NIST traceable automated visual inspection system for an inspection of particles in solution
US7310143B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 5, 2004 |
| Grant date | Dec 18, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 30, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N15/0205
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for the substantially complete detection and measurement of all particles, within a predetermined size, range, contained in an injectable solution comprising the steps of: a) rotation of the container causes substantially all of the particles in the injectable solution in the container to be set in motion; b) uniformly illuminating the background around the container with light; and c) detecting at least one of light scatter, light reflection and light extinction caused by said particles, with detectors having a depth of focus of detection in a specified volume of the container. Wherein the detectors are positioned, relative to the container whereby the optical path and field of view allows the sensor sufficient focus to view substantially all of the bottom interior surface of the container and substantially all of the solution volume within the container. The method and apparatus produces a geometric representation of the particles in the detection region, whereby the size of detected particles can be is accurately adjusted to an actual size by either calculation or by calculated offset to allow accurate measurement of particle dimensions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.