Ball lens micro-cell
US5037199A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 22, 1989 |
| Grant date | Aug 6, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 22, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2201/0639
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
There is disclosed herein a cell assembly for use in spectrophotometric analysis or detection of a substance within a small sample volume, such as in a capillary sample cell. The assembly comprises a transparent lens having the shape of a ball, sphere or cylinder, referred to as a "ball lens," and which is placed in direct contact or close proximity to the exterior wall of the capillary cell. This lens and cell are mounted together, any may form a removable cell assembly. The small volume may be contained within the ball lens itself. The ball lens serves to concentrate and direct light into the capillary cell. The arrangement also significantly reduces the sensitivity to alignment of replaceable cells thereby permitting easier mounting and replacement of such cells.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.