Abstract: The optical fiber sensing method of the present invention includes steps of: joining heat shrinkable tubes to two ends of a sensing segment of an optical fiber; coupling a fixing element on the heat shrinkable tube below the sensing segment; detachably connecting at least one floating element to the fixing element; placing the floating element into a fluid; and providing an input signal to the sensing segment and generating an output signal after the input signal is processed by the sensing segment, wherein the tensile force applied to the sensing segment would change with variation of the buoyant force upon the floating element, resulting in change of the output signal. Accordingly, the optical fiber sensing method has numerous advantages, including rapid on-site construction, recyclability of components and changeability of design parameters.

Abstract: An arrangement for measuring process variables of a medium. The arrangement includes a housing embodied for accommodating a measuring apparatus for determining the physical and/or chemical process variable(s), wherein arranged in the housing is at least one window and at least the window contacts the medium, and wherein an oscillatory transducer is provided for transmitting sound waves, characterized in that the window is connected rigidly with the housing, the oscillatory transducer is arranged in a peripheral module having a module housing. The peripheral module is so arranged that the oscillatory transducer transmits the sound waves toward the window, wherein the sound waves pass through the module housing at an exit area, and the peripheral module is so arranged that medium is located in the region of the window and exit area.

Abstract: The mass flow rate of milk flowing in a pipe in pulsed milk slugs is determined by sampling a signal from a microphone indicative of sonic signals produced by the milk flow. A microprocessor applies a Fast Fourier Transform to the sampled signal to produce the frequency domain of the sampled signal. The microprocessor computes the average energy value of the sampled signal in a relevant frequency band during consecutive monitoring periods. The average energy values are inserted into a calibration equation to convert the average energy value to a mass flow rate. The total mass flow of milk flowing through the pipeline during a period T1-T2 is determined by integrating the determined mass flow rate of milk from T1-T2. Disengagement of a milking cluster from the animal teats during milking is determined when the monitored microphone signal transitions to a continuous relatively high energy noise signal indicative of air.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blood treatment device comprising an attachment unit 7 for attaching a functional unit 1 intended for single use for carrying out the blood treatment. The blood treatment device according to the invention is characterised by a monitoring unit 8 for monitoring the operability and/or the operating state of the functional unit 1, which functional unit comprises at least one light transmitter 17A, 18A and at least one light receiver 17B, 18B. The light transmitter and light receiver are arranged in the monitoring unit 8 according to the invention on one side of the functional unit 1. The arrangement of the light transmitter and light receiver on the same side has the advantage that the monitoring unit 8 can be integrated into the attachment unit 7 of the blood treatment device without any major structural modifications.

Abstract: A monitoring device of an oil flow mixed with air, including a tubular element coupled with at least one first and one second photoelectric sensor that emit a radiation along a first and a second optical line respectively, the tubular element being at least partially transparent to the radiation, the first and the second photoelectric sensor being mounted on the tubular element so that the first and the second optical line are mutually angled.

Abstract: A measuring device can be used under high pressure and can measure impurity particles contained in a hydraulic oil with high accuracy. A flow path hole opening on two facing surfaces of a housing has flat side surfaces. A cavity opens on the side surface, and a cavity opens on the side surface. Light emitted from a light irradiating section irradiates a hydraulic oil flowing in the flow path hole, via a cell disposed in the cavity in a direction substantially orthogonal to a center axis. Light passing through the hydraulic oil is received by a light receiving section via a cell disposed in the cavity opening on the side surface.

Abstract: A new liquid flow cell assembly for light scattering measurements is disclosed which utilized a floating manifold system. The assembly operates with minimal stacked tolerances by aligning the cell to the windows within a manifold and independently aligning the cell to the read head directly. This configuration enables the ability to replace the flow cell or the flow cell/manifold assembly within a light scattering instrument without the need to realign the flow through elements with the light scattering illumination source while still maintaining reproducible, quality data. Some embodiments employ wide bore cells which enable the measurement of process analytic technology (PAT) including online monitoring of reactions.

Abstract: A high pressure high temperature spinning drop tensiometer is capable of measuring interfacial tension under varied pressure and temperature conditions, which simulates those present in real petroleum reservoir. Measuring interfacial tension under real petroleum reservoir condition enables a selection of surfactants and other materials for adjusting the interfacial tension to be desired value for optimizing the enhanced oil recovery. The present invention mainly includes a pressure vessel comprising a pair of sight glasses. Two immiscible sample fluids are contained in a glass tube, which is carried by a tube holder rotated by a motor. A microscope and a light source sit on each side of sight glasses for analyzing the drop shape of the sample fluids under varied pressure and temperature conditions.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of altering chemical properties of an in-process resin used with a 3D printing apparatus. The method includes monitoring the in-process resin using an imaging spectrometer, comparing the in-process resin and a model using one or more spectrums from the imaging spectrometer, and diluting the in-process resin with a diluting resin.

Abstract: An electric apparatus comprises a foreign matter detection panel arranged inside a casing and configured to detect contact of foreign matter. The electric apparatus comprises a detection controller which receives a signal outputted from the foreign matter detection panel and judges whether or not foreign matter is in contact with a surface of the foreign matter detection panel. The foreign matter detection panel includes a substrate, a transmitter which generates a surface acoustic wave on the substrate. The foreign matter detection panel includes a reflection array which reflects the surface acoustic wave in a predetermined direction and a receiver which receives the surface acoustic wave which has propagated along the substrate.

Abstract: Systems and methods are used to couple an optical sampling probe to a port in a single-use bioreactor bag for in-process monitoring. A combination of re-useable and disposable components maintain precision while reducing costs. A disposable barb with an integral window, received by the port of the reaction vessel, is coupled to a re-useable optic component with a focusing lens. A separate focus alignment tool is used to set the lens position to a precise focal point before placement of the optic component into the barb. The fixture includes a window to simulate the window in a barb component, a target with a known spectral signature, and a probe head coupled to a spectral analyzer. The axial position of the lens is adjusted with respect to the spacer component to maximize the spectral signature from a sample target, whereupon the spacer component is bonded to the lens mount.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for providing airflow within a particulate matter sensor. A particulate matter sensor may comprise an air duct, a light source configured to pass light through the air duct, a extender connected to the light source configured to dissipate thermal energy generated by the light source, and to generate a updraft of airflow into the air duct, a photodetector located in the air duct, and a computing device coupled to the photodetector. The computing device has a processor and a memory storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, determines a mass concentration of particles in the air duct based on an output of the photodetector.

Abstract: A handheld aerosol-generating device may include an emitter configured to emit light, a sensor configured to receive light, and an aerosol chamber configured to hold an aerosol. The emitter may emit light into the aerosol chamber. The sensor may receive light from the aerosol chamber and measure at least one wavelength of the spectrum of the received light. Direct measurement of parameters, and/or the presence, of the aerosol in the aerosol chamber may be enabled, where the direct measurement of parameters of the aerosol in the aerosol chamber may enable optimal operation of an aerosol-generating system that may be the handheld aerosol-generating device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a total reflection type rain sensor using a mirror, which is attached to a glass of a vehicle to detect raindrops falling onto the glass of the vehicle and outputs a signal capable of controlling speed and cycle of a wiper of the vehicle according to the amount and falling frequency of raindrops detected.

Abstract: The seat belt indicator light is a supervisory system monitors a seat belt reminder signal within a vehicle. The seat belt indicator light comprises a visual indicator, a control system, and a communication system. The visual indicator monitors the seat belt reminder signal and illuminates the externally visible signal when the seat belt reminder signal is illuminated. The logic module monitors and logs status of the seat belt reminder signal while the vehicle is in operation. The communication system provides remote and local wireless communication services between the control system and an appropriate authority.

Abstract: A method for monitoring an oil level in a machine includes transmitting a light beam into an optical system to be reflected or refracted to a receiver to generate a reception signal. The light beam is emitted at a set transmission power, and an oil deficiency is recognized when the reception signal exceeds a predefined level value. The transmission power of the light beam is settable between a minimum and a maximum transmission power, and contamination of the optical system is analyzed by: (a) the transmitter transmits a first light beam at the maximum transmission power to generate a first reception signal, and (b) analyzing the difference between the first reception signal and a second reception signal generated by a light beam at less than the maximum transmission power, the magnitude of the difference representing a measure of the degree of contamination of the optical system.

Abstract: A hand cleaning liquid dispenser including a fluid level gauging mechanism with a plurality, preferably three or more, vertically spaced optical sensors located closely adjacent an external of a side wall of the reservoir to each receive electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the side wall from within the reservoir with the electromagnetic radiation sensed originating from an emitter directing the electromagnetic radiation preferably through the reservoir downwardly.

Abstract: An optical detection apparatus for measuring detection chambers of a specimen cartridge includes: a light source unit including light sources which are arranged along a scan line on which the detection chambers are aligned to be scanned, and configured to emit light rays to the detection chambers; and an optical detector configured to detect the light rays having passed through corresponding detection chambers disposed on the scan line. The light sources include main wavelength light sources which are used for measuring samples disposed in the detection chambers, and a sub-wavelength light source which is used for correcting a measuring error.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the position of a plunger member slidingly engaged with a main body of a syringe includes a housing structured to be selectively coupled to the main body in a readily removable manner and a monitoring system disposed at least partially on or in the housing. The monitoring system is structured to detect the absolute position of the plunger member with respect to the main body in a manner which does not require any mechanical linkage with the plunger member.

Abstract: A communication system and a method of identifying a target vehicle using application software on a mobile device. The method includes the steps of receiving at the mobile device a wireless signal transmitted from a transmitter at the target vehicle, wherein the wireless signal is received using an imaging detector in the mobile device; identifying that the target vehicle is a source of the wireless signal based on characteristics of the wireless signal; and in response to the identification, displaying to a user on a display of the mobile device an indication of an identity of the target vehicle.

Abstract: A passive infrared sensor having a radiation capture component may be housed within a sensor device. The device may also house radiation emission components, such as light emitting diodes, in proximity to the capture component. Electronic circuitry within the device may generate a signal that causes the emission components to emit radiation that includes wavelengths in the infrared spectrum. The infrared radiation may be captured at the capture component. Characteristics of a signal generated by the capture component may be compared to test characteristics. Based on this comparison, it may be determined that the passive infrared sensor is not operating properly.

Abstract: A portable environment quality monitor having an enclosure to enclose and protect the monitor from an environment and for attaching to a user's clothing or jewelry. The enclosure includes a controlled airflow intake for receiving air from the environment in which the monitor is worn for forming an airflow sampling path and for laminarizing the airflow in the sampling path. A sensor, having a sensing region that directs the laminar airflow into the sensing region. A processor is connected to a light scattering aerosol spectrometer (LSAS) that is configured to receive, process and translate photodiode current peaks into particle counts and sizes detected in the air. The processor is also coupled to a memory for storing data corresponding to the particle counts and sizes detected in the environment. The processor further includes an interface to communicate with a host for allowing a user to monitor and track environment conditions.

Abstract: The system and method provide for the monitoring and trending the rate at which fire detection devices get dirty. This information is used to determine which devices are clogged or getting clogged and to establish that the chambers are open to air flow because they are accumulating dirt over time. Air flow through the detection chamber is proven using this analysis. Further self-testing is also employed for the fire detection devices by including modules that simulate the smoke interference with the light. This can be accomplished in two ways. In one example, light from the chamber light source can be reflected toward the scattered light photodetector to simulate alarm conditions. In another example, an additional chamber light source can be added to the detection chamber that can generate light to simulate alarm conditions.

Abstract: A portable, stand-alone microfluidic interrogation device including a microprocessor and a touch-screen display. The touch-screen display can receive one or more user input to select a particular particle interrogation procedure, and subsequently show interrogation results. A microfluidic path extending through the interrogation device includes alignment structure that defines an interrogation zone in which particles carried in a fluid are urged toward single-file travel. Operable alignment structure may define sheath-, or non-sheath fluid flow. Desirably, a portion of the alignment structure is removable from the device in a tool-free procedure. The device may operate under the Coulter principle, and/or detect Stokes' shift phenomena, and/or other optically-based signal(s).

Abstract: Disclosed is a point of care sepsis assay comprising a disposable assay cartridge with a sample inlet for a blood sample, a filter to isolate blood plasma, a source of multivalent cations to cause a turbidity change in the plasma sample and a transparent window to measure the change in turbidity and the use of said assay in the diagnosis of sepsis.

Abstract: A system for measuring soil constituents having coulter comprising an electromagnetic radiation detector, a source of electromagnetic radiation, and a window transparent to electromagnetic radiation, the source emits radiation through said window to the soil, and the detector receives radiation through said window, reflected from the soil. Typically the source is broad band so the detector provides continuous spectra over the range. The source may be quasimonochromatic to provide Raman scattering, which will also provide continuous spectra over the range. These spectra can be subjected to multivariate analysis and compared to spectra of known constituents to identify the presence and concentration of these constituents.

Abstract: Fiber optic sensors include sensor regions in which an optical phase is modulated by an analyte to be detected. A long period fiber grating (LPG) is coupled to a coating that is arranged to selectively interact with the analyte. The resulting phase change is detected based on a transmission spectrum associated with the LPG so that analyte is detected and quantified. A plurality of such sensors is distributed along a fiber to form a sensor array that can be situated to detect analyte at a plurality of discrete regions.

Abstract: With a sensor device for recording moisture on a window pane with a transmitter and a receiver and an optical unit arranged between the transmitter and the receiver, wherein the optical unit includes an optical input unit facing the transmitter, an optical output unit facing the receiver and a coupling-in and coupling-out region on the side of the window pane, the coupling-in and coupling-out region is optically separated from the optical input unit and the optical output unit such that the electromagnetic waves emitted by the transmitter are refracted. A particularly compact constructional design is achieved thereby.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device for acquiring surface data and/or interfaces of a workpiece to be processed by a laser processing device. The laser processing device comprises a laser source and a processing head which is configured to provide at least one high-energy processing beam, in particular a laser beam. The laser source and the processing head are interconnected by an optical fiber and the measuring device comprises a scanning device configured as an optical coherence tomograph for surface scanning and/or interface scanning of the workpiece. The optical fiber which interconnects the laser source and the processing head forms a component of the scanning device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for analyzing a liquid when inside a container in order to detect counterfeiting or adulteration of the liquid, the container being at least partially transparent to visible light.

Abstract: This invention provides substrates for use in various applications, including single-molecule analytical reactions. Methods for propagating optical energy within a substrate are provided. Devices comprising waveguide substrates and dielectric omnidirectional reflectors are provided. Waveguide substrates with improved uniformity of optical energy intensity across one or more waveguides and enhanced waveguide illumination efficiency within an analytic detection region of the arrays are provided.

Abstract: A sensor unit is disclosed for determining properties of a lubricant; for example, a lubricating grease in a rolling bearing. A machine element may include the sensor unit and a machine assembly may include the machine element. The sensor unit includes a sensor housing having a window which can be aligned to the lubricant. A transmitter for emitting electromagnetic radiation through the window and a receiver for receiving electromagnetic radiation which passes through the window are located in the sensor housing. Evaluating electronics arranged in the sensor housing are electrically connected at least to the receiver. The evaluating unit is designed to generate at least one digital sensor signal. The sensor unit further includes an electrical connection, which is led through the sensor housing and electrically connected to the evaluating electronics in the sensor housing.

Abstract: A particle detecting device includes: a storing device that stores first boundary information wherein the third light intensity is recorded in a first range at a discriminating boundary for particles of first and second classifications, second boundary information wherein the third light intensity is recorded in a second range at a discriminating boundary for particles of first and second classifications, and discriminating information wherein identifiers for particles of the first and second classifications are recorded in cells bounded and not bounded by the discriminating boundary, respectively; and a particle identifying portion that evaluates a particle being measured as a particle of the first classification when the identifier for a particle of the first classification is acquired based on the measured values for the first and second light intensities and the measured value for the third light intensity falls between the first and second boundary values.

Abstract: There is provided an automatic analyzer including: a sample pipetting mechanism 7, reagent pipetting mechanisms 12A and 12B, mixing mechanisms 33A and 33B, a scattered light photometer 40, and an absorption photometer 41 all located on a transfer path of reaction cells 2 arranged circumferentially on a disk-shaped reaction disk 1, the reaction cells 2 being transferred in the circumferential direction by rotation of the reaction disk 1. Scattered light intensity and absorbance are controlled to be measured by causing the reaction cells 2 to move past a scattered light detection position and a transmitted light detection position in the same process of movement, the two positions being established beforehand on the transfer path. This makes it possible to suppress the effects on measurement results of the difference in time between scattered light measurement and absorbance measurement thereby improving measurement accuracy.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved optical detection methods comprising multiplexed interferometric detection systems and methods for determining a characteristic property of a non-aqueous sample, together with various applications of the disclosed techniques.

Abstract: An adhering matter determination portion includes an irradiation portion, a light receiving portion and a determination portion. The irradiation portion radiates a light to a plurality of different areas of a transparent plate. The light receiving portion converts reflected waves reflected at the different areas into electrical signals. The determination portion compares at least one of detection signals outputted from the light receiving portion with a determination threshold. When the detection signal is lower than the determination threshold, the determination portion determines that there is an adhering matter on the transparent plate. The determination portion compares the detection signals. When a difference of the detection signals is higher than a condensation determination value, the determination portion determines that the adhering matter is raindrops.

Abstract: A method for measuring saturate, aromatic, and resin fractions of a hydrocarbon fluid includes separating maltenes from the hydrocarbon fluid and separating saturate, aromatic, and resin fractions from the maltenes. The method further includes determining an optical density of each of the saturate, aromatic, and resin fractions at a predetermined wavelength and correlating the optical density of each of the saturate, aromatic, and resin fractions to predetermined data to determine each of the saturate, aromatic, and resin fractions.

Abstract: Gas cells allow first detection light and second detection light to pass therethrough and rotate the polarization plane of linearly polarized light in accordance with a magnetic field. A first detection section and a second detection section detect the polarization planes of the linearly polarized light that has passed through the gas cells. A third detection section and a fourth detection section detect the polarization planes of the linearly polarized light that has not passed through the gas cells. A measurement section uses detection results from the first detection section and the third detection section to remove influence of optical noise contained in the first detection light, uses detection results from the second detection section and the fourth detection section to remove influence of optical noise contained in the second detection light, and measures the difference in the magnetic field between the gas cells.

Abstract: An electronic device with a speaker, an amplifier for driving the speaker and a speaker grill provided on the front surface of the speaker includes a pickup detection unit for detecting that the electronic device has been picked up from water and a water discharge sound generation unit for generating a water discharge sound signal for discharging water having entered inside the speaker grill according to the detection of the pickup from the water and inputting the generated water discharge sound signal to the amplifier.

Abstract: An optical fluorescence-based sensor comprising at least one sensing element is disclosed. In one aspect, the at least one sensing element comprises a waveguide comprising a waveguide core, a light source optically coupled to an input part of the waveguide core, and a photodetector optically coupled to an output part of the waveguide core, the waveguide core being made of a material comprising a mixture of an optical material and a fluorescent dye.

Abstract: The present invention is for a system and a method of VUV photoionization of fullerene and derivative clusters followed by their thermal effusion for a practical energy-efficient and economically-viable high thrust density ion thruster. By taking advantage of the state-of-the-art high intensity VUV photon sources, present invention is able to provide much softer ionization with minimal internal energy deposition than the ionization in the electron impact or charge exchange type ionization in plasma environment used in conventional ion thrusters. Because the invention eliminates the need of additional gas for forming discharge plasma, it permits simpler and lighter structures than the conventional fullerene thrusters with significantly enhanced propellant-usage efficiencies, thrust to power ratios, and thrust to weight ratios.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for measuring light scattered on a sample in a medium, in particular a fluid medium, that comprises the following steps: providing a rotatably arranged measuring cell with a substantially circular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation for receiving the medium and the sample, rotating the measuring cell, preferably at least once by substantially 360°, about the axis of rotation, in particular by means of a drive, emitting a laser beam by means of a laser onto the sample located within the measuring cell in the plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation at different angles of rotation of the measuring cell, the measuring cell maintaining its position in the direction of the axis of rotation, detecting scattered light signals by means of at least two detectors arranged in a circle and concentrically to the center of rotation of the measuring cell and fixed within set, different angular ranges at different angles of rotation of the measuring cell, and dete

Abstract: A measuring device for the high-precision optical determination of distance or position includes a light source, at least one optical functional element in the form of a plane mirror or a measuring standard, and a detector system. At least two sub-beams are generated, of which at least one impinges on the functional element at least three times before the sub-beams propagate, interferingly superposed, in the direction of the detector system, via which at least one phase-encoded measuring signal is able to be generated from the superposed sub-beams. Between the impingements on the optical functional element, the sub-beam passes through at least two imaging elements, the imaging elements having imaging factors such that no location and directional shear of the interfering sub-beams results in the event the optical functional element tilts out of its setpoint position.

Abstract: Provided is a multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor that can achieve downsizing and weight reduction. The multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor includes a case body which is formed to have open ends and has the same cross-sectional shape in a longitudinal direction of the multi-optical axis photoelectric sensor; end members which are attached to one end and the other end of the case body and each formed of a molded article for closing an opening on each of the ends; and an optical component which is arranged from one end to the other end of the case body so as to be separated from an inner face of the case body. The optical component has a function of defining the spread angle of each optical axes. The optical component and the end members are directly or indirectly physically engaged with each other to unrotatably position the optical component by the end members.

Abstract: A method, system, and program product are provided for removing artifacts from an EM field generator from a rotational 3D scan. The method comprises: preoperatively, characterizing the artifacts from the EM field generator over a range of rotational positions of an x-ray source and detector; intraoperatively, determining the position of the EM field generator relative to the x-ray source and detector; and removing the preoperatively characterized artifacts for the determined relative position of the EM field generator from current x-ray image.

Abstract: A sensor system for determining the position of a gas-liquid interface on a surface includes a light source and photo detectors spaced along the surface and capable of detecting reflections from the light source. The photo detectors are joined to a processor which determines if the detectors have received a reflection when the gas phase of the gas-liquid interface contacts the surface. An optical guide can be provided having the light source and detectors positioned therein. The guide is positioned in the region of the gas-liquid interface. The guide can utilize total internal reflection to distribute light to the detectors where light strikes a gas-guide interface whereas light striking a liquid-guide interface is refracted through the interface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of fog and raindrop detection on a windscreen (200), comprising a raindrop detection application (201) and a fog detection application (202), characterized in that said fog detection application (202) comprises a step (202b) in which an indication of the presence of raindrop is detected, said indication of raindrop presence triggering a switch from said fog detection application (202) to said raindrop detection application (201).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for the detection of the level of the different phases present in at least one tube or vessel intended for filling the different wells of a microplate-format container for an automated analysis system. The apparatus is equipped with a fixing portion arranged to allow it to be itself held and/or handled instead of a microplate-format container, and carries out this detection by measuring the variation in wavelength of light reflected on a point zone of the content of the tube, during a displacement of the tube along an optical reader or of the optical reader along the tube in a rectilinear movement in a known manner. Such a device or method is also operated by illumination with monochromatic light and detection of the amount of reflected light, with the phase differences being recognized by the sudden variation in the amount of reflected light.

Abstract: An aperture member (15) is configured to be mounted to a receiving portion (22) provided to a main body (2), and includes a lower surface portion (15a) formed into an arc shape. The receiving portion (22) of the main body (2) includes a bottom surface portion (22a) formed into a shape corresponding to the arc shape of the lower surface portion (15a) of the aperture member (15) so as to be brought into contact with the lower surface portion (15a) of the aperture member (15). The aperture member (15) includes a light passage opening (15e) formed so that a center position (15ea) thereof substantially matches with a position of a center of curvature of the arc shape of the lower surface portion (15a).

Abstract: Systems and methods perform a first monitoring of a printing engine to produce first data; match a disturbance model that empirically describes types of color variation in a print process to the first data; generate a minimum variance control system based on the identified parameters of the disturbance model. The systems/methods infer a benchmark performance level the minimum variance control system achieves using the disturbance model; adjust operating parameters of a controller of the printing engine to match parameters of the minimum variance control system; perform a second monitoring of the printing engine to produce second data; determine a difference value between the benchmark performance level and the second data. If the difference value is above a first value and below a second value, the process is repeated. If the difference value is above the first value and the second value, an indication that the printing engine needs servicing is provided.