Abstract:
Sensors are disclosed for detection of fluorescence as a mesure of gasoline or oil leakage. The sensors can be of simple construction and can be buried around the perimeter of a gas station or storage tank. The sensors are based on the principle that gasoline and oils contain additives which can be excited to fluoresce by an inexpensive laser diode, and the fluorescence can be readily detected by a photodetector if the leak has its source in the tank or line, and remain unchanged, if the signal is from a spurious, external source, such as a surface spill which percolates down into the ground or, more commonly, if the ground is already contaminated with fuels from previous leaks or leakage from adjacent sites.
Abstract:
Restenosis following angioplasty can be inhibited by reducing the proliferation of smooth muscle cells in the blood vessel walls at an angioplasty site, and such reduction in cell proliferation can be accomplished by an apparatus which irradiates the angioplasty site with radiation in the ultraviolet (UV) wavelength range. The ultraviolet radiation is preferably delivered via an optical fiber or other waveguide incorporated, for example, into a percutaneous catheter. In operation, the ultraviolet radiation kills smooth muscle cells at the site, thereby reducing the risk of restenosis, while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.
Abstract:
A system is disclosed for measuring properties of samples associated with the distribution of hydrocarbons in the sample. The system includes a low resolution laser Raman spectrometer coupled to photodetectors that integrate the intensity of the scattered Raman radiation. The system further includes microprocessor means that separate the Raman spectrum into two spectral ranges, calculates a ratio of the integrated intensities corresponding to these ranges and interpolates that ratio with a correlating function to obtain the measurement of the property of interest.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for material analysis are disclosed in which a material is illuminated at a plurality of discrete wavelengths. Measurements of the intensity of reflected light at such wavelengths are taken, and an analysis of reflection ratios for various wavelengths is performed. The present invention permits non-invasive blood analysis by illumination through the skin and similar analyses of meats and other food materials by non-destructive illumination. Changes in the reflection ratios can be correlated with specific material properties such as the concentration of analytes (e.g., oxygen content, glucose levels, cholesterol or drugs) in a subject's circulatory system or the condition of the food material (e.g., oxidation, contamination, sugar content, ripeness, fermentation, degree of cooking, or other processing stages).
Abstract:
Method and devices for fuel characterization and optimization, diagnosing fuel-related problems and matching fuels to new engine designs, at a vehicle service site, are disclosed. Fuel properties associated with a fuel sample of a fuel can be measured by mid-infrared analysis and displayed. Pre-determined preferred values for the fuel properties for the particular vehicle can be determined by inputting the model and type of vehicle into a processing means and correlating the vehicle information with the preferred values. The preferred and measured can be compared and the comparison displayed. A fuel sample rating for the vehicle can be performed based on this comparison and displayed. An optimal dispenser fuel for the vehicle can also be identified based on a comparison between the preferred values and the values for the fuel properties for each of the dispenser fuels. Further, fuel-related problems can be identified and diagnosed based upon this comparison, and the diagnosis immediately displayed for the operator. In one embodiment, driveability index can be determined in situ and in real time. In other embodiments, octane number, and Reid vapor pressure can be similarly determined.
Abstract:
First and second markers are mixed in the liquid for identification. The ratio of the concentrations of the markers is substantially equal to a predetermined value. Thus, by comparing the ratio of the measured concentrations with predetermined values the liquid can be uniquely identified. In one embodiment, a multi-channel infrared fuel analyzer (10) is disclosed for identifying fuel samples in an examination vessel or flow tube (12). Radiation source (16) is provided on one side of tube (12) for illuminating the flowing fuel (14). Detectors (20A, 20B and 20C) assigned to specific channels, are provided on the other side of the tube for detecting absorption associated with the presence of an assigned fuel marker. The infrared light source and detectors can be connected to a processor and control unit (22).
Abstract:
First and second markers are mixed in the liquid for identification. The ratio of the concentrations of the markers is substantially equal to a predetermined value. Thus, by comparing the ratio of the measured concentrations with predetermined values the liquid can be uniquely identified. In one embodiment, a multi-channel infrared fuel analyzer (10) is disclosed for identifying fuel samples in an examination vessel or flow tube (12). Radiation source (16) is provided on one side of tube (12) for illuminating the flowing fuel (14). Detectors (20A, 20B and 20C) assigned to specific channels, are provided on the other side of the tube for detecting absorption associated with the presence of an assigned fuel marker. The infrared light source and detectors can be connected to a processor and control unit (22).