Patent · US Expired

Dual wavelength spectrophotometer for ampoule leak detection and content inspection

US4300689A · kind A · utility

23Cited by
5References
5Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 22, 1980
Grant dateNov 17, 1981
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 22, 2000

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01N21/314
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A dual wavelength spectrophotometer for ampoule content inspection, in particular for ampoule leak detection wherein leaks are initially "flagged" via the dye bath immersion technique. Light transmitted through the ampoule is received by a bifurcated fiber optic cable providing via a random mix arrangement substantially identical ampoule optical signature signals. Each is directed through preselected interference filters, chosen on the one hand on the basis of the dye being used and the glass ampoule and its contents on the other hand. Associated with the filters are respective photodetectors, the output signals of which are connected to a difference amplifier stage. The output (if any) of the latter is compared to a preestablished (dye) threshold signal, which represents the minimum level (of dye) from which to effect a reject status. The ampoule contents or a particular component thereof may also be investigated in this manner. The photodetector outputs are also summed and the resultant compared to a second preestablished threshold in order to provide a failsafe system capability against optical failure and the like. The difference signal/comparison circuit leg may be constructed…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.