US4852967A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Evanescent wave sensors
Assignee: Bayer Corp
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Filing: 1986-03-25
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Granted: 1989-08-01
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Expires: 2006-03-25
Abstract
Abstract The present invention relates to a novel evanescent wave sensor which can have a high numerical aperture and is capable of being used in various forms of optically-based assays. Unlike previous fiber optical devices, the present sensors do not use any cladding at the contact points.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas A. Cook
- 👤 Walter F. Love
- 👤 Rudolf E. Slovacek
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 02:14
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/75; G01N21/77; G01N21/7703; G01N21/62; G01N21/63; G01N21/64; G01N21/6428; G01N2021/6434; G01N21/76
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
79 words
An evanescent wave sensor comprising: (a) a light conducting member having an index of refraction (N 1 ) which is surrounded by a medium having an index of refraction (N 2 ), where N 1 is greater than N 2 ; and (b) a holding means having an index of refraction (N 3 ), such that N 3 is less than N 2 , which is designed and configured to contact the light conducting member at the wave-propagating surface.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
79 words
An evanescent wave sensor comprising: (a) a light conducting member having an index of refraction (N 1 ) which is surrounded by a medium having an index of refraction (N 2 ), where N 1 is greater than N 2 ; and (b) a holding means having an index of refraction (N 3 ), such that N 3 is less than N 2 , which is designed and configured to contact the light conducting member at the wave-propagating surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The sensor of claim 1 wherein the light conducting member has either a cylindrical or planar configuration.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The sensor of claim 1 wherein the medium is an aqueous medium.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
An evanescent wave sensor as recited in claim 1 wherein the medium is a liquid or gaseous medium.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
88 words
An evanescent wave sensor comprising: (a) a light conducting member; and (b) a holding means designed and configured: (i) to contact the light conducting member at the wave-propagating surface; and (ii) to have a thickness at the contact points which is less than Lambda (Λ) divided by the optical parameter (f), where Λ is equal to the cross-sectional thickness of the light conducting member divided by the tangent of the angle Theta (θ), θ being less than or equal to the critical angle of the light conducting member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
88 words
An evanescent wave sensor comprising: (a) a light conducting member; and (b) a holding means designed and configured: (i) to contact the light conducting member at the wave-propagating surface; and (ii) to have a thickness at the contact points which is less than Lambda (Λ) divided by the optical parameter (f), where Λ is equal to the cross-sectional thickness of the light conducting member divided by the tangent of the angle Theta (θ), θ being less than or equal to the critical angle of the light conducting member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The sensor of claim 5 wherein the holding means has an f or 1 and the contact distance (t) for the holding means is smaller than Λ.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
76 words
The sensor of claim 5 wherein the holding means contacts the light conducting member within a distance (x) from the launching end of the light conducting member, where x=(R f -R s )/tan θ, and R f equals one-half of the cross-sectional thickness of the light conducting member, R s equals one-half of the cross-sectional thickness of the launched electromagnetic radiation to be propagated in the waveguide where R f is greater than R s .
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The sensor of claim 5 wherein the light conducting member has either a cylindrical or planar configuration.
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) | 1992-07-31 | 1993-01-30 | 1993-08-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-07-31 | 1997-01-30 | 1997-08-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-07-31 | 2001-01-30 | 2001-08-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |