Refractometer, optically transmissive structure, and method of making an optically transmissive structure
OwnerAlex Anton Femecinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Provide herein is a refractometer, optically transmissive structure, and method of making. The structure has a first surface disposing a light source. A second surface is configured and disposed to provide an angular light reflective interface at, or proximate therewith, a fluid being sensed. A third surface disposes an optical sensor. The optically transmissive structure has at least one of the light source and the optical sensor directly incorporated, bonded, or adhered therewith or has at least one light blocker configured and disposed to block a portion of light being directed or reflected toward the third surface.
Claims20
A refractometer comprising:
- an optically transmissive structure comprising:
- a first surface configured and disposed to transmit light emitted from a light source and into the optically transmissive structure;
- a second surface configured and disposed to provide an angular light reflective interface at, or proximate, the second surface and a fluid being sensed;
- and
- a third surface configured and disposed to transmit a portion of the light reflected from the angular light reflective interface and to an optical sensor;
- wherein the light source is configured and disposed to transmit light through the first surface and into the light transmissive structure;
- and
- wherein the optical sensor is configured and disposed to sense a portion of the light being reflected toward the third surface;
- and
- the refractometer further comprising at least one light blocker configured and disposed to block a portion of the light being directed or reflected toward the third surface.
A method of making an optically transmissive structure comprising the steps of:
- stereolithographing, molding, or otherwise forming an optically transmissive structure having a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface;
- the first surface being configured and disposed to transmit light emitted from a light source and into the optically transmissive structure;
- the second surface being configured and disposed to provide an angular light reflective interface at or proximate the second surface and a fluid being sensed;
- and
- the third surface being configured and disposed to transmit light reflected from the angular light reflective interface and to an optical sensor;
- directly incorporating, bonding, or adhering with an adhesive, the optical sensor within or on the third surface, of the optically transmissive structure;
- wherein the incorporating, bonding, or adhering of the optical sensor minimizes a scattering of light from the light source and to the optical sensor.
A method of making an optically transmissive structure comprising the steps of:
- stereolithographing, molding, or otherwise forming a polymeric optically transmissive structure having a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface;
- wherein the first surface is configured and disposed to transmit light emitted from a light source and into the optically transmissive structure;
- wherein the second surface is configured and disposed to provide an angular light reflective interface at, or proximate, the second surface and a fluid being sensed;
- and
- wherein the third surface is configured and disposed to transmit light reflected from the angular light reflective interface and to an optical sensor;
- the three dimensionally forming comprises three dimensionally forming at least one void, opening, or slot in the optically transmissive structure;
- filling the at least one void, opening, or slot with a light blocking material;
- and
- wherein the at least one filled void, opening, or slot is configured and disposed to block a portion of the light being reflected or transmitted toward the optical sensor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.