Patent US4037973A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4037973A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Light sensitive device for measuring particles in a liquid
Assignee: Optronix Inc
•
Filing: 1975-11-26
•
Granted: 1977-07-26
•
Expires: 1995-11-26
Abstract
Abstract A device for measuring particles in a liquid, utilizing a light source for the illumination of two detectors, one through a relatively short distance and the other through a relatively long distance, with liquid to be measured passing between the light source and the two detectors. A reference signal produced by the first cell is supplied to an amplifier and indicator, and a measurement signal produced by the second detector is supplied to the amplifier and indicator, with such amplifier and indicator producing a visual indication of the concentration of particles suspended in the liquid. The two detectors and light source are contained in a small housing, remote from the amplifier and indicator, and connected to it by a flexible cable.
Inventors
- 👤 Larry R. Carr
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 05:24
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/84; G01N21/85; G01N21/8507
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
134 words
A sensing unit for suspended solids measurements and the like, comprising a single light source, a pair of photo detectors disposed on substantially a common light path of said source at different distances with respect thereto, with the liquid to be measured adapted to be disposed therebetween, means for supporting said source and detectors in fixed relation and in sealed relation with respect to the liquid to be measured, conductor means operatively connected to said source and detectors for connecting the same in an operative measuring circuit, and tubular opaque shield means cooperable with said supporting means to define a fluid chamber containing said source and detectors, said fluid chamber being provided at opposite ends of said tubular shield means with passageways for the ingress and egress of liquid relative to said fluid chamber.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
134 words
A sensing unit for suspended solids measurements and the like, comprising a single light source, a pair of photo detectors disposed on substantially a common light path of said source at different distances with respect thereto, with the liquid to be measured adapted to be disposed therebetween, means for supporting said source and detectors in fixed relation and in sealed relation with respect to the liquid to be measured, conductor means operatively connected to said source and detectors for connecting the same in an operative measuring circuit, and tubular opaque shield means cooperable with said supporting means to define a fluid chamber containing said source and detectors, said fluid chamber being provided at opposite ends of said tubular shield means with passageways for the ingress and egress of liquid relative to said fluid chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
A sensing unit according to claim 1, wherein said supporting means comprises upper and lower base members, the light source being carried by the lower base member and the photo detectors by the upper base member, with said base members thus defining a measuring space therebetween.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
A sensing unit according to claim 2, wherein said supporting means includes respective rods connecting said base members in rigid relation, at least one of which rods is hollow and forms a conduit for conductor means to said light source.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
A sensing unit according to claim 2, wherein said tubular shield means comprises a tubular shield member open at its ends encircling said measuring space, with said tubular member being closed at its ends by the respective base members.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
A sensing unit according to claim 4, wherein said cover shield is of a size to provide said liquid passages between the base members and the cover shield for said liquid ingress and egress.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
49 words
A sensing unit according to claim 2, wherein said photo detectors are mounted in tubular holders extending downwardly from said upper base member with said photo detectors disposed adjacent the respective free lower ends of the holders, each of said lower ends being sealed by a respective permeable window.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
101 words
A device for the measurement of particles suspended in a liquid, comprising a sensing unit having a liquid-receiving chamber in which are disposed a single light source and two photo detectors arranged on substantially a common light path of said source at different distances therefrom, with the liquid to be measured adapted to be disposed therebetween, and amplifier means to which the output currents of the respective photo detectors are supplied, for forming a value representative of the ratio between the two photo detector currents, the magnitude of which value is proportional to the particle concentration of the liquid being measured.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
101 words
A device for the measurement of particles suspended in a liquid, comprising a sensing unit having a liquid-receiving chamber in which are disposed a single light source and two photo detectors arranged on substantially a common light path of said source at different distances therefrom, with the liquid to be measured adapted to be disposed therebetween, and amplifier means to which the output currents of the respective photo detectors are supplied, for forming a value representative of the ratio between the two photo detector currents, the magnitude of which value is proportional to the particle concentration of the liquid being measured.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
A device according to claim 7, wherein said amplifier is connected to provide a current ratio of (the photo detector with longer light path)/(the photo detector with shorter light path).
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
44 words
A device according to claim 7, comprising in further combination visual indicator means connected to the output of said amplifier, manually adjustable means for effecting a zero adjustment of said indicating means, and further manually adjustable means for varying the operation of said amplifier.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
88 words
A device according to claim 7, wherein said sensing unit includes means for supporting said source and detectors in fixed relation and in sealed relation with respect to the liquid to be measured, conductor means operatively connected to said source and detectors for connecting the same in an operative measuring circuit, and opaque shield means cooperable with said supporting means to define a fluid chamber containing said source and detectors, said unit being provided with passageways for the ingress and egress of liquid relative to said fluid chamber.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
45 words
A device according to claim 10, wherein said supporting means comprises upper and lower base members, the light source being carried by the lower base member and the photo detectors by the upper base member, with said base members thus defining a measuring space therebetween.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
39 words
A device according to claim 11, wherein said supporting means includes respective rods connecting said base members in rigid relation, at least one of which rods is hollow and forms a conduit for conductor means to said light source.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
30 words
A device according to claim 11, wherein said measuring space is enclosed by a tubular shield member encircling the same and closed at its ends by the respective base members.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
33 words
A device according to claim 13, wherein said cover shield is of a size to provide said liquid passages between the base members and the cover shield for said liquid ingress and egress.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
48 words
A device according to claim 11, wherein said photo detectors are mounted in tubular holders extending downwardly from said upper base member with said photo detectors disposed adjacent the respective free lower ends of the holders, each of said lower ends being sealed by a respective permeable window.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-07-25 | 1981-01-24 | 1981-07-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-07-25 | 1985-01-24 | 1985-07-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-07-25 | 1989-01-24 | 1989-07-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |