Ultraviolet Or Infrared Source Patents (Class 250/504R)
  • Patent number: 5399499
    Abstract: Disclosed is a source of visible and ultraviolet radiation that provides a focused beam for performing chemical analysis of a test element having a biological fluid deposited thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Gustavo R. Paz-Pujalt, Charles R. Moon, James M. Chwalek, David D. Tuschel, Dilip K. Chatterjee
  • Patent number: 5395591
    Abstract: A method of irradiating a biological specimen with ultraviolet, in particular a polynucleotide specimen selected from DNA or RNA, or optionally a protein. In the case where the specimen is DNA or RNA, or potentially proteins, the specimen is irradiated to cross-link the specimen to a substrate. In the case where the specimen is DNA, the specimen can also be irradiated to form thymine dimers. The method uses an apparatus which permits relatively precise control of the total ultraviolet dose received by the specimen, despite any changes of ultraviolet flux from the lamps which may occur from during any one experiment, or between a number of experiments. Thus, the method allows relatively highly reproducible results to be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Inventors: William C. Zimlich, Jr., Joseph A. Sorge
  • Patent number: 5387800
    Abstract: A prefocused lamp and reflector assembly comprises an elongated lamp having opposite end portions that extend through aligned openings in the wall defining the reflective cavity. The end portions of the lamp are engaged in receptacle portions on the base of the assembly, and the reflector is affixed to the base in a position empirically focused to afford maximum radiation output intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Dymax Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin M. Kurtich, Herman R. Riess
  • Patent number: 5387801
    Abstract: A UV transilluminator having three sets of tubes selectively providing ultraviolet light in the short, mid and long ranges. The sets of tubes are arranged in two rows with the upper row including alternating tubes of the first and second set. One of the first and second sets of tubes is transparent to UV radiation. The third set of tubes is arranged in the second row directly behind the transparent tubes of the other set. A filter overlies the sets of tubes with the transparent tubes located between the third set of tubes and the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: UVP, Inc.
    Inventors: Ramon R. Gonzalez, Alexander Waluszko
  • Patent number: 5385677
    Abstract: The Fiber Optic Photochemical Oxidation Decontamination (FOPOD) method and apparatus is provided for in-situ remediation of aqueous leachate plumes. The apparatus consists of a well-type housing with numerous holes drilled for a distance equal to the vertical depth of the leachate plume. The bottom of the housing is capped. Through the holes are threaded numerous specialty optical fibers, being encased in the housing and forming bundles above ground. The method comprises ultraviolet light perpendicular to the bundles being transmitted sub-surface by the optical fibers which exit each hole within the plume. Hydrogen peroxide injected into the housing also enters the plume through the numerous holes in the housing. The reaction products are carbon dioxide and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Inventor: William B. Venable
  • Patent number: 5382805
    Abstract: An infrared energy emitter is disclosed which comprises a longitudinally extending tubular enclosure of infrared energy transmitting material enclosing a longitudinally extending filament. A longitudinally extending outer tubular sheath of infrared energy transmitting material coaxially receives the tubular enclosure. The outer sheath has a reflector which extends longitudinally substantially coextensive with the filament, and circumferentially with the sheath through at least 180 degrees to create a window through which the infrared energy is emitted. A cooling fluid may be passed through a space created between the inner envelope and outer sheath to allow higher power densities or to cool the outer sheath for use in explosive environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Inventors: Mark G. Fannon, John J. Fannon, III
  • Patent number: 5382804
    Abstract: Single and multiple photoionization lamp systems contained in machinable photon radiation transparent material such as crystalline magnesium or lithium fluoride are disclosed. A preferred embodiment of a photoionization lamp fabricated in machinable photon radiation transparent material is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: CETAC Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur P. D'Silva
  • Patent number: 5383101
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for generating radiation, which device comprises an electrically operated radiation source (1), a cap-like reflector means (9), which reflector means (9) is positioned around the radiation source (1). The reflector means (9) comprises an opening (13) for directing radiation out of the reflector means (9) towards a collecting optics (12) positioned in the vicinity of the opening (13). The device comprises a rotatable modulator means (15) including interrupting means (16 and 17) for modulating the radiation coming from the radiation source (1). The modulator means (15) is cup-like, comprising a bottom portion (18a), at which the modulator means (15) can be rotated, and a substantially circular wall portion (18b), which wall portion (18b) comprises the interrupting means (16 and 17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Assignee: Rautaruukki Oy
    Inventor: Heimo Keranen
  • Patent number: 5378890
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for simulating atmospheric scintillation includes a scintillation disk and a motor for rotating the disk at a substantially high speed. The disk has a dense varied pattern of substantially small closely spaced holes. The holes have different sizes and are arranged with a spatial distribution that is gaussian in amplitude and poisson distributed in separation. The motor can spin the disk to produce desired temporal variations as energy from the energy source passes through the holes of the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Wes, Harold J. Orlando, Steven R. Zammit
  • Patent number: 5350927
    Abstract: The disclosed invention is directed to novel ceramic compositions, and to stabilizer compositions for use with those ceramic compositions. The ceramic materials are formed of rare earth chromium oxides that include a novel combination of stabilizing compounds. Also, dryer or sterilizer devices which incorporate these ceramic compositions for generating infrared radiation for drying or sterilizing various articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Mitech Scientific Corp.
    Inventors: Roustam K. Rakhimov, Elena V. Kim
  • Patent number: 5347342
    Abstract: A transilluminator comprising a housing having therein a UV-transmissible window and a UV light source supported within the housing for transmitting UV light through the window. A surface within the housing reflects an image of the light source through the window so that the light source appears at the window to be more than one light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Fotodyne Incorporated
    Inventor: Timothy G. J. Ehr
  • Patent number: 5342582
    Abstract: An apparatus for reprocessing special waste of photocrosslinkable scrap material is composed of a housing equipped with a feed hopper, one or more UV emitters arranged in the housing to irradiate the scrap material, and a chopper arranged in the housing to comminute the scrap material by chopping. The apparatus is usefully employed in a method for reprocessing photocrosslinkable scrap material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: Morton International, Inc.
    Inventors: Klaus Horn, Juergen Lingnau, Horst Weiler
  • Patent number: 5336888
    Abstract: A high resolution infrared scene simulator formed by a novel combination of a photo-cathode, one or more micro-channel plates and a uniquely constructed air-bridge thermal screen. The photo-cathode is used to covert photons into electrons for insertion into the input side of the micro-channel plate. The micro-channel plate is a photo-electric device comprising a parallel array of independent channel, electron multipliers capable of high gain electron amplification. The air-bridge thermal screen comprises numerous thermally isolated thin platelets, bridges or diaphragms whose individual thermal mass and resistance are respectively low and high. Such platelets are thermally isolated and are supported on a structure that is capable of being cooled and electrically conductive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Aerojet-General Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas B. Odom
  • Patent number: 5336894
    Abstract: The controller for a single infrared source is capable of being programmed to act as a target for an AIM-9 target seeker. Data are read by the controller comprises (a) temperature data, (b) aperture data, (c) shutter-filter data, and (d) missile ID data. The controller includes a microprocessor CPU, with a program stored in a read only memory. The CPU reads aperture data from the stand, compares the data to signals derived from a potentiometer coupled to an aperture wheel, operates a motor to select an aperture on the wheel, and then sends an aperature ready signal to the stand. For temperature control, the black body is part of a resistance bridge circuit. A plurality of MOSFETs are used to select a value of resistance for a reference voltage in the bridge. The CPU reads temperature data from the stand and uses it to control the MOSFETs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Eric Ellers
  • Patent number: 5330722
    Abstract: A germicidal air purifier for trapping and destroying airborne microorganisms is disclosed. The air purifier includes an ultraviolet radiation source and a juxtaposed filter medium. A one of the ultraviolet radiation source and the filter medium is fixed and the other is displaceable so that at least an upstream side of the filter medium is systematically exposed to germicidal levels of radiation. In a first preferred embodiment, a fixed ultraviolet lamp irradiates a cylindrical air filter which is rotated on its longitudinal axis in close proximity to the lamp so that the upstream side of the filter is systematically irradiated. In a second preferred embodiment, a radiant lamp fixture is moved reciprocally across an upstream side of a planar filter to systematically irradiate the filter. In a third preferred embodiment, a radiant lamp fixture is rotated about an axis which is orthogonal to its longitudinal midpoint so that a circular area of a planar filter is irradiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: William E. Pick
    Inventors: William E. Pick, Kerby F. Fannin
  • Patent number: 5324951
    Abstract: A miniature source of modulated infra-red energy comprises a very thin heated wire strip (11) of low mass, mounted in a tensioned state by means of two resilient members (18), and a reflector (15) positioned behind the wire (11) so as to enhance the radiated energy. The source is hermetically sealed in an inert atmosphere with a cap (20). The cap (20) has an aperture (16) through which the energy emerges, this is sealed either with a window or a filter (17) if a specific wavelength is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Servomex (UK) Ltd.
    Inventors: Riad M. A. Kocache, Danny F. Holman, James Swan
  • Patent number: 5324979
    Abstract: A method and means for generating synthetic spectra allowing quantitative measurement utilizes dual chip alternatively energized IREDs with optical bandpass filter(s) passing two optical bands which is be combined with curvilinear interpolation to be utilized in a low cost small size quantitative measuring instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Futrex, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Rosenthal
  • Patent number: 5323002
    Abstract: A method and system for calibration of optical systems is disclosed. The system consists of a reference source (12), a spatial light modulator (26) for transmitting the reference source signal through non-imaging optics (30) and into the input of an optical system (36). The output of the optical system is then compared to the input signal and a correction is derived. The correction is stored and used real-time to adjust the output of the system to more accurately reflect the actual input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffrey B. Sampsell, James M. Florence
  • Patent number: 5322569
    Abstract: Biofouling of underwater surfaces by marine organisms is prevented by irradiating the surfaces or the adjacent water with ultraviolet light and adjusting the intensity of the ultraviolet light so as to kill or temporarily stun marine organisms to prevent their attachment to the underwater surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: General Dynamics Corporation
    Inventors: James M. Titus, Bernard S. Ryskiewich
  • Patent number: 5319213
    Abstract: A thermal test target with a uniform surface temperature which can be used to characterize and measure thermal image degradation due to atmospheric propagation of the image radiation field. This thermal test target board produces very uniform spatial frequency patterns with near perfect transitions between hot and cold portions which do not change during the diurnal cycle and which are not impacted by environmental changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Wendell R. Watkins, Brent L. Bean, Peter D. Munding
  • Patent number: 5319214
    Abstract: The mirror elements mirror device spatial light modulator are selectively deflected. Such deflection causes incident infrared radiation to be reflected in selected directions. The number of deflected mirror elements as well as the degree of deflection determines the amount of reflected radiation which travels through an aperture and is collimated by suitable imaging optics, thus creating an infrared image that appears to be at infinity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Don A. Gregory, David J. Lanteigne, Joseph J. Booth, Scottie B. Mobley
  • Patent number: 5315125
    Abstract: A method of protecting a ship from missiles with two-color infra-red target seeking heads and which is characterized in that an interference transmitter disposed on the ship sends out exclusively short wave infra-red rays, at least intermittently, the strength of radiation from the interference transmitter being so adjusted that the ratio of short wave to medium wave infra-red radiation is so shifted that the ship cannot be reliably recognized as a target by the two-color infra-red target seeking head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Buck Werke GmbH & Company
    Inventor: Heinz Bannasch
  • Patent number: 5307194
    Abstract: A covert communication system uses ultraviolet light rather than radio waves as a medium for communication. Suitable wavelengths are chosen by examining atmospheric penetration, attenuation by clouds, presence of interfering sources, and ease of generation and detection. The transmitted ultraviolet light may contain both voice information and other data, impressed upon the light by frequency or pulse modulation using a Pockels cell light modulator. A corresponding receiver can be arranged as a transponder to determine range by phase angle differences between transmitted and reflected waveforms. By using an appropriate lens, the receiver can also determine the angle of incidence of a detected ultraviolet signal, and therefore the bearing of the transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Grumman Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: James J. Hatton, Saulius Janusas
  • Patent number: 5298758
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for curing light curable material using unfiltered light. A vented housing encloses a single lamp filament light source which emits visible light. The light source is positioned above and to the side of the light curable material which is supported on a rotating table during light curing. Light incident to the surface of the light curable material is at least about 50 milliwatts per square centimeter. The light curable material has a surface temperature of at least 150.degree. F. (65.6.degree. C.) after 2 minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Dentsply Research & Development Corp.
    Inventors: Louis H. Tateosian, Duane E. Barber
  • Patent number: 5291022
    Abstract: An infrared source for use in an infrared spectrometer includes an insulator core having a containment cavity, an outlet port in communication with the containment cavity, and an electrically heated infrared element mounted in the containment cavity with a portion thereof facing the outlet port and with the walls of the containment cavity closely spaced to the infrared element. The insulator core is formed of a ceramic fiber material which has excellent resistance to heat and very low thermal conductivity so that very little heat from the infrared element escapes from the insulator core except as infrared radiation through the outlet port. The insulator core is preferably mounted within a central cavity of a metal housing, and may be sealed off from the ambient atmosphere by an infrared transmissive window sealed to an outlet opening in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Nicolet Instrument Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Drake, Charles D. Woodward, John M. Coffin
  • Patent number: 5289356
    Abstract: A nonimaging illumination or concentration optical device. An optical device is provided having a light source, a light reflecting surface with an opening and positioned partially around the light source which is opposite the opening of the light reflecting surface. The light reflecting surface is disposed to produce a substantially uniform intensity output with the reflecting surface defined in terms of a radius vector R.sub.i in conjunction with an angle .phi..sub.i between R.sub.i, a direction from the source and an angle .theta..sub.i between direct forward illumination and the light ray reflected once from the reflecting surface. R.sub.i varies as the exponential of tan (.phi..sub.i -.theta..sub.i)/2 integrated over .phi..sub.i.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: NiOptics Corporation
    Inventor: Roland Winston
  • Patent number: 5288647
    Abstract: A method of irradiating a biological specimen with ultraviolet, in particular a polynucleotide specimen selected from DNA or RNA, or optionally a protein. In the case where the specimen is DNA or RNA, or potentially proteins, the specimen is irradiated to cross-link the specimen to a substrate. In the case where the specimen is DNA, the specimen can also be irradiated to form thymine dimers. The method uses an apparatus which permits relatively precise control of the total ultraviolet dose received by the specimen, despite any changes of ultraviolet flux from the lamps which may occur from during any one experiment, or between a number of experiments. Thus, the method allows relatively highly reproducible results to be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Stratagene
    Inventors: William C. Zimlich, Jr., Joseph A. Sorge
  • Patent number: 5275155
    Abstract: A mechanical apparatus to provide pulses of light for tanning. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises a light source radiating light; a hollow cylinder having an inner and an outer cylindrical surface and an axis, the hollow cylinder having at least one opening through the inner to the outer cylindrical surface, the light source being inside the hollow cylinder, at least some of the light radiating from the light source passing through the at least one opening in the hollow cylinder; an apparatus to axially rotate the hollow cylinder; and, a surface having an opening therethrough. As the hollow cylinder is axially rotated, at least some of the light radiating from the light source passing through the at least one opening in the hollow cylinder will come into light communication with the opening in the surface and pass therethrough, thereby creating a pulse of light. Another embodiment incorporates at least two counter rotating cylinders which are coaxially aligned around a light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Inventor: David G. Changaris
  • Patent number: 5275663
    Abstract: An apparatus for coating a hydrophilic film which includes a light reaction chamber having UV lamps on either side of the film, two cooling fans and a solvent deflation fan. There are also an air drying plates and coating nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Sam Yang Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young H. Kim, Jae W. Kim, Jeong W. An, Woog Y. Lee
  • Patent number: 5270550
    Abstract: A composite structure having predetermined temperature/time profiles is made by combining in chemically separate yet intimate thermal relation a plurality of phase change mediums which change phase at differing temperatures in the overall range of the predetermined temperature/time profiles. Each of the phase change mediums changes phase at a different temperature in sequence for defining the thermal storage capacity of the structure and generally approximating the predetermined temperature/time profiles throughout the overall temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory
    Inventors: Richard T. Martorana, Harland E. Alpaugh, Jr., Edward S. Hickey, David R. Fairbanks, Ingrid L. Gorman, Kristie A. DePrete
  • Patent number: 5262902
    Abstract: A filter for absorbing radiation of a selected wave length emitted from a mercury vapor lamp is disclosed. The filter comprises a device for providing an ozone-containing gas layer positioned between the mercury vapor lamp and an object to be illuminated, which may be formed by providing a transparent space filled with the ozone-containing gas between the lamp and the object. This provides a relatively large sized filter which has a simple construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignees: Ebara Corporation, Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Katsuya Okumura, Kazuo Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 5254858
    Abstract: A system for performing IR spectroscopy, including a light source for transmitting a beam of light through a sample on to a detector, including a pair of first conical non-imaging concentrators tapered towards each other and disposed between the light source and the sample, so as to render the beam of light substantially uniform with respect to the sample regardless of their mutual spatial disposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: State of Israel, Atomic Energy Commission, Sorea Nuclear Research Center
    Inventors: Dan Wolfman, Aharon Bornstein
  • Patent number: 5250258
    Abstract: An air treatment apparatus includes a chamber designed to provide infrared radiation at a predetermined wavelength. Atmospheric air is passed through the chamber such that carbon dioxide molecules in the chamber achieve a higher energy state. Atmospheric air containing the higher energy state carbon dioxide molecules is discharged from the apparatus into the atmosphere. The atmospheric air containing higher energy or activated carbon dioxide may be used in a given space to overcome lethargic conditions produced by prior art air treatment devices such as air conditioners. The atmospheric air may be filtered prior to entering and after discharging from the treatment chamber for further air treatment. Heat may also be provided in the chamber to oxidize impurities in the air for further purification and air treatment. A method is provided whereby atmospheric air passes through the infrared radiating chamber to activate carbon dioxide molecules therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Inventor: Byeung-ok Oh
  • Patent number: 5247185
    Abstract: An infrared source which provides a miniature, highly stable and efficient source of infrared energy for use with infrared detectors and the like. The infrared source of the invention incorporates a platinum resistance temperature detector (RTD) which is integrated with the heater element to provide a means of electronic servo control of the heater temperature. The heater element and the RTD are tightly coupled thermally to provide accurate, continuous tracking and control of the heater temperature. The infrared source design provides excellent infrared energy output with less than one watt input power to the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Critikon, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger O. Herrera, James R. Braig, Daniel S. Goldberger
  • Patent number: 5233198
    Abstract: This invention is for a mechanical apparatus which ensures that only pulses of radiation are radiated in any specific direction and a method to effect same. In the most general terms, this apparatus comprises a partway closed three-dimensional geometric surface having some thickness, but being hollow inside the partway closed portion and having at least one opening through the surface. The surface is shaped so that a desired radiation source can be placed into the hollow portion inside the surface's partway closed portion. The surface is further shaped so that radiation from the desired radiation source can pass from the hollow inside the surface's partway closed portion through the at least one opening through the surface thereby forming a radiation beam. The surface is constructed of material(s) which the wavelength(s) of the radiation from the desired radiation source will not pass through the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Inventor: David G. Changaris
  • Patent number: 5220173
    Abstract: Pulsating infrared radiation source 50, which is so thin as to make its thermally stored energy less than the energy radiated during each pulse. This makes the source cooled by its own heat emission. Such sources have thicknesses commensurate with the wavelengths of infrared radiation. To avoid interference effects, the source's optical thickness may be made to equal a multiple of half wavelengths of the desired radiation. With the source mounted in a housing 53, efficient radiative cooling is obtained using windows 54 and 55 to each side. This makes it possible to extract infrared radiation from either face of the source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: Kanstad Teknologi a.s.
    Inventor: Svein O. Kanstad
  • Patent number: 5214292
    Abstract: An infrared scene display for testing infrared detectors and arrays comprising a two dimensional array of contiguous areas each of which contains an infrared radiating element. A plurality of microlens formed on a substrate are coupled to the array of infrared radiating elements. Each infrared radiating element is sufficiently spread from its associated microlens to provide good thermal insulation but is close enough to operate in an immersion mode. In this configuration, the infrared radiating elements behave optically as though they are in contact with the microlens substrate though they remain thermally isolated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Mission Research Corporation
    Inventor: Roy W. Hendrick, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5208462
    Abstract: A phosphor is placed on a light emitting surface of a solid state optical source. The phosphor absorbs the narrow bandwidth light from the optical source, and emits light that has a wide bandwidth. A lens is used to collect and focus the wide bandwidth light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.
    Inventors: James M. O'Connor, Olaleye A. Aina
  • Patent number: 5206518
    Abstract: A Weathering apparatus having a light source which irradiates onto specimens located in a specimen supporting wall which is located on a side of a test chamber. The output of the light source is controlled by independently adjustable control channels. Each of the control channels include a light source detector inserted into the test chamber, control circuitry, and ballasts connected to the light sources. The light sources are controlled by the control channels to deliver an output equivalent to a desired set-point. In order to disperse light in an even manner to the specimens, a barrier is provided which interferes in a predetermined pattern with the passage of light produced by the light sources. The apparatus includes a calibrating device which automatically transfers an irradiance signal from a reference detector selectively positioned immediately adjacent the light source detector. The calibration signal is sent to the controller where the re-calibration of a selected control channel is accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Q-Panel Company
    Inventors: Gregory R. Fedor, Douglas M. Grossman
  • Patent number: 5204534
    Abstract: An ultraviolet radiation drying oven comprises in succession along a conveyor adapted to carry the objects to be dried a loading station to which the objects must be introduced, a drying enclosure containing at least one ultraviolet radiation lamp and an offloading station from which the dried objects are evacuated. At the loading station, a masking arrangement prevents escape of ultraviolet radiation. The masking arrangement comprises a turnstile mounted to rotate above the conveyor about an axis perpendicular to the conveyor and comprising a plurality of radial panels delimiting between them airlock compartments in a similar manner to a revolving door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Dubuit
  • Patent number: 5198678
    Abstract: Polymerization devices having an irradiation space in an irradiation chamber, the space being accessible via at least one pivotable or displaceable wall, and having a light conductor and a radiation source unit, wherein the light conductor feeds the radiation from the radiation source into the irradiation space of the irradiation chamber and forms a releasable connection between the irradiation chamber and the radiation source unit, are known.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Heraeus Kulzer GmbH
    Inventor: Steffen Oppawsky
  • Patent number: 5194740
    Abstract: The irradiation device for gaseous or liquid substances has at least one high-power radiator with a discharge chamber (4) filled with filling gas. The filling gas contained therein emits radiation under the influence of quiet electrical discharges. The discharge chamber (4) immediately adjoins a treatment chamber (6) whose walls consist throughout of non-metallic material. An electrode pair (2, 7) and an ac source (12) connected to the two electrodes serve to feed the discharge, the coupling of the discharge chamber (4) to the electrodes being performed essentially capacitively. It is even possible, in particular, to treat by means of an irradiation device of such a design corrosive media or media for which extreme degrees of purity are the aim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri Ltd.
    Inventors: Ulrich Kogelschatz, Christoph von Arx
  • Patent number: 5191460
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for high speed transmission of data in the solar blind region is disclosed. An ultraviolet source is modulated to permit digital transmission of data. The source includes an electrodeless capsule of UV transmitting material filled with iodine vapor. A means of energizing the iodine vapor into a plasma state is provided by a magnetron, power triode or solid state supply. A circuit to modulated the energizing means is used to impress upon the plasma discharge the encoded data. Filtering means surround the capsule to filter out the plasma background noise. The advantages of the UV communications method and apparatus described are increased pulse rate, faithful conversion of electrically pulsed data into optical pulses with decreased error rate, decreased probability of interception and non-line of sight communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: GTE Laboratories Incorporated
    Inventor: Walter P. Lapatovich
  • Patent number: 5185526
    Abstract: An optical scene test generator is provided for testing the operation of detector modules designed to be placed in earth orbit. The OSTG includes first and second sources of infrared frequency light sources. The templates may be irradiated to generate images representative of a background scene, such as the earth's surface, and an object moving in relation to the background, such as a missile. Background and object images are thereafter combined and presented upon the surface of an infrared detector element to be tested. Mechanisms are provided for selectively regulating the movement of the background and object images, with respect to each other and jointly with respect to detector modules to be tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignee: Grumman Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: William Reitman, Jeanette Kennedy
  • Patent number: 5185552
    Abstract: A vacuum ultraviolet light source for generating a pulse discharge in a low pressure gas and extracting ultraviolet light from a plasma created in that discharge, is disclosed which comprises a discharge space P, a plate-like anode located in the discharge space, a plurality of hollow cathodes located in the discharge space in an opposed, spaced-apart relation to the anode, auxiliary electrodes provided in an inside space of the hollow cathode in a state shielded from the hollow cathode, means which, while maintaining a pressure in the discharge space constant, flows a gas along a route in the discharge space after passing through an inner space in each hollow cathode, a power supply for supplying an electric power for generating a main discharge across the hollow cathode and the anode after a pre-discharge is produced across each hollow cathode and the anode, and ultraviolet extracting means for extracting ultraviolet light radiated from a plasma which is produced by a discharge in the discharge space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Setsuo Suzuki, Etsuo Noda, Osami Morimiya
  • Patent number: 5184020
    Abstract: A device comprising a light source, a sample holder and a temperature control chamber. The sample holder supports the vessels in a fixed relationship relative to the light source. The temperature control chamber surrounds the sample holder and vessels, so that a temperature control fluid may be passed around the sample vessels effectively maintaining the temperature of the sample vessels within a desired temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Inventors: David P. Hearst, George D. Cimino, John E. Hearst, Stephen T. Isaacs
  • Patent number: 5175437
    Abstract: A compact, easy to use apparatus for irradiating an object such as a specimen of material with ultraviolet radiation at a selected long, short or mid-wave length. The apparatus of the invention includes a plurality of ultraviolet sources, each emitting radiation at a different wave length. The sources are mounted within a rotatable array so that a selected one of the sources can be sequentially moved into alignment with the specimen and then automatically energized by merely rotating the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Inventor: Alexander Waluszko
  • Patent number: 5175432
    Abstract: A sensor test system is disclosed for testing the operation of infrared detector modules designed to be placed in earth orbit. The system includes an optical scene test generator (OSTG) for generating a scene representative of the earth's surface as seen from a satellite, and an object moving in relation to the earth's surface. Sensor chamber is disposed adjacent the OSTG for storing a detector module to be tested. Detector module is efficient within the sensor chamber to expose detector elements to the optical scene generated by the OSTG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Gruman Aerospace Corporation
    Inventors: William Reitman, Jeanette Kennedy
  • Patent number: 5173269
    Abstract: Containers (20-20) which held UV curable acrylate materials commonly used as coating materials for drawn optical fiber are treated prior to disposal. Because of the presence of acrylate residues therewithin, the container cannot be disposed of in a landfill and has been incinerated. This problem has been overcome by exposing the residue within the container to suitable reproducible radiation determined in accordance with the photchemistry of the residue materials to cure completely the remaining acrylate material and thereby reduce its reactivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: AT&T Bell Laboratories
    Inventors: Joseph M. Mon, James R. Petisce
  • Patent number: 5166528
    Abstract: A microwave activated ultraviolet sterilizer for surface sterilization of articles such as baby bottles, contact lenses and the like permits rapid irradiation and easy operation. The sterilizer includes a substantially non-conducting housing, a plurality of transparent ultraviolet lamps disposed within the housing, and a microwave source, such as a conventional home microwave oven. In use, the sterilizer is placed within the oven and derives its power from the oven's microwave field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Inventor: Thurston C. Le Vay