Optically Active Functional Fluid Markers
AssigneeThe Lubrizol Corporation
InventorsJohn S. Manka, Ying Wang
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a method of identifying in a fluid by measuring the amount of optical rotation the fluid causes in a beam of polarized light. The invention further provides for the use of an optional optically active marker in the fluids in order the impact the amount of rotation the fluid will cause. The invention provides a convenient and reliable means for identifying the fluid before, during and/or after the fluid's use.
Claims10
A method to determine the identity of a functional fluid comprising:
- (1) adding an optional optically active marker component to a functional fluid;
- (2) obtaining a sample of the fluid before, during or after its use in an application;
- (3) passing a beam of polarized light through the sample of fluid;
- (4) measuring the rotation of the plane of the light after it passes through the sample of fluid by comparing it to the light's original orientation;
- (5) determining the identity of the fluid by the amount of rotation observed.
A diagnostic kit for the analysis of a fluid comprising a source of polarized light, a means for directing a beam of polarized light from said source through a sample of fluid, a means for detecting the amount of rotation in the beam of polarized light after it passes through the sample, and a means of communicating the results from the analyzer to a user wherein the kit also comprises written instruction, pictures, drawings, photographs, or combinations thereof to aid the user in the identification of the fluid.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.