfaces (3a, 3b) of the sample (3); a detector unit (25) for capturing the images provided by the imaging unit (23) and generating signals corresponding thereto; and an analysing unit (61) for operating on the signals received from the detector unit (25) and generating signals representative of the three-dimensional distribution of at least one component in the sample (3).

Abstract: For optical determination of ingredients of a pourable product by NIR spectroscopy, to attain replicable measurement results, the device provides that the product flows in the direction of gravity; that a valve is disposed in the conduit downstream of the measurement window and a controller is embodied to move the valve to its closed position at least for the duration of measurement. The method is distinguished in that the product flows in the direction of gravity pas a measurement site; is dammed up downstream of the measurement site in such a way that the flow comes to rest at the measurement site; is dammed up in the direction of gravity past a measurement site; is dammed up downstream of the measurement site in such a way that the flow comes to rest at the measurement site; and after the measurement, the product is removed from the stagnant segment.

Abstract: For quantitative analysis of gas volumes, specifically combustion exhaust gases, by means of emission or absorption spectrometry in the ultraviolet, visible and infrared spectral range, geometrically defined and reproducibly adjustable observation planes are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of an exhaust stream. In a first series of measurements a number of m spectral measurements is performed, in such a way that the optical axis of a spectrometer is always located in the respective observation level but is shifted in a parallel direction by a first distance from one measurement to the next. In a second series of measurements n measurements are performed, in such a way that the optical axis is again located in the observation plane and is shifted in a parallel direction by a second distance from each measurement to the next. The (m+n) measurements produce two orthogonal sets of line of sights, which form a grid with (m·n) intersecting volumes.

Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for determining the melting point of a sample material utilizing an infrared thermometer to measure the indicated temperature of the sample material while under pressure as such sample material is being heated. Upon melting, the sample material is substantially displaced from the field of view of the infrared thermometer by the force of the applied pressure, resulting in a spike in the sensed temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of localizing an object in a turbid medium. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out such a method. The method can be used in optical mammography during which a part of a breast of a female body is examined by means of light. To this end, the part of the breast is introduced into a holder of the device, said holder being provided with light sources and detectors. In order to realize an optical coupling between the light sources and the detectors and the breast, a calibration medium is introduced. After measurement of the intensities for a plurality of light paths between the light sources and the detectors, the measured intensity is normalized. In order to counteract artifacts which are caused by deviations of the optical properties of the calibration medium and the mean optical properties of the part of the breast, according to the invention the measured intensities are corrected prior to the reconstruction of the interior of the breast.

Abstract: The invention relates to the enhancement of the signal-to-background ratio of a non-invasive measurement of the concentration of a blood constituent at a measurement site by applying an external pressure at a location near the measurement site. In one embodiment, sufficient pressure is applied proximate to a measurement site to stop blood flow. The pressure is then suddenly relased, thereby generating a blood bolus passing through the site. By illuminating the measurement site before and during the passage of the blood bolus and observing the interaction of the input radiation with the measurement site, the concentration of a blood constituent can be measured. In another embodiment, the venous pulse is occluded by applying a pressure midway between systolic and diastolic pressure. By illuminating the measurement site in the absence of a venous pulse, the signal-to-background ration can be enhanced and the concentration of a blood constituent can be measured.

Abstract: An apparatus utilizing non-linear optical signals for use in constructing a three-dimensional tomographic map of an in vivo biological tissue for medical disease detection purposes. In one embodiment, said apparatus comprises a stage for supporting the in vivo biological tissue; a laser for illuminating the in vivo biological tissue with a focused beam of laser light, the light emerging from the in vivo biological tissue comprising fundamental light, harmonic wave light, and fluorescence due to multi-photon excitation; a filter for selectively passing only at least one of the harmonic wave light and the fluorescence; one or more detectors for individually detecting each of the harmonic wave light and the fluorescence selectively passed; and a mechanism for moving the laser relative to the stage in x, y and z directions.

Abstract: A multi-color, multi-pulse laser target designator is disclosed in which the target is illuminated with pulses of preselected colors and interpulse spacings so as to uniquely identify the target. Inter-pulse spacing may be varied down to an arbitarily small spacing by virtue of the use of pulses of differing colors, thereby increasing countermeasure resistance due to the difficulty of a target detecting and duplicating inter-pulse spacing. Pulse elongation is provided in one embodiment to provide prolonged illumination of the target so as to permit increased homing accuracy for optically guided weapons.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting a container having an open mouth and a closed bottom spaced from the container mouth, while the container is hot from its manufacture, includes a light sensor disposed with respect to the container to view the container bottom through the container mouth. Infrared light energy emitted from the container bottom that travels through the container mouth is directed onto the light sensor, and the inside diameter of the container mouth is measured as a function of the light energy directed onto the sensor. The light sensor preferably comprises an area array sensor for developing a two-dimensional image of the container mouth, and the infrared light energy is directed onto the sensor by a telecentric lens arrangement. The area array sensor is disposed within a camera that has an entrance pupil and the telecentric lens arrangement has one focus at infinity directed toward the container bottom and a second focus at the entrance pupil of the camera.

Abstract: A monitoring device for assisting hunter's and other person seeking to view animals in the wild along game trails and the intersection of multiple game trails. The monitoring device includes a monitoring assembly for detecting movement of an animal on or along the trail and a speaker used for generating an alerting sound to alert the individual of the approaching animal long before the animal appears. To assist individuals positioned at the intersection of multiple game trails the monitoring device is provided with a selection mechanism for allowing the user to select one sound from a number of different sounds. To prevent the sound from spooking the animal in the wrong direction the speaker is connected to the monitoring assembly by a length of cable greater than twenty feet.

Abstract: In a method for determining electromagnetic waves originating from the interior of a melt (3), in particular a metal melt, a gas-filled hollow space (26) is formed within the melt (3) by blowing in gas and electromagnetic waves emitting from the melt (3) are observed through the blown-in gas and evaluated by feeding the electromagnetic waves via an optical system (20) to a detector (22) for determining the temperature and/or chemical composition.