Of Fluent Material Patents (Class 356/436)
-
Patent number: 8659759Abstract: Cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy systems and methods for detecting trace gases. When the frequency of laser light approaches the frequency of a resonance cavity mode, the laser begins to fill the cavity to that mode. Optical intensity inside the cavity reflects total cavity loss when the laser light frequency coincides with the cavity mode transmission peak. The intra-cavity optical power also depends on the coupling efficiency of the laser beam to the particular cavity mode. Measurement of intensities of three optical signals, namely, intensity of the light incident on to the cavity, intensity of the light reflected from the cavity, and intensity of the intra-cavity optical power, with their appropriate normalization advantageously significantly reduce effects of baseline calibration and drift as the normalized signal only depends on total cavity loss, and not the coupling efficiency, as in traditional approaches.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2011Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Li-Cor, Inc.Inventors: Serguei Koulikov, Alexander Kachanov
-
Patent number: 8659758Abstract: Optical feedback assisted cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy systems and methods for measuring trace gases with improved long-term stability and reproducibility include a laser coupled with a resonant optical cavity containing a gaseous medium and having at least two cavity mirrors and a plurality of optical resonance cavity modes. The laser emits continuous wave laser light with a mean optical frequency of the laser being adjustable over a range of frequencies, and the laser is responsive to optical feedback light emerging from the cavity. The transmissivity of at least one of the cavity mirrors is selected such that the intensity of the optical feedback light impinging on the laser is below a threshold intensity value so as to ensure that a frequency hold interval range of the optical frequency of the laser is smaller than a free spectral range of the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2011Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Li-Cor, Inc.Inventors: Serguei Koulikov, Alexander Kachanov
-
Publication number: 20140049771Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus of a combination of multi-laser wave mixing technology with diagnostic flow technologies with embodiments describing capillary electrophoresis. The unique combination of these technologies along with minute detection levels not yet been seen in the field.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2012Publication date: February 20, 2014Inventor: Behrokh B. Sadri
-
Patent number: 8647273Abstract: Systems and methods for weight and performance management are described. More particularly, an embodiment relates to a system and method of employing a non-invasive, real-time, continuous blood glucose monitoring device to measure glucose levels in a subject. The determined levels are subsequently used to manage the subject's caloric intake and utilization multiple times during the course of a day.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2009Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: RF Science & Technology, Inc.Inventors: David James Harra, Jacquelyn Fuzell, Timothy Daniel Casey
-
Patent number: 8649012Abstract: An optical gas sensor with a light-emitting diode (2), a photosensor (8), a measuring section between the light-emitting diode and the photosensor, and a control and analyzing unit (16), which is set up to determine the concentration of a gas in the measuring section from the light intensity measurement by the photosensor. The control and analyzing unit (16) is set up to measure the forward diode voltage over the light-emitting diode at a constant current, to determine the temperature of the light-emitting diode from the detected forward diode voltage over the light-emitting diode by means of a preset temperature dependence of the forward diode voltage, and to apply a correction function as a function of the light-emitting diode temperature determined, with which the measurement is converted to that of a preset temperature of the light-emitting diode.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2013Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaAInventors: Udo Beckmann, Livio Fornasiero
-
Patent number: 8647272Abstract: Systems and methods for non-invasively scanning and analyzing one or more characteristics of a sample utilizing electromagnetic radiation are described. More particularly, the systems and methods utilize an electromagnetic radiation source connected to a transmitter and an analyzer connected to a receiver. A sample to be analyzed is placed between the transmitter and receiver in a variety of different manners and a frequency sweep of electromagnetic radiation is transmitted through the sample to create a series of spectral data sets that are used to create one or more composite spectrograms, which are then analyzed to determine one or more characteristics of the sample. A magnetic field can alternatively be applied around the transmitter, receiver and sample to enhance some characteristic analysis applications. Samples include inert and living items, and the characteristics include a wide variety of different applications.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2009Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: RF Science & Technology IncInventors: David James Harra, Peter F. Mastin, Mark Norman Iverson, Rick Eugene Sanner, Martin Albert Hutchinson
-
Patent number: 8614793Abstract: A fluorescence analysis system may include a sensor head that has a light source configured to emit light into a flow of fluid, a detector configured to detect fluorescent emissions from the flow of fluid, and a temperature sensor. The system may also include a flow chamber that includes a housing defining a cavity into which the sensor head can be inserted. In some examples, the housing is configured such that, when a flow of fluid enters the housing, the flow of fluid divides into at least a major stream passing adjacent the light source and the detector and a minor stream passing adjacent the temperature sensor. Such a flow chamber may direct fluid past different sensors components while inhibiting a build-up of solids particles, the generation of air locks, or other flow issues attendant with continuous or semi-continuous online operation.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2012Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: Eugene Tokhtuev, William M. Christensen
-
Publication number: 20130329216Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for determining the presence of a drug or drug mixture in a liquid medium such as a beverage.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2011Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: RAMOT AT TEL-AVIV UNIVERSITY LTD.Inventors: Fernando Patolsky, Michael Ioffe, Eli Flaxer
-
Patent number: 8604455Abstract: The invention relates to an optical sensor array detecting a first liquid medium in a second liquid medium by means of the reflection of an emitted light beam of a given wavelength, comprising a light source and an associated receiver, further two circular glass rod lenses running parallel to each other while encapsulated in a housing. The index of refraction of the glass rod lenses is different from those of the liquid media. A reflecting surface is situated opposite the glass rod lenses and is connected to the housing. Said array also comprises a control fitted with a beam splitter, a second receiver and a third receiver, the latter two receivers being configured being mutually opposite.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2009Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: FAUDI Aviation GmbHInventors: Marcus Wildschuetz, Matthias Aden
-
Patent number: 8599381Abstract: A gas detector includes a receiver configured to receive light from a light source through gas, the light source having a bandwidth on the order of an absorption linewidth of the gas, the receiver including at least a first etalon having a transmission bandwidth on the order of the absorption linewidth of the gas, the transmission bandwidth of the first etalon being substantially smaller than the bandwidth of the light source. The gas detector further includes a first detector for detecting light transmitted through the first etalon, a second detector for detecting light reflected from the first etalon, and a processor that determines the quantity of gas based on the detected transmitted and reflected light. The gas detector can further include a second etalon with a transmission bandwidth approximately equal and adjacent to the transmission bandwidth of the first etalon.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2011Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Eric R. Statz, Alan E. DeCew, Jr., Jonathan B. Ashcom
-
Patent number: 8599382Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for in situ chemical analysis of liquid sample for the collection, identification, and measurement of chemical moieties, such as, biotoxins, organic compounds, or chemical contaminants, in aquatic environments. The apparatuses of the present invention relate to an automated in situ sampler for chemical stressors that adversely impact biological systems in aquatic environments. The apparatuses of the present invention are designed as a means to automatically collect liquid (e.g., water) samples and analyze them for the presence of chemical moieties. The apparatuses of the present invention are designed to automatically collect multiple liquid samples, extract and separate chemical moieties contained within the samples, and analyze the chemical moieties to determine the composition and concentration of the chemical moieties over time and space.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2011Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Mote Marine LaboratoryInventors: Richard H. Pierce, Jr., Gary J. Kirkpatrick, Alan R. Hails, Michael S. Henry
-
Patent number: 8593636Abstract: The invention relates to a pipe system comprising a) a pipe, b) a fluid sensing station and c) a remote light detector system. The pipe comprises a flow channel and an annular fluid cavity surrounding the flow channel. The fluid sensing station comprises a sensing fluid cavity which is in fluid communication with the annular fluid cavity, and the sensing fluid cavity comprises a light emitter and a light receiver placed at a distance from each other. The light emitter and the light receiver are optically connected to each other and optically connected to the remote light detector system. The invention also relates to a fluid sensing system for sensing a fluid in an annulus cavity of a pipe, said fluid sensing system comprises a fluid sensing station and a remote light detector system. The fluid sensing station comprises a sensing fluid cavity comprising a light emitter and a light receiver placed at a distance from each other and optically connected to each other.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2009Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: National Oilwell Varco Denmark I/SInventors: Mikael Kristiansen, Nicky Weppenaar
-
Publication number: 20130308135Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for characterising transparent objects (2, 3) in a transparent medium (1), said transparent objects (2, 3) presenting an optical focal area (5, 6) said method comprising the steps of: illuminating a sample comprising the objects (2, 3) to be characterised by means of a directional light (7) source, thereby inducing light intensity peaks (5, 6) at the focal area of said transparent objects; determining at least one characteristic of the light intensity peak (5, 6) induced by said object to be characterised, determining from said light intensity peak (5, 6) at least one property of said object.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2011Publication date: November 21, 2013Inventors: Frank Dubois, Catherine Yourassowsky
-
Patent number: 8587784Abstract: The invention relates to an optical analysis device for analyzing a medium in a measurement volume, comprising a housing having an opening, a flange for holding the housing in a reception opening of the measurement volume and an optical analysis unit in the housing. In accordance with the invention, a fastening stub provided at the housing and including the opening is provided for fastening the housing in the flange, with the fastening stub having an outer geometry which is matched to the inner geometry of the flange such that it can be displaced in the flange in the direction of the measurement volume and away from it. A clip is provided with which the flange and the fastening stub can be connected to one another in shape-matched and/or force-transmitting manner in different positions of the fastening stub in the flange.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2011Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Sick AGInventor: Ingo Schiffler
-
Publication number: 20130286399Abstract: Optical computing devices are disclosed. One optical computing device includes an electromagnetic radiation source that emits electromagnetic radiation into an optical train to optically interact with a sample and at least one integrated computational element, the sample being configured to generate optically interacted radiation. A sampling window is arranged adjacent the sample and configured to allow transmission of the electromagnetic radiation therethrough and has one or more surfaces that generate one or more stray signals. A first focal lens is arranged to receive the optically interacted radiation and the one or more stray signals and generate a primary focal point from the optically interacted radiation. A structural element defines a spatial aperture aligned with the primary focal point such that the optically interacted radiation is able to pass therethrough while transmission of the one or more stray signals is substantially blocked by the structural element.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2012Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventors: Robert Freese, Christopher Michael Jones, David Perkins, Michael Simcock, William Soltmann
-
Patent number: 8570508Abstract: A probe for monitoring a pressurised process space includes a casing enclosing a cavity and having a first window configured to be brought into contact with the process space, and a second window. A sealing means is configured to seal the first window to the casing. At least once coupling line is disposed within the cavity between the first and second windows and is configured to guide electromagnetic radiation entering through one of the two windows to the other of the two windows. A method for monitoring a pressurised process space, in which one or more hazardous substances occur, is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Bayer MaterialScience AGInventors: Andreas Rose, Martin Gotter, Thomas Schwindack, Christoph Schwinning, Patrick Eckert, Holm Kändler, Christof-Krzysztof Koltunski, Hannes Ebding
-
Patent number: 8570519Abstract: Methods and devices for analyzing body fluids, in particular for determining blood glucose. Body fluid is applied to a test element for single-use in a test device and the test element is optically coupled to a photometric measuring unit by means of an optical transmission system, wherein a time course of measuring values is recorded after the body fluid has been applied in order to detect a component of the body fluid on the test element. The transmission behavior of the optical transmission system may be controlled by recording measuring values at two different measurement wavelengths.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2012Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.Inventors: Herbert Harttig, Hans-Peter Haar, Gerhard Werner
-
Patent number: 8559721Abstract: A method and apparatus for quantitative and qualitative imaging of fugitive emissions of gas, vapors, or fumes are described. The apparatus includes a filter mosaic for placement in registration over an imaging focal plane array (FPA). The filter mosaic includes at least two filter elements providing transmission response functions for transmitting wavelengths of light corresponding to an absorption wavelength (online wavelength) and a non-absorption wavelength (offline wavelength) of the targeted fugitive emission. Also described is an image processing method for transforming a filtered image into an image of the targeted fugitive emission.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2010Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Exelis, Inc.Inventor: Jarett Levi Bartholomew
-
Patent number: 8553229Abstract: A fine particle measuring method of performing optical measurement of fine particles introduced into a plurality of sample fluidic channels provided at predetermined distances on a substrate by scanning light to the sample fluidic channels is disclosed. The method includes: sequentially irradiating the light to at least two or more reference regions provided together with the sample fluidic channels; detecting a change of optical property occurring in the light due to the reference regions; and controlling timing of emission of the light to the sample fluidic channels.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2008Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Motohiro Furuki, Shingo Imanishi, Masataka Shinoda, Akitoshi Suzuki, Kazushi Miyake
-
Publication number: 20130258336Abstract: An optical device, particularly a polarimeter, is provided for analyzing a liquid sample, having: a light-generating system for generating light for the surface irradiation of the sample; a detection system which is set up for the spatially resolved detection of light which originates from the transmission of the light provided for the surface irradiation through the sample; a telecentric optical system with a lens between the sample and the detection system and with an aperture diaphragm in the focal plane of the lens between the lens and the detection system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2012Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: ANTON PAAR GMBHInventors: Martin Ostermeyer, Gerhard Pfeifer
-
Publication number: 20130250303Abstract: A speed reducer for an industrial robot includes a speed reducer main body and a lubricant deterioration sensor for detecting deterioration of a lubricant in the speed reducer main body. The lubricant deterioration sensor includes a light emitting element for emitting light, a color light receiving element for detecting a color of received light, a clearance forming member forming an oil clearance in which the lubricant enters, and a support member supporting the light emitting element, the color light receiving element, and the clearance forming member. The clearance forming member is transmissive so that the light emitted from the light emitting element transmits therethrough.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2011Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: NABTESCO CORPORATIONInventors: Takuya Shirata, Kenichi Fujimoto
-
Patent number: 8531671Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for determining particulate concentrations in an exhaust gas. One embodiment provides a method of analyzing particles in a gas using an apparatus including a probe and an analyzer. The method includes obtaining a sample of particle laden gas through the probe; obtaining ambient air through the probe; diluting the sample with the ambient air; and providing the diluted sample to the analyzer. Another embodiment provides an apparatus for analyzing particles in a gas. The apparatus includes a probe adapted to accept a gas or ambient air; a volume to dilute the gas with the ambient air; an analyzer responsive to particles in the gas; and electronics to operate the apparatus. The electronics instructs a user to first provide a sample and then provide ambient air into the volume, and then analyzes substantially all of the sample and ambient air for particles.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2010Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Magee Scientific CorporationInventor: Anthony D. A. Hansen
-
Patent number: 8531670Abstract: An optical sensor to measure the turbidity of wash water in a household washing machine or dishwasher, includes a housing having a housing interior containing a measurement module having a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, the measurement module defining a measurement light path which extends from the light-emitting element to the light-receiving element and passes outside the housing over a part of its path length. The light-emitting element and the light-receiving element are arranged together in a first subspace of the housing interior, and the measurement light path extends over a part of its path length through at least one second subspace of the housing interior, which is sealed from the first subspace. All the electrical/electronic components of the measurement module are fitted in the first subspace, so that any ingress of wash water into the second subspace does not compromise the electrical functionality of the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: emz-Hanauer GmbH & Co. KGaAInventors: Johann Schenkl, Martin Brabec, Thomas Hanauer
-
Publication number: 20130229657Abstract: A device and method for measuring an optical characteristic of a fluid. The device, typically a densitometer includes a set of optical elements that include a light source, a collimating lens, a focusing lens, and a receiver, wherein a gap exists between the collimating lens and the focusing lens so as to allow the fluid to pass in between the lenses, and wherein at least one of the optical elements is tilted with respect to an optical axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2012Publication date: September 5, 2013Inventors: Nathan A. Levy, Ziv Gilan, Niv Shemtov
-
Publication number: 20130215426Abstract: A photo-spectroscopic analytic device is given for detecting analytes in a sample. The analyte may be microbial pathogen, a food sample, a sample of a body fluid, water, or a combination thereof. The device comprises an electromagnetic radiation (EMR) source in operative communication with one or more optic inputs, one or more receptors for receiving one or more sample holders, each receptor comprising one or more of the optic inputs which are operatively coupled to one or more optic outputs thereby forming an optic input-optic output pair. Each of the receptors may comprise different cross-sectional profiles corresponding to cross-sectional profiles of the sample holders.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2011Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicant: NIR SCIENCE CORPORATIONInventors: Ash Kaushal, Duncan MacIntyre
-
Patent number: 8514397Abstract: There is disclosed a method for controlling a photometric measuring unit of a measuring device for a bodily fluid sample, wherein a test field partially wetted by a bodily fluid sample is illuminated and light from a measuring area that covers a portion of the test field of the measuring unit is fed to a detector of the measuring unit, and the measuring area is displaced relative to the test field toward a partial surface wetted by the fluid sample and past the partial surface. The intensity of a detector signal is detected during the displacement, an extreme value in the course of the detector signal is determined, the measuring area is brought back to the position in which an extreme detector signal was previously measured, and the position of the measuring area in which the detector signal is extreme is used for a photometric determination of concentration.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2012Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.Inventors: Frederic Wehowski, Herbert Harttig, Joachim Hoenes
-
Patent number: 8508729Abstract: Apparatus for performing Raman analysis may include a laser source module, a beam delivery and signal collection module, a spectrum analysis module, and a digital signal processing module. The laser source module delivers a laser beam to the beam delivery and signal collection module. The beam delivery and signal collection module delivers the laser source beam to a sample, collects Raman scattered light scattered from the sample, and delivers the collected Raman scattered light to the spectrum analysis module. The spectrum analysis module demultiplexes the Raman scattered light into discrete Raman bands of interest, detects the presence of signal energy in each of the Raman bands, and produces a digital signal that is representative of the signal energy present in each of the Raman bands. The digital signal processing module is adapted to perform a Raman analysis of the sample.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2012Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: PD-LD, Inc.Inventors: Vladimir Sinisa Ban, Boris Leonidovich Volodin, Neal R. Stoker
-
Patent number: 8507886Abstract: Optical sensor system on a device for the treatment of liquids with at least one device for the projecting of light in the direction of an optical axis onto at least one illumination area in the space, an adjustment device for the adjustment of the relative position of the at least one illumination area and a boundary surface in a direction diagonal to the optical axis, an adjustment device for the adjustment of the relative position of the at least one illumination area and the boundary surface in the direction of the optical axis, a control device for controlling the adjustment devices, such that they simultaneously adjust the relative position of the at least one illumination area and the boundary surface diagonal to the at least one device for the imaging of the at least one illumination area during the adjustment of the relative position onto at least one photodetector and an evaluation device connected with the at least one photodetector for the evaluation of the at least one measurement signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2008Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Eppendorf AGInventors: Reinhold Götz, Kurt Harnack, Helmut Knofe, Jens-Peters Kroog, Peter Scheffler
-
Patent number: 8502972Abstract: A method for sensing a target object using optical mode excitations in microresonators, comprises: preparing at least one cluster including at least two microresonators; obtaining some first spectra of the cluster; adsorbing the target object on a surface of the cluster; obtaining some second spectra of the cluster; and sensing the target object by comparing a lineshape of the first spectra with a lineshape of the second spectra.Type: GrantFiled: December 25, 2008Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Fujirebio Inc.Inventors: Michael Himmelhaus, Alexandre Francois
-
Publication number: 20130194575Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for measuring the optical density of a fluid by measuring the light transmission through a reconfigurable optical path. The optical path is reconfigured by the deflection of an elastic membrane wherein the optical path length through the fluid is determined by the position of the membrane relative to a fixed surface. The optical density can be determined from two measurements with different optical path lengths through the fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2012Publication date: August 1, 2013Inventor: Harry Lee
-
Publication number: 20130194576Abstract: The invention relates to an optical probe including: a first cell C1 including a first emitter module LED1 and a first detector module D1 suitable for producing a first detection signal; a second cell C2 including a second detector module D2 suitable for producing a first monitoring signal for monitoring the first emitter module LED1; and a control circuit for producing a first measurement signal by weighting the first detection signal by means of the first monitoring signal. Furthermore, the second cell C2 has a second emitter module LED2, the second detector module D2 is suitable for producing a second detection signal, and the first detector module D1 is suitable for producing a second monitoring signal for monitoring the second emitter module LED2.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2011Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: SILIOS TECHNOLOGIESInventors: Fabien Reversat, Marc Hubert, Stephane Tisserand, Laurent Roux
-
Patent number: 8493561Abstract: A device for on-site measurement of concentration of uranium in high temperature molten salts is provided. More particularly, this device can be directly applied to a pyroprocess for reusing spent nuclear fuel and determine concentration of uranium 3+ and 4+ chemical species using ultraviolet-visible light absorption spectrometry. The device includes first and second optical waveguides submerged in molten salts including uranium through a port formed at an upper side of a pyrochemical process apparatus; a lengthwise driver installed at the port to be operated to adjust a distance between the optical waveguides; a light source for supplying light to the second optical waveguide as any one of the optical waveguides; and a spectrometer connected to the first optical waveguide as the other one of the optical waveguides to analyze the light emitted from the second optical waveguide and introduced through the first optical waveguide via the molten salts.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2010Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignees: Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yong Joon Park, Sang Eun Bae, Young-Hwan Cho, Kyuseok Song
-
Publication number: 20130183198Abstract: An analyzer comprises a dispenser which dispenses a liquid into a container, a detector which comprises a phototransmitter which emits light to the container and a photoreceiver which receives light from the phototransmitter, a moving unit which changes a relative position between the container and the detector, and a controller which determines whether an amount of the liquid in the container is within a predetermined range, based on outputs from the detector at a plurality of the relative positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2013Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: SYSMEX CORPORATIONInventor: SYSMEX CORPORATION
-
Patent number: 8488121Abstract: Provided herein is a device for quantitative analysis of a micro-volume solution. The device comprises a base portion provided with a light-emitting fiber, a movable arm provided with a light-receiving fiber, and at least one positioning block disposed between the movable arm and the base portion so that an optical path with a constant length is formed between the light-emitting fiber and the light-receiving fiber when the positioning block is clamped by the movable arm and the base portion. The solution concentration related to the absorbance with respect to the standard optical path length may be evaluated based on the built-in database and the optical intensity of light having passed through the solution as detected by a light sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2011Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: YAYATECH Corp. Ltd.Inventors: Kuan-Hsiung Wang, Shuo-Ting Yan, Yueh-Chu Tien
-
Patent number: 8482733Abstract: An optical measurement system for obtaining information such as the absorption coefficient of a light-absorbing liquid, or a surface profile of an object immersed in a light-absorbing liquid having a known absorption coefficient. The system includes a light source that transmits light through the liquid, a detector that records an image of the light transmitted through the sample and a processor or other means adapted to analyze the intensity distribution found on the image to generate information about the sample.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2008Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Kent State UniversityInventors: Michael A. Model, Anatoly K. Khitrin
-
Patent number: 8482734Abstract: A device consisting of a rotatable substrate (10) with at least one cavity (14) or channel/chamber structures is described. Fluids may be provided into the at least one cavity (14) and on rotation of the substrate will experience the effects of pseudo forces. At least one functional element (15, 16) which is based on organic conductors as for instance an LED or a photodiode is connected with the rotatable substrate.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Dublin City UniversityInventor: Jens Ducrée
-
Patent number: 8472024Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for combining a soil sample and extractant in a mixing chamber to produce a liquid extractant-soil mixture. A portion of the liquid extractant-soil mixture is directed from the mixing chamber through a sample measurement chamber coupled to the mixing chamber. The sample measurement chamber is coupled to a light source so that light propagates from the light source through the portion of the liquid extractant-soil mixture to an optical detector which generates an attenuation spectrum indicating light received by the detector at different wavelengths. The sample measurement chamber may include an attenuation cell having a specified optical path between a first measurement window and a second measurement window and angular surface directing particulates in the liquid extractant-soil mixture away from the attenuation cell.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2012Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Solum, Inc.Inventors: Michael John Preiner, Nicholas Carelton Koshnick, Justin Stewart White, John Paul Strachan
-
Patent number: 8462343Abstract: A wireless sensor system is provided that utilizes reliable, small, inexpensive and low power-consuming sensor nodes for monitoring environmental parameters that can communicate through wireless transmitters to a base station. The sensor nodes preferably incorporate anti-biofouling protection, so as to withstand continuous field deployment in streams and/or riparian areas.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2009Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: University of Maryland Baltimore CountyInventors: Govind Rao, Yordan Kostov
-
Publication number: 20130141726Abstract: The invention relates to a sensing device (1) for detecting a substance (3) in a fluid (6), wherein the sensing device (1) comprises a sensing region (2) for being used for generating a sensing signal depending on the substance, a reference region (4) for being used for providing a reference signal, and a reference element (5) covering the reference region (4). The reference element (5) is adapted to shield the reference region (4) from the substance (3) and to allow the fluid (6) to penetrate the reference element (5). This reduces the influence of the reference signal by the substance (3) and, since the reference element (5) is adapted to allow the fluid (6) to penetrate the reference element (5), differences regarding properties of the fluid (6) at the sensing region (2) and of the reference element (5) at the reference region (4) can be reduced. This reduction leads to an improved reference signal, which can be used, for example, for correcting the sensing signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2011Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.Inventors: Ron Martinus Laurentius Van Lieshout, Roel Penterman
-
Patent number: 8456635Abstract: Example methods and apparatus for obtaining suspended particle information are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes emitting light from a light source, dividing the light source into a first path and a second path, and directing the first path to a first container comprising a plurality of particles in a suspension material. The example method also includes directing the second path to a second container containing a suspension material devoid of particles, retrieving a first transmission value of the first path through the first container, and retrieving a second transmission value of the second path through the second container.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2009Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: University of Notre Dame Du LacInventors: Steven Ruggiero, Carol Tanner
-
Patent number: 8456634Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems and methods for providing optical interrogation sensors for combustion control. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method for controlling combustion parameters associated with a gas turbine combustor is provided. The method can include providing an optical path through the gas turbine combustor, propagating light along the optical path, measuring absorption of the light within the gas turbine combustor, and controlling at least one of the combustion parameters based at least in part on the measured absorption.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2009Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Keith Robert McManus, Lewis Berkley Davis, Jr.
-
Publication number: 20130119246Abstract: Optical detection apparatus (300) comprising an optical detector (302, 304, 306), a detector amplifier (336, 338, 340), and switching means, e.g., a multiplexer (344, 348), for dynamically selecting at least one of the optical detector or the detector amplifier by switching from among at least two alternative optical detectors and/or at least two detector amplifiers such as to minimize noise equivalent power (NEP) of a selected detector or combination of detector and amplifier under given operating conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2010Publication date: May 16, 2013Applicant: Halilburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Raj Pai, Marian Morys, Homi Phiroze Cooper, John Thomas
-
Patent number: 8441644Abstract: A method and apparatus for the photo-acoustic identification and quantification of one or more analyte species present in a gaseous or liquid medium in low concentration utilizing a laser and a resonant optical cavity containing the medium and having within the cavity at least two partially transparent mirrors, one of which is a cavity coupling mirror and one of which is moveably mounted on an assembly responsive to an input signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2011Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: LI-COR, Inc.Inventors: Alexander Kachanov, Serguei Koulikov
-
Publication number: 20130114084Abstract: A liquid consumption apparatus includes a detection portion in which a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion are arranged, a liquid container that houses a liquid and in which a prism having a cavity is disposed, a carriage with respect to which the liquid container is attachable and detachable, and in which an opening is provided in a position that opposes the prism, and a light shielding portion disposed in the opening in the carriage. When a driving portion moves the carriage in a direction in which the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion are arranged, noise light produced by the prism bottom surface or cavity portion is suppressed, as a result of the light shielding portion blocking part of irradiated light.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2012Publication date: May 9, 2013Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventor: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
-
Patent number: 8437000Abstract: An illustrative cavity ring down gas sensor includes an optical cavity for receiving a gas to be detected and at least two electromagnetic radiation sources. The first electromagnetic radiation source may emit a first beam of light having a wavelength corresponding to an absorption wavelength of the gas to be detected, and the second electromagnetic radiation source may emit a second beam of light having a second wavelength that is off of an absorption wavelength of the gas to be detected. The first beam of light may detect a cavity ring down time decay, which is related to the concentration of the gas to be detected. The second beam of light may be used to detect a baseline cavity ring down time decay, which may be used to help increase the accuracy of the sensor by, for example, helping to compensate the concentration of the gas detected by the first beam of light for sensor variations caused by, for example, sensor age, temperature or pressure changes, and/or other conditions.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2010Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Barrett E. Cole, Terry Marta, James Allen Cox, Fouad Nusseibeh
-
Publication number: 20130107264Abstract: An automated analysis method for an impactor used as a measuring transducer for the selective determination of oil mist or aerosols. The process includes the steps of rotating the deflector plate (5) of the measuring transducer (1) about the symmetry axis thereof and of determining the quantity of oil deposited by means of an optical analyzing device from the extinction of a light beam reflected from deflector plate (5) due to the alternation between the background and the pattern produced by the micronozzles (4).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2012Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: DRAGER SAFETY AG & CO. KGAAInventors: Andreas SEECK, Ralf STROTHMANN, Andreas MOHRMANN
-
Patent number: 8432550Abstract: A method for the assessment of quantity and quality parameters of biological particles in a liquid analyte material. The method comprises applying a volume of a liquid sample to an exposing domain from which exposing domain electromagnetic signals from the sample in the domain can pass to the exterior, and exposing, onto an array of active detection elements such as CCD-elements, a spatial representation of electromagnetic signals having passed from the domain, the representation being detectable as an intensity by individual active detection elements, under conditions permitting processing of the intensities detected by the array of detection elements during the exposure in such a manner that representations of electromagnetic signals from the biological particles are identified as distinct from representations of electromagnetic signals from background signals.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2012Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: ChemoMetec A/SInventors: Frans Ejner Ravn Hansen, Martin Glensbjerg, Börkur Arnvidarson, Jesper Myron Jeppesen
-
Publication number: 20130100450Abstract: The present invention provides an optical waveguide, comprising: an input end for receiving a divergent beam; an output end for outputting an illuminating beam; a longitudinal cavity extending from the input end till the output end; a first pinhole located at a first predetermined distance from the input end within the said longitudinal cavity for receiving the divergent beam and for generating a fringe pattern, said first pinhole bifurcating the longitudinal cavity into a first and a second light propagating regions, the longitudinal cavity forming the first light propagating region being provided with a reflective coating on its internal surface to enable internal reflection of the divergent beam; and a second pinhole located at the output end for receiving the fringe pattern thus generated by the first pinhole and for outputting the illuminating beam corresponding to a central bright fringe contained in the said fringe pattern via the output end.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Inventor: Amit Bhatnagar
-
Patent number: RE44214Abstract: An unmanned integrated RES 12 integrates all of its components except the reflector 22 into a single console 30 that is positioned at the side of a road and has a CPU 36 that controls calibration, verification and data gathering. The RES's source 32 and receiver 34 are preferably stacked one on top of the other such that the IR beam 24 traverses a low and high path as it crosses the road 14. This allows the RES to detect both low and high ground clearance vehicles. To maintain the vehicle processing and identification throughput, the speed sensor 54 and ALPR 48,50 detect the passing vehicles at steep angles, approximately 20 to 35 degrees. In a preferred system, a manned control center 16 communicates with a large number of the unmanned integrated RES to download emissions data, perform remote diagnostics, and, if necessary, dispatch a technician to perform maintenance on a particular RES.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2009Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Envirotest Systems Holdings Corp.Inventors: Jay Peterson, David R Nelson, Troy P. Bahan, George C. Polchin, Michael D. Jack
-
Patent number: RE44728Abstract: A measuring system for in-situ measurements down a well (1) by a spectrometer (4) is provided. The spectrometer (4) includes a radiation source (5) and a detector (6). A probe (15) optically connected to the spectrometer (4) and includes an optical pathway (7) for transmission of a radiation from the radiation source (5) and at least a second optical pathway for transmission of a characteristic radiation from a sample to the detector (6). A positioner is provided to position the probe (15) near a side surface (11) of the borehole (3) and to optically couple the optical pathways (7) to the side surface (11), wherein the probe (15) is traversable up and down the well (1) by way of a guide operatively connected to the probe (15) and to a fixed location at the wellhead. By use of the apparatus and method a concentration of methane or other substance of interest is obtained, and thereby, a potential production of a coal bed methane formation is obtained.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2006Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Gas Sensing Technology Corp.Inventors: John M. Pope, John Herries