Abstract: The present invention provides a heat-reflecting windshield that includes a laminated glass sheet and a detecting device for optically detecting a target object such as water droplets. The laminated glass sheet includes a first glass sheet, a heat-reflecting film formed on the first glass sheet, an intermediate film and a second glass sheet. The detecting device is disposed on a main surface of the laminated glass such that a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element in the device are arranged in a predetermined region of the main surface, and the predetermined region is rubbed by a windshield wiper. The heat-reflecting film includes at least three dielectric layers and at least two metal layers, and the heat-reflecting film is not formed in said predetermined region.

Abstract: A device for measuring the concentration of a gas contained in a cavity and for checking the operation of a catalytic element in an exhaust line in an automobile vehicle. A first emitter (E1) composed of an optical pumped micro-cavity and for which the emission spectrum is within the gas absorption band emits a first radiation that passes through the cavity. A second emitter emits a second radiation that passes through the cavity. A receptor measures the optical intensity (I) of the radiation that passed through the cavity.

Abstract: A bathyphotometer system is described for detecting photoluminescent signals excited by a grid disposed in a marine vehicle. The system uses photodiodes to convert the optical signals into electrical signals which are sampled, integrated and coupled to output terminals for transmission to a surface host vehicle. In one embodiment the signals are digitized and encoded as FSK tones for transmission to the surface host vehicle.

Abstract: A gas sensor, which could be a sensor of combustible gases, incorporates a diffusion chamber having symmetrical sensing and reference portions. A common source emits infrared-type radiant energy symmetrically into the two portions. Each portion incorporates a curved reflective surface which reflects incident infrared onto a respective sensor. Each sensor has a filter which passes a different selected band of energy. A fluid, such as gas being sensed, passes laterally through the chamber.

Abstract: An optical apparatus for measuring the velocity of flowing biomaterials is disclosed, which has a coherent light source for projecting a light beam with low coherent length; a reference member having mirrors for periodically reflecting lights thereon; a photo detector for receiving photo signals; a splitter for splitting said light beam from said coherent light source into a reference beam and a detecting beam. The disclosed optical apparatus can save the time for complicate computation and the cost of software or hardware for measuring the flowing velocity of biomaterials, especially the flowing velocity of flowing bloods in vessels.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evaluating the quality of a sample of a product, an ingredient, an environment or process by measuring multiple parameters thereof, including light emitted from a reacting sample containing ATP, ADP, alkaline phosphatase or other parameters such as pH, temperature, conductivity, reduction potential, dissolved gases, specific ions, and microbiological count. The apparatus comprises an integrated sample testing device used to collect a sample, mix reagents, react the sample, and collect it in a measurement chamber. The apparatus also comprises an instrument having a photon detection assembly for use with the sample testing device. The instrument can also comprise one or more sensing probes and a communication port to facilitate data collection, transfer and analysis.

Abstract: A machine tool capable of jetting atomized lubricant (h) forward from the tip of a cutter (17), characterized by comprising a lubricant jetting state detector for detecting the jetting state of the atomized lubricant from the tip of the cutter, the lubricant jetting state detector further comprising a guide member (21) having a straight inner hole (21a), wherein a light detection device for detecting the degree of transmission or reflection of the detection light due to injecting the direction light (c) to a specified position (b) inside the inner hole through a transparent member installed on the peripheral wall portion of the guide member or through the transparent peripheral wall portion of the guide member, and a fluid feed device (23) for feeding clean fluid of rather thin layer flowing in a specified direction along the longitudinal direction of the inner hole is installed near the inner surface of the transparent member or so as to cover the transparent peripheral wall portion, whereby a defective part

Abstract: A system for sensing light transmitted with reduced optical aberrations into the interior of an enclosure utilizing a liquid filled cavity. A window is disposed on the exterior surface of the enclosure for allowing light to pass into the enclosure. A lens is disposed on the interior side of the window, defining a cavity between the window and the lens. A fluid is disposed within that cavity. An optical sensor is disposed in the interior of the enclosure, and positioned to receive light through the window and the lens. The exterior surface of the window is shaped to conform to the exterior surface of the enclosure. The fluid is selected for having an index of refraction that minimizes the mismatch with the index of refraction of the window.

Abstract: In a rain sensing device, a sensing device that can estimate the size of raindrops or the like without a large amount of hardware resources, and its sensing method, and a wiper controlling apparatus using the same can be provided. In a sensing device, light emitted from a light-emitting member is introduced to a transparent plate, reflected by a sensing surface of the transparent plate and then received by a photo-detector, thereby detecting a condition of the sensing surface.

Abstract: The present invention related to a water detector for use in determining the presence of sufficient water in irrigation systems and plant cultures in general. The detector includes a probe and the presence of water in a soil induces modifications in the optical properties of the probe. The optical properties are monitored and used to control the activation or deactivation of the irrigation system, emit a warning signal or provide a reference value of water potential for monitoring purposes.

Abstract: A deposit detector in which deposit on a detection surface has a surface shape effect, and generation of a flashing phenomenon caused by irregular reflection of the light incident on the deposit from the outside is estimated. In a deposit detection mode, light emitted from a light source (10) for total reflection and total-reflected from the detection surface is received by a light-receiving element unit (50). Each element is disposed at such an angle that the light undergoes total reflection when no deposit is present or the condition of total reflection is not satisfied when deposit is present. Further, in a light-scattering deposit detection mode, light emitted from a scattering light source (20) and scattered by the detection surface is received by the light-receiving element unit (50). In an extraneous light quantity increase detection mode, extraneous light is received by the light-receiving element unit (50).

Abstract: A microfabricated detection system, comprising: a substrate chip; a chamber defined by the substrate chip to which a fluid sample is in use delivered; and at least one detector comprising at least one light-emitting diode including an organic semi-conductor element for emitting light into the chamber and at least one photocell including an organic semiconductor element for receiving light from the chamber.

Abstract: A robust gas sensor can be manufactured in a simple manner and at low cost, and have no movable optical components. A measured gas cell (3) has a wall defining a cylindrical space with a measured gas inlet. The measured gas cell (3) is limited in the longitudinal axial direction by a reflective, flat first cover element (1) and by a reflective, flat second cover element (5) arranged at a spaced location from and in parallel to the first cover element (1). The height of the measured gas cell (3) corresponds approximately to 1 to 3 times the diameter of the cover elements (1, 5). The second cover element (5) accommodates a radiation source (6) and two detector elements (23, 24) with at least one measuring detector and one reference detector. The radiation source (6) is arranged displaced by 30% to 60% of the radius of the second cover element (5) from the center of the second cover element (5).

Abstract: Systems, and components thereof, for analyzing samples. These systems include apparatus and methods for generating, transmitting, detecting, and/or analyzing light, including without limitation high-throughput optical screening devices for analyzing samples at one or more assay sites. These systems also include apparatus and methods for supporting samples for analysis, including without limitation multiwell sample holders such as microplates.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a sensor, suitable for use in the detection of an analyte in a fluid, comprising: a tube (4) defining a flow path for the fluid; a generally planar member (3) mounted in the flow path (?) such that the plane is in the direction of flow, wherein the member has, bound thereto, a ligand that interacts with the analyte, wherein interaction causes the member to flex; and means (1, 2) for the detection of the flexing.

Abstract: A method of and system for analyzing image data representative of a sequential set of images of a spray plume, each of the images being representative of a density characteristic of the spray plume (i) along a geometric plane that intersects the spray plume, and (ii) at a predetermined instant in time, that in one aspect comprises sequentially displaying the set of images so as to exhibit a time evolution of the spray plume along the geometric plane. The invention may further integrate the set of images so as to exhibit a time-average representation of the images. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a general purpose computer executing software that receives and sequentially displays the set of images so as to exhibit a time evolution of the spray plume along the geometric plane, and provides a user interface for measuring one or more spray plume parameters associated with the spray plume within one or more of the images.

Abstract: An improvement is described for use in a system that identifies particles in a fluid such as water by passing the fluid through a passage in a transparent carrier and detecting light from a laser beam that is scattered by particles, followed by comparing the scatter pattern to those of known particles, which increases the rate at which particles are detected. A plurality of transparent carriers with through passages are provided, and a narrow beam is directed through each carrier to scatter light from particles at a detect zone in each carrier passage. In one arrangement (60), the carriers (62, 64, 66) are connected in series, so a limited amount of water passes through detect zones (24A, 24B. 24C) to generate a high rate of particle detection. In another arrangement (130), the carrier passages are connected in parallel, so when a larger sample of water is available different parts of the water sample pass through different carrier passages, to again increase the rate of particle detection.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods are provided for improving detection and measurement of elements in a medium, particularly the measurement of gaseous bubbles in liquid medium, such as blood injected into a patient's body. The systems include a radiation emitter to emit radiation for traversing through a medium, and an analyzer subsystem to receive and to analyze the traversed radiation for presence and/or absence of gaseous elements in the medium. The methods include receiving at least one collection of data corresponding to at least one emitted radiation traversed through a medium, analyzing said collection of data for at least one predetermined condition; and generating a response upon detection of at least one predetermined condition.

Abstract: A fluorescence reader of the present invention detects fluorescence from a sample present on a carrier or in a solution, and the fluorescence reader includes a light source which radiates parallel light, a projection lens which converges the light from the light source, an objective lens which irradiates the sample with the light converged in a rear-side focal position, an image forming lens which forms fluorescence emitted from the sample and passed through the objective lens into an image, a light receiving pinhole disposed in an image forming position of the image forming lens, and detector which detects the fluorescence passed through the light receiving pinhole.

Abstract: In an isotopic gas analyzer, a gas injector (21) is provided for pressurizing a gas specimen in cells (11a,11b). The pressurization of the gas specimen virtually produces the same effect as increasing the concentration of carbon dioxide in the gas specimen, thereby improving an S/N ratio for the analysis and hence data reproducibility.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evaluating the quality of a sample of a product, an ingredient, an environment or a process by measuring multiple parameters thereof, including light emitted from a reacting sample containing ATP, ADP, alkaline phosphatase or other parameters such as pH, temperature, conductivity, oxidation reduction potential, dissolved gases, specific ions, and microbiological count. The apparatus comprises an integrated sample testing device used to collect a sample, mix reagents, react the sample, and collect it in a measurement chamber. The apparatus also comprises an instrument having a photon detection assembly for use with the sample testing device. The instrument can also comprise one or more sensing probes and a communication port to facilitate data collection, transfer and analysis. The method further comprises a mechanism for storing data, evaluating data, graphing data, and determining conformance to established criteria.

Abstract: A weather identification system is provided which employs a first photosensitive receiver positioned directly in the path of a beam of light a predetermined distance from a partially coherent light beam source. The first photosensitive receiver is in direct optical communication with the light beam source to produce electronic signals in response to scintillations caused by particle movement between the source and the first receiver. A second photosensitive receiver is positioned out of the path of the beam of light and is oriented at an oblique angle relative thereto to provide an output indicative of forward scattering of light from scintillations that occur in the beam of light. The signals from the second photosensitive receiver are AC coupled to provide an output indicative of rate of fluctuation and having a signal strength characteristic that even distinguishes between light drizzle and fog.

Abstract: A gas permeable probe for use in an optical analyzer for an exhaust gas stream flowing through a duct or chimney has: an elongate hollow structure having first and second ends and a side wall, with an optical cavity defined between the first and second ends within the side wall, a filter forming part of the elongate hollow structure, a mounting structure at the first end and adapted for mounting the elongate hollow structure within the duct or chimney, an optical window at the first end permitting a light beam originating from an optical analyzer to enter into the optical cavity to travel from the first end to the second end, a retroreflector provided at the second end for returning the light beam to the first end of the hollow structure, and a tube disposed within the mounting structure and having first and second opposite ends, the first opposite end being located remote from the first end of the elongate hollow structure and being closed by a first window adapted to transmit the light beam from an optic

Abstract: A sensor-mirror arrangement on a windshield of a motor vehicle with an optical sensor that is fastened on the windshield in an edge region arranged between a free field of vision of the windshield and vehicle roof, and with an inside rearview mirror that is fastened using a mirror mounting in an upper edge region between the sensor and the vehicle roof. The mirror mounting has a first fastening element that interacts with a complementary second fastening element for fastening the inside rearview mirror, which is constructed with a mirror base of the inside rearview mirror. The mirror mounting moreover has a pedestal fastened on the windshield on its side facing away from the windshield the first fastening element is formed. The pedestal is dimensioned so that the mirror base fastened to the mirror holding has a predetermined distance from the windshield, which is greater that a minimum distance if need be required for the installation and/or function of the mirror base.

Abstract: A compact particle sensor for fdetecting 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: In an apparatus for measuring a natural period of liquid in a pressure chamber formed in a head device which is provided with a nozzle orifice communicated with the pressure chamber and an actuator which varies pressure of the liquid contained in the pressure chamber, a driver generates a plurality of drive signals, each of which drives the actuator to eject a liquid droplet from the nozzle orifice under a condition different from the conditions established by the other drive signals. A light emitter emits a light beam so as to intersect a space through which the liquid droplet passes. A light receiver receives the light beam which has been passed through the space. A first calculator calculates an ejection velocity of the liquid droplet based on a timing at which the actuator is driven and a change in a photo-receiving state of the light receiver, with regard to every drive signal.

Abstract: The invention is a precipitation sensor adapted to detect water upon an automotive glass and a method for its use. The precipitation sensor includes an optical emitter and a first mirror surface in optical communication with the optical emitter. The first mirror surface is adapted to reflect and collimate light emission from the optical emitter. The precipitation sensor also includes an optical receiver and a second mirror surface in optical communication with the optical receiver. The second mirror surface is adapted to focus collimated light upon the optical receiver. The precipitation sensor further includes an intermediate reflector in optical communication with the first mirror surface and with the second mirror surface.

Abstract: In an image-recording system (10) for a dispensing head (50) with numerous dispensers (51, 52, 53, . . . ), in which a predetermined light path from a lighting device (20) to an image-recording device (40) intersects a drop release area of a drop-releasing dispenser (52), a deviating device (30) is provided with which a measuring light segment (33) is formed along a predetermined reference line through the drop release area, wherein the lighting and image-recording devices (20, 40) are spaced apart from the reference line.

Abstract: A rain sensor for a motor vehicle, having a transmitter emitting radiation, a receiver, and a holographically embodied diffractive element that has a linear-grating-like structure.

Abstract: A method of multivariate spectral analysis, termed augmented classical least squares (ACLS), provides an improved CLS calibration model when unmodeled sources of spectral variation are contained in a calibration sample set. The ACLS methods use information derived from component or spectral residuals during the CLS calibration to provide an improved calibration-augmented CLS model. The ACLS methods are based on CLS so that they retain the qualitative benefits of CLS, yet they have the flexibility of PLS and other hybrid techniques in that they can define a prediction model even with unmodeled sources of spectral variation that are not explicitly included in the calibration model. The unmodeled sources of spectral variation may be unknown constituents, constituents with unknown concentrations, nonlinear responses, non-uniform and correlated errors, or other sources of spectral variation that are present in the calibration sample spectra.

Abstract: For adjusting output voltages of a turbidity sensor which is used for measuring the turbidity of a medium by means of a radiation at least partially propagating through the medium being emitted from a sender and being received by a receiver, ohmic loads for the receiver on its output side are adjusted such that desired output voltages are obtained.

Abstract: A multicolor particle analyzer and method is described. The particles which either naturally fluoresce or are tagged to fluoresce at distinctive wavelengths are caused to flow through an analyzing volume where fluorescence is excited by an impinging light beam. A tunable optical filter repetitively and sequentially passes emitted light at each of the characteristic wavelengths and the light transmitted through the optical filter is received by single detector which provides output signals representing particles at each distinct wavelength.

Abstract: Light-sensitive sensor unit, especially for the automatic switching of illuminating equipment, preferably in motor vehicles, which includes at least two light-sensitive sensors, at least a first sensor and a second sensor detecting the light conditions in predetermined directions. For this purpose, all light-conducting elements allocated to the sensors are to be connected in one piece as a light-conducting member and integrated into the light-conducting member of a rain sensor.

Abstract: A dispersion light smoke detector has a structure for providing a definite measuring volume, the structure being formed as two light receivers or an imaging optical system for one light receiver.

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: A rain sensor, particularly for a motor vehicle, includes a light-conducting member arranged in an intermediate layer of a glass, and is designed as an optically closed system.

Abstract: An automatically testable obscuration detector incorporates one of an electrically controllable filter or a mechanically selected filter. Filtered outputs can be compared to expected outputs by control circuitry to automatically assess detector operation.

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.

Abstract: An interior rearview mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle includes a interior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to an interior portion of the vehicle. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes a housing and a reflective element included within the housing. The mirror system further includes a video device (which includes an imaging sensor) and a control. The imaging sensor is positioned at the interior rearview mirror assembly and has a field of view forward and through the windshield. The imaging sensor is operable to at least sense precipitation at an interior and/or exterior surface of the windshield. The control receives a signal from the imaging sensor and is operable to control at least one of a headlamp of the vehicle, a windshield wiper of the vehicle, a defogging system of the vehicle and a movable window of the vehicle in response to the signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for imaging time resolved fluorescence in biochemical and medical samples. In a primary aspect, the device includes a lens of large aperture, a flash lamp in the illumination path, a fast-acting solid state shutter or a gated detector in the emission path, a device for delivering homogenous monochromatic illumination to a plurality of wells distributed within a microwell plate, a digital camera of high quantum efficiency, and a computer under computer control, the lamp is pulsed at short intervals. The fast-acting emission shutter or gated detector operates to limit exposure of the camera to a period some microseconds after the extinction of each lamp pulse, during which only delayed fluorescence is transmitted to the camera. The invention achieves simultaneous time resolved imaging of a plurality of samples, with high sensitivity and high throughput.

Abstract: An optical moisture detector for determining a value corresponding to ambient light conditions and comparing that value to a predetermined value. The detector includes an optical moisture sensor and a processor. The optical moisture sensor can be a photo array, a CCD or a CMOS. The processor can be a microprocessor. The processor can emit a control signal to engage or disengage a light generating device based on the result of the comparison of the value to the predetermined value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining at least one energy property of a gaseous mixture which consists in:

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for use in performing a quantitative analysis of a turbid pharmaceutical sample, e.g. a tablet, a capsule or a similar sample forming a pharmaceutical dose. A pharmaceutical, turbid sample (24) is irradiated with an excitation beam (20) of radiation, e.g. near infrared radiation. The intensity of emitted radiation (30) from the sample (24) is detected as a function of both the wavelength of the emitted radiation and the photon propagation time through said sample (24). Optionally, the intensity of the emitted radiation (30) from the sample (24) is also detected in a spatially resolved manner.

Abstract: Described is an optical element having plural electrodes and, disposed therebetween, a stimuli-responsive polymer gel, a liquid which can be absorbed therein and an ion supplying material. As the ion supplying material, preferred is a material showing a volumetric change, in the form of the element, of 0 to 100% under external stimuli. According to the present invention, a novel optical element showing a large change in light transmittance, reflectance or absorption amount and exhibits stable optical properties in repetition can be provided.

Abstract: A particle sizing method and apparatus of the PIDS type uses randomly polarized radiation to irradiate a particle sample. Portions of the resulting side scattering pattern are decomposed to simultaneously produce, for each decomposed portion, first and second linearly polarized beams of radiation in which the respective planes of polarization of the two beams are mutually perpendicular. Each of the polarized beams is focused onto a photodetector, and the respective photodetector outputs are differentiated to provide PIDS signals that are useful in calculating a particle size distribution for the sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission sensor (1) for measuring the turbidity of a fluid, comprising a first and a second measuring section (2, 3). A transmitter (6) emits electromagnetic radiation into the two measuring sections (2, 3). A first receiver (14) is allocated to the first measuring section (2) and a second receiver (15) is allocated to the second measuring section (3). The transmitter (6) is inserted into a transmitter carrier (8) in such a way that the transmitter (6) is forced to adopt a predetermined oriented position. The receivers (14, 15) are inserted into a receiver carrier (18) in such a way that each of said receivers (14, 15) is forced to adopt a predetermined oriented position. A transmitter carrier holder (9) forcibly positions the transmitter carrier (8) in a predetermined location and a receiver carrier holder (19) forcibly positions the receiver carrier (18) in a predetermined location.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a system for measuring a level of a fluid comprises a light source adapted to generate light having a predetermined wavelength, an optical waveguide slab at least partially filled with a material adapted to fluoresce when illuminated by the light having a predetermined wavelength, and a light pipe. The light pipe is adapted to transmit the light having a predetermined wavelength to the optical waveguide slab at an angle that causes the light to be internally reflected only within a portion of the optical waveguide slab located above the fluid thereby illuminating the fluorescent material within the portion of the optical waveguide slab located above the fluid. The preferred embodiment also comprises a photo-multiplier tube adapted to generate an electrical output in response to the fluorescence of the fluorescent material.

Abstract: A rain sensor for a vehicle including a light emitting device and a light receiving device that receives a portion of light reflected by a windshield is provided. The rain sensor comprises a variable resistor device and a control unit. The variable resistor device realizes a specific resistance that relates to an output value of the rain sensor. The control unit is configured to calculate infrared ray transmissivity of the windshield based on one or more parameters of the rain sensor, and to control the variable resistor device such that the resistance of the variable resistor device is determined according to the calculated transmissivity.

Abstract: A rain sensor for a motor vehicle is proposed, having a transmitter (16) emitting radiation, a receiver (18), and a holographically embodied diffractive element (22a, 22b) that has a linear-grating-like structure.

Abstract: A data collection method for scanning a scan window comprising one or more channels is described. In the method of the invention an integrated signal (S) is measured across a scan window including one or more channels using an integrating detector. Next, a velocity-normalized integrated signal (Sn) is determined based on the integrated signal (S) and a scan velocity.