Determining properties of liquids within a sealed container
AssigneeUniversity of Kentucky Research Foundation
InventorMichael W. Renfro
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Devices, systems, and methods for measuring properties of liquids or surrounding gasses within a sealed container. Some embodiments of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein are useful for determining and monitoring alcohol (ethanol) content of a liquid within a sealed container. Some embodiments are also useful for determining and monitoring additional properties of the liquid within the sealed container, such as liquid depth (volume) and/or presence of trace chemicals and flavor components.
Claims14
A system for conducting optical measurements of a liquid in a sealed container, comprising:
- a device comprising
- a probe with fiber optic or light guiding capabilities having
- a leg extending downward through a bung, the leg including a series of crimps, such that its diameter shrinks and expands across its length;
- and
- an end at an upper terminus of the leg that extends upward through the bung;
- and
- a fiber optic connector for detachably coupling the end of the probe to a light source and/or a measurement system;
- a sealed container, wherein the bung is placed such that the probe extends into the sealed container, and the fiber optic connector is accessible on the outside of the sealed container;
- a light source;
- and
- a measurement system for measuring the intensity of transmitted light as a function of wavelength.
A method of conducting optical measurements of a liquid in a sealed container, comprising:
- (a) providing a device comprising
- a probe with fiber optic or light guiding capabilities having
- a leg extending downward through a bung, the leg including a series of crimps, such that its diameter shrinks and expands across its length;
- and
- an end at an upper terminus of the leg that extends upward through a bung;
- and
- a fiber optic connector for detachably coupling the end of the probe to a light source and a measurement system;
- (b) inserting the device through a hole defined by the container, such that the probe extends into the liquid, the container is sealed by the bung, and the fiber optic connector is accessible from the outside of the sealed container;
- (c) coupling the light source and the measurement system to the probe;
- (d) exposing the liquid to light of various wavelengths emitted from the light source;
- and
- (e) measuring the intensity of light absorbed at the various wavelengths by the liquid using the measuring system.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.