With Ultraviolet Source Patents (Class 250/461.1)
  • Patent number: 8294122
    Abstract: The present invention aims at reducing background noise derived from a substance that is present in the vicinity of a target substance such as a DNA and protein and attached to the surface of a substrate without an effect on a fluorescent dye labeling the target substance. The substrate that has a probe and is capable of interacting with the target substance is irradiated with noise removing light such that an evanescent field is generated on the surface of the substrate. A target substance and a foreign particle, which are non-specifically stuck to the surface of the substrate, are decomposed by the evanescent field generated by the irradiation with the noise removing light. The evanescent field present near the surface of the substrate has almost no effect on the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Obara, Satoshi Takahashi, Akira Maekawa, Takuya Matsui, Nobutaka Kumazaki
  • Patent number: 8288735
    Abstract: A monitor that can detect at least one molecule. The monitor includes a housing with a passage that can receive a sample, and a photocathode that is located within the housing. The monitor also includes a first ultraviolet light source that can direct ultraviolet light onto the photocathode to create electrons that ionize molecules within the sample, and a detector that is coupled to the housing to detect at least one ionized molecule. The monitor enables electron ionization (EI) of a sample for chemical analysis without the disadvantages of current methods that use a hot filament or other thermal cathode devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Morpho Detection, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack A. Syage, Andrey N. Vilkov
  • Patent number: 8288739
    Abstract: An optical property measuring method and an optical property measuring apparatus according to an aspect of the invention are operable to select bi-spectral characteristics relatively close to bi-spectral characteristics of a fluorescent sample, out of multiple bi-spectral characteristics stored in advance, based on a relative ratio between excitation efficiencies of the fluorescent sample illuminated by excitation illuminations whose spectral distributions are different from each other, in calculating an optical property of the fluorescent sample. The inventive optical property measuring method and optical property measuring apparatus are advantageous in calculating an optical property of a fluorescent sample easily and with high precision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Sensing, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenji Imura
  • Patent number: 8269179
    Abstract: A lithographic apparatus includes an illumination system configured to condition a radiation beam, a projection system configured to project the radiation beam onto a substrate, and a filter system for filtering debris particles out of the radiation beam. The filter system includes a plurality of foils for trapping the debris particles, a support for holding the plurality of foils, and a cooling system having a surface that is arranged to be cooled. The cooling system and the support are positioned with respect to each other such that a gap is formed between the surface of the cooling system and the support. The cooling system is further arranged to inject gas into the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Arnoud Cornelis Wassink, Levinus Pieter Bakker, Johannes Hubertus Josephina Moors, Frank Jeroen Pieter Schuurmans
  • Patent number: 8269192
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for making quantitative measurements of the amounts of optical brighteners in water samples using fluorescence measurements at multiple wavelengths. First and second emission wavelength raw measurements are corrected for sample absorption to provide absorption-corrected first emission wavelength and second emission wavelength fluorescence emission values. The absorption-corrected first emission wavelength value is compared to the absorption-corrected second emission wavelength value and to similarly-determined and similarly absorption-corrected emission wavelength values or a ratio thereof obtained from a comparison water sample in which optical brighteners are not present or are only minimally present, to provide a quantitative optical brightener measurement. The apparatus and method may be field-based or laboratory-based, and may operate on a flow-through basis or on discrete samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Mote Marine Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventor: Laura Kellie Dixon
  • Patent number: 8269191
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining the depolarization efficiency of a environment includes a transmitter, a receiver, and signal processing circuitry. A reference object is located within the environment at a reference distance. The transmitter includes a radiation source providing incident radiation that has an initial polarization as it enters the environment. The receiver receives returned radiation from the reference, which may be diffuse reflection or photoluminescence. The signal processing circuitry calculates the depolarization efficiency of the environment from the initial polarization, luminescence or final polarization, and the reference distance. A method of determining depolarization efficiency includes directing incident radiation having initial polarization through an environment onto a reference, detecting returned radiation from the reference, and calculating the depolarization efficiency using the initial polarization and the luminescence or final polarization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: David Lawrence Rosen, Ronald Everett Meyers
  • Patent number: 8269193
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a handheld fluorometer and method of determining a concentration of a product within a sample. In some cases the handheld fluorometer includes an immersible sensor head that measures a fluorescence of the product and a controller that calculates the concentration of product. In some cases the handheld fluorometer includes a handheld controller module, an immersible sensor head connected to the controller module, a sample cup for containing a water sample, and a fastener that removably fastens the sample cup about the immersible sensor head. In some cases the sensor head is angled with respect to the controller module and the fluorometer provides a substantially stable base. The sample cup can be removed to acquire a sample of water containing the product and then refastened about the sensor head for determining the concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Christensen, Eugene Tokhtuev, Brian Philip Carlson, Paul R. Kraus, Benedict F. Pesigan, Jill Marie Klegin, Adrian Eugene Hartz, Michael Patrick Kremer
  • Patent number: 8263000
    Abstract: The apparatus for measuring concentrations of fuel mixtures using depth-resolved laser-induced fluorescence is a fluorometer equipped with a sample container holder that is movable in the path of the beam from the light source. Fluorescent emissions from the sample mixture pass at 90° to the excitation light path through a slit that is narrow enough that the emission intensity is effectively produced by a thin layer of the sample and focused on a monochromator, with successive thin layers receiving nonuniform excitation radiation due to reduction of intensity along the excitation light source path with increasing depth penetration and due to reabsorption of emitted fluorescence from adjacent layers. The method has a first mode in which the emission spectrum is scanned at a fixed depth, and a second mode in which the sample is moved relative to the emission monochromator slit to vary the depth while keeping the emission wavelength fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals
    Inventor: Ezzat M. Hegazi
  • Publication number: 20120217418
    Abstract: An optical apparatus for treating tissue including an ultraviolet excimer laser configured to output ultraviolet light, an optical line configured to receive said ultraviolet light into a first end and to output said ultraviolet light from a second end, a wavelength converting device configured to receive said ultraviolet light output from said optical line and to produce longer wavelength emissions, and a delivery device configured to direct said longer wavelength emission to said tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: PhotoMedex
    Inventors: Jeffrey I. Levatter, Michael R. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20120221192
    Abstract: An inspection device is provided to monitor hygienic conditions of a space unit for a vehicle. The vehicle includes, but is not limited to, an inspection device, the use of an inspection device, and a method to assure hygienic conditions in a vehicle. In order to optimize assuring hygienic conditions in interior spaces on board a vehicle an inspection device is provided that includes, but is not limited to, an optical detection device. The optical detection device generates electromagnetic radiation to irradiate a surface to be cleaned, and renders visible soiling that, in visible light, is invisible to the human eye. The optical detection device is permanently installable on an interior lining.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventor: Christian SEIBT
  • Publication number: 20120217416
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of devices for reading/authenticating banknotes. The invention also concerns handheld devices, particularly those which may be used by visually impaired persons, to identify different banknote denominations. The present invention is aimed at providing a banknote validator that avoids the drawbacks of the prior art. The validator according to the invention may as well be used for validating a security document including a marking (like luminescent ink or pattern printed on said document, luminescent security thread or strip, for example) operable to glow with a specific color luminescence under appropriate UV light illumination. The invention further describes a method for identifying a denomination of a banknote having a test zone including a marking operable to glow with a specific color luminescence according to the denomination under appropriate UV light illumination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: SICPA HOLDING SA
    Inventor: Eric Decoux
  • Publication number: 20120217417
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for verifying whether a surface has been cleaned or disinfected. In one embodiment, the method comprises marking one or more inanimate surfaces with an invisible solution, such as an ink, prior to cleaning or disinfection of the surface, and after cleaning or disinfection of the surface is purportedly completed, using an ultraviolet light source to illuminate any ink not removed in the cleaning and disinfection process. The invisible solution may be easily cleaned or removed from the one or more surfaces by, for example, washing or wiping with, for example, soap and water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: BOS Innovations Ltd. d/b/a/ UltraViolet Distributing
    Inventors: Brian Schoening, Troy Grow
  • Patent number: 8246912
    Abstract: An optical detecting apparatus for a bio-chip, the optical detecting apparatus including: a light source system for illuminating a bio-chip with an excitation light; a fluorescent light detecting system for detecting a fluorescent light emitted by the bio-chip; and a light path altering unit for directing the excitation light emitted by the light source system to a bio-chip and directing the fluorescent light emitted by the bio-chip to the fluorescent light detecting system, wherein a cross-sectional area of the excitation light irradiated by the light source system onto the bio-chip is greater than an area of the bio-chip, and the fluorescent light detecting system detects a fluorescent image of the entire bio-chip with a single illumination of excitation light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seong-ho Cho
  • Patent number: 8242461
    Abstract: An integrated test element (110) is proposed for detecting for detecting at least one analyte in a sample (142), in particular in a liquid sample (142). The integrated test element (110) has a carrier element (112), with an application face (114) on which at least one organic electroluminescent component (126) is applied. Furthermore, at least one indicator substance (136) is applied on the application face (114), which indicator substance (136) alters at least one optical characteristic, in particular an emission characteristic (e.g. a fluorescence characteristic), when it comes into contact with the at least one analyte. Furthermore, the integrated test element (110) has at least one photodetector element (116).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernd Rösicke, Kai Hebestreit, Claudia Gässler-Dietsche, Frederic Wehowski
  • Patent number: 8242475
    Abstract: A UV liquid gel solidifying device includes a support member, a UV LED module, a top cover, and a base. The UV LED module is installed on the support member and emits light into a first chamber of the support member. The support member is disposed on the base, and the base has a third chamber defined there beneath. The top cover is assembled on the support member and has a slide cover slideably mounted thereto. When the slide cover moves toward a first direction, the first open end and the second open end are opened so that the user's fingernails can be put in the first chamber for treatment. When the slide cover is released to revert back to close the first open end and the second open end, the user's eyes can avoid from being directly exposed to the UV light. When the toenails are to be treated, the base can be conveniently disassembled from the support member, and the toenails to be treated are inserted into the first chamber for treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Cosmex Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuo-Chang Cheng
  • Patent number: 8232538
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing halogen residue from a processed wafer is provided. A wafer is transferred into a processing tool where it is processed in a manner that leaves halogen residue on the wafer. The processed wafer is then moved into a degas chamber where it is treated with UV light and a gas mixture containing at least one of ozone and oxygen to remove the halogen residue. Once treated, the wafer is transferred into an isolation station where it is isolated from the unprocessed wafers for a period of time to allow any remaining residue to dissipate before it is returned to the cassette where it started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Sanket Sant, Shang-I Chou
  • Patent number: 8212226
    Abstract: A molded plastic container, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, includes an insert molded into an exterior surface of a wall of the container. The insert is of plastic construction that includes a UV brightener that is visible under UV light to verify authenticity of the container. The container wall and the insert preferably have identical colors under visible light. The insert preferably is of two-piece construction with an outer portion of the insert being exposed at the exterior surface of the container and an inner portion underlying the outer portion. The inner and outer portions preferably include respective UV brighteners that are visible as different colors under UV light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Rexam Healthcare Packaging Inc.
    Inventor: Brian John Chisholm
  • Publication number: 20120153188
    Abstract: A device and system that allows an inverted microscope with a movable x-y stage to also function as a time-resolved plate reader. The device, which is sized to fit into the condenser holder of an inverted microscope, not only provides plate-reading function at very low cost compared to that of purchasing a plate reader, but it also allows the correlation of plate reader measurements with images of a specimen. The device and system is also able to measure other parameters associated with cell metabolism, such as pH changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
    Inventor: John BARRETT
  • Publication number: 20120145925
    Abstract: A method for identifying a presence of a nitro (NO)-bearing compound suspected of being included in a sample includes photodissociating a sample into one or more fragments that include a NO molecule, where the NO molecule has an electron in a first-vibrational excited state of an electronic ground state. Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) is applied including directing UV light from a UV laser source at the sample to induce fluorescent light. An emission wavelength of 270 nm to 274 nm from fluorescent light received is used to identify a presence of the NO-bearing compound in the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew Comstock, Matthew K. Fisher, Daniel E. Woody
  • Patent number: 8198095
    Abstract: Methods and devices for detecting the presence of a NO forming material (e.g., a material that can form, or is, a nitrogen monoxide molecule) are disclosed based on detection of fluorescence exhibited by NO molecules in a first vibrationally excited state of a ground electronic state. Such excited NO molecules can be formed, for example, when small amounts of explosives are photodissociated. By inducing fluorescence of the material, a distinct signature of the explosive can be detected. Such techniques can be performed quickly and with a significant standoff distance, which can add to the invention's utility. In another aspection of the invention, methods and apparatus for generating electromagnetic radiation are disclosed. Such methods and apparatus can be used in conjunction with any detection method disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: John J. Zayhowski, Mordechai Rothschild, Charles M. Wynn, Roderick R. Kunz
  • Publication number: 20120142086
    Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging system and an associated device for detecting a sample (4). The imaging system comprises a matrix (24) of photosensors (26), a first lamina (28) disposed opposite the matrix (24) of photosensors defining a face (28A) for supporting the sample, and a set (30) of optical elements, disposed between the matrix (24) of photosensors and the first lamina (28). Each microlens (34) is disposed above a photosensor (26) of the matrix (24) of photosensors. The set (30) of optical elements comprises a matrix (32) of microlenses (34). The set (30) of optical elements comprises an optical medium (36) disposed between the matrix (32) of microlenses and the first lamina (28), the refractive index of the optical medium (36) being substantially between 1 and the refractive index of the microlenses (34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: COMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Vincent Haguet, Marion Gabriel, François Chatelain, Nathalie Picolletd'Hahan
  • Patent number: 8188446
    Abstract: The distribution of abnormal tissue, such as lesions, in an observed object is precisely detected regardless of the distribution of absorbing material present in a living organism. Provided is a fluorescence imaging apparatus (1) including an excitation-light radiating unit (2) that irradiates an observed object with excitation light of a plurality of wavelengths; a filter (14) that transmits fluorescence in a specific wavelength band from among fluorescence produced by the observed object in response to the excitation light radiated from the excitation-light radiating unit (2); a light detector (15) that detects the fluorescence transmitted through the filter (14); and a computing unit (18) that calculates a fluorescence intensity ratio in the same wavelength band in response to the excitation light of the plurality of wavelengths, which is detected by the light detector (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Wataru Ohno
  • Patent number: 8183536
    Abstract: High-power excimer lasers are assembled with individually replaceable optical module subsystems containing consumable optical components. Windows formed in the enclosures of the optical modules incorporate a fluorescent material for converting ultraviolet light scattered from the components of the optical module into visible light emanating from the windows. Changes in the amount or location of the visible light emanating from the windows are interpreted as indications of the degradation in the performance of the optical modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Horst Schreiber, Paul Michael Then
  • Publication number: 20120119110
    Abstract: An apparatus, and an associated method, for a portable electronic device, such as a wireless device, to determine luminescence of an object of interest. Ultraviolet A (UVA), or other appropriate, light energy is cause to be generated at a flicker rate. Images of the object of interest are recorded both when the UVA light energy is incident on the object of interest and in the absence of incidence of the UVA light energy on the object of interest. The images are compared, and a determination is made of the luminescence of the object of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Alexander S. Hirsch, Michael Joseph DeLuca, Michael Williams Suman
  • Publication number: 20120097866
    Abstract: An identification device for a tin surface of float glass includes an outer shell (3), a gas discharge light tube (5) and a power source. The gas discharge light tube (5) and the power source are arranged inside the outer shell (3). An irradiation window is installed on the outer shell (3) corresponding to the position of the gas discharge light tube (5). A UV light-absorbing mark (6) is provided on the inner or outer surface of the irradiation window, and the tin surface of float glass can be visually identified according to whether the mark (6) can be observed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: BEIJING AOPTEK SCIENTIFIC CO., LTD
    Inventor: Zhemin Zhang
  • Patent number: 8158959
    Abstract: An extreme ultraviolet light source apparatus generating an extreme ultraviolet light from plasma generated by irradiating a target material with a laser light within a chamber, and controlling a flow of ions generated together with the extreme ultraviolet light using a magnetic field or an electric field, the extreme ultraviolet light source apparatus comprises an ion collector device collecting the ion via an aperture arranged at a side of the chamber, and an interrupting mechanism interrupting movement of a sputtered particle in a direction toward the aperture, the sputtered particle generated at an ion collision surface collided with the ion in the ion collector device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Gigaphoton Inc.
    Inventors: Takeshi Asayama, Kouji Kakizaki, Akira Endo, Shinji Nagai
  • Publication number: 20120068083
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a laminated glazing for information display, of the automobile windshield or architectural glazing type, comprising an assembly of at least two transparent sheets of inorganic glass or of a strong organic material, joined together by an interlayer of a thermoformable material or by multilayer foils incorporating such an interlayer, said glazing being characterized in that a luminophore material of the hydroxyterephthalate type is integrated into said interlayer, allowing said display. The invention also relates to a device for displaying an image on transparent glazing, comprising laminated glazing of the above type and a source generating concentrated UV radiation of the laser type, the radiation of which is between 350 and 410 nm, the UV radiation being directed onto the area or areas of the glazing comprising the terephthalate-type luminophore layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE
    Inventors: Michael Labrot, Marie-Helene Breniaux, Jean Sablayrolles
  • Publication number: 20120061589
    Abstract: A method of measuring the amount of a fluorescent material in a liquid comprising the steps of exciting the fluorescent material and measuring the fluorescent response of the material over a range of wavelengths to determine a response spectrum, identifying the material from the response spectrum and determining the amount of material as a function of the amplitude of the fluorescent response and a calibration factor based upon the identification of the material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: ADVANCED SENSORS LIMITED
    Inventors: Khalid Thabeth, Frank Lunney, Turan Mirza
  • Publication number: 20120061586
    Abstract: A system and method for fluorescence spectral imaging of target material to detect the presence of a contaminant (such as aflatoxin in corn) is provided. An ultraviolet light source is coupled a light-excluding compartment. The fluorescence from the UV excited target passes through a filter (liquid crystal tunable, acoustic-optic tunable, a filter wheel, or other wavelength splitting device) and a lens, to a spectral imaging camera. Fluorescence spectral image data from the camera is analyzed by a computer and presented in human-readable form. Aflatoxin detection in contaminated corn kernels is based on peak fluorescence and peak fluorescence shift in the spectral range from 451 nm to 500 nm. Aflatoxin contamination level within the target material is quantified based on peak fluorescence and peak fluorescence shift and computed corn kernel pixel statistics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Haibo Yao, Zuzana Hruska, Russell D. Kincaid, Thomas E. Cleveland, Robert L. Brown
  • Publication number: 20120049089
    Abstract: An excitation light source assembly includes a housing defining a central opening therein and a plurality of lamp receptacles surrounding the central opening. The housing is mountable to a support structure having a camera mounted thereto so that a field of view of the camera is substantially unobstructed by the housing. A light source is positioned within each of the plurality of lamp receptacles. A diffuser is positioned adjacent the light source in each of the plurality of lamp receptacles so that each of the diffusers diffuses light produced by each of the light sources. A control system operatively connected to each of the light sources operates selected ones of the light sources to provide a desired excitation illumination to an object within the field of view of the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: SPECTRAL INSTRUMENTS IMAGING, LLC
    Inventors: Michael B. Nelson, Michael D. Cable
  • Publication number: 20120050526
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for non-destructive judgment of pearl quality by measuring the ultraviolet-visible reflectance spectrum and/or ultraviolet-visible fluorescence spectrum of a pearl or pearl shell to be inspected and comparing the values obtained with those preliminarily measured for a normal pearl or pearl shell. The present invention also relates to a non-destructive inspection apparatus of pearl quality. According to the present invention, the quality of the aimed pearl or pearl shell can be easily and rapidly judged under a non-destructive condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA MIKIMOTO
    Inventors: Kiyohito Nagai, Junichi Hiramatsu, Yasunori Iwahashi
  • Patent number: 8124931
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting the presence of hydrocarbons near an unmanned offshore oil platform. The method steps include monitoring reflected atmospheric and thermal radiation, detecting the presence of hydrocarbons, and generating an alert based on the presence of hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Albert Ballard Andrews, Wei-Chuan Shih, Matthew Clayton, Oliver C. Mullins
  • Patent number: 8125634
    Abstract: An additive {hacek over (S)}olc filter (ASF) includes i) a first polarizer for receiving an input light, such as from a monochromatic light source, and transmitting a first polarized output, ii) at least one birefringent plate positioned to receive the first polarizer output and transmit an output with wavelength-dependent polarization state, and iii) a second polarizer for receiving the plate output and transmitting a second polarized, filtered output. An ASF spectroscopy system includes the ASF; a monochromatic light source input, e.g. a laser; a sample chamber for exposing a sample to the second polarized, tuned output and generating a signal characteristic of the sample that is filtered by the ASF; and a detector for acquiring the characteristic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Sergei Nikitin, Charles K Manka
  • Patent number: 8119998
    Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating physicochemical properties of sample materials contained in an array of vessels includes: a light detector; a light source for transmitting a light beam through the sample material in a vessel to the light detector; an analyzer for processing data from the light detector to determine concentration-related properties of the sample material as a function of time; and a mixing system. The mixing system includes: a plurality of magnetic stirrer elements, each for being placed in a sample material in a different one of the array of vessels; an array of magnetic drive elements, each associated with a different one of the array of vessels and being magnetically coupled with a magnetic stirrer element in an associated vessel; and a drive mechanism coupled to the array of magnetic drive elements for simultaneously moving each of the magnetic drive elements relative to an associated vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Pion, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Avdeef, Dmytro Voloboy, Deren J. Dohoda, Per E. Nielsen, Michael J. DeMaria
  • Patent number: 8110816
    Abstract: A fluorescence detection system capable of detecting fluorescence with a high sensitivity even if a sample generating fluorescence is small in amount includes a light source emitting excitation light, a probe arranged in opposition to a sample unit, an optical multiplexer/demultiplexer, a detector, a first optical fiber connecting the light source to the optical multiplexer/demultiplexer, a second optical fiber connecting the probe to the optical multiplexer/demultiplexer, and a third optical fiber connecting the detector to the optical multiplexer/demultiplexer. An excitation filter, serving as a short-pass filter, is arranged on the first optical fiber and a detection filter serving as a long-pass filter is arranged on the third optical fiber. The optical multiplexer/demultiplexer includes a multiplexing/demultiplexing filter serving as a long-pass filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Nippon Sheet Glass Company, Limited
    Inventor: Takashi Fukuzawa
  • Patent number: 8101130
    Abstract: A gas ionizer includes a photocatalyst activated with an electric field to emit electrons. The photocatalyst is also illuminated with an ultraviolet light source. The ionized gas is passed through a chamber between the photocatalyst and the ultraviolet light source. The photocatalyst may be titanium oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Nanotech Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Lee Fink
  • Patent number: 8097861
    Abstract: A system for sanitizing an enclosed structure comprises a first sensor, a second sensor, a third sensor, a germicidal ultraviolet light source, a motor, and a controller. The first sensor detects the presence of humans or animals within the enclosed structure. The second sensor detects the position of at least one door of the enclosed structure. The third sensor detects tampering with the system. The ultraviolet light source provides electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet range. The motor moves the ultraviolet light source from an inactive position to an active position and from the active position to the inactive position. The controller receives inputs from the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor, and transmits outputs to the ultraviolet light source and the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Sound Health Designs, LLC
    Inventor: David Leben
  • Patent number: 8097862
    Abstract: Fluorescence detection utilizes surface plasmon. The intensity of scattered light, which is substantially proportionate to the intensity of an electric field enhancing field generated on a metal film, is employed, to normalize and correct the intensity of fluorescence emitted by fluorescent labels with respect to the intensity of the electric field enhancing field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Toshihito Kimura
  • Patent number: 8097467
    Abstract: A composition for use in the detection of an intoxicating drug comprising: (i) a first compound that absorbs UV radiation and generates emitted UV radiation at a wavelength absorbable by said intoxicating drug; and (ii) a second compound that absorbs UV radiation emitted by said intoxicating drug upon absorption by said intoxicating drug of said emitted UV radiation and that emits radiation in the visible spectrum is provided. In addition, methods for detecting an intoxicating drug in a sample comprising irradiating with UV radiation a sample contacted with one or two compounds that absorb UV radiation are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Heriot-Watt University
    Inventor: Jonathan Paul Henderson
  • Publication number: 20120007619
    Abstract: A multi-functional precious stone testing apparatus includes a portable housing, a testing unit, and an indication unit. The portable housing includes a hand-held casing and a probe casing extended from a front end of the hand-held casing. The testing unit includes a conductive probe having a testing end portion extended out of a tip end of the probe casing for contacting a testing object to determine a conductivity of the testing object. The indication unit includes a LED light unit received in the hand-held casing for illuminating the testing end portion of the conductive probe during testing, wherein the LED light unit is positioned away from the tip end of the probe casing for preventing heat generated from the LED light unit being transmitted toward the conductive probe to affect an accurate measurement for the conductivity of the testing object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Xiuling Zhu, Gary Bruce Peckham
  • Publication number: 20120001095
    Abstract: A light source apparatus for fluorescence photography of biomolecule sample gels is disclosed. The light source apparatus comprises a housing, a transparent plate disposed in a light transmission zone at the top of the housing, and at least one LED array disposed in the housing out of the range of the light transmission zone. The LED array irradiates obliquely to the light transmission zone for preventing the light spots from interfering in the observation. Each of LED array may comprises different colors of LEDs for different biomolecule samples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Shuo-Ting YAN, Wei-Li Hong, Yuan Yu Tsai
  • Publication number: 20120001094
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring fluorescence of potable liquids contained within an optical quartz cell includes a deep UV laser or a compact UV LED that generates a light beam. A UV blocking and visible light transmitting optical filter reduces out-of-band emission from the LED. The optical quartz cell is between a pair of plane mirrors so that light from the light source travels through it several times. A concave mirror collects a fluorescence signal and has a common optical axis with a lens. The common optical axis is normal to an optical axis of the light beam. The concave mirror and lenses are positioned on opposite sides of the optical quartz cell. A fluorescence detector is in optical alignment with the concave mirror and the lens. A boxcar averager is in electrical communication with the fluorescence detector. Optical wavelength selection of the fluorescence emission uses optical filters or a spectrometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
    Inventors: Dennis K. Killinger, Anna Sharikova, Vasanthi Sivaprakasam
  • Patent number: 8089057
    Abstract: Light therapy in the visible spectral region, for which radiation sources emitting UV radiation are provided, uses fluorescent films that age during operation such that the intensity of the light irradiated by the fluorescent films gradually decreases. In order to solve this problem, the invention relates to a radiation converter located in a treatment device and comprising a fluorescent layer (2) for emitting the visible light. Said radiation converter comprises a housing (1) that can be penetrated by radiation emitted by the radiation source (11). The housing (1) comprises a front wall (3) consisting of a UV-permeable material and a rear wall (4) consisting of a UV-impermeable material, on the side of the housing (1) opposing the front wall (3). A liquid chamber (5) is formed between the front wall (3) and the rear wall (4), and the fluorescent layer (2) is arranged between the front wall (3) and the rear wall (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Spectrometrix Optoelectronic Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Jürgen Conrady
  • Patent number: 8084756
    Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) fluorometric sensor measures a chemical concentration in a sample based on the measured fluorescence of the sample. The sensor includes a controller, at least one UV light source, and at least one UV detector. The sensor emits UV light in a wavelength range of 245-265 nm from the light source through the sample in an analytical area. The UV detector measures the fluorescence emission from the sample. The controller transforms output signals from the UV detector into fluorescence values or optical densities for one or more wavelengths in the wavelength range of 265-340 nm. The controller calculates the chemical concentration of the chemical in the sample based on the measured fluorescence emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Tokhtuev, Christopher J. Owen, Viktor Slobodyan, Anatoly Skirda, Paul Schilling, Anna Pilipchenko, Paul R. Kraus, Katherine M. Sanville, Joseph Phillip Erickson
  • Patent number: 8080213
    Abstract: One embodiment of an improved ozone generator is comprehensively disclosed by descriptions of computer generated drawings depicting the first commercial version of the invention, which combines the following features: an extruded base with longitudinal channels for receiving connections at distributed points; an extruded cover for detachably engaging the base at each opposing sides and covering a substantial portion of said base; a central baffle that is integral with the cover fro dividing the enclosed volume into a reaction chamber and a circuitry chamber; one or more ultraviolet light sources mounted to connection points on a channel within the reaction chamber; electronic circuitry mounted to connection points on a channel within the circuitry chamber for controlling and transforming an input voltage to drive the light sources; sliding end caps secured to channels in the base for separately covering apertures formed by the ends of the cover and base and for detachably connecting the cover to the base; and
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: S. Jepson Sutton
  • Publication number: 20110303834
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and an apparatus to determine and replicate unknown ratios of original target liquid blends, such as hydrocarbon fuel blends or contaminants, by using an in-process fluorescence-monitored procedure. The method relies on trial-and-error mixing of the liquid ingredients into a single container. At the end of the trial-and-error procedure the formed blend becomes an exact replica of the target blend. The method can also be used to build calibration curves without employing sets of previously prepared standard solutions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Ezzat Mahmoud Hegazi, Abdullah H. Al-Grainees
  • Publication number: 20110297848
    Abstract: Lesions caused by insects feeding on plants are associated with the generation of regions of blue-green fluorescence in such as the cotton boll carpel wall and in the lint region. The present disclosure now provides methods and devices to rapidly and non-invasively detect and measure the insect-related fluorescence and relate the fluorescence generated to the likelihood of insect damage in a crop. In particular, the methods are related to stink bug damage in the cotton plant, but are also suitable for the detection of insect-related damage of any plant. The methods of detecting insect-induced damage in a target plant tissue may comprise exposing a target plant or a fragment thereof, to an ultraviolet or violet light; and detecting an ultraviolet light-induced fluorescence from the target plant or the fragment thereof, thereby indicating the presence of insect-related plant damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Mark A. Haidekker, Michael D. Toews, Jinjun Xia
  • Patent number: 8068661
    Abstract: Disclosed are a light emitting diode (LED) inspection apparatus, which can determine whether an LED has a defect such as leakage current, without making physical contact with the LED being inspected, and an LED inspection method thereof. The LED inspection apparatus includes an ultraviolet emission unit emitting UV light to an LED, an image generation unit generating an image of the LED to which the UV light is emitted, and a control unit obtaining color or intensity information of the LED from the image of the LED and determining, based on the color information, whether the LED is defective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung LED Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Grigory Onushkin, Joong Kon Son, Jong Hoon Lim, Sang Su Hong
  • Publication number: 20110278476
    Abstract: This invention proposes a device for exciting fluorescent samples using visible light or ultraviolet light, the device comprising, a transparent plate or strip as waveguide for guiding light; at least one lighting source placed alongside the transparent plate or strip; a transparent matrix; such that the fluorescent samples in the transparent matrix placed on waveguide of the device is excited by the light refracted from the waveguide to the transparent matrix according the Snell's Law; thus the exciting S/N ratio can be improved by the light refraction of the device; wherein the light emitted from the light source with a primary incident angle larger than the critical angle of transparent plate or strip:air, but smaller than the critical angle of transparent plate or strip:matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Han-Min CHEN, Li-Ming CHEN
  • Publication number: 20110260079
    Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) fluorometric sensor measures a chemical concentration in a sample based on the measured fluorescence of the sample. The sensor includes a controller, at least one UV light source, and at least one UV detector. The sensor emits UV light in a wavelength range of 245-265 nm from the light source through the sample in an analytical area. The UV detector measures the fluorescence emission from the sample. The controller transforms output signals from the UV detector into fluorescence values or optical densities for one or more wavelengths in the wavelength range of 265-340 nm. The controller calculates the chemical concentration of the chemical in the sample based on the measured fluorescence emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Tokhtuev, Christopher J. Owen, Viktor Slobodyan, Anatoly Skirda, Paul Schilling, Anna Pilipchenko, Paul R. Kraus, Katherine M. Sanville, Joseph Phillip Erickson