With Photocell Detection Patents (Class 356/338)
  • Publication number: 20130330763
    Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a particle in a sample stream of a flow cytometer or the like. The system has a light source, such as a laser pointer module, for generating a low powered light beam and a fluidics apparatus which is configured to transport particles in the sample stream at substantially low velocity through the light beam for interrogation. Detectors, such as photomultiplier tubes, are configured to detect optical signals generated in response to the light beam impinging the particles. Signal conditioning circuitry is connected to each of the detectors to condition each detector output into electronic signals for processing and is designed to have a limited frequency response to filter high frequency noise from the detector output signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Los Alamos National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Steven W. Graves, Robert C. Habbersett
  • Publication number: 20130314705
    Abstract: There is provided a method of measuring a diffusion characteristic value (for example, a diffusion constant) of a light-emitting particle using the scanning molecule counting method using the optical measurement with a confocal microscope or a multiphoton microscope. The inventive method of measuring a diffusion characteristic value of a light-emitting particle is characterized to measure light intensity from the light detection region with moving the position of the light detection region in the sample solution by changing an optical path of the optical system to generate light intensity data and to compute a diffusion characteristic value of the light-emitting particle based on a deviation time from a moving cycle time of the light detection region in an interval of generation times of two or more signals corresponding to a same light-emitting particle on the light intensity data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20130314694
    Abstract: One of first and second beams (28) of corresponding first and second light (13) are projected into an atmosphere (20) and at least one physical property of the atmosphere (20) is detected from the interference pattern (47) generated from the resulting scattered light (30). The first and second beams (20) are selected responsive to either a detected signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or a detected aerosol-to-molecular ratio (AMR). The wavelength (740) of the first light (13) provides for either molecular or aerosol scattering, whereas the wavelength (738) of the second light (13) provides for primarily only aerosol scattering. In accordance with a second aspect, scattered light (30) from one or more beams (28) of substantially monochromatic light (13) projected into the atmosphere (20) and received from a plurality of interaction regions (17) or measurement volumes (52) provides for determining wind power (P*) within a region of the atmosphere (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: MICHIGAN AEROSPACE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Peter Tchoryk, JR., David Michael Zuk, David Keith Johnson, Charles J. Richey, Parviz Tayebati
  • Publication number: 20130316395
    Abstract: An optical particle detecting device includes a light source that emits light, an optical fiber that carries the emitted light, an emission-side condensing lens that condenses the light emitted from an end portion of the optical fiber, and a jet mechanism that causes an airstream including a particle to cut across the beam condensed by the emission-side condensing lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Azbil Corporation
    Inventor: Seiichiro KINUGASA
  • Patent number: 8576395
    Abstract: A system for real-time sizing of fluid-borne particles is disclosed. The system further determines, in real time, whether the detected particles are biological or non-biological. As the fluid is being tested, it is exposed to a microbe collection filter which is cultured to determine the type of microbes present in the fluid being tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Azbil Biovigilant, Inc.
    Inventors: John Y. Babico, Jian-Ping Jiang
  • Patent number: 8576396
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and to a method for measuring the scattered light about molecules present in a suspension, wherein the suspension is fed through a measurement cell. The measurement cell is produced as a segment of a curved surface, particularly an ellipsoid, a hyperbolic shape, a parabolic shape, or a circle, and comprises a curved and a flat surface. Light-sensitive detectors are disposed about the curved surface and capture the scattered light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Postnova Analytics GmbH
    Inventor: Diethelm Fröse
  • Publication number: 20130286381
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the illumination of a sample are disclosed. An imaging illumination light source is directed to pass through an absorbing/transmitting structure in order to illuminate the sample and any containing vessel. A diffuser may aid in properly dispersing the light from the imaging illumination source. A light sensitive detector such as a camera records an image therefrom. The beam from a light scattering source is directed through the sample and any containing vessel, and upon exiting the sample/vessel, impinges upon the absorbing/transmitting structure selected to absorb at the wavelength of the light scattering source. Scattered light from the sample is collected by a photo detector. Methods of use for the novel lighting system are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Wyatt Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel I. Some, Michael I. Larkin, Peter G. Neilson, David N. Villalpando
  • Patent number: 8571294
    Abstract: Provided are methods for determining and analyzing photometric and morphometric features of small objects, such as cells to, for example, identify different cell states. In particularly, methods are provided for identifying apoptotic cells, and for distinguishing between cells undergoing apoptosis versus necrosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Amnis Corporation
    Inventors: Thaddeus C. George, David A. Basiji, Brian E. Hall, William E. Ortyn, Michael E. Seo, Phillip J. Morrissey, Cathleen A. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8571295
    Abstract: Provided are methods for determining and analyzing photometric and morphometric features of small objects, such as cells to, for example, identify different cell states. In particularly, methods are provided for identifying apoptotic cells, and for distinguishing between cells undergoing apoptosis versus necrosis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Amnis Corporation
    Inventors: Thaddeus C. George, David A. Basiji, Brian E. Hall, William E. Ortyn, Michael J. Seo, Philip J. Morrissey, Cathleen A. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 8564776
    Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a particle in a sample stream of a flow cytometer or the like. The system has a light source, such as a laser pointer module, for generating a low powered light beam and a fluidics apparatus which is configured to transport particles in the sample stream at substantially low velocity through the light beam for interrogation. Detectors, such as photomultiplier tubes, are configured to detect optical signals generated in response to the light beam impinging the particles. Signal conditioning circuitry is connected to each of the detectors to condition each detector output into electronic signals for processing and is designed to have a limited frequency response to filter high frequency noise from the detector output signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Steven W. Graves, Robert C. Habbersett
  • Publication number: 20130271762
    Abstract: An optical detection device is provided for analyzing analytes in a liquid suspension or solution that can detect and process a large number of wavelengths of incident and fluorescent light simultaneously, which is small in size and can be easily adapted to different investigation requirements. The optical detection device may include a light supplying device, an analyte handling device, a light directing device, and a detector integrated on planar substrate devices, respectively. A plurality of optical waveguides are integrated in the substrate devices to direct light emitted by the light supplying device through the different sections of the optical detector to the detector. The analyte handling device may include an analyte channel for the liquid flow of the analyte suspension or solution and an analyte sorting device comprising several sorting channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Nikolai Franz SCHWABE
  • Publication number: 20130269424
    Abstract: A chromatographic optical detection system includes an optical detector disposed to receive light scattered from a stream of particles and configured to convert the received light to an electrical signal; a signal-processing unit in signal communication with the optical detector to receive the electrical signal, and configured to convert the electrical signal to digital pulses and count the digital pulses to output a first signal corresponding to a number of particles detected in a time interval, and configured to integrate and digitize the electrical signal to output a second signal corresponding to the number of particles detected in the time interval; and a data station in signal communication with the signal-processing unit, and configured to select the first signal, if the number of particles detected in the time interval is less than a threshold criterion, and to select the second signal if the number of particles detected in the time interval exceeds the threshold criterion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph A. Jarrell
  • Patent number: 8559007
    Abstract: A method of evaluating a property of a physiological fluid suspension comprises measuring a value of the property of a liquid portion of the physiological fluid suspension via light scattering, and comparing the measured value with a reference value to evaluate the property of the liquid portion of the physiological fluid suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Aggredyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Sivaprasad Sukavaneshvar, Edward R. Teitel, Syed F. Mohammad
  • Patent number: 8553226
    Abstract: An optical apparatus for illuminating particles and for detecting emissions from illuminated particles in a flow cytometer having an optical configuration aligned with a flow or particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: XY, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Sharpe, Peter Niven Schaare
  • Publication number: 20130258335
    Abstract: A smoke detector (1) includes: a light emitting section (6); a light receiving section (7); a smoke detecting section (12), the smoke detector (1) being configured to detect smoke or the like in a manner that the light receiving section (7) receives, via a light transmissive member (11), scattered light generated when light emitted from the light emitting section (6) is scattered in the smoke detecting section (12) due to particles of the smoke or the like; and a test light source (22) provided for detecting light receiving sensitivity of the light receiving section (7), the smoke detector (1) being further configured to detect reduction in the light receiving sensitivity of the light receiving section (7) through detection of increase in received light intensity of test light, which is emitted from the test light source (22) and is received by the light receiving section (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Kenichi KATO, Takashi ITO
  • Publication number: 20130242302
    Abstract: A fine particle measurement device includes a 4f optical system in an optical path that causes a beam spot of a laser output from a light source to form an image with respect to fine particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Seo
  • Patent number: 8537356
    Abstract: Provided herein are new methods and apparatus for quantitative measurement and analysis of particles, including new apparatus systems to process and detect nanoparticles in suspension. By focusing a laser beam at the center of a reservoir, nanoparticles are concentrated by optical energy, and fluorescent intensity at the focal point of the laser is measured to quantify particle concentration in the reservoir. The techniques may be applied to the analysis of suspensions of nanoparticles, including natural particles (e.g., microorganisms including whole viruses, bacteria, animal cells, and proteins) and synthetic particles (e.g., colloidal latexes, paints, pigments, and metallic or semiconductor nanoparticles) for medical and industrial applications, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Lehigh University
    Inventors: H. Daniel Ou-Yang, Xuanhong Cheng
  • Patent number: 8531664
    Abstract: There is provided a particle number measurement method capable of accurately measuring the number of particles generated by a specific factor. When the number of particles is measured by irradiating laser beam 25 into a main exhaust line 16 via a glass window 24, receiving lights (L1 and L2) scattered from particles (P1 and P2) crossing with the laser beam 25 by a photodetector 21, and calculating the number of particles based on the received scattered light, static particles P2 are considered as contaminants attached to the glass window 24 and the number of static particles P2 is subtracted from the measured number of particles within the main exhaust line 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Hiroshi Nagaike
  • Patent number: 8520206
    Abstract: A method for quantitatively determining the viscoelastic properties of a complex medium with suspended particles in suspension, which involves: characterizing the medium opacity by measuring the medium's transport length l*; introducing a sample of the medium into a flask; placing the flask in a thermostatically-controlled measuring chamber; projecting a coherent light beam on the sample and detecting scattered light as a series of sequenced images; analyzing the movement of particles based on time by calculating the inter-image distance d2 and the ratio d2/d2max; and establishing an analytical expression E putting into direct relationship, the measured l*, the ratio d2/d2max and the mean square displacement MSD for the purpose of calculating the medium's viscous and elastic moduli.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Formulaction
    Inventor: Laurent Brunel
  • Patent number: 8520205
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for detecting, classifying and identifying airborne and non-airborne particles on an individual basis in substantially real time by directing a particle stream to react with optical reporters and markers and then exposing the stream to an excitation source such that individual particles have their multiple identifying characteristics detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Flir Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Silcott
  • Patent number: 8514392
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method of generating Stokes vectors, a Mueller matrix, and polarized scattering from an aerosol aggregate includes providing an incident infrared laser beam; causing the incident infrared laser beam to be polarization-modulated using variable stress/strain birefringence imposed on a ZnSe crystal; defining a Stokes vector associated with the incident infrared laser beam; scattering the incident infrared laser beam from an aggregate aerosol comprising interferents and analyte particles; producing a scattered-beam reactant Stokes vector by causing the scattered incident infrared laser beam to be polarization-modulated; generating a Mueller matrix by taking a transformation of the Stokes vector; and identifying the analyte using the Mueller matrix. The Mueller matrix may comprise M-elements that are functions of a wavelength of the infrared laser beam, backsattering orientation of the infrared laser beam, and a shape and size of the interferents and analyte particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Arthur H. Carrieri, Jack Copper, David J. Owens, Erik S. Roese, Jerold R. Bottiger, Kevin C. Hung
  • Patent number: 8515151
    Abstract: The solution provides a frequency distribution of a dimension of objects projected onto an image, the distribution being generated by measuring the dimension of the objects in a space in which the position of each object is at least partly free, the dimension of each object in the image depending on the position of the object. The frequency distribution of the projected objects is weighted by a weighting operation compensating for the impact of the projection in order to generate a real frequency distribution of the objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Metso Automation Oy
    Inventors: Antti Salopuro, Pekka Lehtikoski
  • Publication number: 20130208277
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a laser scan device. The laser scan device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a laser light emitting unit emitting a laser beam; a scan unit irradiating the laser beam to a measurement portion of a measurement object; and a condensing unit including a spherical light collector condensing light generated by irradiating the laser beam to the measurement object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Taeg Gyum KIM
  • Patent number: 8508734
    Abstract: An annular optical device (100) includes an annular meso-optic (1) including an annulus (11) centered about an axis of revolution (A) and a secondary optical structure (2) substantially coaxial within the annulus (11). The secondary optical structure (2) and the annular meso-optic (1) are separated by a media (12) including a media refractive index that is lower than the refractive index of the secondary optical structure. The secondary optical structure (2) holds a specimen to be radiated by impinging electromagnetic radiation. Scattered radiation from the secondary optical structure (2) and within the annulus (11) of the annular meso-optic (1) is allowed into the annular meso-optic (1) if an angle of incidence of the scattered radiation exceeds a predetermined incidence threshold. The annular meso-optic (1) re-directs the scattered radiation to comprise re-directed radiation that is substantially parallel to the axis of revolution (A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Hach Company
    Inventor: Perry A. Palumbo
  • Patent number: 8502976
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for exciting particles, and more specifically relates to analyzers or sorters for exciting fluorescently labeled particles with a multimode diode laser and the optics for making high resolution determinations from the multimode diode laser beam excitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Inguran, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Charles Sharpe, Donald Francis Perrault
  • Patent number: 8497989
    Abstract: A particle counting method that can count the number of the particles precisely. The method discriminates a wave pattern of the scattered light from a normal particle (subject of the counting) and a wave pattern of the light scattered by the agitation such as a floating particle, a radiation or changes in the intensity of the light. In one embodiment, a method for counting particles is disclosed which irradiates a light to a sample gas, detects a scattered light from a particle included in the sample gas by a photoelectric conversion device, counts the number of the particles of every particle size division by the output voltage wave pattern of the photoelectric conversion device, calculate a time difference (Ta?T1) from a point (T1) being a peak of output voltage wave pattern and a point (Ta) being a falling detection threshold (A), when the time difference (Ta?T1) is beyond counting cancellation time (B), the output voltage wave pattern is not counted as a particle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Rion Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takehiro Imai, Tomonobu Matsuda, Toshiyuki Abe, Tsutomu Nakajima
  • Publication number: 20130182253
    Abstract: Wavefront distortions of an optical beam are measured. The transverse optical modes of the optical beam are partitioned into a plurality of subsets of transverse optical modes, one of the subsets of transverse optical modes is selected as the current subset, and the optical beam is modulated based on the current subset by maintaining the transverse optical modes of the optical beam that are outside the current subset stable, and modulating the transverse optical modes of the optical beam within the current subset. A non-linear optical signal is generated from the modulated optical beam by directing the modulated optical beam through a non-linear optical system that includes a random scattering medium, the power of the generated non-linear optical signal is measured, and, based on the measured power, values of the spatial phase for the optical beam at transverse optical modes are extracted within the current subset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: Howard Hughes Medical Institute
    Inventor: Meng Cui
  • Publication number: 20130182254
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for measurement of the electrophoretic mobility of particles in solution. A sample is placed in a cell containing two electrodes that apply an alternating electric field. A monochromatic light beam passes through the sample. Light scattered by the particles, along with the unscattered beam, is collected and collimated as it exits the cell. This beam is combined in free space with a phase modulated reference beam. The interference forms a frequency modulated speckle pattern, which is detected by a photodetector array. Each array element collects a narrow range of well-defined scattering angles. The signal from each is demodulated to provide a first-principle measurement of the electrophoretic mobility of the scattering particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: WYATT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Wyatt Technology Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130176131
    Abstract: The optical scattering-based smoke detector comprises a scattering zone accessible to the smoke, a printed circuit forming a supporting member and a first and second light reflectors mounted on a common supporting member. An electronic smoke detection unit, a light emitter and a light receiver are mounted on the printed circuit. The receiver is sensitive to at least some of the wavelengths of the light rays emitted by the emitter. The first light reflector facing the emitter to direct the emitted light into a detection zone in the scattering zone. The second light reflector facing the receiver to direct, in the presence of smoke in the scattering zone, the scattered light from the detection zone onto the receiver. A single mechanical part comprises the first and second light reflectors and a link resistant to the passage of the light from the first light reflector to the second light reflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: FINSECUR
    Inventors: Laurent Pichard, Stephane Di Marco
  • Patent number: 8482731
    Abstract: A microparticle measuring apparatus which includes a flow channel through which a solution containing microparticles flows, an optical detecting unit configured to direct a laser beam to microparticles passing through the flow channel and detecting light for measurement emanating from the microparticles and converting the thus detected light into electrical signals, a solution feeding unit configured to feed the flow channel with either a sample solution containing microparticles of interest or a calibration solution containing reference microparticles that exhibit uniform optical characteristics, and an optical axis correcting unit configured to optimize the relative position of the flow channel with respect to the laser beam in response to the intensity of electrical signals from the reference microparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Felica Networks, Inc.
    Inventor: Yosuke Muraki
  • Publication number: 20130169963
    Abstract: Flow cytometer systems are provided having intermediate angle scatter detection capability. In some aspects, systems are provided that include an intermediate angle scatter (IAS) light detector positioned to measure intermediate angle scatter emitted from a flow cytometer. The system further includes a mask disposed across a portion of the IAS light detector and positioned between the flow cell and the IAS light detector to cover at least a central portion of the IAS light detector so as to block a diffraction pattern observed at the detector. In some instances, the diffraction pattern is created by a flat beam profile irradiating the sample. Methods are also provided for configuring a flow cytometer to block a diffraction pattern created by (1) a flat laser beam profile irradiating a flow cytometer liquid sample, or (2) a mismatched index of refraction between a sheath fluid and a liquid sample in a flow cytometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: ABBOTT LABORATORIES
    Inventor: Abbott Laboratries
  • Patent number: 8477307
    Abstract: This invention, methods and apparatus for biomedical agent multi-dimension measuring and analysis, provide the multi-dimension measuring of the biomedical agents, cells, molecules, any and all explosive and hazardous agents, aerosol, airborne particles, liquid/fluid contaminations/particles, gas particles, etc. in order to recognize the multi-dimension size of the particles, select and sort them by their multi-dimension measurements, and count the particles in each sorted group. An improved apparatus for biomedical agent multi-dimension measuring and analysis comprises at least two light (laser) beam sources and at least two light detection means respectively located in the chamber. Also, the improved apparatus includes the amplifying, processing and control means providing distinguish and imaging of the particles/biomedical agents by their multi-dimensions, thereby, providing more precise agent grouping for analysis and counting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventors: Ann Rachel Yufa, Aleksandr Leybovich Yufa
  • Publication number: 20130162993
    Abstract: Various optical apparatus, in particular embodiments, may provide a source of parallel light (7, 75). The parallel light (7, 75) may be generally achieved by directing an incident beam at the apex of a prism (1, 22, 24, 26, 28). The prism may have varying configurations. One configuration has a forward conical face (24). Another configuration has a pyramidal forward end (22). Other configurations are also disclosed. Various optical methods and methods for flow cytometry are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: XY, LLC
    Inventor: XY, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130162974
    Abstract: Systems and methods for laser based measurement of air parameters for use, e.g., on aircraft are disclosed. An example system includes a coherent source of radiation, a modulator, a transceiver, an optical mixer, and a measuring system. The coherent source produces a coherent radiation beam, and the modulator is configured to modulate the coherent radiation beam. The transceiver is configured to transmit the modulated radiation beam to, and receive a scattered radiation signal from a target region. The optical mixer is configured to determine a difference between the scattered radiation signal and the reference radiation beam. The measuring system is configured to determine at least one of velocity, air density, pressure, temperature, barometric altitude, angle of attack, angle of side slip, icing and turbulence based on the difference between the scattered radiation signal and the reference radiation beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: Optical Air Data Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Dakin, Priyavadan Mamidipudi, Philip L. Rogers, Daniel C. Dakin
  • Patent number: 8467050
    Abstract: A flow cell assembly for measuring the flow rate of gas in a pipe having an optical probe mounted on a flow cell inserted between sections of pipe. A distal end of the optical probe is disposed within an internal bore of the flow cell. The optical probe is capable of measuring the velocity of particles in a gas flowing through the internal bore. A sensor mechanism may be mounted on the flow cell and have a sensor array with a distal end disposed within the flow cell internal bore. The sensor array is capable of measuring physical properties of the gas. The optical probe is self-aligned when mounted to the flow cell through the use of a locking cam and an orientation ring. Velocity and physical property measurements are used to calculate flow rate. Alternatively, the optical probe and sensor mechanism may be mounted directly onto an existing pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: M-I LLC
    Inventor: Lewis J. Dutel
  • Patent number: 8462340
    Abstract: A gel particle measuring apparatus detects a gel particle production starting point with high sensitivity, for measurement of a target substance in a sample by a gelation reaction. The gel particle measuring apparatus includes a sample cell accommodating a sample and a solution containing a reagent, a stirring device for stirring a mixed solution including the sample and the solution containing the reagent, a coherent light source that irradiates the mixed solution with coherent light, a transmitted light detecting device outside the sample cell, on the opposite side of the coherent light source, a transmitted light fluctuation detecting device for detecting a fluctuation component of the transmitted light, and a gel particle production determining device for determining at least the production state of gel particles, which leads to timing of phase transition of the mixed solution from a sol phase to a gel phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Toru Obata
  • Publication number: 20130141721
    Abstract: A system that simultaneously measures the translational temperature, bulk velocity, and density in gases by collecting, referencing, and analyzing nanosecond time-scale Rayleigh scattered light from molecules is described. A narrow-band pulsed laser source is used to probe two largely separated measurement locations, one of which is used for reference. The elastically scattered photons containing information from both measurement locations are collected at the same time and analyzed spectrally using a planar Fabry-Perot interferometer. A practical means of referencing the measurement of velocity using the laser frequency, and the density and temperature using the information from the reference measurement location maintained at constant properties is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicants: USA as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Admi, The George Washington University
    Inventors: The George Washington University, United State of America as represented by the Ad- ministrator of the National Aeronnaitics and Space
  • Publication number: 20130141722
    Abstract: A system for analyzing the pore size of a substrate or device containing substrates adapted to separate fluids and has at least two surfaces, a first and a second surface, which are isolated from, one another and wherein the substrate or devices containing the substrates have an exit for fluids passing through the substrate, comprising: a) a particle generator (15) capable of generating particles of a controlled size; b) a system (18) for creating a pressure differential between the first and the second surface of the substrate; c) a light source (24) spaced front the exit of the substrate or device containing the substrate adapted for illuminating particles exiting the exit of the substrate or device containing the substrate; d) a closed flow path from the particle generator to the first surface of the substrate; e) a substrate or device holder (11) adapted for holding the substrate or device in the proper location in the system; and f) one or more reference images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Stewart P. Wood, Charles F. Broomall
  • Patent number: 8451524
    Abstract: A laser beam is periodically deflected before being directed into a sample volume. The beam is deflected at a frequency such that the beam makes one or more passes through the sample volume while data are collected from the sample volume. The amplitude of motion of the beam, the dwell time of the beam at any given point, and the Gaussian intensity profile of the beam cooperate to produce an effective flat topped illumination profile for the light that is incident on specimens in the sample volume. The total photon exposure at any given point in the sample volume is a function of both the beam intensity and the dwell time at that location. Therefore, a longer dwell time and lower intensity at the edge of the profile are in balance with a shorter dwell time and higher intensity at the center of the profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Amnis Corporation
    Inventors: William Ortyn, David Perry, Tom Montague
  • Patent number: 8451444
    Abstract: A system for sensing particulate in a combustion gas stream is disclosed. The system transmits light into a combustion gas stream, and thereafter detects a portion of the transmitted light as scattered light in an amount corresponding to the amount of particulates in the emissions. Purge gas may be supplied adjacent the light supply and the detector to reduce particles in the emissions from coating or otherwise compromising the transmission of light into the emissions and recovery of scattered light from the emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: James E. Parks, William P. Partridge
  • Publication number: 20130120749
    Abstract: The invention relates to a particle detector including a substrate (10, 30, 40) made of a semiconductor material, in which at least one through-cavity (11, 31, 41) is formed, defined by an input section (110) and an output section (111), wherein the input section thereof is to be connected to an airflow source, said substrate supporting: an optical means including at least one laser source (12, 32, 42), and at least one waveguide (13, 33, 43) connected to said at least one laser source and leading into the vicinity of the output section of said cavity; and photodetector means (14, 34, 44) located near the output section of said cavity and offset relative to the optical axis of the optical means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Commissariat A L'Energie Atomique Et Aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventor: Sergio Nicoletti
  • Patent number: 8441636
    Abstract: The present technology provides a nanoparticle detector that includes a nanoparticle collector that is configured to collect a volume of air that includes nanoparticles and a light source that is configured to transmit light through the volume of air. The nanoparticle detector further includes a first light-receiving element that is configured to receive at least a portion of the transmitted light and to detect characteristics of the nanoparticles within the volume of air based on scattering properties of the transmitted light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventor: Toshimi Fukui
  • Patent number: 8441637
    Abstract: A method and device of detecting a scattering light beam for tools measuring scattering signals produced by the interaction of solid microparticles, such as a biological cells moving with a high-intensity, focused light beam, capable of reducing the influence of the cell movement with respect to the optical axis of the illuminating beam, and improving the quality of the signal characterized by the recognition of the individual particle or cell, specifically in fluid currents, such as those used in flow cytometry are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: STRICTES S.r.l.
    Inventors: Stefano Dall'Oglio, Giorgio Dall'Oglio
  • Patent number: 8441626
    Abstract: An OAOA measurement system uses optical elements to converge incoming light from multiple sources onto an FPA as respective crosshair patterns made from lines which are oblique with respect to the FPA's axes, such that each pattern's location indicates the angular position of its corresponding source. The optical elements are arranged such that each crosshair's center point is at least twice as bright as the lines which form the crosshair's arms. The position of each crosshair is interpolated by defining regions around each arm of one of the crosshairs, determining the points of peak intensity in each row or column within each region, and curve-fitting the points to define each arm. Multiple crosshair patterns are accommodated by assigning a small magnitude value to each pixel of a defined arm, and then repeating the interpolation process for another crosshair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Teledyne Scientific & Imaging, LLC
    Inventor: Bing Wen
  • Patent number: 8436993
    Abstract: A method of focusing particles is provided. The method includes transiting a fluid containing particles therein through a channel at a flow rate and adjusting the flow rate for a desired transit time through an interrogation zone through which a light from an excitation source passes. The method further includes optically exciting the particles with the excitation source, detecting an optical signal from the particles, and analyzing the optical signal. The particles may be droplets. Further, the particles may transit the interrogation zone in single file. A system of focusing particles is also provided. The system includes a channel having an inlet for accepting a fluid containing particles. The system further includes a flow adjuster configured to adjust the flow rate for a desired transit time through an interrogation zone, a light source configured to optically excite the particles, and a detector configured to detect optical signals from the particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Kaduchak, Carleton Stewart, Michael Ward
  • Patent number: 8433526
    Abstract: A method of determining a steam quality of a wet steam located in an interior of a steam turbine includes emitting from an optical probe a plurality of wavelengths through the wet steam, measuring with the optical probe a wet steam intensity corresponding to each of the plurality of wavelengths emitted through the wet steam, determining an intensity ratio vector by dividing the wet steam intensity by a corresponding dry steam intensity for each of the plurality of wavelengths, successively applying scaling factors to the intensity ratio vector to obtain a scaled intensity ratio vector, calculating a suitable value for each of the scaling factors to obtain a plurality of residuals, determining a minimum residual of the plurality of residuals, determining a droplet size distribution by calculating the droplet number density corresponding to the minimum residual, and determining the steam quality based on the droplet size distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Binayak Roy, Tao Guo
  • Publication number: 20130100445
    Abstract: A method for data acquisition from a combustion process that generates hot gases includes directing a light beam through the hot gases, detecting signals indicative of a scattered beam in a predefined direction by each hot gas volume through which the light beam passes through, processing the detected signals to ascertain the absorption spectrum of the hot gases, processing the absorption spectrum to obtain data indicative of the combustion process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventor: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
  • Publication number: 20130077096
    Abstract: Aerosol and hydrosol particle detection systems without knowledge of a location and velocity of a particle passing through a volume of space, are less efficient than if knowledge of the particle location is known. An embodiment of a particle position detection system capable of determining an exact location of a particle in a fluid stream is discussed. The detection system may employ a patterned illuminating beam, such that once a particle passes through the patterned illuminating beam, a light scattering is produced. The light scattering defines a temporal profile that contains measurement information indicative of an exact particle location. However, knowledge of the exact particle location has several advantages. These advantages include correction of systematic particle measurement errors due to variability of the particle position within the sample volume, targeting of particles based on position, capture of particles based on position, reduced system energy consumption and reduced system complexity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Publication number: 20130070243
    Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for measuring optical properties of particles of a flowable dispersion using a measuring cuvette. The dispersion flows through the central inner chamber of the cuvette. Two laser light beams, which are offset 90 degrees to one another, illuminate the inner chamber of the cuvette, so as to illuminate a particle, regardless of its orientation, in a way that balances out form factor errors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Partec GmbH
    Inventor: Partec GmbH
  • Patent number: 8400632
    Abstract: A method for increasing the throughput and/or the precision of a flow cytometer, or a hematology analyzer employing a flow cytometer, and for further reducing the complexity of such a cytometer or analyzer. The system and method includes utilizing the technique of laser rastering in combination with a lysis-free single-dilution method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Giacomo Vacca, Richard G. Kendall, Norman R. Goldblatt, Michael W. Yee, Mahesh R. Junnarkar