Abstract: A plate changer includes a casing that stores a sample plate and one or a plurality of first rack plates that each support the sample plate. One or a plurality of plate supporters that respectively support the one or plurality of first rack plates at different heights are provided in the casing. Each first rack plate is configured to be supportable on and removable from any of the one or plurality of plate supporters. The plate changer further includes a detector that detects whether the first rack plate is supported on each plate supporter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical blood detector system that rapidly detects the presence of blood due to a blood leak in a system. The blood detector system contains a reusable blood sensor that is able to accurately detect the presence of blood in, for example, an extracorporeal blood treatment system by optically sensing light from a sensing region and determining if the light came from a leaked blood. The blood sensor may be responsive to reflected light or light emitted from blood due to bio-fluorescence excited by a light source in the blood detector system. The blood detector system can be placed against absorbent material adjacent to an intravenous needle injection site and quickly detect any blood wicked into the absorbent material. The blood detector system can eliminate the need for medical personnel to continuously inspect numerous patients visually for potentially fatal blood leaks due to needle dislodgement.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring light intensity are disclosed. The methods and apparatus can be used to verify an article, such as a reaction chamber. Exemplary apparatus include a first arm, a light source coupled to the first arm, a second arm, and a sensor coupled to the second arm. The sensor can receive light from the light source that is transmitted through at least a portion of the article.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of testing an inhaler based on performing an optical analysis of a dry powder medicament plume discharged from the inhaler upon actuation. More particularly, embodiments of the invention comprise illuminating the dry powder plume with a source of electromagnetic radiation and capturing one or more images of a pattern of radiation reflected or diffracted by the illuminated plume. The images are subsequently processed to determine and/or analyse one or more geometric and/or dynamic characteristics of the plume.

Abstract: An electric composite heat oven provided with a sight window of a transparent planar heating element is provided. Since the electric composite heat oven has a structure in which a heater heating element is installed, being lower than the upper end of a cooking container, on the front and rear sidewalls of a cooking chamber of an enclosure and a transparent planar heating element is installed over an opening of the cooking chamber of the enclosure, radiant heat may actively control various disturbances that occur during cooking depending on a place where the oven is installed and a change in temperature, whereby there is an effect of providing the optimum heat power depending on a cooking material and also shortening cooking time.

Abstract: This device and method can be used for monitoring and control of the milk quality, monitoring and control of the health of dairy animal and herd management and decision-making. The device for milk analysis is composed of tanks for water and reagent, a milk probe, a unit for analysis and management and a unit for transfer and monitoring with software applications. The samples are mixed in a mixing flask, previously subjected to an ultrasonic and temperature measurement as well as a measurement of conductivity. The movement of the fluid through the system is performed by peristaltic pumps. The actual measurement takes place at the outflow of the measured sample in one of two funnels with elongated ends with integrated capillary of the ends of each. To the funnels are mounted a pair of motion sensors.

Abstract: Techniques herein pertain to apparatus embodiments and methods for treating the surface of a microelectronic substrate, and in particular for removing objects from the microelectronic substrate using fluid treatment sprays such as cryogenic fluid sprays. The apparatus embodiments and methods described herein further include techniques for monitoring and/or controlling treatment processes for removing particles from surfaces of a microelectronic substrate. The techniques allow using image analysis techniques to monitor characteristics of spray nozzle(s) (e.g., frost formation on the nozzle surface) and using the resultant image information of the nozzle to take corrective action if frost or another nozzle condition is detected.

Abstract: A device for separating a reagent from a reactor includes a collecting means, provided with a liquid receiving port and a solid receiving port, a holding component disposed above the collecting means and used for placing the reactor, and a rotating mechanism for driving the holding component to rotate. The liquid receiving port and the solid receiving port are arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction of rotation of the holding component, when the holding component passes over the liquid receiving port, reagent in the reactor falls into the liquid receiving port, when the rotating mechanism continues rotating in the original direction until the holding component passes over the solid receiving port, the reactor falls into the solid receiving port from the holding component.

Abstract: The present application is applicable to the fiber optics field and provides a hybrid fiber coupler including a lead-in single mode fiber, a coreless fiber, a hollow glass tube and a lead-out single mode fiber fusion-spliced sequentially. Both the lead-in single mode fiber and the lead-out single mode fiber include cores and claddings. Cores of the lead-in single mode fiber and the lead-out single mode fiber are not in the same horizontal direction. A curved waveguide is inscribed inside the coreless fiber and the hollow glass tube and cores of the lead-in single mode fiber and the lead-out single mode fiber are connected with said curved waveguide. The hollow glass tube has a micro-channel at either end thereof, and the two micro-channels form a microfluidic channel with the center of the hollow glass tube for allowing the analytical liquid to access the hollow glass tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the collection of light scattered from a liquid sample contained within a multiwell plate for which evaporation from the wells is mitigated by the application of a barrier between the liquid sample and the environment. A vertical thermal gradient is applied across the vessel so that condensation is inhibited from forming on the interior surface of the barrier, thus permitting clear illumination of the sample for visual imaging, fluorescence studies and light scattering detection.

Abstract: A sample analyzer includes: a reagent container holder including a reagent container holder body configured to hold a reagent container, and a tilt changing part configured to change a tilt of the reagent container holder body; a reagent dispenser configured to aspirate a reagent contained in the reagent container held in the reagent container holder body; a detector configured to detect a signal for analysis from a measurement specimen containing a sample and the reagent dispensed by the reagent dispenser; and a controller that analyzes the sample on the basis of the signal detected by the detector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the collection of light scattered from a liquid sample contained within a multiwell plate for which evaporation from the wells is mitigated by the application of a barrier between the liquid sample and the environment. A vertical thermal gradient is applied across the vessel so that condensation is inhibited from forming on the interior surface of the barrier, thus permitting clear illumination of the sample for visual imaging, fluorescence studies and light scattering detection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the effectiveness of bearing seals in a roller cone drill bit. The bit includes a sensor in optical communication with the bearing lubricant. The sensor includes a light source, an optical filter, and an optical detector arranged so that light interacts with the lubricant, is filtered, and detected, wherein the detected light is indicative of the amount of contaminant within the lubricant. The optical filter is preferably an integrated computing element that filters preselected orthogonal components from the light.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and devices for generating optical pulses in one or more waveguides using a spatially scanning light source. A detection system, methods of use thereof and kits for detecting a biologically active analyte molecule are also provided. The system includes a scanning light source, a substrate comprising a plurality of waveguides and a plurality of optical sensing sites in optical communication with one or more waveguide of the substrate, a detector that is coupled to and in optical communication with the substrate, and means for spatially translating a light beam emitted from said scanning light source such that the light beam is coupled to and in optical communication with the waveguides of the substrate at some point along its scanning path. The use of a scanning light source allows the coupling of light into the waveguides of the substrate in a simple and cost-effective manner.

Abstract: A surgical evaluation and guidance system for use in extravacular evaluation and guidance of fluid vessel surgeries, includes an optical coherence tomography engine; a vessel probe optically coupled to the optical coherence tomography engine; and a signal processing and display system adapted to communicate with the optical coherence tomography engine to receive imaging signals therefrom. An optical coherence tomography vessel probe for use in extravacular evaluation and guidance of fluid vessel surgeries, includes a probe body having a proximal end and a distal end; an optical relay system disposed within the probe body; and a vessel adapter at least one of attached to or integral with the probe body at the distal end of the probe body, wherein the vessel adapter defines a groove that is configured to accept one of a fluid vessel and a lymphaticovenous vessel.

Abstract: A method for measuring fuel contamination in oil that uses a material in contact with oil whereby fuel intrusion into the oil will change the electrical, mechanical, and/or chemical properties of the material as compared to the same electrical, mechanical, and/or chemical properties of the material when in contact only with mineral or synthetic oil only.

Abstract: A sampling device including a Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) fiber optic probe and methods of using the device are provided. The sampling device performs both NIRS data collection and physical sample collection. The sampling device operates by inserting the device into a powder or blend to be sampled, collecting a sample within the sample chamber in the device, and performing NIRS analysis of the sample within the sample chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of light-emitting devices electrically coupled together. A temperature of each of the light-emitting devices is correlated with a voltage of said light-emitting device. The system includes a current driver configured to control an amount of current through at least a subset of the light-emitting devices. The system includes electronic circuitry that is electrically coupled to the subset of the light-emitting devices. The electronic circuitry is configured to: measure a voltage of the subset of the light-emitting devices while the light-emitting devices are in operation; determine, based on the measured voltage, whether the subset of the light-emitting devices is hotter than an acceptable temperature threshold; and instruct the current driver to reduce the amount of current through the subset of the light-emitting devices if the subset of the light-emitting devices has been determined to be hotter than the acceptable temperature threshold.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for discerning and sorting suitable products in a product flow having a certain concentration of a component versus anomalous products having this component in an anomalous concentration, whereby a beam of light strikes these products, and the absorption of this beam of light by said component in the products is detected by measuring the intensity of the light reflected by the products at least at a wavelength or in at least a wavelength band which is situated between 900 nm and 2500 nm in order to generate a detection signal on the basis of said absorption, whereby a product will be identified as an anomalous product if said detection signal exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A filter wheel assembly includes a filter wheel and an optical assembly. The filter wheel includes a plurality of viewing openings. The optical assembly includes an optical element secured within an aperture of a housing. The optical assembly is securable to the filter wheel at a viewing opening by a magnetic force. An optical apparatus includes an optical assembly receiver and first and second optical assemblies. The first optical assembly is securable to the optical assembly receiver and the second optical assembly is securable to the first optical assembly by a magnetic force to align the optical assembly receiver and the optical assemblies. Methods of aligning apertures of optical assemblies with viewing openings of a filter wheel or an optical assembly receiver and securing the optical assemblies to the filter wheel or the optical assembly receiver using a magnetic force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects. Diffused regions of a segmented flow of multiple, miscible fluid species may be vented off to a waste channel, and non-diffused regions of fluid may be preferentially pulled off the channel that contains the segmented flow. Multiple fluid samples that are not contaminated via diffusion may be collected for analysis and measurement in a single channel. The systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects may be used to minimize or eliminate diffusion effects in a microfluidic system for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects. Diffused regions of a segmented flow of multiple, miscible fluid species may be vented off to a waste channel, and non-diffused regions of fluid may be preferentially pulled off the channel that contains the segmented flow. Multiple fluid samples that are not contaminated via diffusion may be collected for analysis and measurement in a single channel. The systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects may be used to minimize or eliminate diffusion effects in a microfluidic system for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules.

Abstract: A method and device for periodically perturbing the flow field within a microfluidic device to provide regular droplet formation at high speed.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel methods and devices for measurement of particle concentration or changes in particle concentration over a wide linear range. The invention comprises one or more radiation sources and one or more detectors contained in a housing which is interfaced to a medium containing particulate matter. The one or more radiation sources are directed into the medium, scattered or transmitted by the particulate matter, and then some portion of the radiation is detected by the one or more detectors. Methods for confining the measurement to a specific volume within the medium are described. Algorithms are provided for combining the signals generated by multiple source-detector pairs in a manner that results in a wide linear range of response to changes in particle concentration. In one embodiment the sensor provides non-invasive measurements of biomass in a bioreactor. In another embodiment an immersible probe design is described, which may be suited for one-time use.

Abstract: A microplate for use within an interrogation system and a method of using the microplate are disclosed. The microplate contains within the bottom of each well, an optical waveguide grating based sensor. Approximate to each sensor is a mask having an aperture of predetermined size. The aperture regulates the light that enters and exits the sensor upon successive scans and ensures repeatable readings from the sensor. In an extended embodiment, a method of detection is disclosed that utilizes a launch and receive system while employing the aforementioned microplate.

Abstract: A sample analyzer is disclosed that comprising: a light source section for emitting light; a first optical information acquiring section for illuminating a sample with the light emitted by the light source section, and for acquiring first optical information; and a second optical information acquiring section for illuminating a measurement specimen, to be prepared by adding a reagent to the sample, with the light emitted by the light source section, and for and acquiring second optical information. A sample analyzing method, intended for use in an automated sample analyzer, is also described.

Abstract: A fiber-optic probe includes first and second optical fibers disposed in a body, a liquid sampling region between ends of the fibers and a reflector, and apertures communicating with the sampling region. The probe may be inserted in media in a vessel. Optical signals are transmitted through the first fiber, the sampling region and second fiber. The sampling region is offset from other parts of the probe so that bubbles or particulates flow out from the sampling region without being obstructed by the probe.

Abstract: An optical reader having an array of differing-color light sources and a controller for controlling the light sources and acquisition of optical data. The light sources are arranged, and the controller is configured, to allow rapid acquisition of optical data regarding individual sample wells of a cluster of such wells. In some embodiments, multiple ones of the differing-color light sources are illuminated simultaneously for acquiring optical data on a corresponding number of sample wells. Depending on the configuration of the array and number of differing-color light sources illuminated simultaneously, the optical reader can acquire optical data for several wavelengths in a fraction of the time of conventional optical readers. Other embodiments include one or more non-contact temperature sensors for acquiring temperature data substantially simultaneously with the optical data.

Abstract: A low cost calorimeter wherein a linear taper potentiometer proportions the current through sample and reference solid state light sources in a near logarithmic fashion. The position of the potentiometer slider is proportional to the absorbance of the solution in the sample path when the light intensity of the two paths is balanced. The light intensity may be balanced visually or with a simple electronic comparator.

Abstract: An absorption detection system is provided. The system includes a plurality of monochromatic light sources and a separator for separating the light from the plurality of monochromatic light sources into a plurality of wavelengths. A plurality of detectors, receives light of a single wavelength to measure absorption of light in a biological sample.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for detecting aerosols. The systems and methods can be used to detect harmful aerosols, such as, bio-aerosols.

Abstract: An apparatus for photometrically testing several specimens each irradiated by a light source, the light altered by the specimens being detected by an optical device and analyzed, the apparatus including a light source, a plurality of sample holders configured adjacent to one another on a support, a detector that receives altered light from sample within the sample holders, the detector including a filter for eliminating interfering light, a sensor having a sensor face and a diffusing optical member located between the filter and the sensor, wherein light is diffused and shines on a greater portion of the sensor surface, and with a more homogeneous brightness as compared to when the light is not diffused.

Abstract: A process photometer which includes an insulated and a non-insulated compartment. The insulated compartment is maintained at a relatively constant, elevated temperature. The radiation source, a rotatable filter wheel, a radiation detector, and a means for converting analog output to a digital signal are among the components within the insulated compartment. The non-insulated compartment houses a power supply.

Abstract: A sample analyzer is disclosed that comprising: a light source section for emitting light; a first optical information acquiring section for illuminating a sample with the light emitted by the light source section, and for acquiring first optical information; and a second optical information acquiring section for illuminating a measurement specimen, to be prepared by adding a reagent to the sample, with the light emitted by the light source section, and for and acquiring second optical information. A sample analyzing method, intended for use in an automated sample analyzer, is also described.

Abstract: A system for measuring properties of small volume liquid samples, where the system includes wavelength selective filters.

Abstract: An optical monitoring system for determining the constituents of a sample or specimen. An absorption spectrum is obtained from a sample and is passed through one or more filters having a specified absorption spectrum defined by a single atom or a compound. If the filter's absorption spectrum is included in the sample's absorption spectrum, then the sample contains that atom or compound. The apparatus includes a switching assembly that sequentially places one or more filters into the light path to determine if the subject atom or compound is contained in the sample.

Abstract: A spray data acquisition system includes a pumping device responsive to an applied force to generate an aerosol spray plume along a spray axis. The system further includes a spray pump actuator that is capable of controlling the pumping force and the duration of the aerosol spray plume produced by the pumping device. The system also includes an illumination device that illuminates the aerosol spray plume along at least one first geometric plane that intersects the aerosol spray plume. The system further includes an imaging device that acquires data representative of an interaction between the illumination and the aerosol spray plume along at least one geometric plane.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for analyzing a fluid used in a machine or in an industrial process line. The apparatus has at least one meter placed proximate the machine or process line and in contact with the machine or process fluid for measuring at least one parameter related to the fluid. The at least one parameter is a standard laboratory analysis parameter. The at least one meter includes but is not limited to viscometer, element meter, optical meter, particulate meter, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: There are disclosed a wavelength detector capable of accurately detecting the wavelength of an entered light beam by a simple configuration without needing any highly accurate fine-adjustments, and an optical transmitter equipped with the wavelength detector.

Abstract: A system for detecting chemical warfare agents is disclosed. The system uses a detector paper that stains upon contact with liquid chemical agent droplets and spectrophotometry technology, in cooperation with a spectral filter wheel, and a processor, to analyze the stain and determine if the stain is created by a chemical warfare agent.

Abstract: A produce data collector with minimal spectral distortion. The produce data collector includes a light pipe having entrance and exit ends through which a portion of light reflected from a produce item travels, and a spectrometer adjacent the exit end of the light pipe which splits the portion of light into a plurality of wavelengths and which produces signals associated with the wavelengths for identifying the produce item.

Abstract: A colorimeter for measuring colour of process medium comprising two light sources and two detectors both light sources being arranged to emit a beam through the process medium and the windows adjoining the process medium to both detectors. In order to achieve a solution functioning reliably the windows adjoining the process medium at both light sources are formed from a triangular prism, the two surfaces of which being at an angle to each other, are arranged to divide the beam arriving from the light source into two beams travelling in different directions so that both beams proceed to the process medium through the same part of the window surface formed by a third surface of the prism. Mirror surfaces arranged to gather radiation arriving form both light sources to a sensor of the detector are formed at both detectors.

Abstract: A photometer for measuring electromagnetic radiation absorption of a sample utilizing a source of the electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic radiation is conducted from the source, to a sample sensor or sensors, and is passed through or scattered from, the sample utilizing a sample cell. The electromagnetic radiation is then directed to a detection system which determines absorbance of electromagnetic radiation by the sample at the sample cell. The detection system includes a beam splitter which receives the electromagnetic radiation and outputs first and second beams. A first detector having a first wavelength filter and a second detector having a second wavelength filter receives the two beams from the splitters. One detector may be employed to produce a reference signal. The remaining detector or detectors produce an output signal which is a representation of a characteristic, such as absorbance of the sample.

Abstract: A system for normalizing measurements obtained from spectrometers to correct for measurement biases in individual spectrometers. The normalization system is adapted for use in spectrometers having an optical assembly for obtaining characteristic data from a test sample. A normalization factor is obtained in each spectrometer by placing a holographic dispersion filter between the light source and detector in the position normally occupied by the test sample, the filter having been encoded with a symbol representing a nominal value of light expected to pass through the filter. The spectrometer determines the value of light passing through the filter and calculates a normalization factor based on the ratio between the nominal value of the filter and the actual value obtained by the spectrometer. The normalization factor is stored in system memory and the filter removed so that the spectrometer may thereafter be used to evaluate a plurality of test samples.

Abstract: Two detectors are effectively positioned at a predetermined lateral position in a rectangular illumination field at a wafer plane. The ratio of the signals from the two detectors is calculated. This ratio is indicative of the quality of the illumination field and any lamp instability which may effect the illumination field, and therefore image quality. In a photolithographic device, a short arc mercury xenon lamp provides illumination for projecting the image of a reticle onto a photosensitive resist covered substrate or wafer. The desired illumination intensity profile is sensitive to lamp instability. This instability may alter the desired illumination intensity profile which may adversely effect image quality, and therefore the resulting product. The ratio of the signals received from predetermined locations laterally along the illumination intensity profile improves the detection of unstable lamps.

Abstract: A radiant energy point source (10) generates radiant energy, and a mechanism (12, 15, 16) focuses the radiant energy generated by the point source onto a target (18) and scans the target with the focused radiant energy. A collector (16, 14) collects the focused radiant energy that is scattered from the target and a splitter (22) splits the collected radiant energy into two paths. Each of the two paths of the collected radiant energy is focused onto separate focal spots by a focusing mechanism (24). A pair of spatial filters (26, 28) filter the collected radiant energy at the focal spots. The spatial filters are offset from each other along the path of the focused radiant energy. Detectors (30, 32) separately detect the focused radiant energy which passes through each of the spatial filters and produce signals proportional to the quantity of detected focused radiant energy present.

Abstract: An instrument and a method are provided for determining the concentration of at least one species in a substance. The instrument and method can be used to identify and distinguish among various degrees of contamination of motor oil, diesel fuel, and hydraulic fluid by water, ethylene glycol, wear particles, and loss of anti-oxidants. The instrument includes a broad band light source, such as a tungsten filament incandescent lamp, which is very inexpensive and reliable. A fiber optic link is provided to a detector that receives and discriminates among optical spectral transmissions through the fiber optic. Discrimination circuitry is provided for evaluating the transmission and providing a readout that indicates the quality of the fluid. The instrument is suitable for in situ determination of oil quality.

Abstract: A spectrophotometric system uses an immersible spectrophotometric probe that can be directly interfaced to a pH/ISE meter for calibration and read-out. The probe contains a light source, a photodetector, and interface circuitry for converting the signal from the photodetector to an output voltage within a predetermined range suitable for the pH/ISE meter (e.g., 0-1.8 volts). The probe housing can also include a sample chamber to provide a predefined optical path from the light source through a portion of the sample fluid to the photodetector. An optical filter can be included in the optical path to allow measurements within a selected wavelength range. The pH/ISE meter receives the output voltage from the probe, applies a calibration function, and displays the resulting value. In the preferred embodiment, the probe is designed as a unitary structure that is plug-compatible with most conventional pH/ISE meters.

Abstract: A first embodiment of the invention includes a light source (1) lighting two parallel optical branches (b1, b2) controlled respectively by two optical shutters (4, 6), one comprising a transparent cell (3) containing a substance to be studied, and the other being used to divert the light from the source. The light coming successively from one and from the other branch is applied selectively to three color filters (F1-F3) filtering three wavelengths selected according to the substance to be studied. The successive luminous intensities which have crossed each of the filters are measured through three detectors (D1 to D3) and the measurings are combined by means of a control (0). Analogous measuring sequences may be achieved with an embodiment comprising three light sources and a single detector. The device can be used for determination of the pH value of a substance.