Custom Sample Systems, Inc.

Robert C Kessler

Michael James Ponstingl

Walter N Trump

An optical interface coupler for coupling a flow cell to an optical absorption analyzer. The flow cell and analyzer are operable to transmit light through a fluid flowing through a chamber within the cell and analyze the transmitted light for determining certain optical properties of the fluid. The cell includes a first port through which light from a first fiber optic cable is transmitted to the chamber and a second port through which transmitted light is received and transmitted to a second fiber optic cable connected to the optical absorption analyzer. The optical interface coupler comprises a housing and a lens. The housing is releasably attachable to the cell at one of the first and second ports and defines an optical pathway therein. A cable port is in the housing for receiving one of the first and second fiber optic cables, and is in optical communication with the optical pathway. The lens is in the optical pathway spaced from the cable port and has a focal point for a given wavelength of light passing through the lens. The coupler further includes a mechanism for selectively spacing the lens relative to the cable port to control the location of the focal point of the lens relative to the cable port.

Optical interface coupler and system for photometric analysis

An optical probe apparatus (10) is for testing physical properties of a fluid (F) such as turbidity. The apparatus comprises a probe assembly (16) removably insertable into the fluid. A photometric light source (12) generates light and fiber optic cables (14) transmits light to and from the probe assembly. Light entering the assembly is directed into the fluid, the light being absorbed or scattered by particles in the fluid as it passes therethrough. The amount of remaining light is sensed and a light output from the probe is produced whose intensity is a function of the amount of remaining light. A light detector measures the light output of the probe assembly and produces an indication of the absorbance or turbidity of the fluid.

Fiber-optic probe for absorbance and turbidity measurement

This invention relates to an optical absorptiometer which is characterized by a light source unit of a broad wavelength having a source of constant energy which is collimated into two light beams, one of which is transmitted through the liquid to be measured, and another beam which is transmitted through a conductor and acts as a reference beam, and a detector unit which contains two photocells, one photocell for measuring the beam transmitted through the liquid to be measured, and another photocell which measures the reference beam, a position in the absorptiometer for optically placing the liquid to be measured between the source unit and the detector unit, and means for measuring the energy difference between the light beams of the measured liquid and the reference beams in terms of absorbance, and means for converting this result to an electrical signal. In the preferred embodiment, the constant energy in the light source is controlled by feedback circuitry; the reference beam is transported by a fiber optic cable to the reference photocell of the detector unit; water condensation on the optical and viewing windows is prevented by means of dry air flow; the electrical signal is displayed and/or relayed to control an operation; and the reference beam is a segment of the original light beam from the source.

Growing community of inventors

St. Louis County, MO, United States of America

Robert C Kessler