Abstract: Methods for normalizing output from an instrument employing a reference standard or non-fluorescing substance disposed within at least one of a plurality of reaction chambers. The method comprises collecting and analyzing a signal associated with the reference standard or non-fluorescing substance to determine a normalizing bias. The normalizing bias is then applied to the data signal collected from a remainder of the plurality of reaction chambers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to instruments used to analyze materials with light-absorbing properties and their methods of use. More specifically, the invention relates to the use of adjustable optical filters whereby light-absorption can be measured in more detail and with greater variables than what is currently known in the art.

Abstract: A handheld photoelectric measurement device includes a housing (G) which is provided with a measurement window (F). An illumination arrangement is positioned in the housing for impinging the measurement object through the measurement window with illumination light from two mutually perpendicular directions. The housing further includes an optical pickup arrangement for the capture of the measurement light through the measurement window, a photoelectric converter arrangement provided by the pickup arrangement with the captured measurement light for conversion of the measurement light into corresponding electric measurement signals, and an electronic processing arrangement. The housing (G) is at its forward side provided with a lateral measurement niche (N) which can be opened or closed to the outside by a movable wall portion. The measurement window (F) is freely visible when the measurement niche is opened. Furthermore, a motor drive is provided for movement of the wall portion.

Abstract: A system for checking filter segment arrangement of a color filter includes a light source, an image capturing device, a processor, and an output device. The light source is disposed at a first side of a color filter for emitting light beams to illuminate the color filter. The image capturing device is disposed at a second side of the color filter opposite to the light source for capturing an image of the color filter illuminated by the light source. The processor is used for processing the image of the color filter captured by the image capturing device, detecting a filter segment arrangement of the color filter and judging whether the filter segment arrangement of the color filter is identical to a predetermined standard filter segment arrangement. The output device is used for outputting the result as judged by the processor.

Abstract: A device and method of operation for analyzing signal features over multiple optical wavelengths is presented. A plurality of rotating thin film filters is arranged with respect to a collimated beam of light so that each thin film filter transmits light of a particular wavelength to a detector unit responsive to an angle of incidence of light upon the thin film filter when the thin film filter optically interposes the collimated light beam. Each of the plurality of thin film filters is optically interposed periodically and rotated so that the angle of incidence of light from the first input unit upon the thin film filter varies when the thin film filter is optically interposed to scan the light by wavelength within a selected wavelength band into a detector unit for measurement.

Abstract: A testing method is configured for testing parameters of a color wheel. The color wheel includes a color filter, which includes three sector-shaped filter segments and a motor for driving the filter segments of the color filter to rotate. The color filter is driven to rotate. Light is emitted toward the color filter of the color wheel, and reflected back by the color filter. Boundary impulses are generated according to changes in intensity of the light reflected back by the color filter. Based on relationships between the boundary impulses, central angles of the filter segments of the color wheel are calculated.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a multimode imaging apparatus for simultaneously obtaining multiple wavelength-discriminative spectral images of a sample.

Abstract: A method for producing from a plate-shaped substrate circular sections for use for instance in a color wheel encompasses inter alia such steps as positioning predefined edge break lines in such fashion that the circular sections to be separated at a subsequent point are arranged in columns, with the circular sections within a column being so positioned relative to one another that in each case at least certain points of the inner annular edge are in contact with the outer annular edge of another circular section, thus forming part of a common predefined edge break line, while the orientation of the curvature of the circular sections of neighboring columns is reversed in alternating fashion. In a subsequent step the circular sections are separated along the predefined edge break lines.

Abstract: A spectrophotometric optical system of a microplate reader and a filter wheel thereof are disclosed. The filter wheel comprises a pivotable wheel body, at least one narrow-band filter with a relatively long central wavelength mounted to the wheel body, and at least one narrow-band filter with a relatively short central wavelength mounted to the wheel body. The narrow-band filter with a relatively long central wavelength is provided with a diaphragm on a front surface thereof The diaphragm is formed with a plurality of apertures. By the diaphragm attached to the front surface of the narrow-band filter with a relatively long central wavelength, an energy matching between light of longer wavelength and light of shorter wavelength may be achieved. Further, due to the uniformly distributed apertures in the diaphragm, an even light spot may be obtained.

Abstract: A spectrophotometric optical system of a microplate reader and a filter wheel thereof are disclosed. The filter wheel comprises a pivotable wheel body, at least one narrow-band filter with a relatively long central wavelength mounted to the wheel body, and at least one narrow-band filter with a relatively short central wavelength mounted to the wheel body. The narrow-band filter with a relatively long central wavelength is provided with a diaphragm on a front surface thereof The diaphragm is formed with a plurality of apertures. A ratio of a total effective area of the plurality of apertures to an effective area of the narrow-band filter with a relatively short central wavelength is equivalent to a ratio of energy amounts of shorter wavelength light passed through the narrow-band filter with a relatively short central wavelength to energy amounts of longer wavelength light passed through the narrow-band filter with a relatively long central wavelength when the diaphragm is not disposed.

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 method and a low-cost, robust and simple system for remote sensing and analyzing spectral properties of targets as a means to detect and identify them is introduced. The system can be highly portable but is usable in fixed locations or combination thereof. An aspect of the method and system includes the capability to distribute, modulate, aperture and spectrally analyze radiation emitted or absorbed by a volumetric target chemical species (solid, liquid or gas) or a target surface. Radiation is first collected by a single light gathering device, such as a lens, telescope, or mirror, and then distributed to multiple detectors through spectrally discriminating components and if desired through apertures to achieve this desired detection and identification.

Abstract: A robotic apparatus of the kind having a sample manipulation head with associated positioning system mounted above the main bed of the apparatus, as used for picking of cells, in particular animal cells, or for other biological or chemical applications. An imaging station is arranged on the main bed where a sample container containing a sample can be placed in an object position. According to the invention, both excitation and collection optical sub-systems are mounted under the main bed of the apparatus for performing spectroscopic analysis on a sample at the imaging station. The integration is based on a reflection mode optical solution, which allows all the optical components to be mounted under the main bed of the apparatus. Consequently, ancillary software driven or manual processes can be carried on with whether or not spectroscopic measurements are being made.

Abstract: A color wheel for use in projector systems comprises a disc shaped hub, rotatable around a central axis and color filter segments arranged radially to said central axis and affixed to said hub. This color ring is arranged concentrically with respect to said axis and said segments' contour comprising an outer arc, an inner arc and two radial parts. Each of the radial parts comprises a recess arranged such that during assembly of said segments pairs of neighboring recesses form a hole which again engages in a corresponding peg on the hub in a form fitting manner.

Abstract: An optical processor includes a light source (20), a grating device (23), a first lens (24), a reflector (25), a second lens (26), an array of mirror cells (28), a color wheel (29), and a third lens (30). The light source is for generating a number of light beams. The grating device is for reflecting and dispersing the generated light beams. The first lens is for imaging the reflected and dispersed light beams. The reflector is for reflecting the imaged light beams. The second lens is for correcting any aberration of the reflected light beams. The array of mirror cells is for reflecting the light beams received from the second lens. The color wheel is for coloring the reflected light beams. The third lens is for projecting the colored light beams onto a display.

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: Provided are an optical detection apparatus which can measure multi-channel samples at high speed and various wavelengths using an optical detector and a multi-channel sample analyzer employing the same. The optical detection apparatus includes an optical detector; a filter wheel having at least two color filters connected to each other in the shape of a disk; a plurality of optical channels through which a plurality of beams of light enter the filter wheel; and a mirror unit including a plurality of mirrors for sequentially reflecting the plurality of beams of light transmitted through the filter wheel to the optical detector, wherein the mirror unit rotates together with the filter wheel.

Abstract: In a color wheel comprising a plurality of color filter segments arranged so as to form a disk and a support member fixed to the color filter segments, the color filter segments are each outlined only by a circular arc and two straight lines passing through the center of the disk. Consequently, each of the color filter segments is prepared by cutting the material only to the circular arc and the two straight lines, thereby simplifying the production process. And, the support member can be duly and surely positioned such that the center of the support member is set to coincide with the intersecting point of the two straight lines. Thus, the positional accuracy, the component cost reduction, and the production cost reduction can be achieved at the same time.

Abstract: A color measurement instrument includes a housing and illuminators, a two-dimensional photodetector array, and an optics system within the housing. A UV filter wheel closes the housing to prevent contaminants from entering the housing. The filter wheel supports UV filters and non-UV glass that can be selectively aligned with the illuminators. The photodetectors can be read in parallel, and each photodetector includes a unique spectral filter. The optics system delivers light from the sample target area equally to each of the photodetectors.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a monolithic color wheel. The method includes (a) preparing a square transparent substrate; (b) forming a plurality of color filters on the square transparent substrate; and (c) cutting the square transparent substrate and the color filters together along a circular path, to form a color filter disk. Through these steps, a color filter disk of color wheel can be produced with better dynamic equilibrium quality, and will run more quietly and smoothly.

Abstract: An optical measurement apparatus operable with a test specimen has a light source with a laser having an output beam, and a beam splitter that splits the output beam of the laser into a first split beam and a second split beam. A test specimen holder holds the test specimen therein. A first optical fiber receives the first split beam and directs the first split beam against the test specimen in the test specimen holder. The apparatus further includes an instrumentation module. A second optical fiber receives the second split beam and conducts the second split beam to the instrumentation module. A third optical fiber receives signal light from the test specimen in the test specimen holder and conducts the signal light to the instrumentation module.

Abstract: A filter device including a red filter unit, a green filter unit, a blue filter unit and at least one of a yellow filter unit, a cyan filter unit and a magenta filter unit is provided. Red light, green light and blue light are produced when white light passes through the red filter unit, the green filter unit and the blue filter unit. In the CIE1931 color space coordinate, a triangle color space is formed through joining the points representing the red, green and blue light. Moreover, yellow light, magenta light and cyan light are produced when white light passes through the yellow filter unit, the magenta filter unit and the cyan filter unit. In the CIE1931 color space coordinate, the minimum distance from the points representing the yellow, magenta and cyan light to the edge of the triangle is not exceeding in 0.03.

Abstract: A reflective color wheel is adapted to receive composite source light provided by a light source, and includes a plurality of multi-layer light-reflecting sections for splitting the composite source light into a plurality of colored light beam components. Each of the multi-layer light-reflecting sections includes a plurality of light-filtering layers stacked along an axis. Each of the light-filtering layers of each of the multi-layer light-reflecting sections is capable of reflecting light within a predefined distinct wavelength range, and permits transmission of light outside the predefined distinct wavelength range therethrough. Sequences of the light-filtering layers of an adjacent pair of the multi-layer light-reflecting sections are different from each other.

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

Abstract: A coating method for a color filter, including the steps of: coating a first photoresist layer on a substrate; forming at least a aligning pattern and a first color film pattern on the first photoresist layer by exposure and development; coating a first dye on the aligning pattern and the first color film pattern; stripping the first photoresist layer; coating a second photoresist layer on the substrate, wherein the aligning pattern and the first color film pattern are formed on the substrate; aligning position by using the aligning pattern of the substrate; forming a second color film pattern on the second photoresist layer by exposure and development; coating a second dye on the second color film pattern; and stripping the second photoresist layer. The invention also discloses an aligning-assembling method for a color wheel, which includes the color filter.

Abstract: A method for balancing a color wheel. The rotational unbalance vector of a driving motor is measured, including its unbalance amount and direction. The unbalance of a color wheel is adjusted to make its unbalance amount to be the same of the driving motor. The color wheel is connected to the driving motor so that the unbalance direction thereof is opposite to each other to reach an expected balance. The color wheel structure includes a set of color filter and a ring, before starting the assembly, adjusting the unbalance vector of the ring and motor shaft first, and then to assemble it and make the unbalance vectors opposite.

Abstract: A process for making a unitary color filter disc includes the steps of preparing a disc member having an annular surface, and providing a plurality of differently colored segments on the annular surface. Each of the colored segments is provided by partially masking the annular surface to expose a part of the annular surface and by directly depositing a coloring film on the exposed part of the annular surface.

Abstract: There is provided a color wheel which includes: a color filter disk having a side surface; and a rotary member having a circumferential surface and adhesively attached to the center portion of the color filter disk. In the color wheel described above, a portion of an adhesive for fixing the rotary member to the color filter disk sticks out on the side surface of the color filter disk along the circumferential surface of the rotary member, and the portion of the adhesive sticking out, when hardened, functions as a barrier to prevent uncured portions, if any, of the adhesive present between the two components from getting scattered out in the radial direction on the side surface of the color filter disk when the color wheel is rotated at a high speed during the inspection process, thus improving the production yield rate.

Abstract: A color wheel assembly includes a carrier, a color filter assembly mounted coaxially on the carrier and formed by a plurality of annularly arranged filter segments, and a connecting unit including a plurality of annularly arranged limiting pieces connected respectively to the filter segments, and a limiting groove for receiving the limiting pieces. Each limiting piece has opposite first and second radial end faces, an inner face interconnecting the radial end faces, an outer face interconnecting the radial end faces and extending outwardly of the inner face, and a passage extending between the inner and outer faces and extending through the radial end faces. A press cover is connected to the carrier to press the filter segments against the carrier.

Abstract: A color wheel with dovetailed balancing groove, includes a motor, a metal ring and a set of color filter set. At a rotatable portion of the color wheel, such as the peripheral portion between the metal ring and the housing of the motor, or on the peripheral surface of the metal ring, a balancing groove with narrow opening and wider inside is formed thereon. Using the feature of a narrow opening and wider inside, glue is added into the opening and dries to become solid balancing material. The color wheel is less prone to deviate from the metal ring, even though a relative larger centrifugal force is induced and acted thereon while the color is running at higher speed and higher temperature.

Abstract: Calibrating each of a plurality of driven optical filters. The color parameters of the driven optical filters are characterized for the individual optical filter. These color parameters are used as calibration data to calibrate more standard information.

Abstract: The device for the pixel-by-pixel photoelectric measurement of a planar measured object includes projection means for the imaging of the measured object onto a two-dimensional CCD image sensor, filter means provided in the imaging light path for the wavelength selective filtering of the measuring light impinging on the image sensor, signal processing means for the processing of the electrical signals produced by the image sensor and for the conversion thereof into corresponding digital raw measured, as well as data processing means for the processing of the raw measured data into image data representing the colors of the individual image elements of the measured object. Furthermore, illumination means are provided which include a Fresnel lens, which illuminate the measured object with at least one essentially parallel light bundle under an angle of incidence of essentially 45°+/?5°.

Abstract: A color wheel is attached to a hub of a motor before the hub is built in the motor. In this process, portions of the hub which do not impact the rotation accuracy of the motor are held by appropriate clamping means and attaching means so that excessive stress and heat are not applied to bearings of the motor. Then, the hub with the color wheel attached thereto is assembled to the rest of components of the motor.

Abstract: A rotary spectrometer including a plurality of input ports. Each input port may be arranged to receive an optical waveguide carrying electromagnetic radiation. The spectrometer also includes a plurality of optical bandpass filters, which are housed on a first body that rotates under the control of a motor so that each optical bandpass filter may be brought into alignment with each input port. Further, the spectrometer includes a plurality of detector circuits disposed on a second body that rotates with the first body. Each detector circuit is optoelectrically coupled to one of the plurality of optical bandpass filters, thereby resulting in each detector circuit being dedicated to responding to a range of wavelengths determined by the bandpass filter to which it is optoelectrically coupled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to spectroscopic methods and systems for collecting electromagnetic radiation from an object using a continuously-spinning wavelength-selecting (CSWS) device, e.g., an interference filter(s) or grating. One embodiment of the invention provides a spectroscopic system for collecting electromagnetic radiation from a target. The spectroscopic system has at least one beam of electromagnetic radiation that interacts with the target. The system includes a continuously spinning wavelength-selecting (CSWS) device, e.g., a continuously spinning interference filter/grating driven by a DC motor, in the path of the at least one beam. The device filters the radiation with regard to wavelength to produce filtered radiation. The system further includes at least one detector in the path of the at least one beam for detecting the filtered radiation.

Abstract: A forensic light source kit including a portable light source having a self contained battery and a white light source with a plurality of sliding filters for providing selected wavelength illumination, a plurality of barrier filter goggles, a tripod for mounting the light source, and a carrying case therefor.

Abstract: A filtering system for use in, for example, a radiological imaging in a mammography apparatus. The system has a roundabout carrying a set of filtration plates. Each filtration plate is held on the roundabout by a joint. In a parked or stationary position, each plate is vertically suspended and does not contribute to any unacceptable increase in the horizontal space requirement of an X-ray tube. Each filtration plate may be presented in turn before a window for the emission of X-rays from the tube. At this position, the plate is rectified about its joint in order to occupy one position, among several possible positions, that also makes it possible, in this way, to modulate the filtration capacity of the plate.

Abstract: Calibrating each of a plurality of driven optical filters. The color parameters of the driven optical filters are characterized for the individual optical filter. These color parameters are used as calibration data to calibrate more standard information.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for detecting biomolecular interactions. The use of labels is not required and the methods can be performed in a high-throughput manner. The invention also provides optical devices useful as narrow band filters.

Abstract: A color wheel includes a motor, a covering element and a color filter. In this case, the motor has a housing and a motor body. The motor body has a central axis and the housing is set at one side of the motor body. The housing has a surface, which is opposite to the motor body. The housing and the motor body rotate around the central axis. The covering element covers one part of the housing. The color filter is set around the covering element.

Abstract: The device for the pixel-by-pixel photoelectric measurement of a planar measured object includes projection means for the imaging of the measured object onto a two-dimensional CCD image sensor, filter means provided in the imaging light path for the wavelength selective filtering of the measuring light impinging on the image sensor, signal processing means for the processing of the electrical signals produced by the image sensor and for the conversion thereof into corresponding digital raw measured data, as well as data processing means for the processing of the raw measured data into image data representing the colors of the individual image elements of the measured object. Furthermore, illumination means are provided which include a Fresnel lens, which illuminate the measured object with at least one essentially parallel light bundle under an angle of incidence of essentially 45°+/?5°.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of biochemical laboratory. More particularly the invention relates to more reliable, intelligent instrumental features of equipment used as e.g. fluorometers, photometers and luminometers. The object of the invention is achieved by providing an optical measurement instrument where a selectable optical component is identified by the measurement instrument. The instrument therefore has means for identifying an optical component by e.g. reading a code from the component. The object is also achieved by a changeable/selectable optical component such as optical module or filter for a measurement instrument, the component comprising a readable identification means. The identification comprises information on the type/properties of the optical component so that the components suitability for a selected measurement can be verified.

Abstract: A color projection type display apparatus having a light source, a color wheel driven to rotate and having a plurality of types of color filters, different in characteristics from one another, disposed on the same surface thereof to transmit a particular component of light from the light source and to reflect the remaining components, a reflector for reflecting a component of light impinging on the color wheel and reflected by one type of the color filters to again direct the component back to another type of color filters, an image display device having a plurality of areas each irradiated with particular component of light transmitted by the color filters, respectively, to display an image, and a projection lens for projecting the image displayed by the image display device onto a screen.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in forming colored segments of a color filter on a substrate includes at least one pair of first and second masking plates, and a securing device for securing together the first and second masking plates and the substrate. The substrate has an outer periphery and a first surface which is adapted to be coated with the colored segments. The first masking plate overlies the first surface, and has a first outer periphery corresponding to the outer periphery of the substrate, and at least one first cutout part to expose a portion of the first surface. The second masking plate has a second outer periphery corresponding to the first outer periphery, and at least one second cutout part corresponding to the first cutout part.

Abstract: A color wheel includes a carrier, a color filter assembly mounted coaxially on the central boss and formed by a plurality of annularly arranged filter segments, a press cover connected to the carrier to press the filter segments against the carrier, and a limiting element. The color filter assembly defines inner and outer peripheries, upper and lower surfaces extending between the inner and outer peripheries, and an engaging element projecting axially from one of the upper and lower surfaces. The limiting element projects axially toward the engaging element from one of the carrier and the press cover to engage the engaging element so as to prevent the color filter assembly from displacing radially from an axis of the carrier due to a centrifugal force.

Abstract: A color wheel assembly includes a color wheel and a driving motor. The color wheel is attached directly to a hub of the driving motor. Consequently, no additional components are required to fix the color wheel to the driving motor, thereby reducing the number of components and the number of manufacturing processes. Thus, the color wheel assembly as a time-share light dispersing device can be inexpensively manufactured with a high degree of precision.

Abstract: A system for the optical analysis of a sample. An illumination source illuminates the sample, exciting fluorescence. The fluorescence is collected by an objective lens, which transmits the collected illumination light onto an imaging lens, which focuses the collected light onto an area array detector. Collected light rays between the objective lens and the imaging lens are parallel and pass through an emission filter. Both the objective lens and the imaging lens are positioned on a mount that allows an alternative objective or imaging lens to be positioned to collect or image the emitted light. Any objective lens/imaging lens pair is optically symmetrical, greatly reducing the optically degrading effects.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evanescent light fluoroimmunoassays are disclosed. The apparatus employs a planar waveguide with an integral semicylindrical lens, and has multi-analyte features and calibration features, along with improved evanescent field intensity. A preferred embodiment of the biosensor and assay method has patches of capture molecules, each specific for a different analyte disposed adjacently within a single reservoir. The capture molecules are immobilized to the patches on the waveguide surface by site-specific coupling of thiol groups on the capture molecules to photo-affinity crosslinkers, which in turn are coupled to the waveguide surface or to a nonspecific binding-resistant coating on the surface. The patches of different antibodies are produced by selectively irradiating a portion of the waveguide surface during the process of coupling the photo-affinity crosslinkers, the selective irradiation involving a mask, a laser light source, or the like.

Abstract: A color wheel includes lens structures, which are formed on a surface of a substrate opposite to a surface having filter sectors, and which have curved surfaces formed at their abutting ends and positioned along a boundary between adjacent filter sectors. Light impinging on an area of the substrate corresponding to the boundary is deflected due to one of the curved surfaces so as to be surely guided into one of the adjacent filter sectors and to be duly dispersed into a predetermined color, whereby light can be efficiently utilized.