Fluent Material In Optical Path Patents (Class 250/573)
  • Patent number: 8604455
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical sensor array detecting a first liquid medium in a second liquid medium by means of the reflection of an emitted light beam of a given wavelength, comprising a light source and an associated receiver, further two circular glass rod lenses running parallel to each other while encapsulated in a housing. The index of refraction of the glass rod lenses is different from those of the liquid media. A reflecting surface is situated opposite the glass rod lenses and is connected to the housing. Said array also comprises a control fitted with a beam splitter, a second receiver and a third receiver, the latter two receivers being configured being mutually opposite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: FAUDI Aviation GmbH
    Inventors: Marcus Wildschuetz, Matthias Aden
  • Patent number: 8582106
    Abstract: An automatic optical measurement system (100) is provided. The measurement system (100) includes a sample vial (10) and an automatic optical measurement apparatus (90) configured to receive the sample vial (10). The automatic optical measurement apparatus (90) is configured to detect a presence of the sample vial (10) in the automatic optical measurement apparatus (90) and measure a light intensity of light substantially passing through the sample vial (10) if the sample vial (10) is present. The measured light intensity is related to sample material properties of a sample material within the sample vial (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Hach Company
    Inventors: Perry A. Palumbo, Brian Harmon
  • Patent number: 8575568
    Abstract: The invention relaters to a device (100) for biological analysis by measurement of photoluminescence in a fluid in a measurement tank (111). This device (100) comprises at least two light sources (121, 131) adapted to emit in different spectral areas respectively appropriate for measurement of absorption and fluorescence, and a sensor device (140) comprising a sensor (141), an optical system (142), and filter means (144), which three elements are mutualized in accordance with the invention to enable absorption and/or fluorescence to be measured. In accordance with the invention the internal gain of the sensor (141) is configurable to enable the fluorescence and absorption measurements to be executed sequentially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Horiba ABX SAS
    Inventors: Benoit Merchez, Patrick Brunel, Philippe Nerin
  • Patent number: 8541735
    Abstract: An optical material is inlaid into a supporting substrate, with the top surface of the optical material flush with the top surface of the substrate, wherein the optical element is used to shape a beam of light travelling substantially parallel to the top surface of the substrate, but with the central axis of the beam below the top surface of the substrate. The optical elements serve to shape the beam of light for delivery to or from a microfabricated structure within the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Innovative Micro Technology
    Inventors: John S. Foster, John C. Harley, Ian R. Johnston, Jeffery F. Summers
  • Publication number: 20130234053
    Abstract: A diagnostic instrument is disclosed. The diagnostic instrument may have a highly efficient probe washer station and/or may be able to sense whether there is a tube septum on a specimen tube to be sampled. The instrument may also be able to determine where the bottom of the tube is located. The probe washer station may have a flow of saline that is used to wash both the internal cavity and the external circumference of the probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: BECKMAN COULTER BIOMEDICAL, LLC.
    Inventors: Richard A Thomas, Michael A Thomas
  • Patent number: 8525662
    Abstract: An out of product indicator is provided. The out of product indicator includes a power generator, a sensor and an alarm. The power generator is configured to generate power based on an interaction with at least one aspect of the device it is coupled thereto. The sensor is configured to determine when a product is low. The alarm is coupled to receive power generated by the power generator. Moreover the alarm is activated based on an output of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Aron D. Dahlgren, Christopher D. Diller, Nicholas D. Parent, Blake R. Otting
  • Publication number: 20130207007
    Abstract: There is provided a method of avoiding deterioration of the accuracy in the number of detected light-emitting particles due to that two or more light-emitting particles are encompassed at a time in the light detection region in the scanning molecule counting method using an optical measurement with a confocal microscope or a multiphoton microscope. In the inventive optical analysis technique, in the detection of an individual signal indicating light of a light-emitting particle by selectively detecting a signal having an intensity beyond a threshold value as a signal indicating light of a light-emitting particle in light intensity data produced through measuring light intensity during moving the position of a light detection region in a sample solution, the threshold value is set so that a signal indicating light from a light-emitting particle encompassed in a region narrower than the light detection region will be detected selectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8507886
    Abstract: Optical sensor system on a device for the treatment of liquids with at least one device for the projecting of light in the direction of an optical axis onto at least one illumination area in the space, an adjustment device for the adjustment of the relative position of the at least one illumination area and a boundary surface in a direction diagonal to the optical axis, an adjustment device for the adjustment of the relative position of the at least one illumination area and the boundary surface in the direction of the optical axis, a control device for controlling the adjustment devices, such that they simultaneously adjust the relative position of the at least one illumination area and the boundary surface diagonal to the at least one device for the imaging of the at least one illumination area during the adjustment of the relative position onto at least one photodetector and an evaluation device connected with the at least one photodetector for the evaluation of the at least one measurement signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Eppendorf AG
    Inventors: Reinhold Götz, Kurt Harnack, Helmut Knofe, Jens-Peters Kroog, Peter Scheffler
  • Patent number: 8502181
    Abstract: A system for electro-hydrodynamically extracting energy from wind includes an upstream collector that is biased at an electric potential and induces an electric field. An injector introduces a particle into the electric field. The wind drag on the particle is at least partially opposed by a force of the electric field on the particle. A sensor monitors an ambient atmospheric condition, and a controller changes a parameter of the injector in response to a change in the atmospheric condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Accio Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: David Carmein, Dawn White
  • Patent number: 8501015
    Abstract: A centrifuge for separating blood having a camera observing fluid flow, and a controller controlling the flow. The location of an interface is detected by image processing steps, which may comprise the steps of “spoiling” the image, “diffusing” the image, “edge detection”, “edge linking”, “region-based confirmation”, and “interface calculation”. “Spoiling” reduces the number of pixels to be examined preferentially on orthogonal axis oriented with respect to the expected location of the interface or phase boundary. “Diffusing” smoothes out small oscillations in the interface boundary, making the location of the interface more distinct. “Edge detection” computes the rate of change in pixel intensity. “Edge linking” connects adjacent maxima. “Region-based confirmation” creates a pseudo image of the regions that qualify as distinct. “Final edge calculation” uses the points where the shade changes in the pseudo image, averages the radial displacement of these points for the interface position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Fletcher, William Sweat, Jeremy Kolenbrander, Aditya Dalvi, John R. Linder
  • Patent number: 8481987
    Abstract: Devices and methods for degrading contaminants that may foul a sensor. A photocatalyst associated with the sensor is capable of interacting with a light source to prevent contamination of the sensor and/or to facilitate decontamination of the sensor by contaminants such as, but not limited to, organic compounds, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), organometallic compounds, soot, organic matter, bacteria, algae, eggs of aquatic organisms, planktonic larvae, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventor: Ryo Omoda
  • Publication number: 20130161517
    Abstract: An adjustable aperture device for an electromagnetic radiation detecting apparatus includes a position adjustment body configured for adjusting a position of a selected aperture hole of multiple selectable aperture holes, where electromagnetic radiation propagates through the selected aperture hole. The adjustable aperture device further includes a guide unit configured for guiding the position adjustment body along a predefined guide direction, and an aperture body defining the aperture holes and including multiple engagement sections, where the adjustment body is engagable in a selectable one of the engagement sections to thereby select the selected aperture hole. The adjustable aperture device further includes a pre-loading element configured for pre-loading the position adjustment body towards the aperture body, and a drive unit configured for driving the aperture body to move so that the position adjustment body is engaged in a respective one of the plurality of engagement sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
  • Patent number: 8471231
    Abstract: The invention provides an optical drop detection system (10), for a low-flow metering device of the type having a drop generator 12, 24, (19), the system comprising at least one optical transmitter (26) which produces a plurality of light beam pulses (28) of microsecond duration and at millisecond intervals, and at least one optical receiver (33) positioned to register receipt of the light pulses (28) transmitted through the path of drops (18) generated by the drop generator (12, 24, 19) and to record the number of pulses which hit a given drop and which do not register on the receiver (32), the frequency and strength of the pulses being calibrated so that a single drop is impinged upon by a plurality of pulses, and further comprising automatic feed-back means for adjusting the parameters of interaction between the at least one optical transmitter (26) and the at least one optical receiver (32) to produce and maintain a predetermined minimum and a predetermined maximum number of hits per drop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Flowsense Ltd
    Inventor: Ilan Paz
  • Patent number: 8471230
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.
    Inventors: Cheng Frank Zhong, Paul Lundquist, Mathieu Foquet, Jonas Korlach, Hovig Bayandorian
  • Patent number: 8471513
    Abstract: During rain, including a light source (5) for radiating light such that the light is transmitted through a vehicle window (2), a light receiving element (6) for sensing an optical signal when the light radiated from the light source (5) is reflected from the raindrop fallen on the vehicle window (2) and performing a photoelectric transduction, and a receiver (9) for receiving the photoelectrically transduced signal from the light receiving element (6) and judging the level of rainfall. The light source (5) and the light receiving element (6) are inclined with respect to the surface of the vehicle window (2) such that the light of the light source (5) directly reflected from the vehicle window (2) exits to the outside of the light receiving element (6) and the light reflected from a raindrop (8) on the vehicle window (2) is received by the light receiving element (6) to operate a vehicle wiper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Sea Yeoun Han
  • Publication number: 20130135618
    Abstract: Analysis methods and apparatus are provided for inspecting a channel, such as a capillary electrophoresis channel, in a device. Configuration and alignment systems are provided, together with optical systems and temperature control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: BioAccel
    Inventor: BioAccel
  • Publication number: 20130112900
    Abstract: A calibration method for calibrating a measurement device for measuring a concentration of a gas dissolved in a liquid includes varying the concentration of the gas dissolved in the liquid, and predetermining, as a reference concentration, a concentration of the gas at which an intensity of luminescence produced when the liquid is irradiated with ultrasonic waves shows a peak. The liquid is illuminated with ultrasonic waves while varying the concentration of the gas in the liquid and a measured value is measured, using the measurement device, as a concentration of the gas in the liquid when the intensity of the luminescence shows a peak. The measurement device is calibrated based on the measured value and the reference concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: SILTRONIC AG
    Inventors: Teruo Haibara, Yoshihiro Mori, Etsuko Kubo, Masashi Uchibe
  • Patent number: 8436329
    Abstract: A LASER based system for analysis of fluids utilizing frequency shift analysis. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the liquid for analysis is reduced to a gaseous state so that it can be injected into an extended LASER cavity, so as to detect minute frequency shifts caused by the various gases in the cavity via sensors associated with the cavity. The present invention thereby provides stable detection system, with microprocessor-based electronics, which can be used to provide analyses of the gases, and thus the input liquids and its markers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: AMR Trust
    Inventors: Michael Dean Reifel, Mitchell Hayes Reifel
  • Patent number: 8436292
    Abstract: To provide a lubricant deterioration detecting device having a high degree of freedom in arranging within the bearing assembly or the like and capable of stably detecting the status of deterioration of the lubricant without being affected by the thickness of the lubricant and a change in temperature and also to provide a detector incorporated bearing assembly equipped with such lubricant deterioration detecting device, the lubricant deterioration detecting device includes a light source, a plurality of light detecting components for detecting rays of light emitted from the light source and subsequently transmitted through a lubricant, and a determining unit. The plural light detecting components have respective light detecting faces sequentially displaced in position. The determining unit compares respective signal strengths of outputs from the plural light detecting components to detect the status of deterioration of the lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Takahashi, Akio Nakajima
  • Patent number: 8433526
    Abstract: A method of determining a steam quality of a wet steam located in an interior of a steam turbine includes emitting from an optical probe a plurality of wavelengths through the wet steam, measuring with the optical probe a wet steam intensity corresponding to each of the plurality of wavelengths emitted through the wet steam, determining an intensity ratio vector by dividing the wet steam intensity by a corresponding dry steam intensity for each of the plurality of wavelengths, successively applying scaling factors to the intensity ratio vector to obtain a scaled intensity ratio vector, calculating a suitable value for each of the scaling factors to obtain a plurality of residuals, determining a minimum residual of the plurality of residuals, determining a droplet size distribution by calculating the droplet number density corresponding to the minimum residual, and determining the steam quality based on the droplet size distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Binayak Roy, Tao Guo
  • Patent number: 8431412
    Abstract: A microflow analytical system includes a laminate pump assembly connectable with one or more sources of fluid, one or more pneumatic control pumps, a mixer, and a sensor. The laminate pump assembly is adapted to deliver predetermined volumes of the fluid(s) through a plurality of flow paths which are formed within layers of the assembly. Each flow path can include an inlet valve, a pump valve, and an outlet valve each of which are controllable by the pneumatic control pumps. A series of manifolds can be formed within the layers of the pump assembly to provide for simultaneous activation of selected flow paths. Delivered fluid volumes can be mixed in the mixer which, in some embodiments, may be integral with the laminate pump assembly. The sensor can measure one or more characteristics of the mixed fluids to determine one or more properties of the fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Tokhtuev, Christopher Owen, Anna Pilipchenko
  • Patent number: 8421047
    Abstract: A system for electro-hydrodynamically extracting energy from wind includes an upstream collector that is biased at an electric potential and induces an electric field. An injector introduces a particle into the electric field. The wind drag on the particle is at least partially opposed by a force of the electric field on the particle. A sensor monitors an ambient atmospheric condition, and a controller changes a parameter of the injector in response to a change in the atmospheric condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Accio Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: David Carmein, Dawn White
  • Patent number: 8398939
    Abstract: A microfluidic test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing configured for hand-held portability, the outer casing having an inlet for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, a hybridization chamber mounted in the casing, the hybridization chamber containing electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes for detecting the target nucleic acid sequences, each of the ECL probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, and electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, wherein, the hybridization chamber has a volume less than 900,000 cubic microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Mehdi Azimi, Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 8398940
    Abstract: A test module for excitation of electrochemiluminescent probes configured to detect target nucleic acid sequences, the test module having an outer casing having a receptacle for receiving a fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, a detection photosensor for exposure to the photons emitted by the ECL luminophores, control circuitry providing the electrical pulse to the electrodes, and, a universal serial bus (USB) connection such that the outer casing is configured as a USB drive for transmitting data regarding detection of the targets in the fluid to an external device, wherein during use, the ECL probes that have detected one of the target nucleic acid sequences reconfigure such that the functional moiety do
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Alireza Moini, Mehdi Azimi
  • Patent number: 8399873
    Abstract: A waterproof sensing device including a base, a rear cover, a sensing module, and a lens is provided. The rear cover is selectively rotatably disposed on the base, wherein the rear cover has a side wall to enclose an accommodation space. The sensing module is disposed in the accommodation space. The lens covers the rear cover on the edge of the side wall of the rear cover and seals the accommodation space. A waterproof treatment is disposed between the lens and the edge of the side wall, such that moisture is prevented from intruding into the accommodation space to cause damage, no matter where the sensing device is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Emcom Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Chu-Li Wang
  • Patent number: 8394340
    Abstract: A microfluidic test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing having an inlet for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrode pairs for receiving an electrical pulse, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probe spots in contact with each of the electrode pairs respectively, the ECL probe spots containing ECL probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, such that the electrical pulse to the electrode pair excites the ECL luminophores, wherein, the mass of the ECL probes in each of the probe spots is less than 270 picograms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Geneasys Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Kia Silverbrook, Mehdi Azimi
  • Patent number: 8388910
    Abstract: A portable test module for excitation of electrochemiluminescent probes configured to detect target nucleic acid sequences, the test module having an outer casing configured for hand-held portability, the outer casing having a receptacle for receiving a fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, and, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, wherein during use, the ECL probes that have detected one of the target nucleic acid sequences reconfigure such that the functional moiety does not quench the photon emission from the ECL luminophore when excited by the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Mehdi Azimi, Kia Silverbrook, Alireza Moini
  • Patent number: 8383065
    Abstract: A test module for detecting target nucleic acid sequences in a fluid, the test module having an outer casing having a receptacle for receiving the fluid containing the target nucleic acid sequences, electrochemiluminescent (ECL) probes having an ECL luminophore for emitting photons when in an excited state and a functional moiety for quenching photon emission from the ECL luminophore by resonant energy transfer, electrodes for receiving an electrical pulse to excite the ECL luminophores, and, a detection photosensor for exposure to the photons emitted by the ECL luminophores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventors: Alireza Moini, Mehdi Azimi, Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 8368896
    Abstract: Configurations herein include a novel process, system, etc., to measure a concentration of sulfur trioxide in a gas sample including sulfur trioxide, sulfur dioxide, and water. An example system can include an optical radiation source that generates an optical signal at a plurality of vibration-rotation transitions around at least one frequency selected from the group consisting of 1396.889 cm?1, 1396.908 cm?1, 1396.962 cm?1, 1397.003 cm?1, 1397.037 cm?1, 1397.047 cm?1, and 1397.052 cm?1. The optical signal is transmitted along an optical path through the gas sample. Based on adjusting a pressure of the gas sample, each of the plurality of vibration-rotation absorption transitions associated with the sulfur trioxide can be substantially isolated from interfering absorption by the sulfur dioxide and the water vapor in the gas sample. Based on a spectral analysis, the system generates a value indicative of a concentration of sulfur trioxide in the gas sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
    Inventors: Yongquan Li, Jeffrey S. Socha, Dieter Kita
  • Patent number: 8362453
    Abstract: There is provided a rain sensor capable of adequately detecting raindrops in a captured image. The rain sensor includes: a surface light source 14 which emits light to a windshield G to cause light to be incident on a raindrop detection region T set on the windshield G at a critical angle or more; a camera 15 which is arranged on the optical path of light totally reflected by the detection region T and captures the detection region T; and a detection unit which detects raindrops adhering to the detection region T from contrast in the image captured by the camera 15; the detection unit detects the raindrops adhering to the detection region T based on at least one of the captured image in the detection region T to which light is emitted from the surface light source 14 and the captured image in the detection region T to which light is not emitted from the surface light source 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Niles Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuo Taoka
  • Patent number: 8349277
    Abstract: A test module for concentrating pathogens in a biological sample, the test module having an outer casing with a receptacle for receiving the sample, a dialysis device in fluid communication with the receptacle and configured to separate the pathogens from other constituents in the sample, and, a lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device being in fluid communication with the dialysis device and configured to analyze the pathogens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Geneasys Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Mehdi Azimi, Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 8335343
    Abstract: A method is provided for characterizing powders and powder behavior in a rotating cylindrical container by image analysis techniques. Powder is placed in a generally cylindrical container with transparent ends. The container is then placed in front of an imaging device and illuminated with a light source so the device can capture images of the powder over time. The container is then rotated at various speeds and the camera captures images of the powder at fixed time intervals. Image analysis algorithms are then used to isolate the powder information in the images and this data is used to calculate several parameters of the powder including the potential energy of the powder, the curvature of the powder, and volume of the powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Mercury Scientific Inc
    Inventors: Gregory P. Martiska, Paula L. Martiska
  • Patent number: 8333461
    Abstract: An ink cartridge for an inkjet printer is provided. The ink cartridge includes a light detection portion, a first triangular prism and a second triangular prism, made of transparent material and disposed on the light detection portion, for receiving, deflecting, or refracting light emitted by a light emitting element on the printer. Two surfaces of the second triangular prism contact ink in the ink cartridge. When the ink cartridge has ink contained therein and is installed into a printer, the light emitted by the light emitting element is totally reflected by the first triangular prism and refracted by the second triangular prism into the ink, and will not be received by a light receiving element on the printer. When the ink in the ink cartridge is exhausted, the light is totally reflected by the second triangular prism onto the first triangular prism, and then is reflected onto the light receiving element, and thus the printer detects that the ink is exhausted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Zhuhai Ninestar Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lei Qin, Xiuyuan Xu, Xiaotian Ma
  • Publication number: 20120307244
    Abstract: A microfluidic multiple channel particle analysis system (1) which allows particles (2) from a plurality of particle sources (3) to be independently simultaneously entrained in a corresponding plurality of fluid streams (4) for analysis and sorting into particle subpopulations (5) based upon one or more particle characteristics (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Cytonome/ST, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Charles Sharpe, Emanuel Tito Mendes Machado, Blair Morad, Rudolf Hulspas, Donald Francis Perrault, JR.
  • Patent number: 8319965
    Abstract: Aerosol and hydrosol particle detection systems without knowledge of a location and velocity of a particle passing through a volume of space, are less efficient than if knowledge of the particle location is known. An embodiment of a particle position detection system capable of determining an exact location of a particle in a fluid stream is discussed. The detection system may employ a patterned illuminating beam, such that once a particle passes through the patterned illuminating beam, a light scattering is produced. The light scattering defines a temporal profile that contains measurement information indicative of an exact particle location. However, knowledge of the exact particle location has several advantages. These advantages include correction of systematic particle measurement errors due to variability of the particle position within the sample volume, targeting of particles based on position, capture of particles based on position, reduced system energy consumption and reduced system complexity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Thomas H. Jeys, Antonio Sanchez-Rubio, Ronald H. Hoffeld, Jonathan Z. Lin, Nicholas M. F. Judson, George S. Haldeman, Vincenzo Daneu
  • Patent number: 8299449
    Abstract: Apparatus (1) for environmental monitoring, allowing to determine the mass concentration of air-dispersed particulate matter by operating or spy filters (F1-F6), comprising a beta radiation emitter (16) and detector (18) for detecting the mass of particulate matter settled on the operating or spy filters (F1-F6), wherein it is further provided the same beta measurement on spy filters (S 12-S1 6) exposed to the same environmental conditions of the operating filters (F1-F6) and the determination of in-air particulate matter concentration by compensation of the two measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: FAI Instruments S.R.L.
    Inventor: Antonio Febo
  • Patent number: 8294895
    Abstract: Provided is a fire detector in which an element substrate can be easily removed from and mounted into an optical case. The fire detector includes: an optical case (21); an element substrate (31), on which a light-receiving element (12) is mounted, the element substrate (31) being provided in the optical case (21); a signal line (35) passing through an introduction portion of a peripheral wall (21a) of the optical case (21), the signal line (35) being connected to the element substrate (31); and an optical cover (30) for closing an opening of the optical case (21), in which the signal line (35) is inserted into a slit (37) which is open on an upper end surface (21f) of the introduction portion of the peripheral wall (21a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Nohmi Bosai Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenichi Kato
  • Patent number: 8288746
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a laminated glass which reduces light transmittance loss of a certain region thereof at a predetermined wavelength, particularly within a near-IR (750 to 1,000 nm) range and which facilitates provision of an optical instrument employing the near-IR light without partial substitution of an intermediate film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Nippon Sheet Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Yoshimitsu Matsushita, Toru Maruyama, Hideki Okamoto
  • Patent number: 8289177
    Abstract: A photo-electric smoke detector includes a source of radiant energy and a closed loop control circuit which responds to a radiant energy feedback signal to adjust an output characteristic of the emitted radiant energy and which evaluates a quality characteristic of the emitted radiant energy. The feedback circuit and the source can be intermittently activated. Emitted radiant energy is directed toward a lens. The feedback signal is proportional to radiant energy reflected or scattered off of the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Mark C. Bohanon
  • Patent number: 8288154
    Abstract: A Nanomotion Sensor comprises a micromechanical device for the detection and characterization of specimen motions when they interact with one or an array of cantilevered sensors set in the path of the moving specimen. In particular, the present invention provides a method for direct sensing and characterization of motion, including position, torsion, magnitude and direction of velocity, acceleration, force, torque, as well as binding, which may include hydrogen bonding, electrostatic attractions, hydrophobic effects, dipole interactions, or through other forces through the deflection of a micromechanical cantilever sensor. The present invention is particularly useful for the detection and characterization of the motion of biological cells such as bacteria and sperm, biological systems including motor proteins, cilia of the hearing organ and the lining of the airways in asthmatics, and microfabricated systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Alegis Microsystems
    Inventors: Michael John Allen, Lucien Ghislain
  • Patent number: 8289178
    Abstract: A system for analyzing smoke has a plurality of units, wherein each unit includes an optical emitter for alternately directing horizontally and vertically polarized light along a beam path, and into a smoke cloud, to generate scattered light. A horizontally polarized detector and a vertically polarized detector are positioned at different locations, but at a same distance and scattering angle relative to the beam path. Each unit has a different wavelength. A computer receives signals from the detectors of all units, in response to each emitter, for analysis of the smoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Volution
    Inventors: Michael S. Slemon, Charles S. Slemon
  • Publication number: 20120248347
    Abstract: A confocal optical detector including a light source generating a first optical beam along an axis; an optoelectronic sensor; an optical focusing device, which receives and focuses the first optical beam; and a hole, which receives the first optical beam and is arranged between the optoelectronic sensor and the optical focusing device. The optoelectronic sensor is arranged between the light source and the hole. In addition, the optoelectronic sensor and the optical focusing device are aligned along the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.I.
    Inventors: Lucio Renna, Clelia Galati, Piero Giorgio Fallica
  • Patent number: 8274038
    Abstract: A method for determining quantity and/or a type of dust control agent for controlling dust of a bulk material or flowability thereof comprises dispensing a bulk material into an agitator and agitating the bulk material in the agitator to create airborne dust from the bulk material. A test method for determining a quantity and/or a type of dust control agent effective for reducing a quantity of airborne dust that separates from a bulk material during handling comprises: 1) dispensing a dust-containing bulk material into an agitator; 2) agitating the bulk material in the agitator to a degree sufficient to produce airborne dust from the bulk material; and 3) measuring a quantity of airborne dust produced from the bulk material; repeating steps 1), 2) and 3) after applying a particular dust control agent to said bulk material; and comparing the quantity of airborne dust that separates from the bulk material with and without the dust control agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: AKJ Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Cranfill, III, John C. Cranfill, Jr., Kenneth D. Burnside
  • Patent number: 8269202
    Abstract: An optical sensor device has a sensor unit which includes a light emitter (24), a light receiver (26), and a lens plate (12) that is used for coupling a pencil of rays, radiated by the light emitter (24), into and out of the pane and directing it onto the light receiver (26). The lens plate (12) includes a combined Fresnel structure (16a, 16b) having a Fresnel lens structure (18a, 18b) and a Fresnel reflector structure (20a, 20b) on a first surface (12a) facing the light emitter (24) and the light receiver (26), and a Fresnel reflector structure (22a, 22b) on an opposite, second surface (12b) facing the pane. This configuration is especially suitable for use as a rain sensor. Without the light emitter the sensor device is suitable to be used as a light sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Backes
  • Patent number: 8264688
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the accuracy of spectroscopic measurements using a cavity ringdown spectrometer (CRDS) is provided. A first aspect of the invention consists of a novel algorithm for the processing of ring-down data that significantly reduces the amplitude of an exponential fitting artifact, and thereby gives a better estimate of the actual loss. The primary cause of the artifact is the presence of an unwanted backwards-traveling wave that counter-propagates within the ringdown cavity. Scattering due to small imperfections at the cavity mirrors produces this wave and its intensity may be minimized by adjustment of the mirror positions during cavity construction. A second aspect of the invention consists of an apparatus for measuring the backscattered wave within a cavity to allow such cavity mirror adjustments to be made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Picarro, Inc.
    Inventor: Sze Tan
  • Patent number: 8242431
    Abstract: An automated de-icing system for a low power lighting device having a light emitting face. The system includes one or more detectors for detecting conditions under which ice, frost or snow are likely to occur on the light emitting face. The system further includes a heat transfer system for transferring heat to the light emitting face and a controller for receiving data from the detector(s) and determining a likelihood of ice, frost or snow forming on the light emitting face. The controller engages the heat transfer system if the likelihood of ice, frost or snow forming on the light emitting face exceeds a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: GE Lighting Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Eden Dubuc, Dan Mihai, Christian Auger
  • Patent number: 8236573
    Abstract: A microflow analytical system includes a laminate pump assembly connectable with one or more sources of fluid, one or more pneumatic control pumps, a mixer, and a sensor. The laminate pump assembly is adapted to deliver predetermined volumes of the fluid(s) through a plurality of flow paths which are formed within layers of the assembly. Each flow path can include an inlet valve, a pump valve, and an outlet valve each of which are controllable by the pneumatic control pumps. A series of manifolds can be formed within the layers of the pump assembly to provide for simultaneous activation of selected flow paths. Delivered fluid volumes can be mixed in the mixer which, in some embodiments, may be integral with the laminate pump assembly. The sensor can measure one or more characteristics of the mixed fluids to determine one or more properties of the fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Tokhtuev, Christopher Owen, Anna Pilipchenko
  • Publication number: 20120193555
    Abstract: An HPLC module utilizes a combination of compound-dedicated hardware providing line clearance between differing radiosynthesis and includes multiple compound-dedicated HPLC inject valves, each inject valve directing a fluid to a serially-connected HPLC column and UV flowcell so as to prevent cross-contamination between differing radiopharmaceutical syntheses. The module provides a disposable fluid path from each UV flowcell allowing for radioactive detection, fraction collection, formulation and final product dispensing. In this manner, a level of GMP compliance is achieved that is suitable for meeting the requirements of an MHRA approved site-license.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Colin Steel, Farah Shah, Sajinder Luthra
  • Patent number: 8218132
    Abstract: Particles flowed through a micro-channel are imaged by imaging means. Particle speed measuring means determines the particle speed from the image data. Particle counting means counts the particles flowed for a predetermined time. Particle size measuring means measures the size of the particles. The measurements of the particles flowed at a predetermined timing are managed by data associating means. With this, the speed, number and size of particles flowed through a micro-channel can be determined at a time, and associated data can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignees: The University of Electro-Communications, Kowa Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Yamada, Shinpei Okawa, Taisuke Hirono
  • Publication number: 20120153156
    Abstract: A system and method for standoff detection of explosives, CWAs and TICs using optical techniques. Preliminary analysis indicates detection of TNT at a distance of 0.5 km with a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 10,000. The optical/thermal techniques apparently permit unambiguous detection of the target molecules even the presence of commonly encountered interferents. The technique, named Remote Optothermal Sensor (ROSE), has the potential for standoff detection at distances greater than one (1) kilometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: C. Kumar N. Patel, Anadi Mukherjee