Patent ID: 6737649
Filing Date: 2004-05-18
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
An infrared analysis instrument comprising first and second sets of optical fibers, the distal ends of said first and second sets of optical fibers being formed into a probe for inserting into a particulate sample, an infrared light source arranged to introduce a near infrared light into the proximal ends of said first set of optical fibers to introduce said near infrared light into a particulate sample through the distal ends of said first set of optic fibers, the distal ends of said first and second set of optical fibers being offset from one another so that light introduced into said sample through said first set of optical fibers is diffusely transmitted through said sample to be received by the distal ends of said second set of optic fibers, a spectrophotometer positioned to receive the diffusely reflected light transmitted through said second set of optic fibers and detect the intensity of narrow band components of the spectrum of the near infrared light transmitted from the distal ends of said second set of optic fibers through said second set of optic fibers to said spectrophotometer.