Abstract: A method of manufacturing a slip-resistant photo-luminescent device includes dispensing first and second powdered components into respective recesses (8, 13) provided in a substrate (7) such as a metal strip. The first powdered component includes a resin and a friction enhancing material, the second powdered component includes a resin and a photo-luminescent pigment. The powdered components are then heated (4) to fuse the resins and bond them to surfaces of the respective recesses (8, 13). A channel (15) is formed between the first and second recesses (8, 13) for receiving traces of the first and second components that may spill from the adjacent recesses.

Abstract: A standoff bioagent-detection apparatus and method use a direct ultraviolet source to detect bioagents. In some embodiments, a standoff bioagent-detection apparatus and method use laser-induced fluorescence to determine the presence of a biological agent having an aromatic-protein shell, such as Tryptophan. In some embodiments, multi-wavelength differential laser-induced fluorescence helps reduce false alarm caused by naturally occurring interferants. In some embodiments, a full range of ultraviolet wavelengths is initially simultaneously generated to fluoresce Tryptophan to determine if an ambient level is excessive. When the ambient level is excessive, individual ultraviolet wavelengths may be generated in differential pairs and the detected fluorescence levels may be correlated with atmospheric absorption levels for Tryptophan to determine if a bioagent is highly likely to be present.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for an article of manufacture for use in a weapon sight wherein the article of manufacture comprises a passively charged photoluminescent material. When installed in a weapon sight, the passively charged photoluminescent material provides light to a fiber optic of the weapon sight during low light conditions to illuminate a reticle pattern of the weapon sight.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed at an impact indictor that may be coated on a structure to detect impacts thereon. The indicator may be provided within microcapsules. Upon rupture of the microcapsules, the indicator may be exposed to a pH activator, wherein the indicator may then exhibit fluorescence upon exposure to electromagnetic energy.

Abstract: This invention relates to systems and test strips for detecting the photosynthesis-inhibitory activity of substances by providing cells or cell parts with an intact photosystem, introducing the cells or cell parts into a planar layer, applying the test substance to the planar layer or into the planar layer, excitation of the luminescence of the cells or cell parts in the planar layer by an excitation light source, measuring the luminescence of the cells or the cell parts in the planar layer by means of a detector, and associating the detector signal with the degree of photosynthesis inhibition.

Abstract: We disclose methods of sorting or separating mixtures of living cells (e.g., eukaryotic, prokaryotic, mammalian, pathogenic, bacterial, viral, etc.). We perform our methods by activating cell-selective photophoric labels, which photosensitize and chemically reduce a photosensitive metal compound to form metal grains, particles or crystals. The metal adheres to the cells and forms the basis for sorting or separating different cell types. Photophoric labels may include chemiluminescent agents such as peroxidase enzymes activated with peroxidase substrates capable of luminescence. Photosensitive metal compounds may be present in a light-sensitive matrix or emulsion containing photosensitizable metal compounds, which form metal grains, particles or crystals upon exposure to a developer solution. Developer solutions are formulated to substantially allow living cells to remain viable after exposure to the developing solution.

Abstract: Disclosed is a metal portion-containing article having a porous metal portion, in which the porous metal portion contains a substance that emits light by irradiation with an electromagnetic wave. The metal portion-containing article of the present invention cannot be altered or falsified easily, and can be identified.

Abstract: The invention relates to reflective features formed from multiple inks. In one embodiment, the reflective feature comprises a substrate having a first region and a second region, the first and second regions having different surface characteristics; a first reflective element disposed on the first region; and a second reflective element disposed on the second region, wherein the first reflective element is more adherent than the second reflective element to the first region. In another embodiment, the reflective feature comprises multiple layers formed from different inks exhibiting enhanced reflectivity and/or durability. The invention is also to processes for forming these features, preferably through a direct write printing process.

Abstract: A method of applying photo-luminescent pigment to a substrate, such as an aluminum or metal strip containing channels or depressions, includes preparing a dry powder formulation including a photo-luminescent pigment and a carrier/fixer, depositing the dry powder formulation onto the substrate surface, and heating to fuse the dry powder formulation to the substrate surface. The photo-luminescent pigment can be applied using an apparatus which includes a hopper adapted to contain a dry powder formulation, one or more orifices adapted to allow transfer of the dry powder formulation from the hopper to a substrate surface and a guide rail system for locating the substrate surface in both a fixed horizontal plane and a fixed vertical plane below the hopper and orifice.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a fluorescence microscope and method of observing samples using the microscope and, more particularly, to a fluorescence microscope and method of observing samples using the microscope, which can reduce optical noise and obtain images with higher sensitivity, thus obtaining precise information about the density, quantity, location, etc. of a fluorophore, and which can simultaneously process separate images even when a plurality of fluorophores having different excitation and fluorescent wavelength ranges is distributed, thus easily obtaining information about the fluorophores. The fluorescence microscope of the present invention includes an objective lens, and first and third medium units. The first medium unit has a refractive index of n1 to accommodate one or more micro-objects including fluorophores and provide a path of excitation light to excite the fluorophores.

Abstract: This invention relates to a means for more efficiently and more safely providing self-luminous lighting devices for use in signs, markers, indicators and the like. The present invention provides self luminosity by means of a plurality of glass or polymer microspheres containing both a light-emitting phosphor and a radioactive gas. The “soft” emission of electrons from the beta emitting gas cannot penetrate the glass or polymer wall of the microspheres, thereby constituting no radiation hazard. A further advantage of the present invention is that the plurality of individual containment microspheres minimizes the escape of radioactive gas in the event of any physical damage to an assembly of such microspheres. A still further advantage of the invention is that the radioactive gas completely surrounds the phosphor particles, thus causing light emission from one hundred percent of the surface of the particles.

Abstract: An insulated drinking vessel includes an inner wall surrounding an interior for containing a liquid beverage and a transparent outer wall spaced from the inner wall to form an air space which acts to insulate the vessel interior in order to maintain the temperature of the liquid beverage contents within a desired range throughout a period of time which is normally required to consume the entire beverage contents. A removable top lid for covering the open top of the vessel includes an integrated sip spout extending upwardly from the lid. In one preferred embodiment, the drinking vessel and lid are in the form of a child's sip cup. The drinking vessel may further be provided with light-absorbing luminescent material to enhance the appearance and visibility of the drinking vessel as well as the level of the liquid contents when in a dark or dim light environment.

Abstract: A non-powered composite luminous panel including two plates of light transmissive material and the interlayer of a luminescent material provided between the two plates. The luminescent material includes a light transmissive resinous material and contains a suspension of luminescent particles, preferably of the long acting emitting type.

Abstract: In the case of a method and a system for visually detecting paint gloss deviations, particularly a fogginess and mottling of the paint, in a surface paint coat of a vehicle by means of an illuminating system illuminating the vehicle, the outer surfaces of the two vehicle sides as well as additional surfaces of the forward and rearward vehicle body are illuminated by light beaming devices of the illuminating system in a partially areal manner. These surfaces are to be checked at a distance from the vehicle at predefined viewing ranges and from fixed viewing positions on a marked path.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for microscopy in which a specimen is illuminated with pulsed illuminating light that comprises light from a spectral region, and detection light proceeding from the specimen is detected in a detection spectral region. The method is characterized in that the detection spectral region lies within the spectral region, and that the illuminating light contains no light from the detection spectral region or at least none having the same polarization properties. A microscope is additionally disclosed.

Abstract: A coating material (20) for coating a machine component (10), especially a gas turbine or a part thereof, comprises a mixture of at least a refractory material and an indicator material having an optical emission (e.g. fluorescence) spectrum which varies in response to a physical parameter of the coated component. In a preferred embodiment, the coating consists of yttrium aluminium garnet (YAG) or yttrium stabilised zirconium. The dopant is preferably a rare earth metal, e.g. Eu, Tb, Dy.

Abstract: A hand held, self-contained, automatic, low power and rapid sensor platform for detecting and quantifying a plurality of analytes. A sample solution potentially containing an unknown amount of an analyte is passed through an affinity column which contains antibodies to which the analyte binds thereby extracting the analyte. The affinity column is then rinsed to remove any other chemicals that may fluoresce. The rinsed affinity column is then eluted with a known volume of elution fluid causing the analyte to release from the antibody and dissolve in the fluid (eluant). The eluant is then placed in the quartz cuvette of a fluorometer. The analyte suspended in the eluant fluoresces at a waveband which is different than that of the light source that excites it. The amount of fluorescence is measured and the level of analyte determined.

Abstract: The laser scanning microscope comprises an objective focusing a laser beam on a sample, and takes fluorescence or reflected light from the sample, optical scanning means for scanning the laser beam on the sample two-dimensionally, an acousto-optic device, arranged on an optical path of a fluorescence or a reflected light, which selects and deflects only a light beam with the wavelength which corresponds to incident fluorescence or the reflected light and a frequency of the applied high frequency voltage, optical detection means for detecting a light beam through the acousto-optic device, and frequency scanning means for switching and setting a frequency of a high frequency voltage applied to the acousto-optic device.

Abstract: A drinking vessel is provided with an insulated wall structure including an inner wall, an outer wall, and a void between the inner and outer walls providing an insulative barrier for maintaining the temperature of the liquid contents within a desired range for extended periods of time, while also preventing the formation of condensation on the outside of the vessel. Luminescent elements, such as shapes, letters, numbers or designs, are applied to the insulated wall structure to enhance visibility of the drinking vessel and the level of liquid beverage contents when in dark or low light conditions. In an alternative embodiment, the luminescent material is incorporated into the composition of the wall structure during the molding process. A removable lid may be provided for covering the open top of the drinking vessel.

Abstract: A photoluminescent tile composition made of a tile base and a matrix of photoluminescent material disbursed throughout the tile base. The tile base includes a non-transparent mineral filler. The photoluminescent material located on exposed surfaces absorb and release light. The same manufacturing methods and equipment used to manufacture conventional floor tile can be used to manufacture floor tiles from the tile composition.

Abstract: A miniaturized optical excitation and detector system is described for detecting fluorescently labeled analytes in electrophoretic microchips and microarrays. The system uses miniature integrated components, light collection, optical fluorescence filtering, and an amorphous a-Si:H detector for detection. The collection of light is accomplished with proximity gathering and/or a micro-lens system. Optical filtering is accomplished by integrated optical filters. Detection is accomplished utilizing a-Si:H detectors.

Abstract: This invention concerns a fluorometer preferably combined with a thermal cycler useful in biochemical protocols such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA melting curve analysis. The present flourometer features a low heat-generating light source such as a light emitting diode (LED), having a one-to-one correspondence to each of a plurality of sample containers, such as capped PCR tubes in a standard titer tray. The flourometer of the present invention further comprises an optical path between each LED and its correspondingly positioned container, and another optical path between each flourescing sample within the positioned container and an optical signal sensing means. The instrument can be computer controlled.

Abstract: A photoluminescent tile composition made of a tile base and a matrix of photoluminescent material disbursed throughout the tile base. The tile base includes a non-transparent mineral filler. The photoluminescent material located on exposed surfaces absorb and release light. The same manufacturing methods and equipment used to manufacture conventional floor tile can be used to manufacture floor tiles from the tile composition.

Abstract: A non-powered composite luminous panel including two plates of light transmissive material and the interlayer of a luminescent material provided between the two plates. The luminescent material includes a light transmissive resinous material and contains a suspension of luminescent particles, preferably of the long acting emitting type.

Abstract: A beverage accessory device having a housing with a cavity therein, a buoyant filler within the cavity, a buoyancy-reducing feature to incrementally decrease the buoyancy of the device, a straw receptacle attached to the housing, and a switchable light-source within the cavity.

Abstract: An illuminated article utilizing a base member having an outer surface. A plurality of luminescent bodies are embedded in the base member for exposure of the same at the outer surface of the base member. The article may be formed into various shapes to illuminate operable members such as light switches, electrical plugs, keyholes, and the like.

Abstract: An at-home integrated cleaning and disinfection system for dental hardware, for consumer use includes a compact and portable base unit sized for at-home use by a consumer, the base unit including a holding frame and an ultraviolet lamp. The system also includes a cleaning chamber within which dental hardware and a cleaning solution that includes hydrogen peroxide are receivable. The cleaning chamber fits within the holding frame in a manner such that contents of the cleaning chamber are exposed to light emitted by the ultraviolet lamp. A vibration mechanism is positioned so as to cause the cleaning chamber to vibrate while the cleaning chamber is fitted within the holding frame. To clean and disinfect dental hardware, the consumer places dental hardware in the cleaning chamber, fills the cleaning chamber with the cleaning solution, and inserts the cleaning chamber into the holding frame.

Abstract: An environmentally-stable organic electroluminescent (“EL”) fiber comprises at least one layer of an organic EL material formed on a fiber, cable, or wire; associated electrodes for providing a voltage to activate the organic EL material; and a barrier layer formed around the EL and electrode materials for reducing the permeation of oxygen, water vapor, and other reactive materials into the underlying layers. The barrier layer comprises either (1) alternating sublayers of a polymeric material and an inorganic material, or (2) alternating sets of adjacent sublayers of polymeric materials and adjacent sublayers of inorganic materials. Color of light emitted from the fiber may be modified by one or more layers containing inorganic and/or organic phosphor materials.

Abstract: For regularly encounterable walking shoes environments typically having a treaded lower-base and an overlying foot-rest surface, disclosed herein are visual warning devices respectively extending loftily vibratorily helically above the foot-rest surface and topically carrying a visually bright ornamental feature. The bright ornamental feature (preferably of bulbous shape) is alternatively provided as: of self-luminescent characteristic; or alternatively, as an electrically-powerable incandescent bulb powerable from a chemical storage-battery that is rearwardly removably attachable to the walking shoe environment.

Abstract: The present invention essentially comprises a phosphorescent paving block having a paving base, and a phosphorescent material in contact with the paving base. Additionally the paving block can also have a light-transmitting cover and a light-transmitting base on either side of the phosphorescent material to form a laminate.

Abstract: A blow-molded, luminescent, polyethylene food or beverage container or bottle which glows-in-the dark due to the presence of zinc sulfide luminescent pigment in the polyethylene resin at a level of from about 0.075 to about 1.2 percent by weight. The blow-molded, luminescent, polyethylene beverage container or bottle is designed to contain an acidic beverage. Even after prolonged storage in the container or bottle, the acidic beverage contains less than 0.25 ppm of zinc.

Abstract: A polymeric material comprises at least one repeat unit consisting substantially of a moiety of Formula 1: in which Y1 represents N, P, S, As and/or Se, Ar1 and Ar2, which may the same or different, represent independently a multivalent, optionally substituted aromatic group, and Ar3 represents independently a mono or multivalent, optionally substituted aromatic group. At least one terminal group is attached in the polymer to the Ar1, Ar2 and optionally Ar3 groups located at the end of the polymer chains, so as to cap the polymer chains and prevent further polymer growth. At least one terminal group is derived from at least one end capping reagent used in the polymerisation to form the polymeric material to control the molecular weight thereof. A charge transport material comprising such polymers is useful in electroreprographic and electroluminescent devices. These polymers may be made by controlling their molecular weight with an end capping reagent.

Abstract: A luminescent photoconductor cell integrally blended with light emitting materials or connected with a luminescent layer composed of a number of light emitting materials. The light emitting materials serve to absorb and reserve the energy of a light source. Thereafter, the light emitting materials are able to release the reserved energy by way of light. At night or in a dark place or when the light source disappears, the light emitting materials provide visible light to achieve luminescent effect.

Abstract: A drinking vessel is provided with an insulated wall structure including an inner wall, an outer wall, and a void between the inner and outer walls providing an insulative barrier for maintaining the temperature of the liquid contents within a desired range for extended periods of time, while also preventing the formation of condensation on the outside of the vessel. Luminescent elements, such as shapes, letters, numbers or designs, are applied to the insulated wall structure to enhance visibility of the drinking vessel and the level of liquid beverage contents when in dark or low light conditions. In an alternative embodiment, the luminescent material is incorporated into the composition of the wall structure during the molding process. A removable lid may be provided for covering the open top of the drinking vessel.

Abstract: An insulated drinking cup containing evenly-spaced embedded circumferential bands of light-absorbing luminescent material positioned at regular intervals. In the preferred embodiment, the insulated drinking cup is formed from a transparent material consisting of an inner and outer wall that forms an airspace which insulates the contents of the cup. The bands of luminescent material are disposed in the insulating airspace. The bands of luminescent material illuminate the drinking cup in the dark, and make it possible to determine the level of liquid in the cup.

Abstract: A glucose monitoring device suitable for use in total darkness or in limited light environment. The glucose monitoring device comprises a housing, which encloses the components of the device that determine the blood glucose level of a blood sample on a test strip. The exterior surface of the housing comprises a phosphorescent material. The portion of the test strip where the blood sample is to be applied can be illuminated by a light. The area of the glucose monitoring device where the test strip is inserted into the device can also be illuminated by a light. The display of the device, i. e., the area of the glucose monitoring device where the result is read, is also illuminated by a light.

Abstract: A vacuum bearing structure comprises a combination of a planar gas bearing with a differentially-pumped vacuum seal. The bearing surface and the vacuum seal surfaces are formed of a porous material divided into a first outer region through which bearing gas can percolate to provide support and an inner second region providing the vacuum seal. An exhaust groove separates the two regions so that bearing gas can flow to atmosphere. The resulting structure can operate at a lower fly height to reduce loading on the differentially-pumped vacuum seal. The structure is particularly useful for motion feedthroughs into vacuum processes such as ion implantation.

Abstract: A non-powered composite luminous panel including two plates of light transmissive material and the interlayer of a luminescent material provided between the two plates. The luminescent material includes a light transmissive resinous material and contains a suspension of luminescent particles, preferably of the long acting emitting type.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a luminescent article is provided, which luminescent article comprises a self-supporting or supported layer of phosphor particles dispersed in a binding medium and, adjacent thereto, a protective coating characterized in that, besides a binder, the said protective coating comprises as a white pigment titanium dioxide, which is present in the said binder, preferably further comprising an urethane acrylate, and wherein said protective coating has a surface roughness (Rz) between 2 and 10 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A release mechanism is located within a vehicle trunk for releasing the trunk lid. The mechanism includes a handle coated with a phosphorescent material to allow the handle to be viewed within a darkened trunk. The phosphorescent material is excited or made to glow by external light conducted through light-conducting means. The light-conducting means extends between a location external to the vehicle and a point adjacent the handle. The handle glows for a period of time following the exposure to the external light entering the conducting means to allow visibility of the handle within a darkened trunk.

Abstract: An emergency egress system for a locus that is exposed to light in non-emergency use and susceptible to interruption or termination of light in emergency circumstances. The emergency egress system comprises a fibrous web deployed in the locus, wherein the fibrous web has photoluminescent fiber incorporated therein in sufficient amount and distribution to illuminate the web or predetermined portions thereof during the interruption or termination of light in emergency circumstances, and subsequent to light exposure thereof.

Abstract: X-ray positioning apparatus is described for aligning an x-ray imaging device (16) relative to a patient (10) to permit the operator to select and obtain an x-ray image from a selected anatomical region. A plurality of light reflective markers (14) is located on the patient's body to define certain anatomical landmarks. The apparatus comprises an x-ray source (20) and a separate light source (30) and an image sensor (33). Light reflected from the markers are detected by the image sensor (33). The image data is processed by an image processing system (46) which provides a variety of functions including determining the actual position the image device should be located to obtain the desired image. Embodiments of the invention are described.

Abstract: A hand held, self-contained, automatic, low power and rapid sensor platform for detecting and quantifying a plurality of analytes. A sample solution potentially containing an unknown amount of an analyte is passed through an affinity column which contains antibodies to which the analyte binds thereby extracting the analyte. The affinity column is then rinsed to remove any other chemicals that may fluoresce. The rinsed affinity column is then eluted with a known volume of elution fluid causing the analyte to release from the antibody and dissolve in the fluid (eluant). The eluant is then placed in the quartz cuvette of a fluorometer. The analyte suspended in the eluant fluoresces at a waveband which is different than that of the light source that excites it. The amount of fluorescence is measured and the level of analyte determined.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for directly determining the concentration of a target species, such as Fries product, in a composition comprising aromatic carbonate chain units. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes the steps of irradiating a portion of the composition with electromagnetic radiation at an excitation wavelength sufficient to cause the target species to emit a fluorescence spectrum; detecting at least a portion of the fluorescence spectrum; and determining the concentration of the target species from the fluorescence spectrum. In addition to detecting Fries product in formed polycarbonate materials, the method can also be utilized to directly determine the concentration of a target species in parallel polycarbonate reactor systems.