Method and apparatus for monitoring cloud point or like transition temperature
Patent 5088833 Issued on February 18, 1992. Estimated Expiration Date: 
December 21, 2009. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
December 21, 2009. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent ReferencesInventorsAssigneeApplicationNo. 454270 filed on 12/21/1989US Classes:374/17, By change in optical property (e.g., transmission)374/20, Controlling heating or cooling374/27Between gaseous and liquid statesExaminersPrimary: Cuchlinski, William A. Jr.Assistant: Gutierrez, Diego Attorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassesG01N 025/04G01N 025/12 Foreign Application Priority Data1988-02-10 CAAbstractApparatus for monitoring the cloud point of a liquid, or the temperature at which any light scattering phase occurs therein, comprising a light-proof and light-absorbing chamber, and a liquid sample-receiving receptacle within the chamber having a bottom formed by a non-light-scattering surface; this surface being in thermal contact with a heating or cooling device, such as a thermoelectric cooler, and with a temperature measurement device. The chamber can be opened to allow access to the receptacle so that sample liquid can be placed therein. A light beam source is located to direct a beam of light onto the surface at an incident angle so that light from the beam is reflected or absorbed by the surface. A light detector including a lens and an array of detection cells is arranged so as to detect scattered light which is produced when solid material forms in the liquid as it is cooled or disappears on heating. The melting point of a solid, or the boiling point of a liquid, can be detected, in additoin to cloud points.Other References
Field of SearchBy change in optical property (e.g., transmission)By reflection (e.g., polished surface) Sensed by instrument (e.g., photocell) Controlling heating or cooling TRANSFORMATION POINT DETERMINATION (E.G., DEW POINT, BOILING POINT) Between gaseous and liquid states Dew point With diffusion Meteorological condition Moisture or humidity (e.g., rain) | |
