US 5,852,494 A · Apparatus for checking the calibration of optical probes

Abstract

An apparatus which permits an analytical probe to be calibrated by pressing the tip against a block of material of controlled characteristics. A transparent elastomer is used into which has been incorporated a light-scattering material. Elastomer calibrators may also be made part of a preassembled probe component such as a disposable sheath. In that case the turbid elastomer is assembled on the tip with the other components of the sheath and is removed after calibrating the system and before the probe put into use. An additional film of flexible polymer having optical characteristics analogous to the material to be detected by the probe may be placed on top to simulate the structure of the material that is to be measured.

Claims11

Dependent claims

An apparatus for identifying whether tissue under examination has been physiologically changed comprising

a probe that emits radiation to the tissue under examination and receives radiation backscattered from said tissue, said probe having
an active tip intended for the measurement of optical properties of materials by the measurement of the proportion of backscattered radiation from the material, said active tip comprising
a light emitter configured to irradiate said tissue;
a detector configured to receive radiation backscattered by said tissue;
a calibrating apparatus for the calibration of said probe, comprising
a turbid elastomer blocks
a polymer film interposed between the probe tip and the block of turbid elastomer, wherein said polymer film conforms to the tip of the probe when said probe is compressed between said polymer film and said block,
wherein said calibrating apparatus causes a portion of the radiation to be back scattered.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Apparatus for checking the calibration of optical probes

Life of this patent

Apparatus for checking the calibration of optical probes

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11