# US 11,307,148 B2 · Sensor system for multi-component fluids > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 11,307,148 B2 - Document ID: US11307148B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 16/731,618 - Filed: 2019-12-31 - Published: 2020-11-05 - Granted: 2022-04-19 - Earliest claimed: 2016-01-18 - Assignees: SAAM, Inc. - Applicants: SAAM, Inc. - Inventors: John Coates - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11307148B2 ## CPC - G01N 21/8507: {Probe photometers, i.e. with optical measuring part dipped into fluid sample} - G01J 3/00: Spectrometry; Spectrophotometry; Monochromators; Measuring colours - G01J 3/0202: {Mechanical elements; Supports for optical elements} - G01J 3/0205: {Optical elements not provided otherwise, e.g. optical manifolds, diffusers, windows} - G01J 3/0256: {Compact construction} - G01J 3/0291: {Housings; Spectrometer accessories; Spatial arrangement of elements, e.g. folded path arrangements} - G01J 3/36: Investigating two or more bands of a spectrum by separate detectors - G01J 3/42: Absorption spectrometry; Double beam spectrometry; Flicker spectrometry; Reflection spectrometry (beam switching arrangements G01J3/08) - G01J 3/457: Correlation spectrometry, e.g. of the intensity (G01J3/453 takes precedence) - G01N 21/255: {Details, e.g. use of specially adapted sources, lighting or optical systems} - G01N 21/359: using near infrared light - G01N 21/85: Investigating moving fluids or granular solids - G01N 2201/08: Optical fibres; light guides - G01N: INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES (measuring or testing apparatus or processes other than immunoassay, involving enzymes or microorganisms C12M, C12Q) - G01J: MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY (light sources F21, H01J, H01K, H05B; investigating properties of materials by optical means G01N) ## Abstract A small scale and low cost spectral sensing system designed primarily for multi-component fluids that provides a compact, low cost platform for analyzers or chemical sensors with limited number of optical and mechanical components featuring a light source, an optical interface with the sample, and a custom detector (multi-element). A single detector element has a specific wavelength, defined by a filter that can be used to select and measure specific chemical compounds. Multiple detector elements are combined to create a multi-channel detector capable of measuring a broad range of wavelengths from ultraviolet (UV) to near and mid-infrared wavelengths. The fabricated sensor can be configured for almost any class of material including gases, vapors, and liquids, with extension to solids. This is linked to the use of the custom detectors featuring filters tailored to specific substances in a broad spectral range from the UV to infrared. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A remote sampling sensor for determining characteristics of a sample, comprising: measurement optics, the measurement optics comprising: a light emitter; a light guide receiving light from said light emitter; a detector system; and integrated electronics; and an insertion probe, the insertion probe comprising: a chamber, the chamber being configured to permit the sample to enter said chamber; a retro-reflective optic, the retro-reflective optic being configured to return the light from said light emitter through the chamber to said detector system; and an insertion tip at a distal end of the insertion probe, the retro-reflective optic being adjacent the insertion tip, wherein the insertion probe is remotely located from the measurement optics. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The remote sampling sensor of claim 1, wherein the insertion tip is disposable and is replaceable with another disposable insertion tip to permit measurement of fluid without contamination from a previous measurement. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The remote sampling sensor of claim 1, configured for sensing properties of milk. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The remote sampling sensor of claim 1, configured for sensing a fat content of milk. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The remote sampling sensor of claim 1, configured for sensing properties of dairy products. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The remote sampling sensor of claim 1, configured for sensing properties of oils. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The remote sampling sensor of claim 1, configured for sensing properties of one of seed oils and vegetable oils. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The remote sampling sensor of claim 1, configured for sensing properties of olive oil. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The remote sampling sensor of claim 1, configured for sensing properties of alcohol. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The remote sampling sensor of claim 1, configured for sensing properties of drugs. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The remote sampling sensor of claim 1, wherein said chamber is an adjustable measurement chamber. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The remote sampling sensor of claim 1, wherein said light guide is solid. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The remote sampling sensor of claim 1, wherein said light guide comprises a hollow conduit. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The remote sampling sensor of claim 1, comprising a fiber optic cable configured to return said light to the detector system. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The remote sampling sensor of claim 1, wherein said detector system comprises at least one detector element having an optical filter configured to detect a pre-determined wavelength intensity of radiation transmitted through the sample by said light source. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) The remote sampling sensor of claim 1, wherein said light emitter is a broadband light source. ### Claim 17 (depends on 1) The remote sampling sensor of claim 1, wherein said detector system is configured to have multi-wavelength detection. ### Claim 18 (depends on 1) The remote sampling sensor of claim 1, wherein said light emitter emits a wavelength between about 10 nm and about 26000 nm. ### Claim 19 (depends on 1) The remote sampling sensor of claim 1, further comprising a coupling apparatus configured to couple the light from the light emitter and the detector system to said chamber. ### Claim 20 (depends on 1) The remote sampling sensor of claim 1, wherein said detector system has a plurality of detector elements, each element having a unique optical filter configured to detect a unique wavelength intensity of radiation transmitted through the sample by said light source. ### Claim 21 A remote sampling sensor for determining characteristics of a sample, comprising: measurement optics, the measurement optics comprising: a light emitter; a light guide receiving light from the light emitter; a detector system; and integrated electronics, wherein the measurement optics are remote and isolated from the sample; and an insertion probe, the insertion probe being remote from and operably coupled to the measurement optics, the insertion probe comprising: an insertion tip at a distal end of the insertion probe; a retro-reflective optic, the retro-reflective optic being proximal of the insertion tip and being configured to return the light from the light emitter to the detector system; and a chamber, the chamber being proximal of the retro-reflective optic and being configured to permit the sample to passively move through the chamber.