Patent ID: 8730462
Filing Date: 2014-05-20
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for evaluating light reflected from a refractometer, having a vessel, to prevent improper testing of a sample, the method comprising the steps of: transmitting light from a light source toward an optical interface in the refractometer at a plurality of different angles of incidence; measuring an intensity of light reflected from the optical interface in response to said light transmissions at said different angles of incidence; determining reflectance information for the refractometer based on the light intensity measurements; evaluating, based on the determined reflectance information, whether one of operating conditions (a), (b), or (c), applies to the refractometer, wherein conditions (a), (b), and (c) refer to: (a) a sample being present; (b) the optical interface being clean; and (c) a measured refractive index being outside a range for the refractometer, respectively; and determining that a fourth operating condition “other” applies to the refractometer if none of conditions (a), (b), or (c) applies.