Radiometric measuring of thin fluid films
AssigneeMicroFluid AB
InventorLeif Cronvall
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and devices relate to radiometric measurement of a thin fluid film (4) using absorption of IR radiation. At least one IR radiator (1) is directed to send signals to an IR detector (2) via a bed (3) on which the fluid film (4) is placed. The IR detector is set to receive IR radiation in a band around a characteristic absorption band of the fluid of the fluid film (4). The present invention is developed for printing presses, where the thickness of fountain solution on the printing plate and the proportion of printing ink in an emulsion of printing ink and fountain solution may be controlled.
Claims18
A method for radiometric measurement of thin fluid films where absorption of IR radiation is used, the method comprising:
- directing at least one IR radiator to send signals to a connected IR detector by means of the fluid film to be measured, wherein the method is used for a printing press, and the fluid film comprises fountain solution or an emulsion of fountain solution and printing ink, received on a printing plate;
- constantly monitoring the fluid film;
- and
- pulsating the signals;
- wherein one or more filters are placed at the IR detector to limit the received IR radiation to a band and wherein the signals from the IR radiator to the IR detector are sent in parallel;
- and
- wherein one or more points to be measured is established by positioning a sensor unit comprising at least one IR radiator and one IR detector in a predetermined position in axial direction of the printing plate and using an angle sensor to determine the rotational position on the printing plate.
A device for radiometric measurement of thin fluid films where absorption of IR radiation is used, comprising:
- at least one unit comprising an IR radiator and an IR detector, which are placed to send and receive signals sent in parallel;
- a signal processing system and other support systems provided at a printing press, wherein the at least one unit measures on a non-printing area and a printing area of the printing plate;
- and
- a control unit for receiving information from further sensors or meters;
- wherein a radiation tube is placed between the IR radiator and the film to be measured, which radiation tube has a non-reflective inner surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.