Patent US4394580A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4394580A
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Method and apparatus for analyzing gems
Assignee: L C E Ltd
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Filing: 1981-07-27
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Granted: 1983-07-19
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Expires: 2001-07-27
Abstract
Abstract The disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method for analyzing gem specimens. In the disclosed embodiment, a small cabinet includes a source discharge lamp for radiating electromagnetic energy over a broad spectrum of wavelengths. A gem specimen is placed in a small drawer that, upon closure, becomes an optically sealed chamber in communication with the radiation source. Also upon closure, a mechanical shutter mechanism permits registration between the radiation source, gem specimen and a photocell detector that senses radiation emitted from the gem specimen as a result of its interaction with the spectrum of wavelengths from the radiation source. This interaction comprises the combined processes of transmission of and absorption by the gem specimen of the source radiation, internal reflection and internal excitation (e.g., fluorescence), the latter of which produces a frequency shift to a narrow spectrum of energy which the photocell detector is specifically designed to sense. The output of the photocell detector is an analog signal that is processed by electronic circuitry in one of two manners. First, the signal is digitized through an analog to digital converter and is displayed as a numerical digital readout. In the second manner, the analog signal is compared with one or more groups of reference values corresponding to different species of gems. If the analog signal falls within a first arbitrary range of values, it is determined to be "natural". In a second arbitrary range, it is determined to be "synthetic". A third range falls between the first and second ranges, and a value within this range is indicative of a gem of indeterminate origin or an operational malfunction. Another group of reference values is used to determine either of two abnormal conditions; viz., a blockage of radiated energy to the detector or the absence of a gem from the specimen holder. The apparatus readout comprises a liquid crystal display that selectively indicates the mode of operation, the natural, synthetic or indeterminate nature of the gem specimen, and a digital readout of a unitless, arbitrary number which may be used to determine gem quality.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter J. Gielisse
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 12:25
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/84; G01N21/87
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 52
Claim 1
Independent Claim
261 words
Apparatus for analyzing gem specimens, comprising: housing means; a source of radiated energy carried by the housing means capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation over a wide spectrum of wavelengths of varying intensity; holder means for supporting a gem specimen in a predetermined position relative to the source of radiated energy, the holder means being opaque to said radiated energy and having an aperture formed therethrough in which the gem specimen is disposed, and through which at least part of the gem specimen is exposed to said radiated energy; the holder means and the source of radiated energy being constructed and arranged so that the radiated energy interacts with said gem specimen, causing it as a result to emit radiated energy over a wide spectrum of wavelengths of varying intensity; detector means carried by the housing means in a position in which it is exposed to the energy emitted by said gem specimen and constructed to detect the intensity of energy emitted by said gem specimen over a spectrum of wavelengths that is narrow relative to the spectrum of wavelengths emitted by said gem specimen, said narrow spectrum being chosen as a function of known response of a particular species of gem to radiated energy; signal means associated with the detector means for generating an electric signal representative of the intensity of energy emitted by the gem specimen and detected by the detector means; and readout means associated with the signal means for providing a readout in response to said electric signal that is representative of the nature of the gem specimen.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
261 words
Apparatus for analyzing gem specimens, comprising: housing means; a source of radiated energy carried by the housing means capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation over a wide spectrum of wavelengths of varying intensity; holder means for supporting a gem specimen in a predetermined position relative to the source of radiated energy, the holder means being opaque to said radiated energy and having an aperture formed therethrough in which the gem specimen is disposed, and through which at least part of the gem specimen is exposed to said radiated energy; the holder means and the source of radiated energy being constructed and arranged so that the radiated energy interacts with said gem specimen, causing it as a result to emit radiated energy over a wide spectrum of wavelengths of varying intensity; detector means carried by the housing means in a position in which it is exposed to the energy emitted by said gem specimen and constructed to detect the intensity of energy emitted by said gem specimen over a spectrum of wavelengths that is narrow relative to the spectrum of wavelengths emitted by said gem specimen, said narrow spectrum being chosen as a function of known response of a particular species of gem to radiated energy; signal means associated with the detector means for generating an electric signal representative of the intensity of energy emitted by the gem specimen and detected by the detector means; and readout means associated with the signal means for providing a readout in response to said electric signal that is representative of the nature of the gem specimen.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus defined by claim 1, wherein the housing means includes means defining an optically sealed chamber.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus defined by claim 2, wherein the holder means is disposed in the optically sealed chamber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
61 words
The apparatus defined by claim 3, wherein the chamber defining means and holder means are movable relative to the source of radiated energy and the detector means between a first position in which the holder means is disposed in registration with said source and detector means, and a second position in which the holder means is accessible externally of the apparatus.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
54 words
The apparatus defined by claim 4, which further comprises shutter means for establishing communication between the source of radiated energy and detector means with the chamber defining means in said first position, and for blocking communication between the source of radiated energy and detector means with the chamber defining means in said second position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus defined by claim 5, wherein the optically sealed chamber comprises a drawer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus defined by claim 6, which further comprises latching means for latching the drawer in said first position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus defined by claim 7, wherein the shutter means comprises means associated with the drawer for defining at least two apertures which are disposed in registration with the drawer in the first position and out of registration with the drawer in the second position.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
67 words
The apparatus defined by claim 1, wherein the holder means comprises: a first support member formed from material that is opaque to the energy radiated from said source, said aperture being disposed in the first support member; and a second support member underlying the first member and said aperture, the second support member being formed from material that is transparent to the energy radiated from said source.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus defined by claim 1, wherein the source of radiated energy and the detector means are disposed on opposite sides of the holder means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus defined by claim 1, wherein the signal means is constructed and arranged to generate a first signal if the intensity of energy emitted by the specimen is below a first predetermined level, and a second signal if said intensity is above a second predetermined level.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus defined by claim 11, wherein the readout means comprises first and second readouts respectively actuated by the first and second signals of the signal means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
61 words
The apparatus defined by claim 1, wherein the signal means is constructed and arranged to generate a first signal if the intensity of energy emitted by the specimen is below a first predetermined level, a second signal if said intensity is above a second predetermined level, and a third signal if said intensity is between the first and second predetermined levels.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus defined by claim 13, wherein the readout means comprises first, second and third readouts respectively actuated by the first, second and third signals of the signal means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus defined by claim 1, wherein the signal means is constructed and arranged to generate an analog signal representative of the intensity of said emitted energy.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus defined by claim 15, wherein the readout means provides a readout corresponding to said analog signal.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus defined by claim 16, wherein said readout is digital.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
110 words
The apparatus defined by claim 1, wherein: the detector means produces an analog output that varies as a direct function of the intensity of energy emitted from the specimen; and the signal means comprises electronic circuit means for comparing said analog output with first and second reference values and generating a first signal if the analog output is below the first reference value, a second signal if the analog output is above the second reference value, and a third signal if the analog output is between the first and second reference values; and for generating a fourth signal which is analog in nature and directly proportional to the analog output.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus defined by claim 18, wherein the readout means provides first, second, third and fourth readouts corresponding to the first, second, third and fourth signals.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus defined by claim 19, wherein: the first readout is indicative of a natural gem specimen; the second readout is indicative of a synthetic gem specimen; the third readout is indicative of a gem of indeterminate nature; and the fourth readout is numerically digital.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus defined by claim 20, wherein: the first readout means comprises a representation of crossed mining hammers; the second readout means comprises a representation of a mortar and pestle; and
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
11 words
the third readout means comprises a representation of a balance beam.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
11 words
the third readout means comprises a representation of a balance beam.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus defined by claim 18, wherein said electronic circuit means compares the analog output with a third reference value less than the first reference value and generates a fifth signal if the analog output is below said third reference value.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus defined by claim 22, wherein the readout means provides a fifth readout in response to the fifth signal indicative of a first abnormal condition.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
58 words
The apparatus defined by claim 23, wherein the electronic circuit means compares the analog output with fourth and fifth reference values both of which are less than the first reference value and greater than the third reference value, said electronic circuit means generating a sixth signal if the analog output falls between the fourth and fifth reference values.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus defined by claim 24, wherein the readout means provides a sixth readout in response to the sixth signal indicative of a second abnormal condition.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus defined by claim 25, wherein: the fifth readout is indicative of a condition in which the detector means is blocked from exposure to radiated energy; and the sixth readout is indicative of a condition in which there is no specimen present on the holder means.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus defined by claim 26, wherein the readout means comprises a numerical digital display, and each of the fifth and sixth readouts comprises a "0" readout on said numerical digital display.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus defined by claim 18, which further comprises means for detecting operative and inoperative states of the electronic circuit means, and means for annunciating the state of operation of the electronic circuit means.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus defined by claim 28, wherein the annunciating means comprises a representation on said readout means of a gem.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
72 words
The apparatus defined by claim 18, wherein: the first and second reference values comprise a first pair and correspond to a particular gem species, and the electronic circuit means is further constructed and arranged to compare the analog signal with at least one additional pair of reference values corresponding to a different gem species; and further comprising switching means for selecting operation with either the first or second pairs of reference values.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus defined by claim 30, wherein the readout means, signal means and switching means cooperate to display a "mode 1" readout corresponding to selection of said first pair of reference values, and a "mode 2" readout corresponding to selection of said second pair of reference values.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus defined by claim 1, which further comprises means for detecting operative and inoperative states of the source of radiated energy, and means for annunciating the state of operation of the source of radiated energy.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus defined by claim 32, wherein the annunciating means comprises a light emitting diode.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus defined by claim 1, which further comprises filter means associated with the detector means for blocking the detector means from energy emitted from the specimen except in said narrow spectrum.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus defined by claim 34, wherein the filter means comprises at least one optical filter disposed between the holder means and the detector means.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
65 words
The apparatus defined by claim 34, wherein the filter means comprises first and second optical glass filters sequentially disposed between the holder means and the detector means, the first filter being disposed nearest the holder means and being constructed to filter all radiation except in the visible red range, and the second filter being constructed to filter all radiation except in the visible blue range.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus defined by claim 1, wherein the source of radiated energy comprises an unfiltered quartz mercury discharge lamp and the detector means comprises a photocell.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
41 words
The combination as set forth in claim 1 in which the apparatus is constructed to be electrically powered at a predetermined voltage level, and further comprising conversion means for enabling usage of the apparatus at at least one ohter voltage level.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
172 words
Apparatus for analyzing gem specimens comprising: energy radiating means for radiating electromagnetic energy over a first wide spectrum of wavelengths of varying intensity, holder means for holding a gem specimen relative to the energy radiating means so that radiated energy interacts with the gem specimen, causing it to emit radiated energy as the result of said interaction over a second wide spectrum of wavelengths of varying intensity; detector means disposed in a position in which it is exposed to said second spectrum of radiated energy for sensing the integrated response of the specimen resulting from said interaction over a spectrum that is narrow relative to the second spectrum, said narrow spectrum being chosen as a function of known response of a particular species of gem to radiated energy; signal means for generating a signal representative of the integrated response as sensed by the detector means; and readout means associated with the signal means for providing a readout in response to said signal that is representative of the nature of the gem specimen.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
172 words
Apparatus for analyzing gem specimens comprising: energy radiating means for radiating electromagnetic energy over a first wide spectrum of wavelengths of varying intensity, holder means for holding a gem specimen relative to the energy radiating means so that radiated energy interacts with the gem specimen, causing it to emit radiated energy as the result of said interaction over a second wide spectrum of wavelengths of varying intensity; detector means disposed in a position in which it is exposed to said second spectrum of radiated energy for sensing the integrated response of the specimen resulting from said interaction over a spectrum that is narrow relative to the second spectrum, said narrow spectrum being chosen as a function of known response of a particular species of gem to radiated energy; signal means for generating a signal representative of the integrated response as sensed by the detector means; and readout means associated with the signal means for providing a readout in response to said signal that is representative of the nature of the gem specimen.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus defined by claim 39, which further comprises filter means for blocking the detector means from energy emitted from the specimen except in said portion of the second spectrum.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus defined by claim 39, wherein said signal is analog and the readout means in constructed and arranged to display a numerical digital readout corresponding to the magnitude of said analog signal.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus defined by claim 39 or 41, wherein the signal means is constructed and arranged for processing said signal and generating first and second mutually exclusive signals respectively indicating that the gem specimen is "natural" or "synthetic".
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus defined by claim 42, wherein the readout means comprises "natural" and "synthetic" symbols that are respectively displayed in response to said first and second signals.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
138 words
A method of analyzing gem specimens comprising: causing electromagnetic energy to be radiated over a first wide spectrum of wavelengths of varying intensity; disposing a gem specimen relative to the first spectrum of electromagnetic energy so that the radiated energy interacts with the gem specimen, causing it to emit radiated energy as the result of said interaction over a second wide spectrum of wavelengths of varying intensity; sensing the integrated response to the specimen resulting from said interaction over a spectrum that is narrow relative to the second spectrum, said narrow spectrum being chosen as a function of known response of a particular species of gem to radiated energy; generating a signal respresentative of the integrated response as sensed; and providing a readout in response to said signal that is representative of the nature of the gem specimen.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
138 words
A method of analyzing gem specimens comprising: causing electromagnetic energy to be radiated over a first wide spectrum of wavelengths of varying intensity; disposing a gem specimen relative to the first spectrum of electromagnetic energy so that the radiated energy interacts with the gem specimen, causing it to emit radiated energy as the result of said interaction over a second wide spectrum of wavelengths of varying intensity; sensing the integrated response to the specimen resulting from said interaction over a spectrum that is narrow relative to the second spectrum, said narrow spectrum being chosen as a function of known response of a particular species of gem to radiated energy; generating a signal respresentative of the integrated response as sensed; and providing a readout in response to said signal that is representative of the nature of the gem specimen.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method defined by claim 44, wherein the sensed portion of said second spectrum comprises a spectrum that is narrow relative to the second spectrum, said narrow spectrum being chosen as a function of known response of a particular species of gem to radiated energy.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
275 words
Apparatus for distinguishing between natural and synthetic gem specimens of the same gem type, comprising: housing means; a source of radiated energy carried by the housing means capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation over a wide spectrum of wavelengths of varying intensity; holder means for supporting a gem specimen in a predetermined position relative to the source of radiated energy, the holder means being opaque to said radiated energy and having an aperture formed therethrough in which the gem specimen is disposed, and through which at least part of the gem specimen is exposed to said radiated energy; the holder means and the source of radiated energy being constructed and arranged so that the radiated energy interacts with said gem specimen, causing it as a result to emit radiated energy over a wide spectrum of wavelengths of varying intensity; detector means carried by the housing means in a position in which it is exposed to the energy emitted by said gem specimen and constructed to detect the intensity of energy emitted by said gem specimen over a spectrum of wavelengths that is narrow relative to the spectrum of wavelengths emitted by said gem specimen, said narrow spectrum being chosen based on the known difference in response to radiated energy between natural and synthetic specimens of the same gem type; signal means associated with the detector means for generating an electric signal representative of the intensity of energy emitted by the gem specimen and detected by the detector means; and readout means associated with the signal means for providing a readout in response to said electric signal that indicates whether the gem specimen is natural or synthetic.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
275 words
Apparatus for distinguishing between natural and synthetic gem specimens of the same gem type, comprising: housing means; a source of radiated energy carried by the housing means capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation over a wide spectrum of wavelengths of varying intensity; holder means for supporting a gem specimen in a predetermined position relative to the source of radiated energy, the holder means being opaque to said radiated energy and having an aperture formed therethrough in which the gem specimen is disposed, and through which at least part of the gem specimen is exposed to said radiated energy; the holder means and the source of radiated energy being constructed and arranged so that the radiated energy interacts with said gem specimen, causing it as a result to emit radiated energy over a wide spectrum of wavelengths of varying intensity; detector means carried by the housing means in a position in which it is exposed to the energy emitted by said gem specimen and constructed to detect the intensity of energy emitted by said gem specimen over a spectrum of wavelengths that is narrow relative to the spectrum of wavelengths emitted by said gem specimen, said narrow spectrum being chosen based on the known difference in response to radiated energy between natural and synthetic specimens of the same gem type; signal means associated with the detector means for generating an electric signal representative of the intensity of energy emitted by the gem specimen and detected by the detector means; and readout means associated with the signal means for providing a readout in response to said electric signal that indicates whether the gem specimen is natural or synthetic.
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