Diamond-based, self-sampling internal reflection element for on-line analysis of materials in a recycle stream
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorPeter J. Codella
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An element which is used to identify materials, such as, thermoplastics and sort these thermoplastics on a moving conveyor belt. Such structures of this type, generally, employ a diamond knife (or point) for use as an internal reflection element to obtain the mid-infrared spectrum of the material sliced (or punctured) by the knife (or point).
Claims20
An apparatus for identifying solid materials, wherein said apparatus is comprised of:
- a solid material to be sampled having first and second sides;
- an optical element means such that said optical element means is embedded substantially in said first side of said material;
- and
- a detection means which is operatively connected to said optical element means such that said detection means produces a light beam which interacts with said optical element and said material to produce a spectrum of said material that is used to identify said material.
A method for identifying a solid material using an apparatus comprising a optical element means and detection means, such that said method is comprised of the step of:
- embedding a portion of said optical element means in a first side of said material;
- operating said detection means to produce a light beam;
- impinging said light beam on said element;
- reflecting said light beam substantially within said element such that a portion of said light beam interacts with said material to produce a spectrum of said material;
- directing said light beam and said spectrum out of said element;
- measuring said spectrum in said detection means;
- and
- comparing said spectrum with a predetermined spectrum to identify said material.
A method for identifying a solid thermoplastic material, having a surface treatment, using an apparatus which includes an optical element means comprising a diamond-like material and which further includes detection means, said method comprising the steps of:
- (a) penetrating said material below said surface treatment with said optical element means;
- (b) operating said detection means to produce a light beam;
- (c) impinging said light beam on said element;
- (d) reflecting said light beam substantially within said element such that a portion of said light beam interacts with said material to produce a spectrum of said material;
- (e) directing said light beam and said spectrum out of said element;
- (f) measuring said spectrum in said detection means;
- and
- (g) comparing said spectrum with a predetermined spectrum to identify said material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.