Turbidimeter with ultrasonically cleaned components

An optical measurement system with ultrasonically cleaned components, said system comprising:

• a cuvette defining an interior for holding a test sample, the cuvette having a first portion adapted and configured to engage a flow head and a second portion that is at least partially transparent;
• a flow head selectively engaged to the first portion for enclosing the interior of the cuvette, the flow head being adapted to direct the test sample into and out of the cuvette;
• an ultrasonic transducer permanently fastened to the cuvette, said transducer including material that vibrates when a selected voltage is applied to said transducer;
• a connector for establishing electrical contact with said transducer;
• an ultrasonic control circuit for delivering an electrical signal with the selected voltage through said connector to said transducer such that said transducer vibrates to dislodge particulate matter from the at least partially transparent second portion of the cuvette and prevent particulate matter from collecting on the at least partially transparent second portion of the cuvette;
• wherein the connector includes:
• a base having a first surface and a second surface defining a recess;
• an annular lip upstanding from the first surface;
• an outer coil spring contact mounted on the first surface and having an end post passing through the base;
• and
• an inner coil spring contact mounted on the first surface within the outer coil spring contact and having an end post passing through the base, wherein each of the coil spring contacts is longitudinally retractable relative to the base and each of the end posts is in electrical communication with the ultrasonic control circuit.

A turbidimeter comprising:

• a) a measurement system including:
• i) a container defining an interior for holding a test sample, the container having a portion that is at least partially transparent;
• ii) a flow head having a body defining a cap portion selectively engaged to the container for enclosing the interior, the flow head being adapted to direct the test sample into the interior of the container;
• iii) a light source for directing light through the at least partially transparent portion and, thereby, the test sample in the interior of the container;
• and
• iv) a sensor for measuring the light passing through the test sample to determine a turbidity of the test sample;
• and
• b) an optical cleaning system including:
• i) an ultrasonic transducer permanently fastened to the container including material that vibrates when a selected voltage is applied thereto;
• ii) a connector for establishing electrical contact with said transducer;
• and
• iii) an ultrasonic control circuit for delivering an electrical signal with the selected voltage through said connector to said transducer such that said transducer vibrates to dislodge particulate matter from the at least partially transparent portion of the container and prevent particulate matter from collecting thereon.

A system for ultrasonically cleaning glassware in optical testing equipment and measuring turbidity of a test sample, said system comprising:

• a cuvette defining an interior for receiving a test sample;
• a flow head having a body defining a cap portion selectively engaged to the cuvette for enclosing the interior, the flow head being adapted to direct a test sample into the cuvette;
• a measurement system for directing light through the cuvette and measuring the light to determine turbidity the test sample;
• an ultrasonic transducer permanently fastened to the cuvette, said transducer including material that vibrates when a selected voltage is applied to said transducer;
• a connector for establishing electrical contact with said transducer;
• and
• an ultrasonic control circuit for delivering an electrical signal through the connector with the selected voltage through said connector to said transducer such that said transducer vibrates to dislodge particulate matter from the cuvette and prevent particulate matter from collecting therein.