The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 22, 2004
Filed:
Oct. 05, 2001
Michael R. Hammer, Sassafras, AU;
Martin K. Masters, Rowville, AU;
Stewart R. Campbell, Forest Hill, AU;
Peter G. Layton, Hampton Park, AU;
Varian Australia Pty LTD, Mulgrave, AU;
Abstract
Spectroscopy apparatus for spectrochemical analysis of a sample having an excitation source ( ) for providing spectral light ( ) of the sample for analysis. The spectral light ( ) is analysed via an optical system ( ) that includes a polychromator ( ) and solid state multielement array detector ( ). The elements (i.e. pixels) of the detector ( ) are serially reel by means ( ) to provide light intensity measurements as a function of wavelength. A problem is that the elements (pixels) of the detector ( ) continue to accumulate change during the serial read-out. This is avoided by providing an optical shutter ( ) for blocking the spectral light ( ) whilst elements (pixels) of the detector ( ) are being serially read. Shutter ( ) has a piezoelectric actuator which is preferably a bimorph mounted as a cantilever. It is preferably located adjacent to the entrance aperture ( ) of the polychromator. Bimorph structures for the actuator and drive and protective circuit arrangements are also disclosed.