Abstract: A sensor device for detecting wetting on a windshield includes a light emission element for emitting a light, a first light reception element for receiving the light in a first light path that includes reflective redirection by the windshield, and a second light reception element for receiving the light in a second light path that does not include reflective redirection by the windshield. The sensor device uses a ratio of the amount of the received light by the first light reception element and the amount of the received light by the second light reception element to determine wetting on the windshield.

Abstract: A biological aerosol detector is provided. The biological aerosol detector uses a semiconductor optical source with an ultraviolet emission band to excite biological molecules in an aerosol sample. Filtering optics are configured to attenuate radiation from a secondary emission band of the optical source to prevent false signals due to scattering of secondary emission band radiation from non-biological molecules. An intake/exhaust manifold that includes an intake pipe that fits within a concentric exhaust pipe is also provided. The intake/exhaust manifold planarizes the flow of the sampled aerosol to maximize the time of irradiation. An electrostatic sampling grid is also provided to selectively draw biological molecules having a net charge into the optical chamber.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for detecting gas bubbles in a liquid adapted to a device comprising a light source, a light detector and a data controlling and processing unit connected to a client system comprising the following steps: emitting light from the light source, acquiring successive measurements of the light intensity sensed by the light detector and calculating a variation between two successive measurements of said light intensity. In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises a step which consists in comparing the variation between two successive measurements of light intensity to a threshold S. Advantageously, a warning counter is incremented by a value A when variation between two successive measurements is higher than the threshold S and decremented by a value B in the opposite case. A proportion of bubbles higher than a maximum authorized rate is detected when said warning counter exceeds a warning value C.

Abstract: A gas flux measuring device measures a region, such as a forest, as a measuring object with no influence by concomitants and with high responsiveness and excellent measuring stability. The device includes a laser beam source, laser output controller, wavelength modulation controller, first light receiver, first direct current component detector, first wavelength modulation demodulator, optical system, reference cell, second light receiver, second direct current component detector, second wavelength modulation demodulator, third wavelength modulation demodulator, analyzer, adder, temperature measurement and pressure measurement. A flow velocity measuring device directly measures horizontal 2-directional flow velocity components and a vertical directional flow velocity component of a gas flow in the measuring region and puts out these measurement signals into the analyzer.

Abstract: An improved elemental mercury analyzer utilizes a fluorescence assembly in combination with a fluorescence quenching reduction mechanism to detect the concentration of elemental mercury within an emission gas sample, via fluorescence of the mercury within the gas sample, while minimizing fluorescence quenching of the gas sample. In one arrangement, the analyzer contains the emission gas sample under a vacuum or negative pressure while detecting fluorescence of the elemental mercury within the emission gas sample. By performing fluorescence detection of the emission gas sample at reduced pressure relative to the pressure of the as-sampled emission gas, the analyzer reduces the number of particle collisions within the emission gas sample over a certain period of time. Such collisional deactivation, and/or the addition of oxygen depleted gas such as nitrogen to the gas sample, reduces fluorescence quenching of the emission gas sample, improving accuracy of detection of mercury.

Abstract: An optical device is described that include: a photoemitter for emitting light, a mounting unit for installing a transparent container accommodating a sample to be subjected to detection, a photoreceptor for receiving the light emitted by a photoemitter and transmitted through the transparent container installed in the mounting unit, a first member disposed between the transparent container and the photoreceptor and having a first pinhole through which passes the light transmitted through the transparent container, and a second member disposed between the first member and the photoreceptor and having a second pinhole through which passes the transmitted light that has passed through the first pinhole.

Abstract: An exterior element sensor can include an optical element mounted on a window. The optical element can include a cylindrical lens having both ends shaped spherically and a central portion that exerts little or no influence on exterior element detection (such as rain, snow, ice, water, liquid, debris, or other materials) when visible light transmits therethrough. In addition, infrared or other light can be used to detect exterior elements located on the window. A black filter can be employed, if desired, which blocks visible light and transmits infrared light therethrough to separate visible light from infrared light, thereby allowing the exterior element sensor to be used together with an exterior light sensor without losing accuracy.

Abstract: A device for measuring a mass flow rate of a flow of particulate material which moves in a predetermined direction. The device includes a weighing cell, a first apparatus, a second apparatus, and a third apparatus. The weighing cell includes a tubular wall and is disposed to be passed through by a flow of particulate material. The first apparatus weighs the weighing cell and the quantity of particulate material contained in the weighing cell and produces a first signal. The second apparatus measures the speed of flow of the particulate material which flows through the weighing cell and produces a second signal. The third apparatus calculates the bulk density of the particulate material, calculates the mass flow rate of particulate material which flows through the weighing cell, and produces a third signal representing the mass flow rate of particulate material which flows through the weighing cell.

Abstract: An apparatus measures a fluid level in a container. A light source emits a light beam. A light sensor can sense the light beam. An optical conduit is arranged in a container for holding fluid. The optical conduit is arranged between the light source and the light sensor along a path of the light beam, such that at least one part of the light beam passes through the optical conduit, and at least an other part of the light beam passes through the fluid when the container holds the fluid. The sensor senses the light beam when a level of the fluid coincides with the one part of the light beam passing through the optical conduit, and the sensor does not sense the light beam when the level of the fluid coincides with the other part of the light beam passing through the fluid due to internal reflection at the fluid level.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving the resolution of an electronic imaging device having an array of pixels. Sub-pixel dimension movements between an object and the array of pixels are made, and an image is formed at each position. Resulting shifted images are combined to yield an effective resolution corresponding to an array having smaller pixels. Such methods and apparatus allow optical systems with existing pixel devices to form effective images of smaller feature sizes.

Abstract: A method for reducing false detects may include emitting an infrared light beam from a primary emitter to a primary monitor detector, measuring a first voltage value using a primary receive detector and setting a primary smoke alarm flag corresponding to a primary channel if the first voltage value is above a first threshold value. The method may also include measuring a second voltage value using a secondary receive detector, setting a secondary smoke alarm flag corresponding to a secondary channel if the second voltage value is above a second threshold value and setting an alarm indicating a smoke condition if the primary smoke alarm flag and the secondary smoke alarm flag are set.

Abstract: A raindrop sensor includes a light-emitting element, a light-receiving element and a light guide body. The light-emitting element and the light-receiving element face a transparent panel. The light guide body, which is mounted on the transparent panel, includes an input lens, an input side dividing surface, an output lens and an output side dividing surface. The input lens collimates light emitted by the light-emitting element to form an input side collimated light beam. The output lens receives the collimated light beam, which is collimated by the input lens and is reflected by a reference surface of the transparent panel, to which the raindrop attaches. The output lens converges the reflected collimated light beam toward the light-receiving element. An intersection between an imaginary extension of the input side dividing surface and an imaginary extension of the output side dividing surface is located on the reference surface of the transparent panel.

Abstract: The invention herein provides for the detection of certain calcium containing endospores, and particularly pertains to the detection of bacillus anthracis by first chelating calcium ions of said endospores and then reacting the chelated calcium ions with aequorin to generate a light pulse which can then be detected by a standard liquid scintillation spectrometer.

Abstract: Multiplexer for electromagnetic radiation, e.g. UV-light, in which a single electromagnetic radiation source (203) and a single electromagnetic radiation detector (223) are connectable in turn to a plurality of sample-containing units (207(a)-207(n)). The multiplexer comprises a sled (253) movable in relation to a fixed base (255) by an actuator (281).

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus for measuring active fluorescence in liquid samples by using solid-state components. The use of solid-state devices dramatically lowers the cost, size, and power consumption of active fluorescence while improving the ruggedness and reliability. The smaller size of the solid-state devices allows them to be placed very close to the sample. This maximizes the amount of light the sample receives from the light sources and allows efficient collection of the resulting emitted light using simple and low cost optical components.

Abstract: An optoelectronic sensor for sensing wetting of a windshield includes a first circuit, and a radiation emitter and a radiation detector both arranged on the first circuit to emit radiation toward the windshield and to detect radiation reflected from the windshield. Beam shapers parallelize the emitted radiation toward the windshield and focus radiation reflected from the windshield toward the detector. A coupling element couples the emitted radiation into the windshield and couples the reflected radiation out of the windshield. A structural element is arranged between the lens holder and the coupling element. The structural element may have retaining elements for positioning a second circuit arranged between the lens holder and the structural element relative to the windshield. The structural element may have support elements for adjustably positioning the lens holder and thereby the beam shapers relative to the first circuit and the windshield.

Abstract: In a method for controlling an orienting/positioning system, the orienting system comprises at least one sensor means, an external motion detection device for detecting an externally-caused motion in the environment of the sensor means and actuator means for controlling an orienting and/or positioning action of the sensor means.

Abstract: An apparatus for document processing comprises an optical sensor including a light source, a light detector and an optical element. The optical sensor is adapted so that, during operation of the apparatus, at least a first portion of light from the source that enters the optical element travels along paths in the optical element so as to be re-directed by total internal reflection toward the detector and wherein the total internal reflection is maintained when the optical element is wet. Signals form the optical sensor may be used to determine, for example, the state of a document storage cassette or the location of a document with respect to the cassette.

Abstract: Two different kinds of fluids are sent to a flow path for measurement in which a plurality of detection sections are provided, transit time of consecutive fluid, following preceding fluid, at each detection unit is detected, and a flow speed of the fluid is found from time required for the consecutive fluid to move between the plurality of detection sections. The present invention provides a measuring apparatus which measures the flow speed and a rate of flow in the flow path with suppressing an influence from the external to the fluid thereby, and a measuring method using the measuring apparatus.

Abstract: An optical transducer for determining the presence or absence of liquid or the like in a reservoir includes a housing with a hollow interior and an optical probe that extends through the housing. The optical probe has a central axis, a proximal end positioned in the hollow interior and a distal end positioned outside of the housing. The distal end has first and second measurement surfaces that intersect at a transverse edge. The transverse edge extends at an acute angle with respect to the central axis. A light source is arranged for projecting radiant energy into the optical probe toward the distal end. A photosensor is arranged for detecting radiant energy reflected from the distal end to thereby detect the presence and absence of liquid on the optical probe.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fluid level detection are disclosed. In one embodiment, a sensor assembly includes at least one optical fiber adapted to at least one of transmit and receive an optical signal, and a moveable float member. The float member is adapted to move in a first direction as the fluid level increases and in a second direction as the fluid level decreases. The float member blocks the optical signal at a first value of the fluid level, and allows the optical signal to pass at a second value of the fluid level. The presence or absence of the optical signal is detected to determine the level of fluid.

Abstract: A photometer device including an inlet passage for receiving a fluid such as an aerosol at a specified flow rate, an outlet passage separated from the inlet passage by a gap, and a radiation passage across the gap. The flow rate and the significant dimension of the inlet passage are set to produce a laminar flow of the aerosol. The gap and the significant dimension of the outlet passage are set to maintain a laminar flow of the aerosol across the gap to prevent contamination of the radiation passage.

Abstract: A soil moisture sensor uses a non-collimated light source and a photosensor, respectively, mounted at the foci of a transparent ellipsoidal plastic body. The dimensions of the body are such that emitted light rays are internally reflected toward the photosensor at the surface of the ellipsoid if the surface is dry, but refracted outwardly of the body when the surface is wet. The amount of light reflected onto the photosensor is thus a measure of the amount of moisture at the surface of the sensor. Direct illumination of the photosensor by the light source is prevented either by interposing opaque electronic components between them on a circuit board, or by taking advantage of light source characteristics to minimize the amount of transmitted light. If a circuit board is used, it is completely encapsulated against moisture penetration by fixing it in a carrier and molding the body around and onto the carrier to form a monolithic unit with the carrier and circuit board.

Abstract: An optical switch having a housing, a light source and a light detector. The light source and light detector are located remote from the housing. The light source is connected to the housing with a first light guide, and the light detector is connected to the housing with a second light guide. The first and second light guide cables have distal ends positioned through the housing and are optically aligned but separated by a gap. The switch includes a device to interrupt a light beam that is usually adapted to removably occupy the gap.

Abstract: A system for detecting liquid flow from a nozzle in a semiconductor processing device includes a first fiber optic sensor, a second fiber optic sensor, and an amp. The first fiber optic sensor and second fiber optic sensor are located on opposite sides of at least one nozzle. The first fiber optic sensor transmits light, and the second fiber optic sensor receives more of the light when the nozzle is not dispensing liquid than when the nozzle is dispensing liquid. The amp is coupled to the first fiber optic sensor and second fiber optic sensor. The amp indicates whether the nozzle is dispensing liquid according to an amount of the light received at the second fiber optic sensor.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus uses a camera to pick up images of an image pickup target illuminated by a transmission type illumination, via optical filters, and then allows a spectral characteristic estimating section and a pigment amount estimating section to calculate a physical amount relating to the image pickup target for each pixel of the image pickup target, on the basis of the picked-up multiple band images. On this occasion, the image processing apparatus uses the optical filters the number of which is equal to the number of independent components of the calculated physical amount.

Abstract: One or more optical signals (wherein at least some of a plurality of optical signals are at different angles of travel with respect to one another and are directed towards an area comprising a movable barrier-controlled point of passage) create reflections when striking passageway boundaries as correspond to a given movable barrier. Obstacles in the pathway also give rise to reflections. By determining a time-of-flight for such reflections, one can detect a likely presence of an obstacle in such a pathway. Pursuant to one approach, such time-of-flight information can further provide information regarding a likely size of such an obstacle.

Abstract: A method for the detection and signaling of smoke by means of an optical assembly in a detector casing, the optical assembly including at least one optical transmitter element and at least one optical receiver element, and which emits a reception signal which is representative of the incident amount of light. An electronic evaluation device compares the reception signal to a setpoint and an alarm signal is generated when the reception signal reaches the predetermined threshold value. The temperature is measured on or in the detector casing and the temporal characteristic of the temperature is correlated with the temporal characteristic of the reception signal of the optical receiver element and a dew film signal is generated when the rise in the reception signal is correlated to a rise in temperature.

Abstract: The present invention aims at attaining a liquid surface level detecting apparatus, which can be used in various detection targets and usage environments without selecting a detection target, can efficiently irradiate a light to a liquid surface level detecting unit and detect a variation in a light reception amount of a light receiving means at a high sensibility, and can be excellent in durability, easy to manufacture, and be actually used. By placing a light shielding means 14 so as not to directly irradiate the light from a light emitting means 12 to a light receiving means 13, the light from the light emitting means is scattered by an optically scattering means 16, and a part of that scattering light is radiated to an outside by the liquid surface level detecting unit on a light radiating means (an optically transmitting member) 11.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving the resolution of an electronic imaging device having an array of pixels. Sub-pixel dimension movements between an object and the array of pixels are made, and an image is formed at each position. Resulting shifted images are combined to yield an effective resolution corresponding to an array having smaller pixels. Such methods and apparatus allow optical systems with existing pixel devices to form effective images of smaller feature sizes.

Abstract: A flowmeter has a variable area, vertically-oriented duct through which flows fluid whose flow rate is to be determined. A float in the duct assumes a position in the duct that depends on the flow rate of fluid in the duct. A window is located at an end of the duct in alignment with a longitudinal axis of the duct. A transducer unit projects a light beam through the window and along the axis toward the float. The transducer includes a light sensor that detects light returned by the float by reflection or some other mechanism to the transducer unit. The intensity or other characteristic of the returned light indicates the position of the float in the duct, from which the fluid flow rate may be determined.

Abstract: A soil moisture sensor has a cylindrical body of transparent cyclic olefin polymer (COC). A pair of axially spaced cavities tapered toward each other are formed in the body. A light source is placed in one of the cavities, and a light sensor is placed in the other. The walls of the cavities are so curved that divergent light rays from the light source are refracted at the cavity-body interface into parallelism, and that reflected parallel rays are refracted at the body-cavity interface so as to focus on the light sensor. The parallel rays coming from the light source are reflected or refracted at the outer surface of the body, depending upon whether the ambient environment of the sensor is dry or wet.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus includes a sensor well unit having a plurality of sample wells, which are formed in a dielectric block and a thin film layer provided on the inner bottom surface of each sample well. A light beam projector causes a plurality of light beams to impinge upon the interfaces of the inner bottom surfaces of one-dimensionally arranged sample wells out of the plurality of sample wells and the thin film layers at various angles of incidence so that total internal reflection conditions are satisfied at each of the interfaces, and the light beams reflected at the respective interfaces are received by a photodetector. A longitudinal tilt measuring system measures a longitudinal tilt of the interface from a predetermined reference position, and a corrected measured value corrected according to the longitudinal tilt measured by the longitudinal tilt measuring system is obtained.

Abstract: A method for creating large numbers of high-quality optical traps in arbitrary three-dimensional configurations and dynamically reconfiguring the traps under computer control. The method uses computer-generated diffractive optical elements to convert one or more optical tweezers into one or more optical vortices. The method involves combining the optical vortex technique with the holographic optical tweezer technique to create multiple optical vortices in arbitrary configurations. The method also involves employing the rotation induced in trapped particles by optical vortices to assemble clusters of particles into functional micromachines, to drive previously assembled micromachines, to pump fluids through microfluidics channels, to control flows of fluids through microfluidics channels, to mix fluids within microfluidics channels, to transport particles, to sort particles and to perform other related manipulations and transformations on matter over length scales.

Abstract: A compact particle sensor for detecting suspended particles includes a housing, a light source, a light receiver and a plurality of optical elements. The housing provides a test chamber and includes at least one opening for admitting particles into the test chamber, while simultaneously substantially preventing outside light from entering the test chamber. The light source is positioned for supplying a light beam within the test chamber. The plurality of optical elements are positioned to direct the light beam from the light source to the receiver, which is positioned to receive the light beam supplied by the light source.

Abstract: Excess oxygen in the combustion process of a facility that bums carbon-based fuels may cause a visible plume in the atmosphere at the stack of the facility. Traditional optical based opacity monitors may be unable to detect this plume or the plume may form at a location downstream from the opacity monitor toward the stack. The present invention discloses methods to utilize common combustion control variables to detect and signal the presence of a visible plume of exhaust gasses. Also disclosed are systems that detect the visible plume and provide a signal so that the combustion process may be manually or automatically adjusted to reduce or eliminate the visible plume.

Abstract: A content detecting apparatus uses a signal from a light-receiving part receiving light projected from a light emitting part to detect ink in an ink cartridge. The light-emitting part and the light-receiving part are arranged with differing optical axes. The ink cartridge has reflecting parts for reflecting projected light from the light-emitting part so the projected light reaches the light-receiving part when remaining content is present when the ink cartridge is properly set and with an inclined interface located in a path along which projected light from the light-emitting part reaches the light-receiving part, for switching between permeation and reflection according to the presence and/or absence of remaining content. The inclined interface is permeated along the path with projected light form the light-emitting part when remaining content is present and reflects projected light from the light-emitting part out of the path when remaining content is absent.

Abstract: A sensitive fluid sensor for detecting fluids and particularly trace fluids. The sensor may be adjustable for detecting fluids of various absorption lines. To effect such adjustment, a tunable laser may be used. The laser may be an edge emitting diode, a VCSEL or other tunable source. The detection apparatus of the sensor may incorporate a sample cell through which a laser light may go through. The sample cell may comprise a tunable ring-down cavity. The ring-down cavity may be a ring laser cavity like that of a ring laser gyroscope. There may be a photo detector proximate to the ring down cavity connected to a processor.

Abstract: Several optical probes useful in downhole applications are provided. A first probe has a tip in the form of a cubical corner with the diagonal of the cubical corner aligned with the axis of the probe. A second probe has a tip formed in a 45° cone. In these designs, light will bounce respectively three times or twice, but still retain the same orientation. To facilitate drainage, the very tip of the probe may be rounded. Both designs also provide a probe with a large numerical aperture and both are useful for detecting reflectance and the holdup of a multiphase fluid. A third probe uses (hemi)spherical or paraboloid probe tip. The third probe tip has a small numerical aperture and is useful for detecting fluorescence and oil velocity. In all three embodiments, the base behind the probe tip may be tapered to facilitate fluid drainage.

Abstract: An optical sensor comprises at least one bundle comprising a plurality of optical fibers and a plurality of separate fluid-tight longitudinally extending ducts; and fluid connectors for introducing fluids selectively into at least some of said ducts. Test cells are formed (a) by array members with a pattern of holes or recesses applied to the end of the bundle, or sandwiched between the ends of two bundles or (b) within the fibers in cases where a duct overlaps with the optical field of the fiber. Usually others of the ducts serve to remove fluid from the test cells.

Abstract: A sensor having an input to an interferometer. The input may receive emissions from a detected fluid. The output of the interferometer may be focused on an array of light detectors. Electrical signals from the detectors may go to a processor. The output of the processor may include a spectrum of the detected fluid. Also, the identity of the fluid may be determined.

Abstract: An optical transducer for determining the presence or absence of liquid or the like in a reservoir includes an electrical circuit with a pulse generator and processing electronics to filter out ambient light and compensate for temperature changes. A comparator circuit portion includes a pair of comparators that simultaneously output high and low signals when in the presence of liquid. One of the outputs can be selected to drive an indicator, pump, relay or the like.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for quantifying the oil and water fractions of a multi-phase flow stream and their respective flow rates. The hydrocarbon fractions are determined based on information gathered on their respective refractive indices when exposed to particular wavelengths of light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining at least one energy property of a gaseous mixture which consists in: 1. measuring, on said gaseous mixture, n physical properties ?i at a temperature T and/or one physical property ?i at n different temperatures; 2. determining, from said physical properties, the composition of a gas with n+1 components that is equivalent to said mixture; and 3. deducing the energy properties of said gaseous mixture from said composition of the equivalent gas.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving the resolution of an electronic imaging device having an array of pixels. Sub-pixel dimension movements between an object and the array of pixels are made, and an image is formed at each position. Resulting shifted images are combined to yield an effective resolution corresponding to an array having smaller pixels. Such methods and apparatus allow optical systems with existing pixel devices to form effective images of smaller feature sizes.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring fluid motion with micron scale spatial resolution, in which fluorescent particles are injected into a fluid body in a test device, the test device is broadly illuminated with pulses of light at the excitation frequency of the fluorescent particles, the fluorescent light is collected by a microscope objective lens, and the light thus collected is relayed through a fluorescent filter to an image recording device, the depth of field of the objective lens defining the thickness of a two-dimensional measurement plane.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing of an optical fiber with a decoupling interface for scattered light to monitor the power of light guided through the optical fiber, where the optical fiber has a core having a first refractive index and a cladding surrounding the core, the cladding having a second refractive index smaller than the first refractive index, and where a portion of the optical fiber is substantially straightly aligned in the region of the decoupling interface, in which method the optical fiber is electro-thermally treated at an intermediate position within the substantially straightly aligned portion such that a partial mixture of core material and cladding material and, thereby, formation of scattering centers occurs in an interface region between the core and said the cladding, thereby forming the decoupling interface for scattered light from the modified intermediate position.

Abstract: An inexpensive, optical position sensor for measuring a position or length, x, along a one-dimensional curvilinear, coordinate system. The sensor can be used, for example, to determine the position of an interface between a clear and an opaque fluid (such as crude oil and water). In one embodiment, the sensor utilizes the principle of dual-fluorescence, where a primary fiber emits primary fluorescent light and a parallel secondary fiber collects a portion of the primary fluorescent light that is not blocked by the opaque fluid. This, in turn, excites secondary fluorescence in the secondary fiber at a longer wavelength. A light detector measures the intensity of secondary fluorescence emitted from an end of the secondary fiber, which is used to calculate the unknown position or length, x. Side-emitting fibers can be used in place of, or in addition to, fluorescent fibers. The all-optical sensor is attractive for applications involving flammable liquids.

Abstract: A signal processing method and a signal processing device are provided in which a signal obtained from an object as an input signal, a time lag signal is generated from the input signal, a difference between the input signal and the time lag signal, and the generation of the difference is detected, so that a portion of the object at a position where the difference is generated is featured.

Abstract: A method and a device for detecting an analyte, including a substrate having a chemically selective surface; and a fluidic system disposed on the substrate, the manifold having at least one fluid path in communication with at least a discrete region of the surface, wherein the one fluid path and the discrete region together define a contained sample region on the surface. The fluidic system has a removable portion, wherein the removal of the removable portion of the fluidic system renders the discrete region directly interrogatable by a surface-based analytical tool.