Patent ID: 6052177
Filing Date: 2000-04-18
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
An apparatus for developing output signals utilized in the determination of the degree of the finished state of a processed medium, said apparatus comprising:a light source for generating light energy in a plurality of wavelengths;a light energy conduction device for conveying said light energy from said light source and for injecting said light energy into said processed medium;a first light collection device for collecting said light energy reflected by said processed medium from a first location;a second light collection device for collecting said light energy reflected by said processed medium from a second location;a first light analyzer connected to said first light collection device, said first light analyzer arranged to determine the intensity of each wavelength of light energy received and to generate a plurality of first output signals indicative thereof;a second light analyzer connected to said second light collection device, said second light analyzer arranged to determine the intensity of each wavelength of light energy received and to generate a plurality of second output signals indicative thereof;a feedback device for returning said light energy conveyed by said light energy conduction device from a location proximate said processed medium; anda third light analyzer connected to said feedback device, said third light analyzer arranged to determine the intensity of each wavelength of light energy received and to generate a plurality of third output signals indicative thereof whereby said first, said second and said third output signals are used in the determination of the degree of finished state of said processed medium.