US 5,382,799 A · Ultraviolet intensity meter

Abstract

A self-contained, electro-optic instrument measures and displays the intensity emitted by an ultraviolet (UV) light source. The instrument is a portable, battery-operated device which has the size and shape of a flashlight. The measurement head receives various light guide adapters to provide a proper fit for a light guide of the UV spot curing system being used. Alternatively, the measurement head may be fitted with a wide angle lens to receive UV light for environment safety testing. In operation with a spot curing system, the instrument is gripped in one hand while the light guide is inserted in the adapter in the measurement head with the other hand. Once the spot curing system's light guide is inserted, a start switch on the body of the instrument is depressed and a measurement is taken. When the start switch is released, the measurement temporarily stored and displayed on a display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD). Operation is similar for environmental safety testing except the instrument is simply pointed in a direction where the UV light is to be measured.

Claims16

Dependent claims

An ultraviolet intensity meter comprising a generally cylindrical body and a measuring head secured to one end of the cylindrical body, said measuring head having a recess, an adapter within said recess for receiving a light guide which emits a spot of ultraviolet energy, said communicating said ultraviolet energy to an ultraviolet detector within the meter body through a diffuser window and an attenuator plate said body containing an electronic circuit responsive to an output of said ultraviolet detector and a battery for powering the electronic circuit, said body having a switch, on an exterior surface thereof and connected to the electronic circuit for turning the circuit on for making a measurement, and a numerical display, also on an exterior surface thereof and connected to the electronic circuit for displaying a measured level of ultraviolet intensity.

An ultraviolet intensity meter comprising:

a measuring head having a recess, an adapter within said recess for receiving a light guide which emits a spot of ultraviolet energy, said adapter communicating with an ultraviolet detector through a diffuser window and an attenuator plate, said aperture plate having at least one aperture having a size designed to limit ultraviolet light to a level less than a maximum level which would damage said ultraviolet detector;
an electronic circuit responsive to an output of said ultraviolet detector and including an analog-to-digital converter connected to receive an analog signal from said ultraviolet detector and generate a digital value proportional to said analog signal;
and
a numerical display being operatively connected to said analog-to-digital converter for displaying said digital value.

1 more element

An ultraviolet intensity meter comprising:

a measuring head having a recess, an adapter within said recess which includes a lens for receiving ultraviolet light and for focussing the received ultraviolet light on an ultraviolet detector;
an electronic circuit responsive to an output of said ultraviolet detector and including an analog-to-digital converter connected to receive an analog signal from said ultraviolet detector and generate a digital value proportional to said analog signal;
and
a numerical display being operatively connected to said analog-to-digital converter for displaying said digital value.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Ultraviolet intensity meter

Life of this patent

Ultraviolet intensity meter

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16