Jerry E Mccarty

US Patent:

51683679, Dec 1, 1992

Filed:

Jan 16, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/641978

Inventors:

Patrick E. O'Rourke - Martiney GA
Jerry E. McCarty - Aiken SC
Ricky A. Haggard - North Augusta SC

International Classification:

G01N 2105

US Classification:

356246

Abstract:

A compact, variable pathlength, fiber optic probe for spectrophotometric measurements of fluids in situ. The probe comprises a probe body with a shaft having a polished end penetrating one side of the probe, a pair of optic fibers, parallel and coterminous, entering the probe opposite the reflecting shaft, and a collimating lens to direct light from one of the fibers to the reflecting surface of the shaft and to direct the reflected light to the second optic fiber. The probe body has an inlet and an outlet port to allow the liquid to enter the probe body and pass between the lens and the reflecting surface of the shaft. A linear stepper motor is connected to the shaft to cause the shaft to advance toward or away from the lens in increments so that absorption measurements can be made at each of the incremental steps. The shaft is sealed to the probe body by a bellows seal to allow freedom of movement of the shaft and yet avoid leakage from the interior of the probe.