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 high scan rate spectroscopic system converts a narrow-band laser pulse into a multispectral pulse, using, for example, a nonlinear fiber. The multispectral pulse is then converted to a swept frequency pulse through a second fiber impressing a frequency-dependent delay in the light beam which is then applied to the object to be tested.

Abstract: Agricultural operations by applying flexible manufacturing software, robotics and sensing techniques to agriculture. In manufacturing operations utilizing flexible machining and flexible assembly robots, work pieces flow through a fixed set of workstations on an assembly line. At different stations are located machine vision systems, laser based raster devices, radar, touch, photocell, and other methods of sensing; flexible robot armatures and the like are used to operate on them. This flexible agricultural automation turns that concept inside out, moving software programmable workstations through farm fields on mobile robots that can sense their environment and respond to it flexibly. The agricultural automation will make it possible for large scale farming to take up labor intensive farming practices which are currently only practical for small scale farming, improving land utilization efficiency, while lowering manpower costs dramatically.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling a moisture profile of a paper web, in which the moisture profile of the paper web prior to drying is measured. The measurement is carried out with a measuring device, which measures a cross-direction profile of the web substantially simultaneously. On the basis of the measurement, the moisture profile of the paper web is controlled prior to drying the paper web.

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: In an infrared analysis instrument, a fiber optic probe, designed to be inserted into a particulate sample, is formed from distal ends of transmitting and receiving optic fibers. The distal ends of the transmitting fibers are located centrally in the probe and the distal ends of the receiving fibers are formed in a ring around the distal ends of the transmitting fibers. The distal ends of the receiving fibers are set back from the distal ends of the transmitting fibers. The receiving fibers carrying diffusely scattered light reflected from and transmitted through the particulate sample to a spectrophotometer housing containing fixed grating and an array of silicon photodetectors arranged to detect the spectrum dispersed by the grating in the range of 500 to 1100 nm.

Abstract: An optical soil survey device to survey the optical characteristics of a given underground soil, a soil survey device to survey the soil, a soil survey system and a mobile soil survey vehicle to survey the soil are disclosed. The disclosed devices and systems may be used to survey the characteristics of a given soil for agricultural purposes. This survey can be carried out without experiencing significant resistance from the soil. A plow-shaped optical soil survey device may be provided with a plow-shaped main unit, whose forward extremity turns up soil; a frame, which supports the sensor and connects a tractor and a main unit; a spectrometer, which is mounted on the frame; a wheel, which surveys the depth of the furrow and is connected to the main unit via an arm; and a survey control unit, which is mounted on the tractor.

Abstract: A system and method utilizing a radiation source with a wavelength near 2 &mgr;m (preferably 1993 nm) to measure the presence of ammonia, carbon dioxide and water vapor using spectroscopic techniques and a reduced measurement pressure is provided. Using radiation substantially near 2 &mgr;m enables one to interrogate the PP3(3)s ammonia transition at a frequency of 5016.977 cm−1, which is isolated from water and carbon dioxide interference; the P(32) carbon dioxide transition at 5017.030 cm−1, which is isolated from both ammonia and water interference, and a water transition at 5017.100 cm−1. Moreover, a tunable radiation source that can sweep over the aforementioned ammonia and carbon dioxide and water features can measure the concentrations of all three species simultaneously.

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: Device for monitoring the quality of latex in a reactor during emulsion polymerization, including essentially a measuring probe placed in the reactor, an optical coupling of the said probe with a near-infrared spectrophotometer provided with means for emitting light and for capturing the scattered light which is reflected and a computer which has the correlation equations in its memory.

Abstract: An on-the-go sensor for determining the sugar content of an agricultural product, such as a sugar beet, during harvesting or at other times. The sensor is coupled to a harvester/defoliator and uses a knife to slice a cross-section from the crown of the sugar beet during harvesting. An illumination chamber radiates the exposed crown, and a sensor head receives the reflected radiation. A spectrometer converts the reflected radiation to a spectral signal. A computer digitizes and processes the spectral signal to produce data points relating to the sugar content of the sugar beet. The processing of the data points includes normalization, linearization, and other techniques. One of the techniques eliminates the conventional need to use the spectral signature of a separate physical standard as a reference.

Abstract: The refraction type non-destruction measuring apparatus of the present invention has a prism having a predetermined refractive index, projecting means for projecting near infrared light onto an object to be examined through the prism, a contact material filling the space between the object to be examined and the prism and having a refractive index set in conformity with the characteristic of the object to be examined, and light receiving means for receiving the internal reflected light of the light having entered the interior of the object to be examined through the contact material and the prism.