With Variable Light Path Length Patents (Class 356/413)
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Patent number: 10126241Abstract: The present invention provides a measuring apparatus (100) designed to analyze a fluid sample (3) or a luminescent sample (52), wherein the measuring apparatus (100) comprises a radiation receiver device (6, 56) for receiving a light beam guided along a measurement path through the fluid sample or radiation emitted by the luminescent sample (52), and wherein the measuring apparatus comprises at least one connection device (36) for connecting an external electronic device (37) for transferring the measurement signals of the radiation receiver device (6, 56) to an evaluation device (109) of the external electronic device (37) for evaluating the measurement signals.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2014Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: IFE Innovative Forschungs- und Entwicklungs GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Thomas Willuweit, Ralf Griesbach
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Patent number: 8873057Abstract: A probe having a probe head in which is formed an opening for receiving a sample to be analyzed, the head comprising a pair of optical interfaces disposed at an opposing inner surface of the opening to delimit a path for optical radiation through the opening, wherein one of the pair of optical interfaces comprises a transparent element adapted to permit optical radiation in one or more wavelength regions of interest to travel between the probe head and the opening, the optical probe comprising a movable diaphragm in which one of the pair of optical interfaces is located for movement therewith and an actuator operably connected to the diaphragm to control its movement so as to vary the path length wherein the probe head comprises a hinge system cooperable with the actuator to move the optical interface in the movable diaphragm in an arc to vary the path length.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2009Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Foss Analytical A/SInventor: Christian Born
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Patent number: 8717571Abstract: An optical measurement apparatus includes a connector where a base end portion of a measurement probe introduced into a subject is connected, a light source unit that emits illumination light irradiated from a leading end of the measurement probe, an optical measurement unit that measures reflection light and/or scattering light of the illumination light incident through the measurement probe, a first optical path that transmits the illumination light emitted by the light source unit to the optical measurement unit, a second optical path that transmits, to the measurement probe, the illumination light emitted by the light source unit and transmits, to the optical measurement unit, reflection light and/or scattering light of the illumination light incident through the measurement probe, and an optical path switching unit that switches an optical path for transmitting the illumination light into the first optical path or the second optical path.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2013Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignees: Olympus Corporation, Olympus Medical Systems CorporationInventors: Hideyuki Takaoka, Kazuhiro Gono, Takeshi Suga
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Patent number: 8654337Abstract: A turbidity sensor for sensing the turbidity of a fluid in a working chamber in a household appliance is disclosed to include a light-transmissive body shell defining therein an accommodation chamber and covered with a cover member, and a sensor module, which includes a circuit board mounted in the accommodation chamber inside the body shell, a holder block a set of light-transmitting devices and a set of light-receiving devices on the circuit board in a right angle relationship for emitting light onto the fluid and picking up reflected light from suspended particles/impurities in the fluid for determination of the turbidity of the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2011Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Solteam Opto, Inc.Inventors: Shang-Jung Wu, Zen-Chyuan Chen
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Patent number: 8629984Abstract: A system and a method for real-time processing and monitoring, the system including a light source to provide an illumination light and a calibration light are provided. The system includes an optical element to separate the illumination light and the calibration light; an optical element to direct the illumination light to a sample; an optical element to direct the calibration light to a first detector and a second detector; an optical element to collect light backscattered from the sample; an optical element to separate light backscattered from the sample into a first scattered light portion and a second scattered light portion; an optical element to direct the first scattered light portion through at least one multivariate optical element to the first detector; and an optical element to direct the second scattered light portion to the second detector.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2013Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Robert P. Freese, David L. Perkins
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Patent number: 8625097Abstract: The present invention provides a light engine having four LED light sources in combination with one or more laser light sources. A combination of collimators, bandpass filters, dichroic mirrors, and other elements is operative to direct light from the light sources onto a main optical axis from where it may be focused into a light guide for transport to a instrument or device. Particular embodiments of the invention provide for computer control, intensity control, color control, and light source modulation. The light engine provides light suitable for applications in microscopy, endoscopy, and/or bioanalytical instrumentation.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2013Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Lumencor, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Brukilacchio, Arlie R. Conner
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Patent number: 8603772Abstract: This invention provides a novel methods and devices for measurement of particle concentration or changes in particle concentration over a wide linear range. The invention comprises one or more radiation sources and one or more detectors contained in a housing which is interfaced to a medium containing particulate matter. The one or more radiation sources are directed into the medium, scattered or transmitted by the particulate matter, and then some portion of the radiation is detected by the one or more detectors. Methods for confining the measurement to a specific volume within the medium are described. Algorithms are provided for combining the signals generated by multiple source-detector pairs in a manner that results in a wide linear range of response to changes in particle concentration. In one embodiment the sensor provides non-invasive measurements of biomass in a bioreactor. In another embodiment an immersible probe design is described, which may be suited for one-time use.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2008Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Bug Lab LLCInventors: Martin P. Debreczeny, Jaime Romero, Ethan Petersen
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Patent number: 8582103Abstract: The present invention creates a spectrometer (1; 1?) for measuring the concentration of at least one analyte in a fluid sample (2; 2?), with a light source (3; 3?) to generate a light beam (4; 4?), with a photosensor (5; 5?) to receive the light beam (4; 4?), and with a measurement length (6; 6?), in which the fluid sample (2; 2?) can be placed, in the beam path of the light beam (4; 4?), the measurement length (6; 6?) being provided in changeable form.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2010Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: IFE Innovative Forschungs- und Etwicklungs GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Thomas Willuweit, Achim Sack, Ralf Griesbach
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Publication number: 20130003045Abstract: An optical absorption spectroscopy apparatus comprises a light source, a detector for detecting an optical absorption spectrum of light transmitted from the source through a sample volume and one or more reflectors for reflecting the transmitted light multiple times through the sample volume. An adjuster device is provided for adjusting at least one optical element so as to vary the path length of the transmitted light by controlling the number of times the light is reflected through the sample volume. Drive means is provided for driving the adjuster device, so enabling the detector to detect the transmitted light at a range of different path lengths.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Inventor: Steven Wilkins
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Publication number: 20120140227Abstract: The present invention creates a spectrometer (1; 1?) for measuring the concentration of at least one analyte in a fluid sample (2; 2?), with a light source (3; 3?) to generate a light beam (4; 4?), with a photosensor (5; 5?) to receive the light beam (4; 4?), and with a measurement length (6; 6?), in which the fluid sample (2; 2?) can be placed, in the beam path of the light beam (4; 4?), the measurement length (6; 6?) being provided in changeable form.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2010Publication date: June 7, 2012Inventors: Thomas Willuweit, Achim Sack, Ralf Griesbach
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Patent number: 7593101Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for observing samples at non-ambient temperatures and pressures. One apparatus comprises a cell body having a fluid flow-through passage and a light passage intersecting the fluid flow-through passage at an adjustable light pathlength fluid analysis region; first and second light-transmissive windows in the light passage, each window having at least one crystal axis aligned longitudinally with a longitudinal axis of the window, the windows having opposed, spaced apart, substantially flat surfaces defining the adjustable light pathlength fluid analysis region, the first window having a first window holder and the second window having a second window holder, the first window rotationally isolated from the first window holder, the second window rotationally coupled to the second window holder, the first window holder able to gradually move the first window and thus adjust the light pathlength; and first and second light polarization filters.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2007Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Todd Yakimoski, Scott Jacobs, Ken Sitko, Ahmed Hammami, Terry Sopkow, Craig Borman
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Publication number: 20080288182Abstract: Thermodynamic properties of a natural gas stream can be determined in real time utilizing modeling algorithms in conjunction with one or more sensors for quantifying physical and chemical properties of the natural gas. Related techniques, apparatus, systems, and articles are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2007Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventors: Richard L. Cline, Xiang Liu, Gregory M. Sanger, Charles E. Smith, Xin Zhou
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Patent number: 6867861Abstract: An apparatus for inspection of fluids, particularly dispersions and tints, having a fluid analysis cell with a cavity therein defining a fluid analysis chamber, fluid inlet and outlets extending from the cavity in opposite directions to enable fluid flow into and out of the analysis chamber, and a light transmitting probe and a light receiving probe extending within the cavity juxtaposed from each other across the flow path in spaced apart relation, with the probes being movable relative to each other, thus providing a fluid analysis chamber having an adjustable pathlength and allowing flow across and around the faces of the probes for pressure relief of the fluid, to provide accurate color measurements. The apparatus is particularly useful in the manufacture of dispersions and tints used in the manufacture of paints, so that the color of material being made can be accurately matched to a standard color in the wet state with confidence that the color will match in the dry state.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2002Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and CompanyInventors: Anthony Joseph Martino, Ken Stephen Schermacher, Kelly Regan Smolcynski, Michael P. Milone
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Patent number: 6529275Abstract: In a bio-separation system, the detection zone for optical detection of sample analytes is located at a widened zone along the separation channel. In one embodiment of the present invention, the widened detection zone is a micro-bore collar having a micro-channel that coaxially surrounds the exit of a capillary column that defines a capillary channel. A separation support medium including a running buffer fills the capillary column and the collar. In another aspect of the present invention, incident radiation for detection of separated analytes is directed at the detection zone and/or emitted radiation is collected axially along the separation medium, instead of through the boundary walls of the detection zone. In a further aspect of the present invention, the optical detection configuration may be scaled up and implemented in a mult-channel CE system that comprises multiple capillary separation channels.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2001Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Biocal Technology, Inc.Inventors: Varouj Amirkhanian, Ming-Sun Liu
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Patent number: 6507397Abstract: An automatic color-tone test device comprises: a measurement cell 4 to which there are communication-connected dye liquor introduction tubes 16, 18 for passing through a controlling dye liquor that is a measurement object and dye liquor discharge tubes 17, 19; a spectrophotometer adapted such that a light transmission distance in the measurement cell 4 can be variably set in compliance with a concentration level of the controlling dye liquor that is a measurement object; and a statistical test computer section for operation-judging whether or not concentration and hue agree with desired values.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2000Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: Suminoe Textile Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigenori Nishio, Masao Kawakami, Hiroshi Kimura, Kenji Muramoto
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Publication number: 20020196442Abstract: In a bio-separation system, the detection zone for optical detection of sample analytes is located at a widened zone along the separation channel. In one embodiment of the present invention, the widened detection zone is a micro-bore collar having a micro-channel that coaxially surrounds the exit of a capillary column that defines a capillary channel. A separation support medium including a running buffer fills the capillary column and the collar. In another aspect of the present invention, incident radiation for detection of separated analytes is directed at the detection zone and/or emitted radiation is collected axially along the separation medium, instead of through the boundary walls of the detection zone. In a further aspect of the present invention, the optical detection configuration may be scaled up and implemented in a multi-channel CE system that comprises multiple capillary separation channels.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2001Publication date: December 26, 2002Inventors: Varouj Amirkhanian, Ming-Sun Liu
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Patent number: 6466321Abstract: From the crop of a predetermined area in a plant field under exposure to natural light, a reflectivity of the light having relation to crop information such as nitrogen content rate is measured by a camera; the crop information as first crop information is obtained from the first crop related formula established in advance for obtaining the crop information from the reflectivity; light is irradiated on crop leaf blades in the same area as the predetermined area and an amount of the light is measured; the crop information as second crop information is obtained from the second crop related formula established in advance for obtaining the crop information from the amount of the light; differences are calculated from the first crop information and the second crop information; the first crop information is obtained from the unknown crop in the predetermined area within the crop field of the same area; the first crop information is corrected based on the differences; and the nutritious diagnosis of the crop in theType: GrantFiled: June 16, 2000Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: Satake CorporationInventors: Satoru Satake, Yukio Hosaka, Hideharu Maruyama, Nobuhiko Nakamura
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Patent number: 5905271Abstract: Inline optical sensor having first and second optically transmissive windows positioned on opposite sides of a product stream. A light source is positioned outside the first window for directing light through the product stream, and the spacing between the windows is adjusted to control the length of an optical path through the product stream. A detector is positioned outside the second window for receiving light passing along the optical path, and a photometric calibration filter is removably installed between the second window and the detector for calibration of the system.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1997Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Assignee: Wedgewood Technology, Inc.Inventor: William H. Wynn
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Patent number: 5528036Abstract: To spectrally detect a contaminant in a moving container, a set of reference spectral information related to one or more containers having known contents is stored. Thereafter, radiant energy is directed at liquid near the bottom of the container so that the radiant energy is modified by the contents of the container and travels through the contents of the container in multiple paths of varying length. Spectral information from detected portions of the modified radiant energy is obtained, and is compared to the stored set of reference spectral information using correlation techniques. Based on the relationship between this spectral information and the stored set of reference spectral information, the presence or absence of a contaminant is indicated.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1994Date of Patent: June 18, 1996Assignee: Thermedics Detection, Inc.Inventors: Eugene K. Achter, John S. Beaty, Helmut W. Klotzsch, Craig D. Thompson
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Patent number: 5103000Abstract: A packing for use in chromatography which comprises a cyclic amino-substituted silane compound having the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are the same or different and are each an alkyl having 1 to 5 carbon atoms, an alkoxy having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, hydroxy or a halogen atom in which at least one of R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are an alkoxy group or a halogen atom; R.sup.4 is .omega.-piperidino, .omega.-piperazino or .omega.-morpholino group which is optionally substituted by a straight chain or branched chain lower alkyl group; n is an integer of from 2 to 10, said compound being grafted onto an inorganic carrier having hydroxyl group on its surface, and a method for separating water soluble organic compounds by chromatography using said packing.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1990Date of Patent: April 7, 1992Assignee: Daiso Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shuzo Akiyama, Kenichiro Nakashima, Yasumi Shimizu, Yutaka Kamada, Junichi Kadoya
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Patent number: 4786171Abstract: Apparatus and method for measuring the absorbance of fluid samples. The length of the light path through the sample is adjusted to optimize the amount of light absorbed by the sample, and the absorbance of the sample is calculated from the length of the path and the amount of light absorbed. Accurate measurement of the absorbance of the fluid may be made by taking measurements at two different path lengths, since light level changes due to fouling of the optical windows or other slow changes in the optical train are independent of the path length, while that of the fluid varies proportionally with the path length. A preferred form of probe includes a cylindrical cell having an exposed variable path length sensing portion at one end and an actuator for varying the spacing at the other end, and a cylindrical cell insertion tube having seals and a large valve mechanism to permit removal of the probe without loss or escape of the fluid being measured.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1986Date of Patent: November 22, 1988Assignee: Guided Wave, Inc.Inventors: David A. LeFebre, Roger E. Schirmer
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Patent number: 4762798Abstract: A device and method for determining characteristics of a fluid sample using optical measurements and changing the optical density range of a sample, e.g., for the second of two required measurements.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1985Date of Patent: August 9, 1988Assignee: Marshall Diagnostics, Inc.Inventor: Marshall E. Deutsch
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Patent number: 4519710Abstract: A colorimeter for continuously monitoring the concentration of an ionic species in an aqueous solution comprises a source 30 of optical radiation, a flow cell 10 including three flow chambers 11, 12 and 13 interconnected so that a sample of the solution can pass through each flow chamber in succession, and photodetector devices 41, 42 and 43 positioned to respond to radiation transmitted through the solution in the flow chambers 11, 12 and 13, respectively. The lengths of the three flow cells are different from each other to provide a continuous real-time calibration check based upon photodetector responses to radiation transmitted through different quantities of the solution. Electronic circuitry interconnecting the radiation source 30 and the photodetector devices 41, 42 and 43 maintains the intensity of the radiation emitted by the source 30 at a substantially constant value.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 1983Date of Patent: May 28, 1985Assignee: Lockheed Missiles & Space Company, Inc.Inventors: Robert S. Luce, Ross A. Quinn, Leroy S. Rowley