Non-invasive infrared absorption spectrometer for the generation and capture of thermal gradient spectra from living tissue
US6072180A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 12, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jun 6, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 12, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N21/35
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A spectrometer for the non-invasive generation and capture of thermal gradient spectra from human or animal tissue. The spectrometer includes an infrared transmissive thermal mass for inducing a transient temperature gradient in the tissue by means of conductive heat transfer with the tissue, and cooling means in operative combination with the thermal mass for cooling the thermal mass. Also provided is an infrared sensor means for detecting infrared emissions emanating from the tissue as the transient temperature gradient progresses into the tissue, and for providing output signals proportional to the detected infrared emissions. Data capture means is provided for sampling the output signals received from the infrared sensor means as the transient temperature gradient progresses into the tissue.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.