Utilizing A Spectrophotometer (i.e., Plural Beam) Patents (Class 356/319)
  • Patent number: 7911615
    Abstract: An apparatus for inspection of fluids having a fluid analysis cell with a cavity therein enclosed by two light transmitting windows and having a spacer member fixedly positioned therebetween which provides a fluid analysis chamber of fixed pathlength where fluid flows by the windows and preferably wherein the flow laminar and at a uniform shear to provide accurate color measurements. Light transmitting and receiving probes are positioned adjacent to the viewing windows and wherein the faces of each probe are contiguous and flush with the viewing windows but are separated from the flow by the viewing windows, so that transmission measurements can be taken orthogonal to the direction of flow. The apparatus is particularly useful in the manufacture of dispersions and tints used in the manufacture of paints, so that the color of material being made can be accurately matched to a standard color in the wet state with confidence that the color will match in the dry state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Anthony J. Martino, Ken Stephen Schermacher, Larry Eugene Steenhoek, Timothy Aaron Snyder, Robert Averitt, Robert E. Bucher
  • Patent number: 7903260
    Abstract: A system for characterizing material properties in miniature semiconductor structures performs a scatterometry analysis on inelastically scattered light. The system can include a narrowband probe beam generator and a detector. A single wavelength probe beam from the narrowband probe beam generator produces scattered light from a measurement pattern on a test sample. The scattered light is measured by the detector, and the measurement data (e.g., Raman spectrum) is used in a scatterometry analysis to determine material properties for the measurement pattern. The detector can measure either incoherent inelastically scattered light (e.g., using a spectrometer) or coherent inelastically scattered light (e.g., using an array detector). If the measurement pattern dimensions are substantially similar to actual device dimensions, the material property distributions determined for the measurement pattern can be applied to the actual devices on the test sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Corporation
    Inventor: Gary R. Janik
  • Publication number: 20110026021
    Abstract: The optical assemblies disclosed herein advantageously utilize a beamsplitting apparatus in association with either (i) the illumination path or (ii) the collection path of a color measurement instrument. For implementations involving the illumination path, the beamsplitting apparatus may be configured to spectrally divide one or more initial beams of light so as to emit a plurality of resultant beams of light, wherein the optical assembly is configured to illuminate a target using at least a first and a second of the plurality of resultant beams of light. Similarly, for implementations involving the collection path, the beamsplitting apparatus may be configured to spectrally divide light received from a target so as to emit a plurality of resultant beams of light, wherein the optical assembly is configured to detect at least a first and a second of the plurality of resultant beams of light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: X-RITE, INC.
    Inventors: Steven Henry Peterson, Harold VanAken
  • Publication number: 20110001967
    Abstract: In a localized surface plasmon detection system using a metal thin film pattern, by radiating light for detection on a detecting element using an effective light source which has a peak out of an axis, the present invention strikes a balance between narrowing a peak width of a spectrum and highly efficient illumination even if it is a case of using converging or diffused light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Norihiko Utsunomiya
  • Patent number: 7859668
    Abstract: A method includes generating at least one first light beam and generating at least one second light beam and at least one third light beam using the at least one first light beam. The at least one first light beam has a plurality of first regions, the at least one second light beam has a plurality of second regions, and the at least one third light beam has a plurality of third regions. Each of the first, second, and third light beams has at least two regions that are spectrally different. The method also includes measuring a spectrum in each of a plurality of first wavelength bands for each of the second regions. The method further includes illuminating at least part of an object with the at least one third light beam to produce at least one fourth light beam. The at least one fourth light beam has a plurality of fourth regions, where at least two of the fourth regions are spectrally different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Shakespeare, Tarja T. Shakespeare
  • Publication number: 20100321687
    Abstract: A shuttering and sealing device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device includes an aperture through which light may pass to an optical sensor, a seal surrounding the aperture, and a shutter movable between an open position in which the shutter does not cover the aperture and a closed position in which the shutter covers the aperture and the seal seals the shutter around the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Carles Flotats VILLAGRASA, Jordi Ferran CASES, Oscar Martinez BAILAC, David A. CHAMPION, Stephan R. CLARK
  • Publication number: 20100296088
    Abstract: A method for detecting polarizing direction of electromagnetic wave includes disposing a carbon nanotube structure in a vacuum environment, irradiating a surface of the carbon nanotube structure by an electromagnetic wave with a polarizing direction while rotating the carbon nanotube structure, and determining the polarizing direction of the electromagnetic wave according to change of the visible light emitted from the carbon nanotube structure. The carbon nanotube structure includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes arranged along a substantially same direction. The carbon nanotube structure can absorb the electromagnetic wave and emit a visible light. The rotating axis is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the carbon nanotube structure irradiated by the electromagnetic wave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicants: Tsinghua University, HON HAI Precision Industry CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lin Xiao, Yu-Ying Zhang, Kai-Li Jiang, Liang Liu, Shou-Shan Fan
  • Patent number: 7839501
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for measuring four factors contributing to transparency of a colored film, namely, Haze, Scatter, Gloss and Bronze values by utilizing a diffuse sphere spectrophotometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Sun Chemical Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Merchak
  • Publication number: 20100290031
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for determining a predefined spectral range, particularly the spectral range around the red edge. In said method, the analysis of the spectral range is carried out by means of two overlapping spectral value functions. The invention also relates to a method and a system for characterizing existent vegetation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Wilhelm Luedeker
  • Patent number: 7833803
    Abstract: When analysing saccharides by HPAEC, the eluate from the column is typically analysed using a amperometric detector. According to the invention, amperometric detection is coupled with ultraviolet detection, with both methods being applied to the eluate. Thus the invention provides a method for analysing the eluate from a liquid chromatography column, wherein the eluate is analysed by both (a) amperometric detection and (b) ultraviolet detection. The information content derivable from using both sorts of detection advantageously exceeds that derivable from either of the two detection methods alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Daniela Proietti, Angela Bardotti, Stefano Ricci
  • Publication number: 20100231904
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for conducting the analysis of hydrocarbons in aqueous solutions, accurately matching the EPA Test Method 1664 HEM, without the need for a solvent extraction step. The solvent extraction step is eliminated by: 1) delivering the aqueous solution directly to a standard cuvette in a controlled and convenient manner, and 2) correlating the analyzer's output reading to a predetermined calibration curve. The predetermined calibration curve is generated by having a duplicate sample of aqueous solution tested by Method 1664 and the present device and the two values correlated. The sample delivery system is comprised of a standard 1-liter sample bottle, a flow control section, and an analyzer adapting section. The sample bottle contains the aqueous solution to be analyzed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: COLIN C. TYRIE, JEFFERSON D. KEATHLEY
  • Patent number: 7795575
    Abstract: The light-emitting device includes a base substrate and preferably three light-emitting diodes respectively associated with three primary colors and emitting a part of their signal in the direction of the base substrate. The device includes three chromatic photodetectors formed in the base substrate constituting a semiconducting substrate, and each arranged under an associated light-emitting diode. Each chromatic photodetector includes superposed first, second and third layers. The first layer and third layer have a first type of conductivity and the second layer has a second type of conductivity. The device includes a control component connected to the chromatic photodetectors and to the light-emitting diodes to control the global color of the light emitted by the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Christophe Kopp, Xavier Hugon, Bruno Mourey, Alexei Tchelnokov
  • Patent number: 7791722
    Abstract: A spectrophotometer is provided capable of reducing the influence of the vibration as much as possible when a wavelength dispersion element is rotationally driven and capable of increasing the analysis accuracy. When a fluorescence signal is obtained from the fluorescence detector, the central control unit A/D converts the fluorescence signal at sampling intervals of T1 for vibration convergence determination, and provides the result data to the data processor (S1). At the timing of performing the vibration convergence determination (S2), the data processor performs a predetermined signal processing to the digital signals obtained (S3), and determines whether all the data that have been obtained within a given period of time from the latest data are equal to or smaller than a specified value (S4). If all the data are equal to or smaller than the specified value, it is determined that the diffraction grating's vibration is converged, and the vibration convergence determination operation is terminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Minato
  • Patent number: 7782460
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for downhole formation testing using a spectrometer includes a carrier conveyable into a well borehole that traverses a subterranean formation of interest, a plurality of semiconductor light sources disposed on the carrier, a fluid sample cell that receives light emitted from the plurality of semiconductor light sources, and at least one photodetector that detects light emitted from the plurality of semiconductor light sources and after the light interacts with a fluid in the fluid sample cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Rocco DiFoggio, Sebastian Csutak
  • Publication number: 20100201979
    Abstract: Systems and methods for performing spectral-spatial mapping in (one and two dimensions) and coded spectroscopy are described. At least one embodiment includes a system for performing spectral-spatial mapping and coded spectroscopy comprising a cylindrical beam volume hologram (CBVH), the CBVH configured to receive input beams and generate diffracted beams in a first direction to perform spectral-spatial mapping, the CBVH further configured to allow input beams to pass in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction unaffected. The system further comprises a first lens configured to receive the diffracted beams and perform a Fourier transform on the input beams in the first direction, a second lens configured to receive the diffracted beams and focus the beams in the second direction to generate output beams, and a charged coupled device (CCD) configured to receive the outputs beams, the output beams used to provide spectral analysis of the input beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Omid Momtahan, Chao Ray Hsieh, Ali Adibi
  • Publication number: 20100195098
    Abstract: Techniques for measuring light absorption of liquid samples are described herein. According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes an upper arm having a first measuring surface and a lower arm having a second measuring surface coupled to the lower arm via a hinge. The upper arm is capable of swinging via the hinge. One of the measuring surfaces is coupled to a light source while the other is coupled to a detector. The apparatus further includes an actuator configured to position the upper arm into a first measuring position. The first measuring surface of the upper arm and the second measuring surface of the lower arm are spaced approximately to contact and sandwich a liquid sample in between to form an optical path, such that light generated from the light source is received and detected through the light path by the detector for measuring light absorption by the liquid sample. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Peter Du-hai Zuo
  • Patent number: 7764372
    Abstract: A method for measuring the presence or concentration of an analyte in a sample by spectrophotometry: providing an open top cuvette having a sample with an analyte to be measured; providing a light source and a detector for detecting emitted light; taking at least two measurements that includes: (i) directing at least two beams of light from the light source to different locations on the cuvette; (ii) passing the at least two beams through the cuvette at their respective locations and through the sample to be measured; and (iii) measuring at least two respective emitted light beams with the detector; and comparing the at least two emitted light beams to determine if: all the emitted light beams should be disregarded; one or more of the emitted light beams should be disregarded; or the sample absorbances should be averaged. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes taking at least three measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Inventors: Donald James Moran, Jr., Michael W. LaCourt, Davis Freeman, III, Merrit Jacobs, David Allen Heavener
  • Publication number: 20100182589
    Abstract: In spectral detection for detecting the shape of repeating pattern structures uniformly formed on a surface of a test object, it is advantageous to use light having a wide wavelength range in a short wavelength region. However, it is not easy to realize a relatively simple optical system capable of spectral detection of light having a wide wavelength range in a short wavelength region, namely in ultraviolet region. The present invention provides an inspection apparatus for detecting pattern defects. The inspection apparatus includes a spectral detection optical system capable of spectral detection of light in a wavelength range from deep ultraviolet to near infrared. The spectral detection optical system includes a spatially partial mirror serving as a half mirror and a reflecting objective provided with an aperture stop for limiting the angle and direction of light to be applied to and reflected by a test object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Takenori HIROSE, Minoru Yoshida, Hideaki Sasazawa, Yasuhiro Yoshitake
  • Publication number: 20100177309
    Abstract: A modular spectroscopy laboratory (MSL), comprises a rigid case with a flashlamp rotatably mounted in said case. A sample holder is provided for holding a sample of solution for analysis, and a spectrometer is optically connected to the sample holder. The flashlamp is positionable at least two angles relative to the sample holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventors: Juan C. Scaiano, Chris Genereux, Sharlene Hoftyzer
  • Patent number: 7755775
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for examining a sample with a broadband radiation while preserving a small spot and low wave front distortion. The apparatus has a broadband source for generating the broadband radiation and a first reflective optics that employ toroidal mirrors that are barrel or donut-shaped and may be placed in a crossed or parallel arrangement for producing a broadband test beam that is guided to the sample such that it is incident on it at a small spot. A sampling aperture is provided for filtering a certain center portion from the broadband test beam. A second reflective optics is provided for shaping a reflected response beam from the broadband radiation that is reflected from the spot. The response beam is delivered by second reflective optics to a detector for examination. The apparatus and method can be applied to improve wave front distortion in reflectance measurements and for performing transmittance measurements with chromatic distortion compensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: n&k Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Guoguang Li
  • Patent number: 7755759
    Abstract: Methods and systems for evaluating pigment dispersions with desired characteristics. More specifically, methods and systems for evaluating particle size of colorless or light color dispersions using a novel parameter described as particle size related scattering index (PSRSI).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Lanhui Zhang, Lin Ma, Keith Wong, Francisco Lopez, Robert Altavela
  • Publication number: 20100167325
    Abstract: A method of screening for increased risk of fatal prostate cancer in a subject comprises providing a blood sample collected from the subject, and then detecting the presence or absence of an increased level of serum calcium in the sample. An increased level of serum calcium indicates the subject is at increased risk of fatal prostate cancer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Gary G. Schwartz, Halcyon G. Skinner
  • Patent number: 7732217
    Abstract: When detecting fluorescence of a bead chip array, reflected light from a bead is detected at the same time, so as to recognize the bead position. The reflected light can be detected in a similar manner for all beads, regardless of the presence or absence of a fluorescent substance. If the positions of all beads are detected, accurate detection can be achieved by quantifying only the fluorescence at the detected positions. The fluorescence wavelength alone is detected by a first detector using a wavelength selection filter. Other wavelengths are detected by a second detector, thereby obtaining the reflected light. Data on the reflected light is processed into an image for obtaining the bead profile, the bead position is recognized by detecting the center position based on the profile, and the fluorescence is quantified based on the bead position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi Software Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kishida, Masaomi Uchida
  • Patent number: 7728971
    Abstract: An analysis system, tool, and method for performing downhole fluid analysis, such as within a wellbore. The analysis system, tool, and method provide for a tool including a spectroscope for use in downhole fluid analysis which utilizes an adaptive optical element such as a Micro Mirror Array (MMA) and two distinct light channels and detectors to provide real-time scaling or normalization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Precision Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean M. Christian, Jess V. Ford, Mike Ponstingl, Anthony Johnson, Sven Kruger, Margaret C. Waid, Bryan Kasperski, Enrique Prati
  • Patent number: 7729750
    Abstract: An improvement in a method for quantitative modulated imaging to perform depth sectioned reflectance or transmission imaging in a turbid medium, such as human or animal tissue is directed to the steps of encoding periodic pattern of illumination preferably with a fluorescent excitation wavelength when exposing a turbid medium to the periodic pattern to provide depth-resolved discrimination of structures within the turbid medium; and reconstructing a non-contact three dimensional image of the structure within a turbid medium. As a result, wide field imaging, separation of the average background optical properties from the heterogeneity components from a single image, separation of superficial features from deep features based on selection of spatial frequency of illumination, or qualitative and quantitative structure, function and composition information is extracted from spatially encoded data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Bruce J. Tromberg, Anthony J. Durkin, David Cuccia, Frederic Bevilacqua
  • Patent number: 7718131
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a holder for biological sample containers such as well plates. The holder comprises a flat vacuum bed surrounded by a seal. A container is placed within the seal and a vacuum is applied, pressing and flattening the lower surface of the sample container against the flat vacuum bed. Samples in all portions of the container may then be imaged without the need to refocus on each portion of the container. For imaging, a sample in a well can be illuminated by a beam of light arranged so that a part or all of the sample is illuminated by direct rays that have not passed through the well plate. The beam is redirected to other parts of the well if a single illumination does not cover the whole well, so that the sample to be imaged using a series of partial images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Genetix Limited
    Inventor: Yonggang Jiang
  • Patent number: 7719680
    Abstract: A spectroscope designed to utilize an adaptive optical element such as a micro mirror array (MMA) and two distinct light channels and detectors. The devices can provide for real-time and near real-time scaling and normalization of signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Custom Sensors and Technology
    Inventors: Sean M. Christian, Jess V. Ford, Mike Ponstingl, Sven Kruger, Margaret C. Waid, Bryan W. Kasperski, Entique Prati
  • Publication number: 20100110429
    Abstract: A method for measuring the refractive index of a material with Bragg gratings includes the emission of a collimated radiation beam (9) from a radiation source (4) with a large spectrum and orientation thereof along a direction normal to the material (2) to be examined, the propagation of the collimated radiation beam (9) entering the material (2), then a Bragg diffraction grating (3) that is obliquely placed to the direction of the collimated radiation beam (9), and again the material (2), the subjection to spectral analysis of the collimated radiation beam exiting the material (2), the grating (3) producing a minimum in the spectrum subjected to the spectral analysis in accordance with Bragg's law, and the calculation of the refractive index of the material (2) from the measure of the wavelength corresponding to the minimum in thus spectrum. A relevant apparatus is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: UNIVERSITA' POLITECNICA DELLE MARCHE
    Inventors: Francesco Simoni, Riccardo Castagna, Luigino Criante, Daniele Eugenio Lucchetta, Francesco Vita
  • Publication number: 20100103413
    Abstract: A spectroscopic analysis of a sample includes arranging the sample in a resonator cavity for transmitting cavity mode frequencies with a cavity mode frequency spacing, coupling pulsed source light into the resonator cavity, with the source light including source comb frequencies with a source frequency spacing, coupling pulsed transmitted light out of the resonator cavity, and spectrally resolved detecting the transmitted light with a detector device. The cavity mode frequency spacing and the source frequency spacing are detuned relative to each other, so that the transmitted light includes transmitted comb frequencies with a spacing larger than the source frequency spacing. The detecting feature includes collecting spectral distributions of the transmitted light in dependence on relative positions of the cavity mode frequencies and the source comb frequencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: MAXPLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FÕRDERUNG DER WISSENSCH
    Inventors: Christoph Gohle, Albert Schliesser, Theodor W. Haensch
  • Patent number: 7705982
    Abstract: This relates to methods and apparatus for analyzing samples by fluorescence spectroscopy. In one embodiment, the methods and apparatus use a fluorescence detection unit (FDU) of a composition fluid analyzer (CFAâ„¢) module to detect variations in fluid properties (gradients) within an oil bearing column. Some embodiments enable efficient downhole fluid analysis in heavy oils where water/oil emulsions are present (water in dispersed phase and oil in the continuous phase). The principles described herein may also be applied when there are fine particles in the oil such as from unconsolidated sands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jesus Alberto Canas Triana, A. Ballard Andrews, Marc Schneider, Evie Freitas, Oliver C. Mullins, ChenGang Xian, Andrew Carnegie, Jamil Al-Naser
  • Publication number: 20100089804
    Abstract: The method concerns the identification and/or authenticating of substances or objects with a view, for example, of carrying out sorting of said substances or objects. Its comprises a step of application to the substance or object of a plurality of excitation vectors, a step of detecting the responses to said excitation vectors, and a step of determining at least one piece of information concerning said substance or object. It may comprise a preliminary phase comprising the steps of selecting at least one marker reacting to at least one of said excitation vectors, elaborating a correspondence table, and a step of incorporating at least one selected marker within or at the surface of the substance or object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Claude Lambert, Jean-Michel Hachin
  • Publication number: 20100091277
    Abstract: The present invention has been accomplished to provide an atomic absorption spectrophotometer capable of obtaining measurement data always in the state where the lowest detection limit performance is optimized, without depending on the frequency of the power supply. In a control program which runs on the microcomputer chip 42 mounted on the atomic absorption spectrophotometer 110, a plurality of lighting periods of the light sources 11 and 12 and extraction periods of the sampling data are memorized, whose lowest detection limit performance are optimized for the frequencies (50 Hz and 60 Hz) of the AC power source for driving the AC motor 22.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuo YAMAUCHI
  • Patent number: 7697975
    Abstract: Methods and apparati for fluorescence imaging using multiple excitation-emission pairs is revealed. A target object is illuminated by light in at least two spectral regions, causing fluorescence emission in at least two spectral regions. The emitted light is collected and separated for analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: British Colombia Cancer Agency
    Inventor: Haishan Zeng
  • Patent number: 7697134
    Abstract: A correlation spectrometer can detect a large number of gaseous compounds, or chemical species, with a species-specific mask wheel. In this mode, the spectrometer is optimized for the direct measurement of individual target compounds. Additionally, the spectrometer can measure the transmission spectrum from a given sample of gas. In this mode, infrared light is passed through a gas sample and the infrared transmission signature of the gasses present is recorded and measured using Hadamard encoding techniques. The spectrometer can detect the transmission or emission spectra in any system where multiple species are present in a generally known volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Michael B. Sinclair, Kent B. Pfeifer, Jeb H. Flemming, Gary D. Jones, Chris P. Tigges
  • Publication number: 20100085568
    Abstract: A dual-mode method and apparatus of selectively measuring samples in either a vessel or as a surface tension retained sample held between two opposing pedestals is introduced. In either configuration, such modes further contain optical paths from a source system through a small-volume or large-volume sample to a spectrometer based system. Such a system enables a user to measure samples with absorbances ranging from about 0.005 up to about 2.0 Absorbance Units for any given wavelength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Charles W. ROBERTSON, JR., Catherine T. Williams
  • Publication number: 20100085434
    Abstract: A handheld device and system ins disclosed in which the device has a wide reading head with a narrow optical slot. The reader is used to read color patches on a target or the color output of a printer or other color reproducing device in which the colors to be measured are presented as a number of patches on a target. The light from the sensor is collimated and diffracted and focused onto a sensor for providing electrical signals indicative of the sensed patch. Repeated images of each test patch are taken and sent to the sensor. The output of the sensor is computed by on board electronics and an external computer to determine each color being measured. As indicated, light passes through a slot in the handheld device, is collimated and passed through a diffraction grating or prism so as to split the light into its spectral components and its position of its pixels with respect to the slot. The sensor is of the type found in a digital camera or similar means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventor: Gary Stewart
  • Patent number: 7692784
    Abstract: The apparatus and methods herein provide light sources and spectral measurement systems that can improve the quality of images and the ability of users to distinguish desired features when making spectroscopy measurements by providing methods and apparatus that can improve the dynamic range of data from spectral measurement systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Tidal Photonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas B. MacKinnon, Ulrich Stange
  • Patent number: 7688454
    Abstract: A system for characterizing material properties in miniature semiconductor structures performs a scatterometry analysis on inelastically scattered light. The system can include a narrowband probe beam generator and a detector. A single wavelength probe beam from the narrowband probe beam generator produces scattered light from a measurement pattern on a test sample. The scattered light is measured by the detector, and the measurement data (e.g., Raman spectrum) is used in a scatterometry analysis to determine material properties for the measurement pattern. The detector can measure either incoherent inelastically scattered light (e.g., using a spectrometer) or coherent inelastically scattered light (e.g., using an array detector). If the measurement pattern dimensions are substantially similar to actual device dimensions, the material property distributions determined for the measurement pattern can be applied to the actual devices on the test sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Corporation
    Inventor: Gary R. Janik
  • Patent number: 7675620
    Abstract: In an optical property measuring method and an optical property measuring apparatus, a spectral transmittance characteristic of a reference colored layer prepared as a reference is corrected based on a measured spectral reflection characteristic of a colored layer, and the spectral reflection characteristic of the reference colored layer. With this arrangement, information on the measured spectral transmittance characteristic of the colored layer can be obtained with sufficient precision in conformity with a printing condition of a sample to be measured. Thus, colorimetry of a printed color of a fluorescent sample i.e. a colored surface on a fluorescent substrate can be accurately performed by using the corrected spectral transmittance characteristic of the reference colored layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Sensing, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenji Imura
  • Publication number: 20100045979
    Abstract: A photocatalysis testing device includes a reaction chamber, a light source, and a spectrophotometer. Reactants including a methylene blue (MB) solution and a photocatalyst can be added to the reaction chamber and illuminated by the light source. Color vanishing rate of the MB solution can be measured by the spectrophotometer. Further, the photocatalysis testing device also includes a light-tight chamber and a temperature stabilizer. The reaction chamber and the light source are received in the light-tight chamber to avoid ambient light effecting on the photocatalysis test. The spectrophotometer is positioned outside the light-tight chamber and optically coupled to the reaction chamber. The temperature stabilizer is configured for stabilizing temperature of the MB solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHIEN-HAO HUANG
  • Publication number: 20100045980
    Abstract: A liquid sample is dropped onto the upper surface of a transparent and cylindrical light-transmitting body (22), and the liquid sample is maintained as a droplet by the surface tension. From above the liquid sample, a transparent cover plate (25) is lowered down to the position where the lower surface thereof touches a spacer (23) in order that the liquid sample is held in the small gap formed between the upper surface of the light-transmitting body (22) and the lower surface of the transparent cover plate (25). A measurement light is provided into the liquid sample held in this manner from immediately above it, and passes through the liquid sample. The transmitted light emitted downwards through the light-transmitting body (22) is introduced into a spectro-detecting unit to be spectro-measured. The measurement optical path length can be adjusted by the height of the spacer (23). This enables an easy transmission spectro-measurement of an extremely small amount of liquid sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasuo Tsukuda
  • Patent number: 7657387
    Abstract: A data compression technique is disclosed for Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry (FTMS). A statistical analysis is applied to the data in the frequency domain since most of this data is a result of randomly distributed electronic noise. A fit of the whole frequency dataset to the distribution is made to determine preliminary moments of the distribution. The data in the tail of that distribution (which is mainly the peak data) is then removed and the remaining data points are re-fitted to the distribution, to identify the moments of distribution of that remaining noise data. A noise threshold for the mass spectrum is then applied using the calculated moments. The data above the threshold is kept. The whole spectrum can be reconstituted by storing the moments of distribution along with the peak data and then regenerating the noise from those moments and adding it to the peak data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Thermo Finnigan LLC
    Inventors: Robert Malek, Oliver Lange
  • Publication number: 20100020320
    Abstract: This invention discloses a variety of spectroscopy apparatus based on high sensitivity photo detector arrays and image sensors employing sidewall-passivated mesa-structure hetero-junction phototransistors (HPTs).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: BWT PROPERTY, INC.
    Inventor: Jie Yao
  • Publication number: 20090316149
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a spectrophotometer with a modular 45/0 head. One embodiment of an apparatus for measuring a reflectance of a sample includes a plurality of light emitting diodes for emitting light, a reflective housing positioned above the plurality of light emitting diodes, where the reflective housing is a dome having a plurality of apertures formed around its perimeter, a sample channel for capturing a first portion of the light, where the first portion of the light interacts with the sample, and a reference channel for capturing a second portion of the light, where the second portion of the light is independent of the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: ALAN INGLESON, Joseph Reed
  • Publication number: 20090296085
    Abstract: A system and method for full width scanning color analysis of a printed media sheet are disclosed. The full width array spectrophotometer system includes one or more substantially linear elongated illumination arrays of closely spaced multiple illumination sources. The sources include sets of illumination sources, including a first set of different color illumination sources and a second set including one or more UV-emitting illumination sources. The sets are arranged to span a printer paper path or other object path to illuminate a band extending transversely across a printed print media sheet or other object moving in the path. A full width array light imaging sensor includes an elongated array of multiple closely spaced photodetectors for detecting plural colors and is positioned adjacent to and extending substantially parallel to the linear array(s) to receive radiation reflected from the transverse illuminated band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Lalit Keshav Mestha
  • Publication number: 20090290153
    Abstract: An apparatus for spectrophotometric analysis comprises a sample reception surface, which is arranged to receive a sample to be analysed, and a sample contacting surface, which is moveable in relation to the sample reception surface such that it may be brought to a first position, where the surfaces are sufficiently far apart to allow the sample to be placed on the sample reception surface, and a second position, where the sample contacting surface makes contact with the sample and compresses the sample. The apparatus further comprises a sample thickness controller, which is arranged to control the distance between the sample reception surface and the sample contacting surface in the second position of the sample contacting surface, such that a sample thickness between the surfaces may be shifted for obtaining at least two measurements of the sample at different optical path lengths through the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: Henrik V. Juhl
  • Patent number: 7623241
    Abstract: A method of producing a finish for a paper substrate, wherein the finish provides the paper substrate with a color that matches the color of a target object. In accordance with the method, calculations are performed to determine the quantities of at least one group of colorants required to produce a semitransparent wood stain from a vehicle, wherein when the semitransparent wood stain is applied to the paper substrate, the paper substrate will have a color that matches the target object. The calculations are performed using reflectance measurements of the target object obtained using a spectrophotometer and previously obtained spectral data of the colorants as applied to a paper substrate. The colorants used to form the transparent or semitransparent wood stain do not include a white colorant or black-and-white masstone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Arch Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Maurizio Brini, Barbara Bartolomei
  • Patent number: 7623254
    Abstract: A method for testing inkjets for defects in an inkjet device includes determining, based on the likelihood that one or more inkjets are defective, whether to perform an inkjet defect test, The method may also include, identifying, if it is determined to perform an inkjet defect test, which inkjets to test based on properties of the inkjets, the number of identified inkjets being less than a total number of inkjets in the inkjet device; and testing the identified inkjets for defects using an image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Elliott A. Eklund, Jeffrey J. Folkins, David L. Knierim
  • Publication number: 20090241696
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a production process of sand including the extraction of sand from a quarry; the periodic, on-line and automated withdrawal of a sample of sand; and the automated measurement of the methylene blue value on the sample of sand. Another embodiment of the invention provides a production line of sand including means of extraction of sand from a quarry; periodic and automated means of withdrawal of a sample of sand; and automated means of measuring the methylene blue value for the sample of sand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: LAFARGE
    Inventors: Alain Jacquet, Laurence Martin, Stephane Brocas, Hakimi Yahiaoui
  • Publication number: 20090235731
    Abstract: A method and system for characterizing compositional and fluid property gradients of a reservoir of interest and analyzing properties of the reservoir of interest based upon such gradients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventors: YOUXIANG (JULIAN) ZUO, MOIN MUHAMMAD