With Light Detector Patents (Class 356/442)
  • Patent number: 11913058
    Abstract: Various devices, systems and methods for detecting infectious agents or determining a susceptibility of an infectious agent to an anti-infective are described herein. One example method comprises introducing a fluid sample to a surface; exposing the surface to a solution; sampling the solution after exposing the solution to the surface; and detecting a change in an electrical characteristic of a sensing device exposed to the solution sampled corresponding to a presence of the infectious agent in the fluid sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Avails Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Oren S. Knopfmacher, Meike Herget, Michael D. Laufer, August Estabrook
  • Patent number: 11879788
    Abstract: A sensor suitable for optical turbidity measurements is described. The sensor is suitable for use in a water-bearing domestic electrical appliance (e.g. washing machine or dishwasher) and allows the temperature dependence of the turbidity measurements obtained by means of a first light detector to be compensated for. To this end, the sensor implements, in addition to a turbidity-measuring path along which a measuring-light beam is sent through a measuring space containing the turbid medium to a first light detector, a reference measuring path along which a reference light beam is transported to a second light detector which is thermally coupled with the first light detector. A heat-equalizing element can ensure that any temperature differences between the two light detectors are minimized. Both light-measuring paths can run in some regions inside the same solid-material light-conducting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: EMZ-HANAUER GMBH & CO. KGAA
    Inventors: Martin Brabec, Manfredi Signorino
  • Patent number: 11754504
    Abstract: Assays (100) may be performed with a luminometer (400) having a chassis (405) that may include a reaction vessel chamber (610). The luminometer (400) may also include a light passage (640) that intersects the reaction vessel chamber (610). The luminometer (400) may also include a cap (415) that, when in a closed configuration, prevents light emitted by external sources from entering the reaction vessel chamber (610) and from entering the light passage (640). The cap (415) may provide access to the reaction vessel chamber (610) when in an open configuration. The luminometer (400) may also include a calibration light source (460) optically coupled to one end of the light passage (640) and a light detector (630) optically coupled to another end of the light passage (640). The light detector (630) may include a sensing element for receiving light from the light passage (640).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Kozicki, Creigh Thompson, Richard Wolf, Laura Holmes, David Sorrentino
  • Patent number: 11692861
    Abstract: Provided is a liquid sensor or the like that is relatively easy to manufacture. The liquid sensor includes a light emitting element, an optical waveguide, a light receiving element, and a detection circuit. The optical waveguide includes a first pillar portion, a first metal plate, a second pillar portion, and a second metal plate. The first metal plate is embedded in the first pillar portion. The second pillar portion is provided at a position opposing the first pillar portion. The second metal plate is embedded in the second pillar portion. A space for liquid is formed between the first pillar portion and the second pillar portion. The first pillar portion includes a first end surface that faces the light emitting element. The first metal plate includes a first reflecting portion that is tilted relative to the first end surface and reflects light toward the second pillar portion. The second pillar portion includes a second end surface that faces the light receiving element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: NIPPON PILLAR PACKING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akira Nakatsu, Kentaro Watanabe
  • Patent number: 11506597
    Abstract: Disposable, pre-sterilized, and pre-calibrated, pre-validated sensor components are provided. The sensor components interact with a sensor system having disposable fluid conduit or bioreactor bag and a reusable sensor assembly. The components can include an optical bench or inset optical component or module designed to be integrated within the disposable fluid conduit or bioreactor bag, which provides an optical light path through the conduit or bag. The sensors systems are designed to store sensor-specific information, such as calibration and production information, in a non-volatile memory chip on the disposable fluid conduit or bag and on the reusable sensor assembly. Methods for calibrating the sensor and for determining a target property of an unknown fluid are also disclosed. The devices, systems and methods relating to the sensor are suitable for and can be outfitted for turbidity sensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Karl G. Schick, David Uhen
  • Patent number: 11249021
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (200) for incubation of a viable biological material (2); said apparatus comprises: a housing (4) having an extension in a longitudinal direction X, in a transversal direction Y, and in a direction Z perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the transversal direction; said housing comprising: two or more culture dish compartments (6), each being adapted to accommodate, one or more culture dishes (8) comprising a biological material (2); wherein said apparatus comprises an image capturing device (10); wherein said apparatus comprises a control unit (12) for controlling the operation thereof; wherein at least part of said image capturing device is being configured to be movable in relation to the two or more culture dish compartments (6), thereby allowing capture of images of one or more of said biological materials (2) accommodated in said one or more culture dishes (8); and wherein said apparatus comprises a FLIM unit (11) (fluorescent lifetime imaging microscope);
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: ESCO Medical Aps
    Inventor: Thomas William Pedersen
  • Patent number: 10890521
    Abstract: For tracking a plurality of objects in a three-dimensional space two-dimensional pictures objects are recorded with two black and white cameras out of two different imaging directions. Both first pictures and second pictures of the two cameras are simultaneously exposed at two points in time in equal ways, a point in time at which the second pictures are exposed for a first time following to a point in time at which the first pictures are exposed for a last time at a much shorter interval than the two points in time of exposure of both the first and second pictures. First and second distributions of real positions of the individual objects are determined from their images in the first and second pictures, respectively; and temporally resolved trajectories of the individual objects in the three-dimensional space are determined from the first and second distributions of real positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: LAVISION GMBH
    Inventors: Bernhard Wieneke, Andreas Schröder, Arne Henning, Matteo Novara, Daniel Schanz
  • Patent number: 10801958
    Abstract: An optical sensor is provided, in which members forming an optical path can be reliably supported without blocking the optical path extending from a light source to a light receiver. An optical sensor includes a light source configured to emit light, and a light receiver configured to receive the light emitted from the light source. An optical path extending from the light source to the light receiver extends through an oil infiltrating space into which oil infiltrates. The optical sensor further includes: a substrate on which the light source is mounted; a substrate on which the light receiver is mounted; a fixing member including an accommodation space in which the substrates are accommodated; and a sealing resin contained in the accommodation space and sealing the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignees: KOMATSU LTD., KELK LTD.
    Inventors: Daisuke Goto, Tomonori Murata, Hirokuni Hachiuma, You Sangawa, Ryoji Kasuya, Kazuo Miyabe
  • Patent number: 10674044
    Abstract: An observation apparatus includes an imaging unit, a driving mechanism, and a control section. The imaging unit includes an imaging section and an illumination section. The imaging section includes an image sensor and an imaging optical system, and images a sample to output an image signal. The illumination section includes a plurality of emitting sections which are located away from an optical axis of the imaging optical system and configured to emit illumination light toward the sample. The driving mechanism moves the imaging unit. The control section controls operations of the imaging section, the illumination section, and the driving mechanism. The control section determines a lighting emitting section of the emitting sections and causes the lighting emitting section to light based on the image signal, when the imaging unit is moved by the driving mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takato Aoki
  • Patent number: 10583467
    Abstract: A medicine powder cleaning apparatus includes a pressure sensor, a positive pump, and a control module. The control module includes control unit and power supply unit. The pressure sensor detects a first pressing force to obtain a first detection value. The pressure sensor detects a first pressing force in a first tube to obtain a first detection value. The control unit is configured to obtain the first difference value, and determine whether within a reference range. The power supply unit supplies power to the positive pump when the first difference value is not within the reference range. The positive pump is configured to blow out the medicine powder in the first tube after being supplied with power by the power supply unit. A medicine powder cleaning method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignees: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (Shenzhen) CO., LTD., HONG HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yu-Ting Wang
  • Patent number: 10502678
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention encompass systems and methods for determining detection limits for various antibody-dye conjugates for flow cytometry. Exemplary techniques involve a linear superpositioning approach of spillover-induced enlargements of normally distributed measurement errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Kapinsky
  • Patent number: 10254267
    Abstract: A water quality sensor includes a housing having two hollow protruding portions, and a sensing module including a circuit board mounted inside the housing and having two positioning plates respectively positioned in the two hollow protruding portions, two identical connectors respectively mounted on the two positioning plates of the circuit board in reversed directions with a phase difference of 180 degrees therebetween, and a light emitter and a light receiver respectively mounted in the connectors to face toward each other for water quality detection. Thus, the invention allows the implementation of automated assembly to replace manual assembly, reducing the risk of human error, saving much labor and production costs, improving product quality and increasing product yield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: SOLTEAM OPTO, INC.
    Inventors: Chih-Teng Cheng, Fu-Min Liang, Chin-Feng Chen
  • Patent number: 10253355
    Abstract: A system for automated microorganism identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing comprising a reagent cartridge, a reagent stage, a cassette, a cassette, stage, a pipettor assembly, an optical detection system, and a controller is disclosed. The system is designed to dynamically adjust motor idle torque to control heat load and employs a fast focus process for determining the true focus position of an individual microorganism. The system also may quantify the relative abundance of viable microorganisms in a sample using dynamic dilution, and facilitate growth of microorganisms in customized media for rapid, accurate antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Automated quality control test components and methods of their use are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Accelerate Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Richards, Austin Ashby, Matthew Ketterer, Kevin Marshall, Josh Harrison, Matthew Mette, Paul Richards, Wayne Showalter, Jasmin Cote, Phillip C. Halbert, Solene Bourgeois, Steven W. Metzger, Ken Hance, Meghan Mensack, Carlos Michel, Elke Allers, Dulini Gamage, Landon Prisbrey, Oleg Gusyatin, Alena Shamsheyeva, Ben Turng, Andrew Ghusson, Kurt Reinhardt
  • Patent number: 9835549
    Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, detection of a fire event via detection of scattered light of at least two wavelengths is initiated only after a signal from a light detector and/or a sensor for detecting one or more fire signatures other than smoke exceeds a triggering threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: VALOR FIRE SAFETY, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew Erdtmann
  • Patent number: 9691144
    Abstract: A method and a system for density measurement of zooplankton in situ in an aqueous solution are provided. The method comprises acquiring at least one image of a volume of the aqueous solution; processing the at least one image and identifying particles in the at least one image; analyzing the identified particles based on a sharpness of each particle, and identifying zooplankton to be counted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: C-FEED AS
    Inventors: Morten Alver, Yngve Attramadal
  • Patent number: 9684005
    Abstract: An apparatus for spectroscopic analysis of vinificition liquids features a sample holder for a sample container of vinification liquid, a light source for directing a beam of light into the sample supported by the sample holder, a spectrometer arranged for receiving and measuring the beam of light after interaction thereof with the sample in order to perform a spectroscopic scan of the sample and generate measured spectral data thereon, and a scanning device positioned for scanning a machine readable code on the sample container. A computing device in communication with the spectrometer and the scanning device applies a classification to the measured spectral data of the sample according to a classification code read from the sample container. The classification code is used to determine what parameters should be calculated from the spectral data for the particular sample in question.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: BL PHOTONICS INC.
    Inventors: Eugene Gussakovsky, Efim Gussakovsky
  • Patent number: 9671339
    Abstract: A method for determining a turbidity of a medium in a container using at least one turbidity sensor. Depending on the ambient conditions at the installation location of the turbidity sensor, comprising the following steps: passing transmitted radiation through the medium, wherein the transmitted radiation is converted by interaction with the medium, as a function of the turbidity in the received radiation; receiving the received radiation; converting the received radiation into a scattered light intensity, and determining the turbidity from the scattered light intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser Conducta GmbH+Co. KG
    Inventors: Bjorn Haase, Matthias Grossmann, Carsten Gotz, Thilo Kratschmer
  • Patent number: 9632047
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting properties of fluid media within a predefined process using impedance spectroscopy, the method detecting an initial impedance curve, including a plurality of characteristic points on said initial impedance curve determining an initial value of the properties of the fluid medium, determining respective surrounding frequency ranges around each of the characteristic points, conducting further detections of current impedance curves determining respective characteristic points of the current detections within the surrounding frequency ranges of the initial impedance curve, determining differences between the characteristic points of each of the current detections of the impedance curve for at least one of the characteristic points and the respective corresponding characteristic point on the initial impedance curve and comparing the difference with a predetermined reference range, and performing control measures on the process for the purpose of continuing said process if said d
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: SEUFFER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Roman Gruden, Volker Beck
  • Patent number: 9632475
    Abstract: A lubricant applicator includes a lubricant, a supply member contactable against the lubricant to supply the lubricant to a target, and a lubricant gauge to detect whether an amount of lubricant remaining is less than a threshold value. The lubricant gauge includes a rotary member rotatable about a shaft, a pressing member to press and rotate the rotary member as the lubricant is consumed, a contact part of the rotary member pressed by the pressing member, and a detection part of the rotary member opposite to the contact part across the shaft of the rotary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Uenishi, Takeshi Shintani, Kenji Honjoh, Shinya Karasawa, Daisuke Tomita, Kohsuke Yamamoto, Norio Kudo
  • Patent number: 9594019
    Abstract: An optical tomography system including a light emitting array having one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), a sample holding module and a light sensing array comprising one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), wherein the light sensing array is configured to sense light emitted from the light emitting array, which has passed through the sample holding module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Inventor: Lester F. Ludwig
  • Patent number: 9482680
    Abstract: A test platform is provided for testing a detection module of a test apparatus to determine whether correction is needed or for quality control of the test apparatus. The test platform includes a body, and at least one reference material which is formed on the body and on which at least one color is printed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ki Ju Lee, Suk Yong Lee, Young Goun Lee
  • Patent number: 9201054
    Abstract: 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. The oil clearance is provided on an optical path from the light emitting element to the color light receiving element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: NABTESCO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takuya Shirata
  • Publication number: 20150131099
    Abstract: Provided is a light irradiation device, a particle analysis device, and a light irradiation method, which allow reduction of noise in a signal acquired based on a light emitted from a light-irradiated particle. The light irradiation device includes: a light irradiator that irradiates irradiation positions different from each other on a flow path through which a particle flows with a plurality of lights corresponding to the irradiation positions, respectively; and a controller that controls light emission from the light irradiator. When the particle having reached an irradiation position of a first light is irradiated with the first light and a signal is acquired based on a light emitted from the particle, the controller makes output of a second light less than output of the second light at acquisition of a signal from the particle by irradiation of the second light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Katsutoshi Tahara
  • Patent number: 9018608
    Abstract: An optical liquid sensor utilizing a light source, fiber optic cables, a light detector and an irregular transparent surface is provided to detect the presence of liquid in mist and continuous form. The sensor may be integrated into a probe designed for insertion into a pressurized fluid process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: A+ Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: Donald P Mayeaux
  • Patent number: 9007590
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring transmittance which can realize reliability for measurement of the transmittance of a piece of patterned glass by post dispersion of light. The apparatus includes a light source which is disposed in front of an object that is to be measured, and directs light into the object. An integrating sphere is disposed in the rear of the light source and integrating light incident thereinto. The object is mounted on the front portion of the integrating sphere. A light dispersing part is disposed in the rear of the integrating sphere, and disperses light that has been integrated by and then emitted from the integrating sphere. An optical receiver is disposed adjacent to the light dispersing part, and receives light that has been dispersed by the light dispersing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoon Young Kwon, Kyungwook Park, Jinsu Nam, Jaeyoung Choi
  • Patent number: 8942458
    Abstract: A method for distinguishing and sorting cells characterized by comprising distinguishing and sorting a specific cell mass or a part of the cells in the cell mass with the use of transmitted light data reflecting the morphological characteristics of the cells such as size and shape optionally together with side-scattering light data reflecting the characteristics of the internal structure of the cells. The part of the cells in the specific cell mass as described above are at the G1 stage or at a part of the M stage in the cell cycle. A part of the cells at the G1 stage are referred to as the left bottom line in an analytical dispersion diagram of the cells wherein the abscissa indicates the transmitted light data, while a part of the cells at the M stage are referred to as the right bottom line in the analytical dispersion diagram of the cells wherein the abscissa indicates the transmitted light data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Takahashi, Ken Tsukii, Jie Xu
  • Patent number: 8896835
    Abstract: A gas measurement apparatus measures a target gas. The gas measurement apparatus includes a light source, a first light receiving apparatus, a first phase-sensitive detection apparatus, an R calculation unit, and a setting unit. The light source oscillates a laser light that has a central wavelength determined by a main current and is modulated according to a modulation current, with the central wavelength being varied. The first light receiving apparatus outputs a detection signal according to an intensity of the laser light transmitted through a standard sample. The first phase-sensitive detection apparatus obtains a second harmonic component oscillated at a harmonic frequency ?2 twice as large as a modulation frequency ?1. The R calculation unit calculates a peak-bottom ratio R. The setting unit sets a width of wavelength modulation of the laser light so that the peak-bottom ratio R satisfies a predetermined condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Horiba, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuya Ido, Tetsuya Mori
  • Publication number: 20140285808
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring turbidity includes a first storage portion configured to store a measuring fluid therein, a measuring container connected to the first storage portion through first and second pipes, and a turbidity measuring portion configured to measure turbidity of the measuring fluid in the measuring container, at least a portion of the measuring fluid being moved between the first storage portion and the measuring container through the first and second pipes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yeon-Ik JANG, Young-Wook SONG, Suk-Jun KANG
  • Patent number: 8823943
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides for a method for identifying within a single record the location of each of a plurality of samples suspected of containing particles of interest wherein the single record is obtained from a flowing stream of the plurality of samples passing through a particle analyzer. The method comprises introducing into a conduit the plurality of samples suspected of containing particles of interest wherein each ones of the plurality of samples are separated by fluid gaps to produce a plurality of samples separated by fluid gaps and wherein each of the plurality of samples further comprises marker particles. The plurality of samples separated by fluid gaps are flowed through the conduit as a flowing sample stream to a detector of a particle analyzer, which may be a flow cytometer. The particles of interest are detected as the samples pass the detector of the particle analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Intellicyt Corporation
    Inventors: Linda Trinkle, Thomas Duensing
  • Patent number: 8817259
    Abstract: Disposable, pre-sterilized, and pre-calibrated, pre-validated sensors are provided. The sensor comprises a disposable fluid conduit or reactor bag and a reusable sensor assembly. An optical bench or inset optical component is integrated within the disposable fluid conduit or bioreactor bag, which provides an optical light path through the conduit or bag. These sensors are designed to store sensor-specific information, such as calibration and production information, in a non-volatile memory chip on the disposable fluid conduit or bag and on the reusable sensor assembly. Methods for calibrating the sensor and for determining a target property of an unknown fluid are also disclosed. The devices, systems and methods relating to the sensor are suitable for and can be outfitted for turbidity sensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Karl G. Schick, David Uhen
  • Patent number: 8804124
    Abstract: An array of light sources (lasers) is positioned so that each of the light sources emits a beam that is directed through a sedimenting column of ground grain. Photodetectors (photodiodes) positioned opposite the light sources receive the light beams emerging from the sedimenting column and convert the beams into electronic signals. A computer processor processes the electronic signals and generates values for protein quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Craig F. Morris, Brian Axness, Brandon DeCook, Arthur D. Bettge, Stephen R. Delwiche
  • Patent number: 8798951
    Abstract: Systems and methods for performing measurements of one or more materials are provided. One system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels. Another system is configured to image one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. An additional system is configured to substantially immobilize one or more materials in an imaging volume of a measurement device. A further system is configured to transfer one or more materials to an imaging volume of a measurement device from one or more storage vessels, to image the one or more materials in the imaging volume, to substantially immobilize the one or more materials in the imaging volume, or some combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Luminex Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne D. Roth, Charles J. Collins, Nicolas F. Arab, Donald A. Conner, Robert S. Roach, David L. Smith
  • Patent number: 8773272
    Abstract: A light scattering type smoke sensor includes a sensor body, light-emitter for emitting light toward an open smoke-sensing space and outputting a light-received signal according to the amount of scattering light received, and a fire judging unit for judging whether fire occurs or not on the basis of the amount of received light determined on the basis of the outputted light-received signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Hochiki Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuya Nagashima
  • Patent number: 8767214
    Abstract: Apparatus for detecting powder flow along a powder flow path includes a light source and a light detector for detecting light from the light source directed across the powder flow path as powder flows through said powder flow path. A circuit receives the output from the light detector and determines an average or RMS of the signal received by the light detector. The circuit may determine whether there is flow or no flow of powder or whether there is a change in flow rate of powder. Preferably, the apparatus is used in combination with a dense phase powder pump, which causes the powder to flow in pulses from the pump outlet into the powder flow path. More preferably, the light source and detector are enclosed in a housing that is connected between the pump outlet and a powder feed hose which supplies powder to a spray gun or hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Mario Romanin, James M. Khoury, Joseph G. Schroeder, Jeffrey A. Perkins, Terrence M. Fulkerson
  • Patent number: 8767212
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a flow cytometer includes a flow cell defining a sheath flow encompassing a dyed biological particle, a first optical source irradiating first light onto the flow cell, a second optical source irradiating second light onto the flow cell downstream where the first light is irradiated, a first optical detector detecting scattered light or fluorescence from the biological particle to output a first electrical signal corresponding thereto, a plurality of second optical detectors arranged along the flow cell, each of the second optical detectors detecting fluorescence from the biological particle to output a second electrical signal corresponding thereto, and a signal processor summing the second electrical signals output from the plurality of the second optical detectors in a plurality of time windows estimated based upon when the first optical detector detects the scattered light or the fluorescence, thereby to increase the second electrical signals of the fluorescence from the biolog
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Bay Bioscience Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiko Kanda, Shigeaki Kato, Sari Fujiyama, Kei Izumikawa, Toshihiro Chikanishi
  • Patent number: 8767213
    Abstract: A turbidity sensor for use in a machine for washing articles, e.g., a washing machine (400). The turbidity sensor comprises a light source (210) for emitting light. The emitted light has a radiant intensity which is variable. The sensor further comprises a light-sensitive element (220) for receiving light emitted from the light source (210). The light source (211) and the light-sensitive element (220) are positioned relative to each other so that, when the light source (210) is in operation, light emitted from the light source (210) can propagate through a washing liquid contained in the washing machine (400) on its way to the light sensitive element (220). The light-sensitive element (220) is configured to measure the radiant intensity of light received at the light-sensitive element (221). Furthermore, the sensor comprises a controller (230) which is communicatively coupled to the light source (210) and the light-sensitive element (220).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation, N.V.
    Inventors: Girish Pimputkar, Per-Erik Pers
  • Patent number: 8715572
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the detection, analysis, and collection of rare cellular events, wherein rare cellular events are defined by events comprising less than 5% of a total number of cells in a sample. The systems and methods generally include: (1) a flow cell dimensioned so as to permit a flow of a sample through the flow cell at a flow rate greater than 300,000 cells per second; (2) a laser positioned to emit a laser beam directed to the flow cell; (3) one or more deflector components disposed between the laser and the flow cell, wherein the deflector component is configured to affect a position of the laser beam relative to the sample flow; (4) one or more fluorescence emission detectors; and (5) one or more processor configured to detect rare cellular events based on fluorescence emission from cell-binding surface markers introduced into the sample prior to the sample being flowed through the flow cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Jiong Wu, Mahesh Junnarkar, Giacomo Vacca
  • Patent number: 8708548
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method detect the presence of solid particles in a liquid phase, where an at least partially transparent container encloses the solid particles and the liquid phase. The apparatus includes a camera to make digitized images in the form of arrays of pixels with their associated pixel values. The apparatus also includes an agitator device to hold the container and to impart movements to the container, transmitting kinetic energy to the mixture. The camera is aimed at a transparent portion of the container to take images of the mixture in motion. A processor unit, in electronic communication with the camera, receives and processes the digitized images of the mixture in motion, resulting in the generation of an analytical representation of the solid particles in the liquid. In this manner, the state of dissolution of the solid particles may be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Matthias Engelhardt, Guido Schuster, Michael Meyer, Bruno Nufer
  • Patent number: 8687196
    Abstract: A composite pane arrangement, in particular for a motor vehicle, is provided with a composite pane that includes, but is not limited to at least two panes connected with each other by an intermediate layer, and with at least one optical sensor device for the optical detection of moisture on an outer surface of the composite pane facing away from the intermediate layer. The optical sensor device is arranged between the two panes and is electrically contacted by means of transparent, laminar conductive traces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Dino Demma
  • Patent number: 8648356
    Abstract: A light emitting diode for harsh environments includes a substantially transparent substrate, a semiconductor layer deposited on a bottom surface of the substrate, several bonding pads, coupled to the semiconductor layer, formed on the bottom surface of the substrate, and a micro post, formed on each bonding pad, for electrically connecting the light emitting diode to a printed circuit board. An underfill layer may be provided between the bottom surface of the substrate and the top surface of the printed circuit board, to reduce water infiltration under the light emitting diode substrate. Additionally, a diffuser may be mounted to a top surface of the light emitting diode substrate to diffuse the light emitted through the top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Senseonics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Jason D. Colvin, Arthur E. Colvin, Jr., Andrew DeHennis, Jody L. Krsmanovic
  • Patent number: 8582106
    Abstract: An automatic optical measurement system (100) is provided. The measurement system (100) includes a sample vial (10) and an automatic optical measurement apparatus (90) configured to receive the sample vial (10). The automatic optical measurement apparatus (90) is configured to detect a presence of the sample vial (10) in the automatic optical measurement apparatus (90) and measure a light intensity of light substantially passing through the sample vial (10) if the sample vial (10) is present. The measured light intensity is related to sample material properties of a sample material within the sample vial (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Hach Company
    Inventors: Perry A. Palumbo, Brian Harmon
  • Publication number: 20130271767
    Abstract: A mixer for analytical application mixes a container of fluid without a magnetic stir bar. A device for testing a liquid for particles can use the mixer. The mixing can occur in a sealed container, and liquid can be transmitted to the device from the sealed container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Hach Company
  • Patent number: 8542882
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining flow conditions in a measured volume permeated by a fluid spiked with optically detectable particles. A plurality of two-dimensional images of the particle distribution is thereby created at each of a plurality of times, an estimated particle distribution is determined therefrom, and a three-dimensional displacement vector field is calculated. According to the invention, a transfer function for the image detectors used is first determined, by means of which the real distribution is mapped by the image detector. Starting from a roughly estimated initial distribution, and by means of the transfer function, virtual images of the estimated distribution are then calculated and compared to the associated real images. The estimated distribution is modified in an iterative method until sufficient matching of the virtual and real images has been achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: LA Vision GmBH
    Inventor: Berhnard Wieneke
  • Patent number: 8537344
    Abstract: Apparatus and methodologies are provided to selectively activate a liquid usage option in a washing apparatus based on the color of the liquid. Light from different light sources is passed through a liquid to be tested and the intensity of the light passing through the liquid is measured. The measurement is adjust based on a measurement of the turbidity of the liquid and the measurement compared to a reference value derived from measurements of a clear liquid. A decision is made based on the adjust measured color of the liquid regarding retention of the liquid for further use in the washing apparatus. The liquid tested may correspond to grey water from a previous wash cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Daniel Vincent Brosnan, James Quentin Pollett
  • Publication number: 20130235380
    Abstract: A system and method to calculate a concentration of solids in a fluid, the system including a light source to generate a light signal of predefined characteristics, a an optical detector, placed opposite the light source across a gap between the light source and the detector through which the fluid may flow and a processor to identify the light signal in a detection signal generated by the optical detector, and to calculate the concentration of solids in the fluid based on the identified light signal as related to the generated light signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Niv Shemtov, Evgeny Plaskov, Ziv Gilan, Uri Tovim
  • Patent number: 8531672
    Abstract: A lubricant deterioration detecting device includes an arcuate optical fiber having one end positioned in face-to-face relation with a light emitting element and also having the opposite end positioned in face-to-face relation with a light receiving element, and a measuring gap for intervening a lubricating agent is provided in a portion of the arcuate optical fiber. In the vicinity of the measuring gap, a resistance element, the amount of deformation of which varies with change in state of lubrication performed with the lubricating agent, is provided for flowing of the lubricating agent within the measuring gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Takahashi, Kentarou Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 8524502
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods for performing photoreactions of photo-reacting compounds in solution. The invention features a vessel defining a chamber and a light source. The chamber has a chamber volume, a first window, an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is placed in fluid communication with a source of photo-reacting compounds in solution. The first window is transparent to light transmission and is placed in optical communication with a light source to receive photons. The chamber receives a solution of one or more photo-reactive compounds over time to define a dwell time. The device further includes a light source, in optical communication with the first window, for emitting photons which photons are received by the first window and transmitted into the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Basile, Anthony Jeannotte
  • Patent number: 8520211
    Abstract: A carrier and an apparatus for optical detection of a sample in a sample chamber includes en optical structure for refracting an input light beam into the adjacent sample chamber and for collecting an output light beam from light that originates in the sample chamber from the input light beam. The optical structure includes grooves in the surface of the carrier in which the Input light beam is transmitted Over a short distance through a sample. The optical structure can also be used for a wetting detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Joseph Hubertina Barbara Schleipen, Toon Hendrikus Evers, Jeroen Hans Nieuwenhuis, Wendy Uyen Dittmer, Dominique Maria Bruls, Menno Willem Jose Prins, Jacobus Hermanus Maria Neijzen, Yannyk Parulian Julian Bourquin
  • Patent number: 8520220
    Abstract: In an apparatus for measuring the dimensions of an object, an opto-electronic sensor system includes an illumination device which sends light towards the object and a receiving device which receives light reflected from the object. In particular, the apparatus includes means for optically splitting the field of view of the opto-electronic sensor system into a plurality of sectors. Each of these sectors covers at least a partial view of the object under inspection from a unique viewing point. The arrangement of the optical splitting means is selected so that based on the respective field of view and the location of the actual or virtual viewing point of each sector the area on the object surface which is visible from at least one of said viewing points is maximized. The apparatus uses only one opto-electronic sensor, but obtains multi-perspective imaging of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Kjell Kråkenes, Eivind Kvedalen
  • Patent number: 8507282
    Abstract: When assessing the start time of the limulus reaction between biogenous biologically active substances and LAL and using the reaction start time to determine the concentration of the biogenous biologically active substances, in order to exclude the influence of progressive changes which occur regardless of the conditions of the limulus reaction, the strength of transmitted light or scattered light in the liquid mixture of the measurement sample and LAL is detected, the variation (delta) in the transmittance or number of gel particles is acquired at set intervals, and the time when the variation (delta) crosses a threshold value is taken as the reaction start time. Furthermore, the time intervals when acquiring the abovementioned delta are not uniform, and either change over time from the start of measurement as defined by a time function, or multiple sequences with differing time intervals are prepared in advance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Kowa Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsumi Yabusaki, Takuya Hara, Yuka Sugiura